Improving the transport network and infrastructure in Ipswich are pressing issues that need addressing, Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner has said.

Tim Passmore, who has lived in, or near, Ipswich all his life, made the comments in response to an Ipswich Star survey that is asking for people’s opinions on the town.

More than 600 people have aired their views since the study began this week.

Mr Passmore said: “One of the main priorities is the need to attract more high quality jobs to the town. We also need to make sure we have got the right infrastructure in place. We need to improve things so people are able to travel across town more easily.

“By bringing more money into the area it is going to make the attractions of Ipswich even better. We have got some wonderful parks and the waterfront development is really good, and compared to many other county towns, it is a good place to live.

“We have got some fantastic food and drink producers in Ipswich – and all over Suffolk and the major transport links are pretty good.”

So far, almost 50% say they do not feel safe in the town centre and 48% of people believe crime has increased.

In response to these figures, Mr Passmore added: “Crime obviously still goes on and Ipswich has got its fair share. But what we have got is community spirit. We can help each other look after people.

“I think these types of surveys are always very useful. People should now come up with constructive suggestions of what they want to see happening here in the future.”

Yesterday, Ipswich Hospital’s chief executive Nick Hulme said Ipswich can look forward to “a very bright and ambitious future”.

It came after Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said action is required to improve the town centre, transport network and education system, while David Ellesmere, Labour candidate for the General Election and Ipswich Borough Council leader, said Ipswich is facing the same problems affecting towns nationwide, including financial pressures on the NHS and social care services.

Today is the final day the questionnaire will be printed – on pages 20-21 – but online forms can be submitted until Tuesday.

The questionnaire asks for your views on a broad range of topics, from education, transport, shopping, employment, housing and health. Please click here.