EAST Suffolk Council is looking to bring in tougher restrictions along the coast to battle antisocial behaviour which has left residents feeling intimidated and afraid.

Cllr Jan Candy, East Suffolk Council's lead for community safety, is proposing the introduction of a public space protection order (PSPO) alongside the Felixstowe coastline.

It follows multiple years of reports to both the police and the council of antisocial behaviour, particularly within two car parks known as Landguard and View Point.

Sue Ryan, manager at View Point Café, said antisocial behaviour had been getting worse every year, particularly in the summer months.

"In the summer time, there are still families and people around later on, so to drive at that speed, with loud music and lots of swearing, is just off-putting to them," she said.

"If I were to come down with my family, I would be intimidated, and I would leave."

The café has had to deal with vandalism, urination alongside the kiosk and daily litter left overnight.

Landguard Fort

A staff member at Landguard Trust, shared similar concerns, describing the car parks near Landguard Fort as a 'mecca' for this behaviour.

They said: "Landguard is a lovely place during the day, but as soon as it turns 6pm, the whole place changes.

"It is every single night, it's a constant problem, and it's dangerous."

Both feared the behaviour was a serious accident waiting to happen.

According to Port of Felixstowe Police data, there have been 139 dispatches relating to antisocial behaviour since 2022.

This includes racing, revving engines and dangerous driving, leaving residents intimidated and afraid, often in the middle of the night.

Breaching the protection order would be a criminal offence, giving the police and authorised council officers more enforcement powers.

Several restrictions would be brought in around dangerous driving, excessive noise and emissions, organised car meets, the consumption of alcohol or drugs and littering.

Ms Ryan said she could only hope the protection order would help the situation.

"I'm hoping it will make a big difference and is a positive move for down here," she added.

If approved, the protection order would come into effect on Saturday, 13 December.