Press release March 2021
Graham Elliot – 14 years Councillor
“After 14 years as a District Councillor I have made the difficult decision to stand down to enable me to focus on delivering The Locks Inn Community Pub.” Announced Graham Elliot on Friday 19th March 2021 in a press release to the Bungay and Beccles Journal.
Waveney Greens thank Graham Elliott for 14 years of immense hard work for the Beccles Ward. He has instigated some incredible community projects and was the first elected Green Councillor in the Waveney area and founding member of the Waveney Green Party.
His move to the Locks, is a continuum in the long list of community projects that Graham has has spearheaded over the last 14 years and like the others will have a lasting and positive impact for communities across the Waveney Valley. This iconic pub connects up the Beccles Lido via Black Dog Ferry to make a trio of community owned facilities offering fantastic leisure and tourism possibilities. Graham was instrumental in securing the future of Beccles Lido, the Big Dog Ferry and also Beccles Public Hall. All three of these assets are now owned by local charity BLL and are run for the benefit of the local community.
In addition Graham has also been instrumental in securing major improvements at Beccles railway station and in getting an hourly train service on the East Suffolk line connecting the town to Ipswich and Lowestoft. He also secured the future of the Beccles Town bus service after it was axed and has been instrumental in developing cycle routes in the area.
We are excited to announce that Sarah Plummer is the exceptional candidate that will be seeking election to East Suffolk in his place. Many people will be aware of Sarah in the Beccles and Worlingham Community. She is a retired teacher and does a lot of voluntary work for her community.
Graham said, “ I have enjoyed working with local communities and helping to deliver long lasting benefits for them. But now it is time to concentrate on one final project. With so much commitment required by this project it is necessary for me to stand aside on the District Council. I am delighted that Sarah Plummer will be standing in the by-election which will take place alongside the County Council elections in May. I have known Sarah for many years and she is a hard working and compassionate person and will make an excellent Councillor. It would not have been possible to stand down without such a strong candidate ready to take on this important role.”
The tributes poured into Facebook acknowledging the work Graham did in Beccles over the years – the Beccles Lido, Black Dog Ferry, definite highlights.
Here’s what Elfrede (County and District Councillor Beccles Division) said:
Graham Elliott, East Suffolk Councillor for “Beccles & Worlingham” ward has been the most inspiring Councillor, he has worked so hard to deliver for Beccles and genuinely represent people at the grassroots. He is the reason I got involved with the Green Party, after seeing him work so hard for the community after I first moved to Beccles over 12 years ago.
We have so many good memories of hours spent campaigning, working on casework and local projects.
After so many years he absolutely deserves this crack at one final Community project, The Locks Inn Community Pub and he’ll still be my go to person for advice and support!
Sarah Plummer is the most wonderful candidate and if she gets elected in May it will be exciting to work with her and grow our team further! THANK YOU Graham for everything you’ve done and on a personal level for always believing in me. I will still be calling on you for help and advice! You’re still my side kick”
The Locks Community Pub is thriving under Grahams direction.