Police in Ipswich have said they are making progress in cracking down on anti-social behaviour around Selkirk Road, one year on from when issues were first raised.

In June last year, police officers first began working with the East of England Co-op over regular anti-social behaviour centred around a group of young people who regularly met outside the store in Selkirk Road.

Among the issues were youngsters verbally abusing staff members at the shop, Suffolk police said.

But after a committed drive by the east Ipswich safer neighbourhood team, police have said the number of incidents have begun to decrease.

PC Gareth Northwood from the safer neighbourhood team said: “In response to reports of anti-social behaviour in the Selkirk Road area of Ipswich involving a number of youths congregating outside the Co-op shop and staff being verbally abused, a community protection notice has been issued to a teenage girl.

“Residents and Co-op staff have stated that the anti-social behaviour has decreased and that no concerns have been raised over the bank holiday period.

“Response officers and CID have recently dealt with more serious crime locally. This input to the localised safer neighbourhood team work has helped to reinforce the message that ASB will not be tolerated.”

Officers have also been talking to the youngsters and their families to identify and attempt to resolve the issues causing the behaviour.

PC Northwood added: “Further work in partnership with agencies has shown promise around the Troon Gardens and Forfar Road area and continues at a pace dealing with young children and their families causing anti-social behaviour to other residents.”

Lee Hammond, head of security at the East of England Co-op said the security team was aware of the issues and were helping police.

“We’re committed to making our communities a safer place to live and work and fully support the police with their actions to combat any anti-social behaviour that occurs in or around our stores,” he added.

“All our employees and customers have the right to work and shop in a safe, friendly environment and we have a dedicated anti-social behaviour support officer that works closely with stores across the region.”