Hove community garden blighted by drug dealing and violence

Volunteers at the Waterloo Street Arches garden in Hove say people “use it like a toilet”,  smash plant pots and tear plants out of the ground.

A recent rise in problems has been linked by residents to the closure of a nearby homeless shelter.

Brighton and Hove City Council refuted the claim, saying there was "no evidence" to say it was linked. 

One volunteer at the garden, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of violence, said: "They’ve got knives and all sorts stashed round here. Some bloke walked through with a full syringe.

“It's senseless damage. They are lawless, they use it as toilet.”

Another said: “It’s heartbreaking. I felt physically sick when I saw the damage.”

Residents said the garden, which is near The Old Market theatre, has been blighted by antisocial behaviour for years.

The garden, part of which was originally funded by Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging author Louise Rennison, is run entirely by volunteers.

They said problems have got worse since the closure of the St Patrick’s Night Shelter in nearby Cambridge Road.

Damaged tables and chairs in the garden (Image: Supplied)

Antisocial behaviour has also been reported in neighbouring streets with the area from Norfolk Square to Palmeira Square particularly affected.

City councillor Andrei Czolak, ward councillor for Brunswick and Adelaide and policy lead for community safety, said:  “I met with residents earlier this week to talk about their ongoing concerns around antisocial behaviour in Waterloo Street. We are now liaising with Sussex Police and have requested increased patrols in the area.

“We will continue to work with Sussex Police and other local agencies to address local concerns and will do everything we can to reduce harm caused by drugs and alcohol for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Brighton and Hove.

Damaged plant pots and chairs (Image: Supplied)

“We currently have no evidence to say this is linked to the closure of St Patrick’s but tackling antisocial behaviour in our city and working to reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol is a priority for this council.

“Recent incidents unfortunately demonstrate the unacceptable way in which some people are willing to treat our public spaces. Waterloo Street Community Garden is a space created, cared for and used by local residents and we’re very grateful to those residents who dedicate their time to caring for their community. We will do everything we can to help protect them.

Damaged benches (Image: Supplied)

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "Following reports of antisocial behaviour in the Waterloo Street area of Hove we have been in touch with local residents and enhanced our regular foot patrols to address these concerns. 

"While we have increased our presence in the Brunswick and Adelaide ward, we want to remind the public that your reports are crucial.

"Reports help us build a clear picture of what is affecting the local community and allow us to implement measures to address these issues effectively.

"We will continue to maintain a visible presence across Brighton and Hove, and work with community partners to enhance safety and address the root causes of antisocial behaviour.

"If you see a PCSO, please don’t hesitate to approach them with any concerns or questions.

"We thank the community for your continued support and remain committed to making neighbourhoods safer for everyone.

"If you have concerns to report to police, you can get in touch online, or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999."

Anyone with information about the community garden vandalism is urged to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 341 of 21/08.