Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town ā€“ without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just Ā£24 per year

Six ordered out as police swoop on problem flats in St Margaret's Green

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town ā€“ without the ads, popups or tracking

Two flats in St Margaret's Green have been served with closure notices as police crack down on anti-social behaviour and suspected drug dealing in central Ipswich.

Why it matters: The enforcement action is part of an ongoing problem-solving initiative by Ipswich Central CPT and the Kestrel Team to tackle anti-social behaviour connected to residential flats in the area.

Flats in St Margaret's Green in Ipswich
Two flats in St Margaret's Green have been served with closure notices as police crack down on anti-social behaviour and suspected drug dealing in central IpswichOliver Rouane-Williams

The details: Officers issued closure notices to two individual dwellings, preventing anyone except named residents from entering the properties for 24 hours.

  • Six individuals were required to leave the premises immediately.

  • Two people were also issued Community Protection Warning Letters regarding their conduct at the block and in the town centre.

What they're saying: "We hope this sends a message to those who cause nuisance for their neighbours through antisocial behaviour and drug dealing activity," Ipswich Police said.

A closure notice on a flat door
Two flats in St Margaret's Green have been served with closure notices as police crack down on anti-social behaviour and suspected drug dealing in central IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

What's next: The CPT team warned they will seek permanent closure orders through the Magistrate Court if the disruptive behaviour continues.

The bottom line: Residents affected by disruptive neighbours or who suspect drug dealing activity can report incidents via the Suffolk Police website or anonymously through Crimestoppers on #1811.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just Ā£24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

Feature
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town ā€“ without the ads, popups or tracking

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere Ā£40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for Ā£4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, Ā£4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the Ā£2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around Ā£4,000-Ā£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcementsĀ capabilitiesĀ etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around Ā£500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter ā€“ one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just Ā£24 per year

Load next article