'I don't know what else to do' - application submitted to close Ipswich walkway

The application proposes removing the condition allowing “free and unrestricted passage by pedestrians between Silent Street and Turret Lane” with “no gates or other obstructions.”

It has been made by Jonathan Ashley-Cowan, managing director of Little Pumpkin Properties, which has premises on Turret Lane.

Little Pumpkin Properties is based in Priority House on Turret Lane, with the alleyway to the left. Mr Ashley-Cowan says that the anti-social behaviour incidents are unpleasant for both residents and staff, who sometimes fear for their safety. (Image: Archant 2022)

The walkway leading from Silent Street to Turret Lane in Ipswich. (Image: Archant 2022)

Mr Ashley-Cowan said: “It’s disappointing. We’d rather we didn’t have to do this kind of thing.

“We’ve had problems with people urinating down there, and defecating down the alleyway, and doing drugs and drug deals.

“I’ve tried to put up deterrents.

“There are clear signs saying CCTV in operation, and we’ve put lighting up so it is lit throughout the night.

“But that didn’t seem to bother anyone. I don’t know what else to do.”

Mr Ashley-Cowan says that there have been occasions people who work in the Priority House building have worried for their safety.

“Groups of [people] will loiter around the pathway in the undercover bit, and the [workers] don’t feel safe,” he said.

He hopes that applying to close the walkway will help to prevent situations such as this.

“This is to try and make it a nicer environment, and to try and stop the nastiness that goes on down this alleyway,” he said.

“It’s not nice that the occupants of this building have to go and wash vomit or excrement off the doorstep. That’s not pleasant for anyone.”

Local police teams have said that they are aware there have been issues in the walkway previously, although they have not received any recent reports.

Mr Ashley-Cowan said: “People need to be considerate of all people. That’s got to be how we survive and live together. There’s just a lack of consideration, sometimes.”

The walkway leading from Silent Street to Turret Lane in Ipswich. (Image: Archant 2022)

The walkway leading from Silent Street to Turret Lane in Ipswich. (Image: Archant 2022)

Ipswich Borough Council will make a decision on the application in due course.