CCTV captures suspects behind Princes Street planter vandalism
Ipswich Borough Council says its town centre CCTV has captured clear images of those responsible for vandalising newly installed planters on Princes Street, with the authority now working with police to identify the suspects.
Why it matters: The planters form part of the council's £1.2 million Town Centre Greening project and were vandalised over the bank holiday weekend, before the council had even completed planting.
The details: The custom planters and in-ground tree pits, installed between the Cornhill and Giles Circus, were sprayed with graffiti over the bank holiday weekend – before workers had finished planting them.
- The Barclays building on Princes Street was also sprayed with graffiti over the weekend, as was the Great White Horse Hotel.
- The council has since cleaned the graffiti from the planters, though some can still be faintly seen.
- Planting is now complete.
What they're saying: An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson said: "Our Town Centre CCTV has picked up clear images of the incident, and we are working with the police to identify those involved."
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The Greener Ipswich project is already enhancing the town centre, improving its attractiveness while delivering environmental, social and economic benefits.
“Increasing planting and habitats supports wildlife, improves wellbeing, and encourages people to spend more time in Ipswich. We are seeing real progress in Ipswich, and this greening project is another welcome step in restoring pride in our town.”
The bigger picture: The Town Centre Greening project, funded by the Towns Fund, covers Princes Street, Queen Street, St Nicholas Street and Wolsey Square. The council says each area has its own character, but a continuity of design will link the spaces together to form a green route through the town centre towards the waterfront.
The scheme includes native tree species, drought-resistant plants, perennial planting, mosses and pollinators and builds on the Council’s new 10-year Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to protect and enhance habitats across Ipswich.
For context: When the project was announced in February, Cllr Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said the scheme would deliver "environmental, social, health and economic advantages" by "introducing habitats that support birds, insects and other wildlife" and "providing opportunities to improve wellbeing, physical and mental health".
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, said at the time: "Investing in greener, healthier streets will help how our town looks and feels, but it will improve wellbeing, support local businesses, and create public spaces where people want to spend time."
What's next: The third phase of the project, in St Nicholas Street, is now underway, with work on the final phase at Wolsey Square due to begin in early June.
The bottom line: The first visible piece of Ipswich's £1.2 million greening scheme is in place – and the council says it has clear CCTV images of those who defaced it within days.
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