A spike in anti-social behaviour has been reported at a popular Suffolk swimming pool.

Ipswich council chiefs are working with police in the area to crack down on issues at Crown Pools, which bosses say is attracting huge numbers of people this summer.

Problems reported include an increase in bad language and “inappropriate” behaviour in changing rooms.

Council chiefs said anyone who fails to abide by the rules will be removed from the facility and banned.

A spokesman for the authority added: “There has been a huge increase in visits to Crown Pools over the summer holiday.

“We will not tolerate poor behaviour from a small minority and are working closely with the police to deal with it.

“Our message is clear: ‘Anyone who does not abide by the rules will be removed and banned’.”

University lecturer Edward Packard claimed the situation at the pool is “absolute mayhem”.

“I go swimming most evenings after work, I’ve got an iSwim card,” he said.

“It’s always absolutely rammed, there must be hundreds of people there most nights.

“Lifeguards are constantly distracted and having to deal with some sort of problem, it’s usually young people involved.

He added: “It is absolute mayhem – last week everyone had to get out of the pool because kids were messing about.

“It’s bad in the changing rooms too – they’re always busy but particularly bad at the moment – people are peering over the cubicles.

“It’s usually just them messing about with their mates but it is a big problem.”

Officers at Ipswich Central Police said: “There has been a huge escalation of poor behaviour at Crown Pools in Ipswich exhibited predominantly by young males.

“This includes, foul and abusive language and inappropriate behaviour towards females in the changing room area.

“This will not be tolerated.”

Inspector Stuart Weaver added: “We always respond to concerns about anti-social behaviour and will continue to work with our partners across the town including, Crown Pools and Ipswich Borough Council to address those issues and to provide advice where necessary.”