Welcome to That Was The Year That Was, a three-part review of an eventful 2017 as compiled by MICK HOWES and MARK BOGGIS. In the first part, we look back at the period between January and April.

Lowestoft Journal: Suffolk Coastal leader Ray Herring and Waveney leader Colin Law shake hands after both district councils agreed to merge to form the largest district in the country. PHOTO: ContributedSuffolk Coastal leader Ray Herring and Waveney leader Colin Law shake hands after both district councils agreed to merge to form the largest district in the country. PHOTO: Contributed (Image: Archant)

JANUARY

? Relieved Lowestoft businesses and residents narrowly escaped flooding after flood barriers were deployed as tide levels rose.

Lowestoft Journal: Southwold Promenade.PHOTO: Nick ButcherSouthwold Promenade.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: (C)archant2016)

Lowestoft Journal: The Old Wessex Foods site on the South Lowestoft industrial estate.The Old Wessex Foods site on the South Lowestoft industrial estate. (Image: Archant (C) 2011)

? Waveney District and Suffolk Coastal councils formally agreed to merge to create a 'super district.'

Lowestoft Journal: The Lowestoft Station arches project is unveiled. Pictures: MICK HOWESThe Lowestoft Station arches project is unveiled. Pictures: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

? A compromise was reached over proposals to extend the ban on dogs at Southwold beach with community leaders agreeing a shorter exclusion time period.

Lowestoft Journal: The gas mains work on Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. PHOTO: Nick ButcherThe gas mains work on Bridge Road, Oulton Broad. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: (C)archant2017)

Lowestoft Journal: An artist impression of the Lake Lothing Third Crossing Project in Lowestoft. Photo: Kier and MouchelAn artist impression of the Lake Lothing Third Crossing Project in Lowestoft. Photo: Kier and Mouchel (Image: Kier and Mouchel)

FEBRUARY

? Plans were submitted for a new enterprise park at the site of the former Wessex Foods factory, which was destroyed by fire in 2010.

Lowestoft Journal: Megan the Rottweiler and her owner Gary Gregory. PHOTO: Nick ButcherMegan the Rottweiler and her owner Gary Gregory. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: (C)archant2017)

Lowestoft Journal: Designer Wayne Hemingway. PHOTO: Nick ButcherDesigner Wayne Hemingway. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: (C)archant2017)

? A major project to transform the arches at Lowestoft railway station was hailed a success as new artwork was unveiled.

Lowestoft Journal: Britain's most easterly point 'Ness Point.' PHOTO: Nick ButcherBritain's most easterly point 'Ness Point.' PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: (C)archant2017)

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Lions Easter Egg Hunt at Sparrown Nest.PHOTO: Nick ButcherLowestoft Lions Easter Egg Hunt at Sparrown Nest.PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: (C)archant2016)

? A one way system was temporarily introduced on a main road in Oulton Broad for gas main works.

Lowestoft Journal: Oliver Whittington with his mum, Clare. Photo: Nick ButcherOliver Whittington with his mum, Clare. Photo: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant (C) 2017)

MARCH

? Questionnaires were sent out to addresses within a 300m radius of the Lowestoft Third Crossing project.

? Three-year-old Megan the rottweiler was hailed a hero after letting paramedics into the house to save her owner Gary Gregory.

? International designer Wayne Hemingway called on Lowestoft's businesses and the community to unite to usher in the dawning of a new era.

APRIL

? A scheme to transform Ness Point in Lowestoft into a true visitor attraction was welcomed by community leaders after a successful £1m grant was awarded.

? Hundreds of families enjoyed an annual Easter egg trail organised by the Lowestoft Lions.

? Oulton Broad youngster Oliver Whittington amazed all with his progress a year after a life-changing operation helped him to walk unaided.