POLICE, councils and voluntary organisations are kick-starting a week-long programme of events aimed at highlighting work done to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.

POLICE, councils and voluntary organisations are kick-starting a week-long programme of events aimed at highlighting work done to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.

Not In My Neighbourhood Week takes place next week, from October 15 to 26 and it is hoped it will give ordinary people ideas for ways they can chip in to help make their communities better places to live.

Suffolk police community safety inspector Ben Cook said: “Not In My Neighbourhood week is about residents joining forces with local agencies to say no to local crime, anti-social behaviour, alcohol and drug misuse and any other issues which affect the feelings of safety in the community.

“It is not just Suffolk Constabulary working to keep people safe - we team up with a range of partners from town, parish, district, borough and county councils, to housing associations, healthcare and counselling providers, youth workers, businesses and other agencies.

“By working together we can share skills and knowledge and tackle problems more quickly and effectively.”

Events lined up include a community clean-up, where young people from the YMCA's Jump project will join forces with Ipswich Borough Council's community caretakers.

There will also be a graffiti board at Whitton sports centre, organised by the Whitton residents association, where young people will be encouraged to create artwork with a sporting theme.

And an art exhibition with art created by youngsters will run at the Town Hall Galleries in Ipswich featuring art exploring the subject of growing up in Suffolk neighbourhoods.

Community safety advice will also be available from police community support officers and safer neighbourhood teams, and the area's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships will be at supermarkets advising shoppers on personal safety.

Do you think events like Not In My Neighbourhood week have a positive effect? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

On Monday, between 10am and 1pm, there will be a community safety initiative on the Cornhill in Ipswich which will see purse bells and information on personal safety handed out.

On Friday, October 19 people in Ipswich are invited to attend an event at the council chamber in the Town Hall on the Cornhill which will bring together residents and professionals to raise awareness of initiatives helping to improve safety in Ipswich. The event will run between 10.30am and 2pm and is free with refreshments and lunch provided.