Fresh concerns raised over anti-social behaviour in Bury St Edmunds town centre

Fresh concerns have been raised about anti-social behaviour (ASB) which continues to plague Bury St Edmunds town centre.

The issue has troubled the town a number of times this year and recently the situation has flared up again with concerns raised by businesses and residents.

As well as the area next to Poundland on Cornhill, further ASB has been reported in Woolhall Street and the underground car park at the arc Shopping Centre.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID), said: “For a town centre to be able to attract people into it, it needs to look inviting, attractive and people need to feel safe - without these key elements, no amount of marketing and promotion is going to improve footfall levels.

“Throughout this year, the level of ASB in our town centre overall has been relatively low and where we have had peaks and hotspots, like outside Poundland, the police have responded quickly to address the situation.

“I would ask that all the relevant authorities work together to try and provide, guidance, support and advice to those creating these problems in our town centre, as this issue is seriously threatening the positive reputation we have been able to enjoy for a number of years.”

He added: “Although I have sympathy with the authorities regarding their funding and the challenges they are facing, the fact is that these ASB offenders are having a detrimental effect on how visitors to the town centre feel and it is so important that people feel safe, otherwise they won’t come here.”

Police are working with West Suffolk District Council to address the ongoing issue and a public space protection order is currently in place in the town centre which can restrict a range of behaviours which are persistent, unreasonable or have a negative impact on the quality of life in an area.

Sgt Joe Nettleton said: “The current order, which covers alcohol related anti-social behaviour, will allow us to collectively ensure this unacceptable behaviour that is detrimental can continue to be tackled.

“We fully appreciate the distress ASB can have on people and residents should rest assured that, where necessary, action will be taken, when we need to.”

Another area in the town where ASB concerns have been raised is outside Trinity Methodist Church, in Brentgovel Street, when Bury Drop In holds its sessions.

The Christian charity supports homeless and vulnerably housed people and provides food at the church every Tuesday and Friday which can attract those with substance misuse issues.

Chairman Robert Green said: “Bury Drop In has been supporting homeless and vulnerably housed people since 2015 and was established precisely because of the rising tide of homelessness and poverty that can spill over into unwelcome behaviour - the drop in is part of the solution, rather than the problem.

“On Tuesdays and Fridays, vulnerable residents can come to a safe place to find friendship, practical help and compassionate support that is a lifeline to many. All guests already live locally, are registered as homeless or vulnerably housed and are part of our communities.

“We are aware that during drop in sessions, guests do sometimes congregate outside which may feel uncomfortable. We work hard to encourage them to either disperse or come inside.

“Sadly, there are numerous other sources of unwelcome behaviour in the town that have very little (or nothing) to do with Bury Drop In.”

Mr Green added the drop in centre works in partnership with numerous agencies and voluntary groups and was recently awarded a High Sheriff award for its work.

Cllr Donna Higgins, cabinet member for families and communities at West Suffolk Council, said the authority was working to tackle ASB in the town and not all of the problems were caused by people who are homeless.

“Some of these issues are people who we have accommodated and are actively working with to try to address any issues they may have including addiction and mental health,” she said.

“Sadly, their actions risk jeopardising their accommodation, but we are continuing to try to do all that we can to help them.

“Street drinkers also include some who are rough sleeping – people who are homeless and who are sleeping outside.

“We have, and we are, continuing to try to encourage them to accept our help and any support for addiction and mental health that they may need.”

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