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Man arrested following marathon window ledge stand-off with police

News

Police have confirmed a man was arrested following a remarkable 5.5-hour standoff with police and emergency service workers between two windows of a residential building in Chantry, Ipswich.

Police at the scene
The main remained on the building for well over five hoursOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details: The incident began just before 14:00 when police responded to reports of a disturbance on Sheldrake Drive.

  • Following the arrival of police, a man climbed up the exterior of a residential property.

  • He remained there for approximately 5.5 hours while police and emergency services attempted to convince him to come down safely in front of large crowds.

  • He was arrested at 19:37 on suspicion of theft from a shop and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre.

  • While there, he was arrested for failing to attend court.

  • He was released and will face no further action regarding the theft from the shop but was subsequently transferred to court regarding the failing to attend warrant.

Emergency services at the scene in Sheldrake Drive
Emergency services, including five police cars, one fire crew, and one ambulance, were on scene throughout the incident.Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

News

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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