A multi-agency project to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug use in an Ipswich street is now well under way and the majority of work looks set to be completed by the end of the year.

The St Matthew’s Street Action Plan, which is being spearheaded by the borough council, will focus on the area of the road near Berners Street and will eventually include the addition of better lighting, CCTV and the removal of benches used by street drinkers.

The initiative has garnered the support of organisations including The Anglia Care Trust and Suffolk police, which believes the scheme is complementary to the Reducing the Strength campaign.

A borough council spokesman said: “The planned improvements for St Matthew’s Street are on target and most of the works should be completed by the end of the year. To date, new lighting has been installed in the service road behind the shops, the benches have been removed at the front and there is a planned “clean up” starting this week, which will have a great visual impact on the area.”

The clean-up, in particular, is designed to make that area of the street better for traders, shoppers and people who live there.

It will include measures such as re-decorating some internal and external areas, improvements to waste removal, cleaning pavements and clearing undergrowth.

The team behind the project will also be focusing on putting in place CCTV cameras and new lighting at the front of the shops, which is due to start next month.

Do you think these measures will help reduce anti-social behaviour and drug use in St Matthew’s Street? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or, alternatively, you can send an email to newsroom@archant.co.uk