Complaints of alleged pollution at Ipswich Waterfront

In December, Associated British Ports (ABP) began removing 93 existing pontoons at Neptune Marina in a project that will see them replaced with 15 new berths, as well as two welfare buildings and a foul water treatment plant being installed. 

However, in a pre-meeting reporting July, it was revealed that several residents had written to the council objecting to the plans.

Since the boats were moved, residents have complained about the appearance of the water (Image: Mike Oelman) The objections ranged from concerns over safety, historic impact, noise, lighting and impact on marine life.

Since the boats were moved, the water at the marina has appeared green in parts - which is partially due to the build-up of algae.

Mike Oelman, 68, who has lived at the Waterfront for five years after moving from London, said: "It is very sad to see such an important part of the town looking derelict and unloved.

"Now ABP has ripped out the old pontoons and only 15 will be replaced, it has changed the atmosphere of the marina forever."

ABP says the discolouration of the water comes as a result of algae build-up and pond weed after heavy rainfall (Image: Mike Oelman)

An ABP spokesperson said: "ABP would like to clarify that the appearance of what looks like pollution in the Wet Dock is actually a build-up of algae and pond weed.

"Such build-ups occur periodically and tend to happen after heavy rainfall, as run-off from nearby fields washes into the dock.

"The Ipswich Beacon Marina team and colleagues from ABP are actively working to clean it up."

The boats were removed in December for the first step of the £2 million project (Image: Shikhar Talwar) The scheme to revamp the Waterfront, which is set to cost £2million, will have a "positive impact" on the area, ABP has said.

READ MORE:​ Waterfront looking 'tremendously sad and empty' as revamp plans set for approval

ABP says its plans for the marina will improve the Waterfront and add value to people living in the area (Image: ABP) A report on the plans released in December said: "It is considered that the removal and partial replacement of pontoons, and the erection of the welfare buildings and associated infrastructure would have a positive impact on the Wet Dock Conservation Area and setting of the Waterfront.

"It will provide an improved recreational and leisure facility for Ipswich whilst not resulting in unacceptable levels of harm to the amenity of local residents and users, transportation impact, existing ecological assets and air quality."