Why it matters: The announcement on Sunday, 22 December follows numerous complaints from residents about unauthorised vehicles accessing the area via damaged bollards on Helena Road.
The big picture: East Ipswich Community Policing Team says it will:
Conduct regular patrols to deter vehicle-related anti-social behaviour
Work with partners to install appropriate bollards and signage
Begin enforcement action once measures are in place
Context: A new Waterfront Residents' Group formed on 10 December raised similar concerns, with around 40-50 residents in attendance.
Following the meeting, three councillors wrote to Suffolk's police commissioner about:
Drug dealing and alcohol sales to minors
Dangerous driving, loud music and excessing "honking"
Limited police response to complaints
Delays in replacing damaged bollards until March
What's next:
Police will increase patrols along the Waterfront
New bollards and signage to be installed
Enforcement action to follow installation
Residents' group to meet again in late January
The bottom line: While residents have united to tackle anti-social behaviour at the Waterfront, police are now promising a coordinated response, including increased patrols and new security measures to address the community's concerns.
