Gloucester Councillor Proposes Ban on “Heroin Addicts and Drunks” from City Centre

A local councillor has expressed a desire to prohibit “heroin addicts and drunks” from a specific city centre area. During a Gloucester City Council meeting held on Thursday, Councillor Andrew Bell articulated his concerns regarding “widespread street drinking and drug use.” Mr. Bell identified the Longsmith Street car park as a location experiencing a “particular problem.” Rebecca Trimnell, who serves as the community engagement cabinet member, stated: “At the end of the day they are human beings, they’ve got problems and we need to help them.” Mr. Bell recounted that a friend employed at the car park is “frightened to death about going there every day”. He added, “She has to open up in the morning and in the dark,” and continued, “It has to be two of them.“ “We’ve got to do something about it,” Mr. Bell asserted. He further stated, “These people need banning from the city centre because if they aren’t high they are drunk. And we don’t need it.” Ms. Trimnell indicated that additional efforts are required to address the situation, noting that the city council is developing a plan. “Don’t get me wrong it is a problem,” she remarked, clarifying, “I’m not enforcement led but engagement led.” She concluded, “I’m not one of these people who think we should get rid of these people from our streets.”