Petitions

Petition – received 20 January 2026

The Carousel in Lowestoft has been more than just a pub; it is a cornerstone of our community, a place where families and friends gather, connect, and unwind. For the past two years, I have dedicated my heart and soul into transforming The Carousel, striving to eradicate the negative reputation it carried from previous ownership. I've invested every bit of my earnings from last year into installing new electrics and renovating the downstairs area to open up a function room – all with the sole aim of creating a welcoming and vibrant space for our community.

Now, we are facing the dire threat of closure, with plans to convert this cherished establishment into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This is due to decisions from East Suffolk Council and possibly swayed by negative portrayals in the media. These accusations against our licensing are unfounded and deeply distressing, as many of our regular patrons can attest to the genuine efforts made in crafting a safe and enjoyable environment.

In an era where community spaces are rapidly dwindling, transforming The Carousel into an HMO takes away an essential venue for social interaction, a place that many consider a home away from home. Pubs like ours are not merely businesses; they are social lifelines, providing residents with a space to relax and forge lasting bonds.

Evidence highlights the growing concerns in many communities regarding social isolation. Venues such as The Carousel offer crucial support and social opportunities, which cannot be replicated elsewhere. Converting our pub into an HMO only adds to the problem rather than providing solutions.

Therefore, I call upon East Suffolk Council and the community of Lowestoft to reconsider the decision to close The Carousel. We need to stop this transformation and preserve our beloved pub as a vital community hub. Let us show that we value our local social spaces and the pivotal role they play in our lives.

As at 26 January 2026 - 298 signatures received.

Council’s response letter.

Petition - received 8 May 2025

Subject of petition: Change Southwold Beach Dog Ban to 1 May

Currently Dogs are banned on Southwold beach from 1 April each year, whereas every other beach in Suffolk is 1 May. If you would like to see the ban brought in line with every other beach in Suffolk to 1 May, please sign this petition, as next week on 6 May it is up for review with the Council. Why should Southwold be any different from the rest of the county?

Let's extend our dogs walkies by 1 month a year! Please sign and share. We need more signatures, please share with all your contact lists and let's get this on the councils agenda.

As at 1 July 2025 – 1,327 signatures received.

This petition will be considered at the Full Council meeting on 16 July 2025.

Meeting papers for the Full Council meeting on 16 July 2025.

Petition - received 18 February 2025

Subject of petition: Stop East Suffolk council from parking charges increase

East Suffolk District Council's decision to raise parking charges over 100% has led to a number of residents and businesses, particularly those reliant on the visitor economy, worrying about the impact on their viability.

A two-hour stay near the beach will rise from £1.50 to £4.00, a four-hour stay will go from £3.00 to £6.00, and an all-day stay will increase from £4.00 to £8.00.

I recognise the huge financial pressures faced by the District Council, but it’s frustrating that there was no consultation with local businesses and residents to understand how to mitigate the impact of these changes.

I have started this petition to show the council what impact it has on businesses and residents and reconsider

As at 18 February 2025 – 2,149 signatures received.

This petition will be considered at the Full Council meeting on 19 March 2025.

Meeting papers for the Full Council meeting on 19 March 2025.

Petition - received 28 May 2024

Subject of petition: Save the Grove Eastward Ho Playing Fields and the Surrounding Area

According to your latest plan proposals for the North Felixstowe Development, apart from building around Grove Woodlands as well as on adjacent farmlands, Eastward Ho playing fields are going to be redeveloped to allow 125 homes to be built there (this is the proposed building on stable land and Eastward Ho only). Your lead mission statement says "leisure led development comprising green infrastructure, community facilities". I can't help thinking that this is marketing speak for destroying what is already a well-known location that is leisure led, comprising green infrastructure.

What Eastward Ho desperately needs is improved changing rooms for teams, and improved facilities for groundsman. Improved drainage (something that new building rarely helps with). The neglected children's play area also needs renovating. These are factors that should be looked at before destroying local green space. Eastward Ho doesn’t need making smaller when the town is growing (two new developments already built and a third underway) - the town needs to keep its large open areas for families and public to meet and play without having to prebook or spend money to access playing fields.

We all are regular users of the Eastward Ho playing fields for kickabouts, kite flying, games, picnics, and using the play area and outdoor gym.

Surely any development should focus on brownfield and then private land / farmland before destroying one of the towns few public access playing fields with full size football pitches and other leisure offerings.

Save our playing fields from any devlopment!

As at 8 June 2024 - 4,261 signatures received.

This petition will be considered at the Full Council meeting on 24 July 2024. 

Agenda and meeting papers.