CCTV trial in Washbrook in Ipswich after crime reports

Action has been taken after reports of dangerous driving, vehicle offences and antisocial behaviour such as drug taking were report in the Whight's Corner area of Washbrook.

Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council took these complaints up to Babergh District Council, who has now agreed to fund CCTV cameras in the area for a three-month trial period. 

This is made possible through the district council securing funding from the government's Safer Streets programme. 

Whight's Corner is at the northern edge of Washbrook.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Whight's Corner, is at the northern edge of the village where London Road meets Chapel Lane.

Matt Hannan, a resident of the road said: "I think because it's surrounded by trees it is easier to hide in this area when doing something illegal.

"You end up seeing a lot of vehicles, loud noises in the middle of the night, or sometimes you can smell when someone is smoking weed (marijuana)."

He also said that recently there have been incidents where people have parked HGVs on the street, which can be a problem for residents trying to park their cars in the evening. 

This issue was brought up by residents during the last parish council meeting.

Mr Hannan added he liked the idea of CCTV as it would help in reporting issues.

The area is largely surrounded by trees.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) A parish council spokesperson said that they have been working with the district council and Suffolk police to address the issues in Whight's Corner.

As a result, they are glad about the three-month CCTV trial period.

The spokesperson said: "It is hoped that this initiative will prove to be useful both as a deterrent and also as a mechanism for gathering evidence that can lead to successful enforcement."

The council hopes that the CCTV will deter anti-social behaviour.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) A spokesperson for Babergh District Council said: “We’ve been working with the police and local parish council over recent months in response to complaints of anti-social behaviour and complaints of large numbers of vehicles gathering in the Whights Corner area, including reports of reckless driving, intimidation and noise nuisance.

“Following a successful bid to the Government’s Safer Streets scheme, we secured funding for the use of CCTV cameras in the area which we hope will resolve the issue and improve the quality of life for the local community.”