Seafront set for anti-social behaviour crackdown

A public space protection order could be introduced in Felixstowe

Tougher restrictions could be implemented along part of the Suffolk coast to crack down on anti-social behaviour following reports that residents feel intimidated.

Jan Candy, the Liberal Democrat cabinet member for community safety at East Suffolk Council, has proposed the introduction of a public space protection order (PSPO) in Felixstowe.

The council said it and the police had received reports of anti-social behaviour in the two car parks near Landguard Fort over several years.

If approved, the protection order would come into effect on 13 December.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Port of Felixstowe Police have been sent to deal with anti-social behaviour 139 times since 2022.

Sue Ryan, manager at View Point Cafe, said: "If I were to come down with my family, I would be intimidated and I would leave."

The cafe said it had experienced vandalism, with people urinating next to the kiosk and leaving litter overnight.

Ms Ryan said: "In the summertime, there are still families and people around later on, so to drive at... speed with loud music and lots of swearing is just off-putting to them."

A member of staff at the Landguard Trust said the area was a lovely place during the day but later "the whole place changes".

"It is every single night – it's a constant problem and it's dangerous."

The PSPO would bring in restrictions around dangerous driving, excessive noise and emissions, organised car meets, and the consumption of alcohol or drugs.