TOWN chiefs are warning people in Ipswich not to get carried away with public boozing during the current hot spell.As a result of several days of good weather, hundreds are taking advantage of the chance to wander the town's streets and laze in parks with a number choosing to relax with an alcoholic drink.

TOWN chiefs are warning people in Ipswich not to get carried away with public boozing during the current hot spell.

As a result of several days of good weather, hundreds are taking advantage of the chance to wander the town's streets and laze in parks with a number choosing to relax with an alcoholic drink.

However over-zealous drinkers could face problems if they take things too far as a result of powers introduced last year allowing police to fine or arrest people who continue boozing when asked to stop.

Since a designated public places order for the borough was brought in last December a total of 35 people have been spoken to by police about drinking in public.

Authorities are now primed to crack down on anyone flouting the order - having identified the summer months and warm weather as potential peak period for problem public drinking.

Tibbs Pinter, substance misuse officer at Ipswich Borough Council, said the order has so far proved successful.

“Most definitely we have peak periods, Christmas is one and summer is another.

“We will be ensuring there is a very active visible police and PCSO presence because we do anticipate there will be issues about this because of the warmer weather.

“We are coming up to the end of the school year and exams and we are aware that you tend to get groups of young people who have, in the past, had a tendency to get drunk and sunny weather will encourage that.

“We are also aware of areas such as Christchurch Park, not just in respect of potential disorder but also rubbish.

“A lot more people will be taking the opportunity, perhaps before they go home after work, to have a drink or sit in the sun at lunchtime.

“As long as they are not causing a nuisance it is not a problem.”

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A total of 35 people have been spoken to since December about drinking in a public place in Ipswich

Of these 30 were men and five were women

Nine of the 35 were under the age of 18

Nobody has been fined as a result of the designated public places order.