A TOWN centre car park will be closed at night in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour.

In years gone by, the Staples car park in Russell Road has become a haven for boy racers who use the area as a meeting place.

However, the car park, which is used by customers of the stationary supplier and neighbouring Klick Fitness, will be closed after 10pm every night.

The initiative, which starts tonight, has seen the businesses join forces with the borough council and Suffolk police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team.

It is hoped that the decision to close the car park after dark will see a reduction in the amount of litter left there.

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman said: “Environmental Protection has been working with Staples and Klick Fitness in dealing with the problem of littering which has been taking place on the car park at night. The litter also provides a food source for rats and other vermin.

“Staples and Klick Fitness have taken the decision to close the car park at night and prevent this anti-social behaviour from taking place.”

PCSO Stuart Parkinson, from Ipswich South West Safer Neighbourhood Team, added: “We are working closely with local businesses to tackle the issue of anti-social use of motor vehicles at the car park.

“We have been dealing with the problem robustly through Section 59 Notices and will continue to offer our support.”