Keeping Ipswich town centre tidy is everyone’s responsibilty. That is the message behind a new campaign launched by Ipswich Central that is aiming to clean up the streets.

A number of town centre businesses have joined forces with the Business Improvement District (BID) company to kick off the new scheme by promising to take responsibility for clearing up litter in the areas outside their office or store.

Sophie Alexander, operations manager at Ipswich Central, said: “The response from local businesses has been fantastic and the support for the campaign is already growing.

“#ItsMyStreet will give businesses a sense of ownership over the area they work in and we’ll be encouraging them to take responsibility for the street outside their office or shop.

“For small cleaning issues, such as an old newspaper blowing against their main entrance, we’re simply asking for businesses to help by popping it in the bin rather than ignoring it.

“For something more substantial, we ask that they report the issue so it can be dealt with by the relevant authority and ensure that the streets of our town centre are clean, tidy and welcoming.”

The powerful images which make up the campaign will be on show around the town centre from today.

Business owners and managers are pictured outside their premises holding a board with their name, business title and the hashtag #ItsMyStreet.

The hashtag will be used to allow conversations on social media about the cleanliness of the town and for people to show off the hard work being done to keep the streets clean.

However, the campaign isn’t all about businesses.

Miss Alexander added: “The use of social media will also enable those who work in the town centre and visitors to Ipswich to get involved in the conversation too.

“It’s the responsibility of everyone who comes in to the town centre to ensure their litter is put in a bin and not dropped on the floor so that the area is kept clean for everyone to enjoy.”

Businesses signed up to take part in the campaign so far include: Willis Towers Watson, Bowmans, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, La Tour Cycle Café, Paperchase, The Entertainer, The Rep, Just Essentials, Java and Boots.

Town centre businesses that would like to be involved in the initiative should contact the Ipswich Central team via info@centralmanagementltd.com for further details.