Working with Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Constabulary, Ipswich Central's Street Security team, operated by My Local Bobby (MLB) has granted Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) powers to enhance the team's efforts tackling antisocial drinking to ensure a safer environment for residents and visitors in the town centre.
This allows Adam, Evander and Curtis to take a stronger stance to ensure public safety, while continuing to support and complement the efforts of Suffolk Constabulary.
The PSPO does not prohibit all public consumption of alcohol throughout Ipswich. Instead, it empowers designated officers to request individuals stop drinking alcohol in public spaces if their behaviour is causing a nuisance, with the Street Security team as designated officers authorised to confiscate alcohol in such cases and prosecute or fine those who refuse to comply.
In a first for the town, Ipswich Borough Council has granted these enforcement powers to Ipswich Central, enabling My Local Bobby officers to directly address alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the town centre. By doing so, the initiative will help Ipswich by ensuring a safe and welcoming destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central, says: “This agreement highlights the importance of our commitment to ensuring a safer Ipswich and more vibrant town. By equipping Ipswich Central's Street Security team with these new powers, we can do more to reduce antisocial drinking in the town centre. It’s a positive step forward that will help businesses, visitors and residents who all wish to see a tougher stance taken on street drinking in the town centre."
Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, adds: “Public Spaces Protection Orders are crucial in tackling behaviours that disrupt the wellbeing of our community. Empowering My Local Bobby to enforce the PSPO is an additional step to make Ipswich safer for everyone. This collective effort doesn’t replace the vital work of the police but strengthens our shared commitment to creating a thriving and secure town.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, comments: “I am very pleased that these powers have been granted to Ipswich Central. Ipswich is our county town and anything that helps improve the visitor experience is particularly welcome in my opinion. Use of PSPOs has my full support.”
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a legal tool used by local councils to help tackle specific issues that negatively affect the quality of life in a community. It sets rules for certain behaviours in public spaces, such as prohibiting antisocial drinking or other disruptive activities.
PSPOs do not impose a blanket ban on behaviours, but instead provide powers for authorised officers to take action if needed. The aim of a PSPO is to create safer, more pleasant environments for residents, businesses, and visitors.
This PSPO agreement comes into effect on Thursday 19 December 2024 and is part of ongoing initiatives to tackle antisocial behaviours in Ipswich.
