Suffolk police commissioner welcomes £1m anti-social fund

The money comes out of a £66m government pot to combat the issue of anti-social behaviour across the country.

Every police force in England was given at least £1m, with some larger forces receiving substantially more.  

Tim Passmore, police and crime commissioner, said: “We welcome the opportunity to bid for this money.

“Dealing with anti-social behaviour requires a multi-agency approach and it is important that we work together to secure funding for the areas in most need across the county. 

"It is too early to say where this funding could be spent but I do support any initiative which helps tackle anti-social behaviour, and this focus on so-called ‘hotspot’ areas with high levels of anti-social behaviour and disorder, is appreciated.”

Anti-social behaviour has been a problem across Suffolk, with varying levels of seriousness.

Most recently, police were called to ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminal damage happening in Farriers Close in Martlesham. 

Ipswich has had more serious instances of antisocial behaviour.

Ipswich Central Policing Team Inspector Nicola Turner recently said that tackling anti-social behaviour was a key priority for police in Suffolk's county town.

Five teenagers were sentenced in November following the brawl in Ipswich (Image: Suffolk Police)

Insp Turner highlighted the successes at the Old Cattle Market Bus Station, including banning five teenagers from the town centre following a brawl at the station in November last year.

Speaking previously, she said: “It was an area where a lot of people would congregate.

“Some of our homeless community, street drinkers and youngsters gathered there because of the layout. Obviously, there was noise, litter and general nuisance.

“By removing the concrete sitting areas, cutting some trees down and increasing some lighting it is now an area where people don’t go and commit antisocial behaviour. We’ve also increase police patrols.”