SUFFOLK: A former dogging site in rural Suffolk has been transformed into an inviting picnic area for families thanks to the police and local partnership agencies.

For over a year Mid Suffolk South Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has worked with Suffolk County Council (SCC), Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC), Barham Parish Council and the Probation Service to make improvements to the Barham picnic site.

Illicit behaviour has been reported at the site in the past and the issue was made a priority by the Mid Suffolk South SNT last year.

Police and partnership agencies worked to raise tree canopies and remove scrub in order to open-up the site and prevent any potential anti-social behaviour.

Last week saw the final stage of the project implemented, with offenders supervised by the Probation Service clearing the last of the undergrowth as part of the Community Payback Scheme.

Mid Suffolk South SNT Sgt Colin Curtis said: “It’s very satisfying to see this project draw to a close. The work carried out by the police and our partners over the past year has made a big improvement to the area. “By opening the site up and making it more inviting to the public, we have ensured that any anti-social behaviour can no longer continue here – everyone is now free to enjoy the area at any time.”

Police closed The Haughley picnic site off the A14 near Stowmarket in September 2006 following reports of dogging there.

There had also previously been reports of dogging at Bridge Wood Car Park at Orwell Country Park.