Happy New Year 2026 – A Message from the Chair

Looking ahead to a year of change, opportunity, and continued community focus in Kesgrave

As we begin 2026, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of Kesgrave Town Council, to wish all our residents, families, volunteers, community partners, and local partners a very Happy New Year.

The start of a new year is always a time for reflection, but also for looking ahead. 2026 is shaping up to be an important year for Kesgrave, with significant developments taking place locally and across Suffolk, alongside continued investment in our community, facilities, and ways of working.

Local government reorganisation and devolution

During 2026, residents may hear more about local government reorganisation and devolution as discussions continue across Suffolk and Norfolk. These are wider processes being considered beyond Kesgrave, but they may have implications for how local government is organised in the future.

In simple terms, local government reorganisation looks at how councils are structured. This can include proposals to change or combine existing councils into new arrangements, such as unitary authorities, which would be responsible for a range of local services. Some of the options being discussed at a wider level include areas around Ipswich and neighbouring towns, including Kesgrave, although no decisions have been made.

Devolution is a related but separate area of discussion. It considers whether some decisions currently made at a national level could, in future, be taken closer to the region. The scope of any such arrangements is still being explored and nothing has been agreed at this stage.

Kesgrave Town Council does not determine the outcome of these processes. However, during the year ahead the Council will continue to stay informed, respond to any consultations where appropriate, and ensure that local views are understood as discussions develop.

As this work progresses, the Town Council aims to share clear, factual information when it becomes available. We also plan to publish a dedicated page on the website to explain these matters in more detail and to provide a simple timeline of confirmed updates.

A new website for a modern, transparent council

Over the past year, the Town Council has worked hard to deliver a new website that better reflects the work we do and the needs of our community.

A key driver for this work has been our commitment to the Quality Council Standards, which require councils to demonstrate openness, accountability, and accessibility. In developing the new website, we have focused heavily on meeting accessibility requirements while also delivering a clear, modern design.

We are proud to be working towards WCAG 2.2 AAA accessibility standards, ensuring the website is inclusive and usable for all residents, including those who rely on assistive technologies.

The website connects directly to the core work of the Council, providing transparent access to information such as finance, policies, procedures, meeting agendas, minutes, and decisions.

Introducing AI-powered support

The new website also introduces AI-powered support, allowing residents to ask questions in plain English and quickly find information already available on the site.

This includes information about upcoming meetings, agenda items, recent discussions, local support services, reporting issues, and planning-related information.

We are also excited about future developments, which will help speed up responses to enquiries, support meeting transcription and summarisation, and ensure the website remains up to date following council meetings.

As with all significant changes, there may be some adjustments along the way. We ask for your patience and welcome feedback to help us continue improving this service.

Pump track update

One of the most anticipated community projects moving into 2026 is the Kesgrave Pump Track, which will be built at the Millennium Sports Ground.

This six-figure project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of a local businessman, with the aim of providing a free, inclusive outdoor facility for bikes, scooters, skateboards, and wheelchair users of all ages.

The pump track has been designed by specialist contractors with experience in delivering world-class cycling facilities. Revised plans for a more challenging and engaging layout, including a longer track with additional features, have now been approved.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026. The Town Council is delighted that this project is moving forward and looks forward to working with all partners to bring this exciting facility to life for the community.

Building on our Active Town Award

Kesgrave is proud to have been recognised as Most Active Town at the Suffolk Community Awards 2024. This recognition reflects the energy, commitment, and involvement of our residents, clubs, volunteers, and community groups.

Building on this success, we are planning another large summer community event in 2026, following the positive response to our annual fun day.

We also look forward to strengthening our support for local groups, volunteers, and events, and to improving how we communicate opportunities and activities through our website and social media channels.

Looking ahead

As we move through 2026, there will no doubt be challenges as well as opportunities. We remain committed to listening, learning, and working in partnership with our community.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to making Kesgrave such a welcoming, active, and resilient town. We look forward to working with you throughout the year ahead.

Chair of Kesgrave Town Council