A residents association has been launched in an area of Newmarket after more than 100 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported to police.

Residents in Icewell Hill will hold their first meeting tonight after recent police-led engagement sessions were held to tackle problems in the community.

Last year, police control room operators received around 120 calls reporting incidents in the area and requesting a police presence, including criminal damage, drug offences, harrassment, theft and burglaries.

However, Suffolk police says more than half of the calls were ultimately not police matters, which led the force to highlight support available from local agencies.

These partners include Forest Heath District Council, the local Fire service, Flagship Housing Group, Anglia Care, NHS Outreach, SNAP and Racing Welfare.

PCSO Anne-Marie Powell, who has been leading the partnership event, said: “The surgery events have been greeted with great success and, as a result, residents decided to launch the first Icewell Hill Residents Association to take action in making their community a place they want to live, rather than have to live.

“I am delighted at the enthusiasm residents have already shown for upcoming community-led activities, such as litter picks and ‘balcony in bloom’ contests, whilst also drumming up support from local businesses and charity groups.

“Local councillor Chris Barker will be chairing these meetings, however our officers will attend in a support role to ensure that our services are easily accessible to anyone with community-based concerns.”

The first Icewell Hill Residents Association session will be held tonight at the Racing Centre in Fred Archer Way at 7pm.