Booze could be seized to stop trouble

LARGE areas of Felixstowe are set to be designated as places where police can use new powers to seize alcohol if people are causing a disturbance or problems.

Similar initiatives have already been undertaken in Woodbridge and Leiston as part of measures to deal with anti-social behaviour with fines for offenders of up to £500.

Councillor Doreen Savage said the zones would only come into force if people were behaving in an anti-social manner.

"If people are sitting on the prom or in the gardens having a drink and enjoying themselves there is no problem," she said.

"But if there is anti-social behaviour or abuse, then the police can move into the area and remove the alcohol and the person.

"We are not creating a police state. I think what we are doing is protecting the majority of people's enjoyment of the town and surrounding areas from unruly behaviour."

A report to the town council said: "The local community police officers report that, over a number of years, The Triangle in the town centre and the area around the leisure centre have developed a reputation in relation to crimes, as well as disorderly and intimidating behaviour, caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol.

"Cavendish Park and the all weather sports area are proposed projects and it is felt appropriate to include them in the order to prevent similar problems occurring in the future."

The cost of the scheme, making the orders and publicising them, plus 30 signs for the areas will be around £2,500.

A number of areas have been identified in Felixstowe for the new orders:

Town centre around The Triangle;

Gardens, prom and seafront from Orford Road to Cobbold's Point, including Sea Road, Undercliff Road West and East, and Hamilton Road;

The new skateboard park when and wherever it is built;

All weather surface to be built at Orwell High School;

Snow Hill steps;

Walton High Street;

The Grove, cemetery and all public open spaces.