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Colourful new bins designed by local children brighten up Ipswich libraries

News

Local children's artwork now adorns recycling bins outside two Ipswich libraries following a competition run by the council and Suffolk Libraries.

Why it matters: The initiative engages young people in keeping Ipswich tidy while promoting library services and recycling.

The big picture: Two dual bins outside Ipswich County Library and Gainsborough Community Library feature four winning designs from the "Brighten our Bins" competition.

  • The contest was open to children aged 14 and under.

  • Designs were themed around reading or recycling.

  • The new bins encourage separating recyclable and normal waste.

New bin at Gainsborough Library
New bin at Gainsborough LibraryIpswich Borough Council

What they're saying: Councillor Phil Smart, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, said:

"Thank you to all the children and their families who took the time to enter this competition. It's been fantastic to see young people engaged in keeping Ipswich tidy and to see their love of reading come to life in their designs."

James Powell, Communications Manager at Suffolk Libraries, added:

"We were delighted to support this competition. It was wonderful to see so many colourful designs celebrating what our libraries mean to local children and the importance of recycling and keeping the local community clean and tidy."

Of note: The bin outside Ipswich County Library also celebrates the library's centenary, which is being marked with events, including a special exhibition that will run until the end of 2024.

What's next: Residents can find out more about visiting the libraries and Ipswich County Library's 100-year anniversary on the Suffolk Libraries website at suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Crimestoppers offers up to £1,000 for information on Ipswich drug dealers

News

Residents are being incentivised to anonymously report drug dealing activity in Ipswich as part of a new Crimestoppers campaign.

Why it matters: Drug dealing is a wart on the nose of our town. Amongst many other things, it leads to increased crime, the exploitation of vulnerable people, anti-social behaviour and impacts local businesses.

The big picture: Crimestoppers is emphasising that local knowledge is crucial in combating drug-related crime. The charity is encouraging people to be aware of the signs of drug dealing and to report any suspicions anonymously.

If your information leads to an arrest and charge, you'll be rewarded up to £1,000.

Key details:

  • Reports can be made via the Crimestoppers website or by calling 0800 555 111

  • The charity's UK Contact Centre is open 24/7, 365 days a year

  • Young people can visit Fearless.org to learn about the warning signs of drug crime

  • Crimestoppers offers rewards of up to £1,000 for information leading to an arrest and charge of drug dealers

Man holding two £10 notes
Earn up to £1,000 for providing information that leads to an arrest of a drug dealerGetty Images

Signs of drug dealing may include:

  • Unexplained new possessions

  • Increased visitors to a property

  • Changes in someone's behaviour or mood

  • "Cuckooing" - where criminals take over a home as a drug base

  • New and frequently changing residents

  • Closed curtains and increased rubbish or drug paraphernalia

  • Young people going missing or seeming uncomfortable in the area

What they're saying: Phil Breckon, Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, said: "We can all play a part in looking out for and reporting signs of drugs activity in our neighbourhoods across Ipswich. We are asking people to be aware of the signs and appealing to everyone to help protect our communities by telling Crimestoppers anonymously what you know. We'll pass it on for you."

The bottom line: Crimestoppers guarantees 100% anonymity for all reports. In emergencies or for crimes in progress, residents should call 999.

You can find more information at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/news-campaigns/campaigns/help-make-ipswich-safer-from-illegal-drugs

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