The number of anti-social behaviour complaints reported to police at one of the region's busiest tourist attractions have been revealed.

Residents and visitors to Needham Lake, in Needham Market, raised concerns earlier this year following a spell of anti-social behaviour at the hotspot.

Police were called to a "large gathering" in May, while there were also reports of public defecation, misuse of barbecues and people throwing rocks at animals. 

The lake is one of the busiest attractions in SuffolkThe lake is one of the busiest attractions in Suffolk (Image: Newsquest)

The police call-out is one of 16 anti-social behaviour complaints recorded at the lake since 2020, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

There have been just two incidents of anti-social behaviour reported to Suffolk police so far in 2024, both of which have been for groups congregating in public. 

Five reports were made in 2020 - four for vehicle nuisance and one for environmental concerns. 

In 2021, there was one report of drunken behaviour and two reports of groups congregating. 

Four anti-social behaviour incidents were logged in 2022, while two reports were made in 2023 and so far in 2024. 

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: “We continue to liaise with our partner agencies including the local council to ensure the site remains an attractive place to visit and look to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"Our officers are also including visits to the area as part of their regular patrol beat."

Mid Suffolk District Council employs seasonal rangers to patrol the site, while an external firm provides security for the lake. 

A Freedom of Information request to the authority revealed the council paid £4,800 to the security company in 2023, while it has paid out £480 so far this year. 

Earlier this month, a spokesman for the council said: "Things have settled down over the last few weeks, and further steps are in place to help keep it a safe and enjoyable place to visit.

"We have a security company visiting the site during weekends, and the police are carrying out regular patrols onsite and responding to any reports they receive from members of the public."