By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Families who have been subjected to threatening behaviour are calling for a crackdown on public drinking, drug taking and defecation in and around Gloucester Park.
Unauthorised encampments have repeatedly been set up over the past six to 12 months on the green space by Christ Church, Brunswick Road and the park.
And residents say several of the people occupying the tents have exhibited highly disruptive and intimidating behaviour, a Gloucester City Council meeting heard on September 24.
Mark Pietroni spoke on behalf of 12 people from the Montpellier area who want to see action taken to solve the problem.
The residents are calling for a public space protection order to ban the consumption of alcohol and drugs in the park, public urination and defecation, overnight tents and loud noise.
They want the council to ensure the CCTV in the park is monitored and recorded and that all the street lamps work. And that the park gates are locked at night.
Residents also call on the council to seek the support of the police in providing regular patrols during the day and night.
Concerns were also raised about people “who congregate by the aviary smoking dope, inhaling nitrous oxide, drinking alcohol and urinating and behaving aggressively”.
“Families using the park and we residents opposite have been subjected to aggressive language, threatening conduct, public defecation, and persistent late-night noise,” Mark Pietroni told the meeting.
“The accumulation of tents, makeshift furniture, and general refuse has also significantly altered the character of the area.
“The martial arts club for children at Montpellier Community Hall has been particularly badly affected.
“The instructor has had to clean up faeces and urine on an almost daily basis and remove sharps from the areas around the hall. She has two full sharps boxes as a result.”
He said that despite requests for help from the council none has been received.
“In fact, the owner was threatened with a fine if she did not clear up the rubbish being deposited by the people living in the tents in the churchyard,” he added.
“Subsequently, the council sold her a fence for around £5,000.
“Recently, however, the police has taken action to remove the encampments and we are very grateful for this action.
“However, the residents are concerned this may recur and indeed, last week, two further tents were put up.
“The proximity of this dangerous behaviour to the school in Park House, and to a family opposite with very young children, who have been distressed on several occasions, and to other users of the park remains a serious concern.
“And for children a safeguarding concern. Alongside this there is the issue of unofficial and unplanned events that take part at the evenings and weekends when no council officers are available to help.
“These matters occur alongside a notable increase in car and house breakings which I’ve never known in my time living in that area before.”
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate), the then cabinet member for community engagement, acknowledged the residents’ concerns.
“I completely take your point,” she said. “We have a responsibility as councillors to make sure that the response you are saying is that we put it is proportionate and effective.
“Actually, it’s not enough to simply say that something must be done. We need to actually act and see who is responsible, what evidence is required and how do we make sure the action we take really does make a difference.”
She also said she would welcome a meeting with residents to discuss how their concerns could be addressed.