Tough police stance on troublemakers
A TOUGH zero tolerance message is today being sent out to troublemakers in the Norwich Road area of Ipswich following a series of alarming violent incidents.
A TOUGH zero tolerance message is today being sent out to troublemakers in the Norwich Road area of Ipswich following a series of alarming violent incidents.
Suffolk Police have taken the step of placing a mobile police station (pod) at Barrack Corner in Ipswich in a bid to reassure the community and stamp down on the troubles.
Superintendent Alan Caton Operations Manager for Ipswich Police today said the pod will remain in place until next week at least as the force looks to draw a line under recent incidents.
He said: “Over a period of some months, going back to the stabbing in Norwich Road a year or so ago, there have been concerns in the community about an element of people who are intent on causing violent disorder, mainly alcohol-fuelled.
“We felt it was time we put our pod in this area so people could come and talk to us in confidence and we can show and reassure traders and residents we are listening to their concerns.
“Ultimately what we all want is for Norwich Road to be a vibrant, diverse area of town where people feel safe coming to use and celebrate in its diversity.
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“We are reminding people that Ipswich is covered by a designated public places order which can restrict people drinking in public.
“People who abuse the way they drink in public are going to be arrested and dealt with quite firmly.”
Jim Manning Community Safety Manager at Ipswich Borough Council said the authority is doing its bit to quell tensions in the area.
As well as monitoring Norwich Road via CCTV cameras, the council is engaging with community leaders to address the issues involved and is promoting cultural events which can help celebrate cultural differences.
He said: “We want to make sure that the mix is able to co-exist and flourish together.
“We have to work with community leaders to ensure they are aware of what's going on and are able to support us and for us to support them.”
n. Are you concerned about tensions in the Norwich Road area? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
