A DISPERSAL order put in place to quell anti-social behaviour on a troubled Ipswich estate will continue for another six months, it was confirmed today.
A DISPERSAL order put in place to quell anti-social behaviour on a troubled Ipswich estate will continue for another six months, it was confirmed today.
The order, in the Queen's Way, King's Way and Shackleton Road area, was put in place in May and will now run until May 18, next year.
The order gives police officers the power to disperse groups of troublemakers from the area for 24 hours and if the offenders return in that period they can face arrest.
After 9pm police can also take youngsters home, or to a place of safety, if they are not accompanied by an adult.
Sergeant Tim Gregory, who polices in the east of Ipswich, said the length of the order had been increased because it had been successful in reducing problems in the area.
He said: “It is effective and it is what residents and shopkeepers want.
“I think we are still having some minor problems up there so it has been extended for six months.
“The shopkeepers are very keen to have it increased, especially in Queen's Way.”
Two years ago the area hit the headlines when disturbances continued over four summer days.
The Star revealed how cars were damaged, eggs were thrown at shops and windows were smashed after a disagreement between residents and shopkeepers.
Dispersal orders were put in place in Queen's Way and Reynolds Road in September 2004 and remained in place until September last year.
A number of disturbances in the Queen's Way area prompted police, along with Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council, to put a new order in place.
However, Reynolds Road is not under an order and Sgt Gregory said problems in that area had diminished.
Speaking when the latest order was put in place, Superintendent Tim Beach said law abiding citizens would not be targeted.
He said: “It is important to stress it does not mean that we will be asking any group to move along if they are talking to friends, nor returning young people to their homes just because it is after 9pm.
“It is designed to be used when some individuals' behaviour is becoming a problem to residents and businesses.”
Do you think dispersal orders work? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Weblink:
www.suffolk.police.uk
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