NEARLY 100 signs showing a ban on anti-social public drinking in parts of Suffolk Coastal have now been put up.Officers have put up 40 signs around Kesgrave, 21 in Martlesham, 31 in Rushmere St Andrew and seven in Framlingham restricting the drinking of alcohol in public places.

NEARLY 100 signs showing a ban on anti-social public drinking in parts of Suffolk Coastal have now been put up.

Officers have put up 40 signs around Kesgrave, 21 in Martlesham, 31 in Rushmere St Andrew and seven in Framlingham restricting the drinking of alcohol in public places.

Suffolk Coastal District Council worked with police, parish councils and the Suffolk Coastal Crime and Disorder Reduction partnership to introduce the designation orders.

Councillor Ray Herring, leader of Suffolk Coastal District Council, said: “These are not intended as being a ban on everyone drinking in these places, but it gives the police the authority to take action against those who, fuelled by alcohol, are acting in an anti-social manner.

“A substantial proportion of crime and disorder is linked to alcohol abuse.

“Although all these areas are relatively safe when compared to most other parts of the country, the police and the town and parish councils have identified that there are problems that need to be tackled by giving the police additional powers to tackle the minority who act in an anti-social manner after having too much to drink.”

In the designated areas the police will have the power to require someone whose behaviour is deemed to be anti-social to stop drinking the alcohol and, if requested, hand over the drink.

Failure to comply is an arrestable offence, with a potential fine of up to £500.

Orders covering parts of Felixstowe, Leiston and Woodbridge have also just been confirmed.

What do you think of the bans on public drinking? Do the signs help stop anti-social behaviour? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.