Drink ban for Suffolk town

BOOZE bans are to be introduced in Wickham Market to give police extra powers to curb anti-social drinking and deal with the impact of alcohol-fuelled behaviour.

BOOZE bans are to be introduced in Wickham Market to give police extra powers to curb anti-social drinking and deal with the impact of alcohol-fuelled behaviour.

Several towns in the Suffolk Coastal area already have designated zones where drinking is not permitted in public - with the possibility of a £500 fine for anyone breaking the rules.

Members of the district council cabinet have agreed to introduce new orders in parts of Wickham Market, Saxmundham and Kelsale-cum-Carlton.

They also agreed to make some changes to orders already in place in Felixstowe.

There has been concern at the resort that the drink bans are too restrictive - some covering areas where there has never been problems with teenage drinking, while there are fears people could be stopped from enjoying a picnic on the beach or the seafront with a glass of wine.

Cabinet member Sherrie Green said the aim was only to deal with those people who were drinking in public and acting anti-socially.

“These proposals would make parts of these communities designated zones,” she said.

“This means that in these areas the police can deal with anyone misbehaving or acting in an anti-social manner while drinking alcohol and seize any in their possession.

“Similar restrictions have been introduced in Felixstowe, Leiston, Woodbridge, Framlingham, Kesgrave, Martlesham and Rushmere St Andrew and have helped the police improve the quality of life for those who live there.

“As well as backing the introduction of three new orders, we are also proposing changes to the ones in Felixstowe after listening to the public, the town council and the police.”

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

“A substantial proportion of crime and disorder is linked to alcohol abuse and this measure will give the police additional powers to tackle the minority who act in an anti-social manner after having too much to drink,” said Mrs Green.

“This council supports designation orders like these and partnership campaigns like Operation Nightsafe which are aimed at encouraging sensible drinking and better behaviour.”

Will the alcohol bans make any difference? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk