A Lowestoft resident has taken over an empty unit in the town centre to create a one-stop shop where people can drop-in to try and get their issues and concerns about the area resolved.

Lowestoft Journal: Tim Boardman has opened up a centre in Lowestoft for people to come in and raise their concerns with the town.Tim Boardman has opened up a centre in Lowestoft for people to come in and raise their concerns with the town. (Image: (C) Archant 2015)

Tim Boardman, of Cambridge Road, Lowestoft, was walking down Regent Road when he noticed a small premises with a large front window that was being advertised to let by businessman Peter Colby.

Knowing that Mr Colby has campaigned for greater infrastructure and investment into Lowestoft - not least by backing a third crossing in a central location - Mr Boardman said: 'I had a brainwave about how Peter and I could make very good use of his shop.'

They met at Sparrow's Nest to discuss Mr Boardman's idea to use the premises as a place where people could visit with their concerns about the town.

Mr Boardman plans to collate the information and then liaise with the relevant body, whether it be a local council or utility company, to find the right solution.

Mr Colby liked the idea so much he has offered Mr Boardman free use of the shop for a year to see how the idea progresses.

The shop, which will not be affiliated to any political party, will be named Lowestoft Alive - the same name as Mr Colby's campaign for a central third crossing.

'My idea stemmed from recent meetings, petitions and the public response to the third crossing,' Mr Boardman, who has lived in Lowestoft for 38 years, said.

'The majority of local people who are against these wrong decisions, actions and changes will always be in the minority while they think and 'moan alone'. Things will never change until the minority become the majority.

'So instead of everyone feeling the way we do individually and nothing happening, I feel we all need to join together as a team so that we will be in a better position to make the right positive changes that are needed.

'Following the crossing campaign and with the recent local and national elections, I thought that this is not the only subject or aspect that needs addressing and that there are - and always will be - ongoing new things that people will feel are needed to improve Lowestoft.

'So this is the most important time and the best chance to do something positive about anything and everything needed to improve Lowestoft, both now and in the future.'

What do you think should the priorities for Lowestoft's future? Write, giving your full contact details, to: Journal Postbox, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk