Saxmundham Town Council has been named a joint winner of the ‘Council of the Year’ award at the 2025 Suffolk Community Awards — an achievement that reflects the hard work, collaboration, and commitment that goes into serving the town and its residents.
The award recognises councils that demonstrate excellence across service delivery, community engagement, partnership working, and innovation. For Saxmundham, it is a moment to acknowledge not just one project, but the breadth of work taking place on behalf of the community — from working closely with neighbouring parishes, environmental organisations and county authorities, to improving local services and championing initiatives that strengthen the town’s future.
At the heart of the recognition is the Council’s Empowering Nature – Protecting Saxmundham initiative. This ambitious programme sets out a long-term vision to enhance biodiversity, create new and accessible green spaces, and deliver lasting benefits for the community in response to major energy infrastructure proposals near the town.
While the Town Council remains firmly opposed to proposals to site converter stations close to Saxmundham and neighbouring villages, it also recognises its responsibility to protect the community should development consent be granted. Empowering Nature has therefore been developed as a constructive and proactive approach, ensuring that if these projects do proceed, Saxmundham secures a meaningful and positive environmental legacy.
The initiative has already attracted strong support from residents, environmental organisations, principal authorities, and town and parish councils across Suffolk and beyond, and is increasingly seen as a model for collaborative, forward-thinking local action.
The award also reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to listening to and working with residents. Through regular communication, consultations, and community events, local people play an active role in shaping priorities and long-term strategy. This two-way dialogue has helped build trust and ensure that projects are rooted in local needs and aspirations.
Crucially, Saxmundham Town Council continues to push boundaries and work above and beyond expectations, turning challenges into opportunities wherever possible. This approach — combining advocacy, collaboration, and practical delivery — has set a high standard for local government and contributed directly to the Council’s recognition at county level.
Cllr John Findlay, Chair of Saxmundham Town Council, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It recognises our Empowering Nature initiative, but also the wider work that goes into representing our community and collaborating with a wide range of partners to deliver real benefits for residents. We are proud that Saxmundham has been recognised as a place where innovation, strategic delivery, and strong community connections come first.”
Looking ahead, the Council intends to build on this recognition by continuing to advocate strongly for the community and local landscape, maintaining high standards in day-to-day governance, and driving positive outcomes for Saxmundham.
If you’d like to find out more about Empowering Nature, national infrastructure proposals, or the Town Council’s wider work and priorities, please explore the pages on this website or get in touch with the Town Council team directly.
