"It was great to celebrate Suffolk Day last week by recognising the Suffolk Heroes who have given so much to their local communities throughout the pandemic. I received lots of nominations for the Suffolk MP’s Award Scheme - celebrating people who have been involved in various community groups - distributing PPE, delivering food & medicines and becoming vaccine volunteers. There’s a full list of all the award winners on my website and I’ll be sending them all certificates with a personal letter of thanks.
I also recognised the superb health teams from the Leiston Surgery, Saxmundham Health, Sole Bay Health Centre and the Grove Medical Centre who are administering the lifesaving vaccinations. At the time of writing over 86% of East Suffolk residents have now received their first jab and, crucially, over 68% are now fully vaccinated. Whilst there is ongoing concern about the Delta variant pushing up case rates, the vaccinations are working – with hospital admissions and deaths now very low. Whilst the Prime Minister has announced that Step 4 of the Roadmap will be delayed until July 19th – and I recognise that this will have been disappointing for many - by being cautious now we have the chance to fully vaccinate many more people and keep the virus at bay. Please do encourage everyone you know who is not yet vaccinated to get the jab.
Finally, I’m delighted that four of our local schools have been successful in obtaining funding from the government’s Condition Improvement Fund. Bramfield and Leiston Primary Schools will use the money for roof replacements, Causton Junior School in Felixstowe for a new boiler and Saxmundam Free School for a safeguarding fence. The £483 million fund is specifically designed to keep school buildings safe and in good working order. Well done to the headteachers and school staff who made the successful applications."