WATERFRONT: Police are working with the town’s university chiefs to ensure that students behave appropriately after a number of residents complained about the “excessive noise” in the area.

Last week, The Evening Star revealed that a number of residents living in close proximity to new student accommodation Athena Hall, had issued complaints about the high levels of noise during the night.

Made up of 470 students, the new accommodation facility was opened on September 5, allowing the new students to experience living just yards from the University Campus Suffolk (UCS) Waterfront building.

Today, Inspector Ash Warby, said that police were teaming up with the university.

He said: “The Ipswich Central Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is dedicated to reducing anti-social behaviour at the Waterfront and this has been an ongoing initiative for some time.

“In recent months, the team has worked hard with local businesses and residents to manage the night time economy and keep the area safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

A dedicated Police Community Support Officer (PSCO), David Chamberlain, who is match-funded between Suffolk police, University Campus Suffolk and Suffolk New College, has been appointed to engage with the student community.

Inspector Warby said: “He has carried out a great deal of work during freshers’ week to educate new students on appropriate behaviour.

“PCSO Chamberlain remains embedded at UCS and Suffolk college, continuing to engage with students at various events and patrols the area regularly.”

Paddy Reilly, head of the Students Union at UCS told The Evening Star that while the surrounding residents should expect them to behave in an “excitable manner” – the students should also be respectful of others.

n Do you think that students should keep the noise down or should they be allowed to have fun? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or alternatively you can send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk