Families living near Gloucester Park have expressed deep concerns about escalating issues involving public drinking, drug use, unauthorised encampments, and unhygienic conditions affecting their community and local children’s activities.
Over the past six to twelve months, unauthorised camps have repeatedly appeared on the green spaces adjacent to Christ Church, Brunswick Road, and within Gloucester Park itself. According to residents speaking at a Gloucester City Council meeting on 24 September, some occupants of these encampments have exhibited disruptive and intimidating behaviour.
Mark Pietroni represented a group of twelve Montpellier area residents urging action to address these problems, highlighting that a children’s martial arts club has been severely impacted. He detailed that the instructor has frequently had to clear faeces and urine and dispose of syringes found near the community hall, with two full sharps boxes already collected.
READ MORE: Concerns Raised Over Parking as Gloucester Tower Block Demolition Plan Advances
READ MORE: Gloucester family discovers CCTV camera installed inside their home
The residents are calling for the introduction of a public space protection order to prohibit alcohol and drug consumption, public urination and defecation, overnight camping, and excessive noise within the park. They have also requested that the council ensure all street lighting is functional, park gates are locked at night, and the existing CCTV system is actively monitored and records incidents.
Moreover, they seek increased police patrols during both day and night hours to discourage aggressive conduct and drug use, particularly citing concerns about people gathering near the aviary to smoke cannabis, inhale nitrous oxide, consume alcohol, and engage in hostile behaviour.
Mr Pietroni emphasised the impact on local families: “Those using the park and residents nearby have endured aggressive language, threatening behaviour, and persistent disturbances late into the night. The accumulation of tents, improvised furniture, and rubbish has significantly altered the area’s character.”
He further reported that despite appeals for assistance, the council’s response has been limited. For instance, the martial arts hall owner was once threatened with a fine if she did not clear rubbish left by encampment occupants and was later charged approximately £5,000 for a fence installation.
Recent police intervention has led to the removal of some encampments, which the community has welcomed. However, Mr Pietroni expressed concern about recurrence, noting that two new tents were erected just last week. The proximity of these activities to Park House School and a family with very young children-who have experienced distress-raises serious safeguarding concerns.
Additionally, residents report informal and unregulated events occurring during evenings and weekends when council officers are unavailable, alongside a noticeable rise in car and house break-ins in the area, unprecedented in Mr Pietroni’s experience living there.
Responding to the concerns, Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, the then cabinet member for community engagement, acknowledged the seriousness of the issues. She assured residents that councillors are committed to acting responsibly and effectively: “It’s vital we identify those responsible, gather necessary evidence, and ensure any measures put in place genuinely address the problems. I would welcome a meeting with residents to explore how best to respond to their concerns.”