A CAMPAIGN to rid Ipswich of cheap super-strength alcohol has been given a major boost after a trio of national stores signed up to the initiative.

British Home Stores, Marks & Spencer and Debenhams have all agreed that none of their Ipswich stores will sell highly alcoholic beer, lager and cider.

Although the Reducing the Strength campaign is voluntary, Debenhams has also agreed to make this a permanent part of its licence by making a minor variation to its licensing conditions.

The initiative, run by Suffolk police and partners, was launched in the town in September. The East of England Co-Operative Society, Tesco and Waitrose are among the major retailers to sign up, while 64 smaller stores are also on board.

The campaign is a joint initiative between Suffolk police, NHS Suffolk, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and the East of England Co-operative Society.

As part of its ongoing work, Suffolk Police’s Licensing Team works with stores across the county to ensure that businesses adhere to licence conditions and that any issues leading to crime and anti-social behaviour around the premises are dealt with.

John Alcock, street drinking liaison officer said: “We are extremely pleased that we are continuing to gain support for our campaign, which will have such a positive effect on community life in Ipswich.

“Various pro-active initiatives such as this are ongoing in Ipswich at the moment and we are seeing some fantastic results for the town.

“It is very important that our local retailers continue to support us and help us in achieving these long-lasting results.”