Move to close St Mary de Crypt churchyard won’t solve street drinking problem

The temporary closure of the St Mary De Crypt churchyard gates to tackle anti-social behaviour in Gloucester city centre has been severely criticised by an opposition councillor.

The contained churchyard, which is open to members of the public, is located to the side of Cafe Rene off Southgate Street and is closed for maintenance work.

It has been deemed as a “hot spot” for groups congregating and anti-social behaviour. And Gloucester City Council says the move is also aimed at reducing the impact of anti-social behaviour on businesses and people in the area.

But Gloucester City Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate), who represents the area, said closing these gates will not solve the city’s street drinking and anti-social behaviour problems but simply move them elsewhere.

“I regularly walk through this little-gem of a churchyard, which is currently abundant with wildflowers.

“I understand that the gates will be shut for a set period of time to undertake much needed garden maintenance work, but also to break the habit of groups who are deemed as ‘problematic’,” she said.

“I would like to see the maintenance work done quickly and for the gates to be re-opened as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to see these gates closed for any longer than is necessary as this will hamper the enjoyment of this space for everyone.

“I don’t believe closing these gates will solve the issue of street drinking and anti-social behaviour, but instead it just simply moves individuals to other places in the city centre.

“I am already witnessing many areas across the city where groups of individuals are now congregating due to the fact the churchyard is now closed.

“In over 10 years of living in Gloucester, I have never seen so much deprivation, homelessness, and drug and alcohol addiction than what is being witnessed on Gloucester streets right now.

“Those authority figures who believe closing a churchyard is the answer to the anti-social behaviour of individuals in our city really need to think again.”

Reverened Canon Nikki Arthy, who is the rector of St Mary de Crypt, said the church will continue to liaise with agencies, the city council and other churches and faith communities to care for those who are homeless and those who are drinking.

She explained the churchyard has been closed for burials since the 1960s and is in the care of the city council.

“It is a green space in the heart of the city centre and as such should be able to be enjoyed by all.

“We thank the volunteers who care for the churchyard and those who are concerned about all it means for the local community – spiritually, historically and environmentally.

“The churchyard gates are still open with access for all.

“However, the city council needs to close them for a short time in the near future, in order to carry out some much needed maintenance and respite, in response to the needs of local residents and businesses alike.

“This means that those who drink in the churchyard will no longer be able to do so.

“St Mary de Crypt will continue to liaise with local agencies, the city council and other churches and faith communities to care for those who are homeless and those who are drinking.

“The city centre needs to be a place where we can come together to ensure that all who live and work here, study or visit can flourish. As a church, we are committed to continuing to play a part in this process.”

A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said the closure is a temporary measure which is aimed at reducing the impact of anti-social behaviour on residents and nearby businesses.

“The closure of the churchyard gates is part of an operation to tackle anti-social behaviour in hotspots around the city centre,” they said.

“It is a temporary measure aiming at reducing the impact of anti-social behaviour on local businesses and people in the area and has been supported by the Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID).”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk