Cookie Policy

About this item

Overview

This Cookie Policy explains how Kesgrave Town Council uses cookies and similar technologies on this website. We keep cookies to a minimum. We only set essential cookies needed for the site to work safely and reliably. Optional analytics cookies are used only if you choose to accept them in the cookie bar.

Your choices

An always-visible cookie bar appears at the bottom of every page. You can:

• Accept analytics – allow us to collect anonymous usage data to improve the site.
• Reject analytics – only essential cookies will be used.
• Manage – open the settings panel to change your choice at any time.

The bar shows your current status (accepted or rejected) and includes a Change settings button, so you can update your preference at any time.

Essential cookies (always on)

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They do not store personal information that directly identifies you. Examples include:

• Consent preference – remembers whether you accepted or rejected analytics.
• Security & session protection – helps keep forms safe (e.g., CSRF protection) and supports secure sign-in for admin users.
• Load & performance – helps the site load correctly, balance traffic, and remain responsive.
• Accessibility settings – remembers things like text size, contrast mode, and “skip to content” behaviour so the site stays easy to use.
• Display & preferences – stores non-identifying information needed to render pages properly for your device and browser.

Analytics cookies (only if you accept)

If you accept analytics, we load Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to help us understand how people use the site. We use this to improve navigation, content, and performance. Analytics data is aggregated and anonymised. We do not use third-party advertising cookies.

• What we measure – pages visited, time on page, clicks on key features (for example, how the cookie bar is used), and technical metrics such as device type or browser.
• IP handling – GA4 is configured with IP anonymisation. We use analytics only for reporting and service improvement.

What our server logs record (essential security)

Our web server (Plesk) automatically records basic technical information to keep the site secure and reliable. This is separate from analytics and happens whether or not you accept analytics cookies. Server logs typically include:

• IP address and (where available) coarse location derived from the IP.
• Date and time of the request.
• Requested URL, HTTP method, and the response status code (e.g., 200, 404).
• Referrer (the page that linked to ours, if any).
• User-Agent string (browser and device information).
• Bytes sent and request duration (for performance and troubleshooting).

We retain these logs for a limited period necessary for security monitoring and diagnostics—for example: blocking malicious IPs, detecting denial-of-service attacks, investigating suspicious login attempts, and resolving system errors. Access to logs is restricted.

Managing your settings

Use the cookie bar at the bottom of the page to accept, reject, or manage analytics at any time. Your choice is saved in your browser until you change it or clear your browser data. If you use more than one browser or device, set your preference on each one.

Third parties

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4) loads only if you accept analytics in the cookie bar.
• We do not set advertising or social media tracking pixels.

Updates to this policy

We review this page regularly to keep it accurate and up to date. Material changes will be highlighted in the cookie bar or on this page.

Contact

Kesgrave Town Council
For questions about cookies, analytics, or server logs, please email enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.gov.uk .