Ipswich town centre’s street security team, run by My Local Bobby, given new powers to clamp down on illegal drinking

Ipswich’s street security team have been given new powers to crack down on anti-social drinking.

The borough council has granted My Local Bobby (MLB) public space protection order (PSPO) powers to take a stronger stance against alcohol-related issues in the town centre.

While it does not ban alcohol in the town centre, it does allow officers to stop people drinking in the streets, confiscate booze and the power to issue fines and prosecute those who do not comply.

The powers came into effect today and form part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the town.

Cllr John Cook, Ipswich’s portfolio holder for communities and sport, said these powers were crucial in tackling behaviour that ‘disrupted the wellbeing of communities’.

He said: “Empowering My Local Bobby to enforce the PSPO is an additional step to make Ipswich safer for everyone.

“This collective effort doesn’t replace the vital work of the police but strengthens our shared commitment to creating a thriving and secure town.”

The street security team that operates within Ipswich town centre was set up by Ipswich Central Business Improvement District (BID) and is operated by private security firm My Local Bobby.

Before the merger earlier this year, they were known as street rangers.

Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central, described the initiative as a ‘win’ for businesses.

He said the deal showed its commitment to making the town a more vibrant place to live and shop.

Mr Walker added: “By equipping the street security team with these new powers, we can do more to reduce anti-social drinking in the town centre, ensuring the town centre is a place to enjoy a day out by stopping the anti-social behaviour caused by street drinkers.

“Our street security team can now take proactive steps to stop daytime anti-social drinking causing problems in the town centre.

“It’s a positive step forward for all who wish to see a tougher stance taken on street drinking in the town centre."

Tim Passmore, police and crime commissioner for Suffolk, welcomed the news, stating he was very pleased to see Ipswich Central granted these new powers.

Mr Passmore said: “Ipswich is our county town and anything that helps improve the visitor experience is particularly welcome in my opinion. Use of PSPOs has my full support.”

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, said street drinking was not a victimless crime and believed it shouldd be tackled if the town centre was to be reviveddd.

He said: “I have had a number of conversations with Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central about this specific initiative, so I warmly welcome this new partnership which will look to address anti-social drinking.

“Ipswich Central's Street Security team already does an important job in supporting businesses and shoppers on our high street – supplementing the efforts of the police – and these new powers will help build on their good work.

“This is an innovative, positive step forward that I know will also be welcomed by local people, businesses and visitors to our town.”

As a reader, we know the value you place on trusted local journalism. At SuffolkNews we are committed to delivering the very best coverage from communities right across the county, and we can only do this with the support of our readers.

By becoming a subscriber you not only support us in this mission, you also unlock a whole host of benefits, including unlimited access to our ad-lite SuffolkNews website and digital editions of all our weekly newspapers. You can find out more about subscriptions here.

Use the promo code AshJones to get an annual subscription for less than £25 - we really appreciate your support. Thank you.