River Gipping needs more love says Ipswich MP Tom Hunt

The event was sponsored by Ipswich based business Cory Brothers and was in aid of Brave Futures, a fantastic local charity that support children who have been the victims of sexual abuse.

As is often the case when we have community events down on the Waterfront, the atmosphere was vibrant, positive, and inclusive.

We rightly hear a lot about the waterfront and the River Orwell, but the reality is that there are two rivers in Ipswich, one of which we hear far less about. Not that long ago I wrote about the importance of making more of the River Gipping.

This river goes from Stoke Bridge to Stowmarket, and is a significant feature of the Town’s physical geography but hasn’t been shown much love for many years.

Often filled with algae, shopping trolleys, and largely devoid of any community life, the river has so much potential that is currently underutilised.

Last month the River Gipping Trust opened a new footbridge over the river at Baylham.

The original bridge at this spot dates back to 1793, but had been out of action for many years, and the Trust deserves great credit for raising the necessary funds to re-establish the bridge.

The River Gipping Trust has become a high membership organisation, with many of the members being my constituents.

Many have contacted me about their passion and determination for more to be made of the Ipswich stretch of the river.

Many are keen canoeists or enjoy other water activities like paddleboarding or river swimming.

They all share a love for the river and a vision that it can become a central element to the Town’s life.

Tom Hunt called the river a significant feature of the town’s physical geography but hasn’t been shown much love for many years. (Image: Tom Hunt)

They have visions of the river being more loved and cared for, a vision involving hundreds if not thousands of people enjoying the river. Whether that be by boating on it or walking alongside it in its ambiance. Sadly, there continue to be barriers to this vision being realised.

The biggest challenge is getting one organisation to take responsibility for it and for developing a positive vision for the future.

The Environment Agency ultimately have the biggest formal responsibility, but their role seems to be confined to getting involved if there is a crisis, not developing a vision for the future and taking responsibility for it.

There is also a bit of additional complexity relating to land ownership of the paths alongside the river. This acts as a barrier to one local authority really grabbing the bull by the horns and taking on the responsibility for developing a positive future for the river.

Ultimately this passing of the buck will not do. It’s up to all stakeholders to come together to establish once and for all what the Town’s vision is for the River Gipping.

Tom Hunt called the river a significant feature of the town’s physical geography but hasn’t been shown much love for many years. (Image: Tom Hunt)

I wrote to the former leader of the Borough Council last year requesting a meeting to do this, but after an initial response outlining some very helpful information about the River Gipping momentum was lost and the meeting never took place.

Earlier this week, I had a catch-up meeting with the Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council, and I was encouraged by her desire for the Council to play a role in driving the agenda forward.

I look forward to meeting with her soon, alongside the new Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, and all interested parties to try to move the agenda on.

Both myself and Dr Dan Poulter MP are determined to get some momentum going on this and I’m confident if we all work together we can finally progress closer to the positive vision for the River Gipping that so many of my constituents hold.