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# Police urged to tackle crime as Waterfront residents unite against anti-social behaviour
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/new-residents-group-launches-to-tackle-waterfront-anti-social-behaviour/
- Published: 2024-12-19T07:45:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:27:08.000Z
- Description: Ipswich borough councillors have demanded police action over drug dealing and dangerous driving at the Waterfront, as residents launch a new community group to tackle growing concerns about crime in the area.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Events & Things To Do, #article, Ipswich Waterfront Residents Group, Steve Flory, Cathy Frost, George Lankester, Nic El-Safty, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters**: Ward councillors have reported increasing "serious complaints" over recent months about criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, with damaged security infrastructure not due to be fixed until March.

**The big picture**: A letter to Suffolk's police commissioner from Holywells ward councillors details multiple concerns:

- Drug dealing and sale of alcohol to minors
- Dangerous driving and loud music from vehicles using restricted areas
- Limited police response to resident complaints
- Damaged bollards on Helena Road enabling unauthorised vehicle access

![Ipswich Waterfront Residents Group](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1734536290-ipswich-waterfront-residents-group-meeting-edited-1.png)

Ipswich Waterfront Residents group meeting Photo: Hamish Cant (Hamish Cant)

**Community response**:

- New Waterfront Residents' Group formed at meeting on 10 December
- Around 40-50 people attended including councillors, residents and student representatives
- Monthly meetings planned, starting late January
- Website launched to help create "united community"

**Key stakeholders involved**:

- Borough councillors Cathy Frost, George Lankester and Nic El-Safty
- Steve Flory, incoming Chair of Ipswich Central, who has already reached out to police
- Local MP Jack Abbott aware of concerns
- Around 500 students living in the area

**What's next**:

- Police commissioner invited to meet residents in the New Year
- Councillors seeking urgent action on bollard repairs, currently delayed until March
- Group plans regular meetings at either the university or The Mix

**How to get involved:** You can visit the [group's website](https://ipswichwaterfrontresidents.co.uk/?ref=ipswich.co.uk) and join their [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/477991368476455/).

**The bottom line:** With mounting concerns over crime and safety, Ipswich Waterfront's new residents' group offers a unified voice for the community while councillors press for urgent action from police and local authorities.

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