The car park will be closed from 30 September to make way for the construction of the new Central Ipswich Free School.
Why it matters: The closure will result in 52 fewer parking spaces in the town centre but will allow the demolition of the former Co-op department store on Carr Street and the construction of a new primary school to begin in October.
The car park is located immediately behind the old Co-op buildingOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
The big picture:
The Department for Education has requested that the entire car park be used as a contractor's compound and safety area for the demolition.
Ipswich Borough Council will lease the site to the DfE for an initial 2-year term from 1 October 2024.
The council says rental income will compensate for lost parking revenue.
Plans were delayed due to concerns about preserving a historical mural but new plans approved in May 2024 will allow the mural to remain in placeOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
The bottom line: Construction is set to begin in October. While the car park closure may inconvenience some and reduce town centre parking, it paves the way for a much-needed new school in central Ipswich.
Crimestoppers offers up to £1,000 for information on Ipswich drug dealers
News
Oliver Rouane-Williams
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
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.
