Reckless jet skiers face ASBOs
JET skiers and powerboat enthusiasts have been warned they could be given Anti Social Behaviour Orders if they make residents' lives “a misery”.Suffolk Coastal District Council has launched a crackdown on those acting irresponsibly around the mouth of the River Deben.
JET skiers and powerboat enthusiasts have been warned they could be given Anti Social Behaviour Orders if they make residents' lives “a misery”.
Suffolk Coastal District Council has launched a crackdown on those acting irresponsibly around the mouth of the River Deben.
It comes after the local authority, police and Deben Watch received numerous complaints from nearby residents and other water users over the last few weeks.
Residents are now being issued with reporting forms and diary sheets to keep a record of any incidents of anti-social or dangerous behaviour.
You may also want to watch:
Sherrie Green, Suffolk Coastal cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “This summer there have been reports of up to 17 personal watercrafts on the river at one time making life a real misery for residents of Felixstowe Ferry, a situation that cannot be allowed to continue.
“We are asking residents and responsible river users to keep a record of any activities they see that are inappropriate, dangerous or anti-social.
Most Read
- 1 Isaacs call police after quayside drinkers cause chaos outside bar
- 2 'I left the club in a more than decent place' - Lambert opens up on leaving Town
- 3 Barn goes up in flames in Suffolk village
- 4 'Has to go' - Town fans on Chambers' future, play-off hopes and who they want to see play
- 5 The 20 places in Suffolk that recorded the most coronavirus cases this week
- 6 Driver arrested after 12-year-old boy 'seriously injured' in crash
- 7 Essex home 'completely destroyed' by fire
- 8 Delays on A12 after crash near Saxmundham
- 9 Sunday Snap! Kieron helps warm them up, team-mates reunited, Al Jolson and don't forget the Skids!
- 10 Plans to build bungalow in pub garden refused after number of objections
“If we get the evidence that harassment, alarm or distress is being caused then we are ready to ask the courts for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders on the offenders.
“I hope this warning shot across their bows will make the jet skiers see the sense in changing their behaviour.
“No-one wants to stop people enjoying themselves, but it must not be at the cost of other people's peace and quiet, or their safety.”
Following previous problems in the Felixstowe Ferry area, jet skiers and powerboat drivers were asked to keep at least 200 metres offshore, and south of the Martello Tower, to avoid potential accidents with swimmers and to minimise the disturbance to local residents.
With assistance from the police and the council, the Deben Watch initiative was set up in 2004 to help keep an eye on activities on the river.
People can report incidents by emailing community.safety@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Downloadable copies of the reporting forms can be found on the council's website at www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourdistrict/communitysafety/anti-social/
