Felixstowe Town Council has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Climate Response of the Year category of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Star Council Awards 2025/26 — national awards recognising innovation and excellence across England’s parish and town councils.
The Council’s nomination highlighted a range of practical, community-led and evidence-based initiatives that form part of its ongoing response to the climate emergency declared in Felixstowe in 2019. Recent projects include:
- Transition to cleaner transport, including the acquisition of the Council’s first electric van for operational duties, reducing emissions across day-to-day services.
- Improving energy efficiency in Council buildings, such as the programme to upgrade and replace aging Town Hall windows, supporting better heat retention and reduced energy use.
- Securing external funding to support community carbon reduction, including the Green Grant awarded for the refurbishment of Walton Community Hall, ensuring a more energy-efficient and sustainable community facility.
- Responsible water use, such as the use of grey water systems for the Felixstowe in Flower programme, reducing demand on potable supplies during seasonal planting.
- Partnership work on awareness and behaviour change, including the delivery of the Love Green Felixstowe event, bringing together community groups, young people and environmental organisations.
- Biodiversity improvements across the town through tree and hedge planting, new habitat zones and support to volunteer groups engaged in environmental stewardship.
NALC noted the Council’s wider work on single-use plastic reduction, its role as a partner in the East Suffolk Cycling and Walking Strategy, the support given to local organisations through its grant programme, and its ongoing engagement with young people through the Felixstowe Youth Forum — with a particular emphasis on environmental themes.
Cllr Corrine Franklin, Mayor of Felixstowe, said:
“To be recognised at a national level for our climate response is a tremendous honour for Felixstowe. This shortlisting reflects the consistent, practical steps we are taking, both as an organisation and in partnership with our community, to reduce emissions, improve biodiversity and support long-term environmental resilience. My thanks go to everyone involved, including our volunteers, councillors, staff team and partners, who are committed to making a positive difference for our town.”
Winners will be announced at NALC’s Parliamentary Reception in the House of Lords on 24 February 2026, where finalists from across England will come together to celebrate excellence in the local council sector.
For more information on the Awards, visit: https://www.nalc.gov.uk/support/star-council-awards.html.
For information about Felixstowe Town Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and current initiatives, visit: www.felixstowe.gov.uk.