By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
People “feel unsafe” in Gloucester city centre after months of “daily” anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse.
Some residents say the persistent anti-social behaviour is severely impacting their safety, well-being and quality of life at home and has been a “constant, daily issue” since June.
Westgate city councillor Howard Hyman (LD) claims there has been a lack of police patrols in both the city centre and Gloucester Park during the day and night.
“I have had correspondence with the local police inspector and they are doing their best to address all the concerns I have raised with them which includes anti-social behaviour in the city centre as well as the park,” he said.
A resident who lives near Gloucester Park has complained that despite the area being designated within the city centre alcohol-free zone, “severe breaches have continued completely unchecked”.
“This has been a constant, daily issue spanning from mid-June 2026 until today, August 18, 2026,” they said.
They have reported open public drinking with groups consistently gathering in the park with open containers of alcohol, displaying disruptive behaviour.
And they alleged there has been “frequent, blatant smoking of cannabis and suspected drug use in broad daylight”.
“Large gatherings often include individuals experiencing severe mental health crises or intoxication, leading to shouting, public nuisance, and an environment that feels unsafe for local residents,” they said in their complaint.
“These issues are most prevalent from 2pm until the early hours of the morning, disrupting both daytime peace and night-time rest.
“The current lack of visible enforcement is letting down the local community. I request that the Solace team, in partnership with Gloucestershire Constabulary, increases targeted patrols and enforces the active public spaces protection order restrictions by confiscating alcohol and issuing penalties to repeat offenders.”
Gloucester’s neighbourhood policing team say they are aware of the anti-social behaviour in Gloucester Park and are taking action to tackle it.
“The behaviour of the individuals responsible is causing understandable distress to people who live and work locally, and we are listening to their concerns and taking action to stop it,” a constabulary spokesperson said.
“Working with our partners including Gloucester City Council and Solace, we have already taken measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Gloucester Park. This included joint activity on Friday by our neighbourhood policing team.
“There will be increased police patrols in and around the park in the coming days in order to provide visibility and reassurance to residents, as well as targeted activity in the park to curb the anti-social behaviour.
“Further work is also planned and will be taking place over the coming weeks.”
Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Inspector James O’Neill said: “We are working with our partners to address the concerns of local residents and make the area in and around Gloucester Park a safe and pleasant place to be.
“I’d urge people in the vicinity of Gloucester Park to continue reporting any incidents of anti-social behaviour they witness. The more we know, the more we can do to prevent further incidents from happening so that people feel safe in their homes and communities.”
Gloucester City Council said their city centre engagement officers and the Solace anti-social behaviour team have been in direct contact with many residents regarding these concerns. They are actively working with partners to address the issues being reported, they said.
And there is ongoing work to address anti-social behaviour, street drinking, and associated community safety concerns within Gloucester Park and the city centre.
Community engagement cabinet member Rebecca Trimnel (LD, Westgate) said they will take appropriate enforcement action to ensure public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.
“We fully recognise the impact that persistent anti-social behaviour can have on residents, businesses and visitors, and we are committed to working closely with Gloucestershire Constabulary and our partners to address concerns and improve confidence in these areas,” she said.
Cllr Trimnell also said they recognise that many of those involved face complex challenges, including homelessness, poor mental health, addiction and other vulnerabilities.
“Alongside enforcement, we work hard with partners to provide support and opportunities that can help people make positive changes in their lives.
“This is a complex issue with no single solution, which is why a balanced approach is so important. We welcome the Government’s commitment to reducing homelessness and look forward to seeing how its plans develop and support local efforts to tackle the root causes of these issues.”
Authorities have encouraged residents to continue reporting incidents to the relevant organisations to build a clearer picture of emerging issues, target resources effectively and support future enforcement activity where it is needed most.