The idea of creating an alcohol-free zone to tackle street drinking and anti-social behaviour in a market town has been given town council backing. 

Sudbury Town Council met on Tuesday, September 10 for a full council meeting, and on the agenda was the consideration of a drinking exclusion zone in the town centre. 

Speaking to councillors during the meeting, Sergeant Oliver Williams of the Sudbury Community Policing Team introduced the possibility of implementing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in certain locations of the town. 

A PSPO, if granted, means certain conditions can be imposed regarding the use of a public area, and those found breaking the rules could face fines. 

Sgt Williams said: “In the summer, we’ve had a little spike in street drinking.

“I noticed recently there were some people drinking on the benches by Greggs."

He continued: “There’s some legislation that could be applied for, which is a geographical order that stops people drinking in a certain area."

He added that case studies showed PSPOs can help improve town centres, including ones in Suffolk. 

Jan Osborne, former mayor of Sudbury and councillor for East ward, said: "Right from the beginning I've always wanted this in the town. It works well in Bury St Edmunds."

Jan Osborne, former mayor and current Sudbury councillorJan Osborne, former mayor and current Sudbury councillor (Image: Sudbury Town Council)

She added that she "100% supports" the idea and would like to see it implemented. 

Councillor Nigel Bennett, for North ward, suggested if something were to be brought in it would need to be in "specific areas" of Sudbury, rather than the whole town. 

Councillor Melanie Barrett, also representing North ward, said: "If the police think it makes dealing with misbehaviour in the town centre easier, I think we have to support it.”

Community leaders voted in favour of supporting police with a more detailed plan and to build a case for a PSPO application.