Fears ‘Residents too scared to use bus stops’
ABRISTOL community is hoping to reclaim two bus stops after residents became too scared to use them.
Locals say the Robertson Road bus stops on Stapleton Road near the M32 skate park in Easton have become a centre for antisocial and sometimes violent behaviour, fuelled by drink and drugs.
Businessman Arif Khan said: “We have had some problems related to drugs and alcohol around here but in the last four to five months it has been terrible.”
He said people began congregating underneath the M32 bridge before taking permanent refuge at the bus stop outside the old Jobcentre.
The community leader said young girls recently shielded inside his business out of fear of the bus stop.
He said: “Schooldchildren come in the evening and due to the drugs and alcohol and everything around here, children are scared to walk by. We had to literally walk them to the next street.”
Sadiq Mohamed, owner of Easton Halal Butcher, said people continue to drink alcohol and sell drugs at a bus stop directly outside of his store.
He said: “It’s 24/7 with these types of people out here making trouble.
“It’s really bad for the business and the area.”
Mr Mohamed does not sell alcohol although other stores nearby do.
He said he recently had his car windshield smashed because of people under the influence.
Despite challenges his businesses face, he believes with more street monitoring by the police, the area can improve.
Elena Zaharia 27, a member at Brunel Associates, said she now uses a bus stop further up Stapleton Road out of fear of being followed.
She said: “Last year it was one or two guys staying around but this year, it has just become worse and worse.
“Because they are drunk, they are fighting sometimes and the women are quite violent – you don’t know what is in the mind of a drunk and high person.”
She said if police were more present in the area she would feel much safer.
The police say they are aware of residents’ concerns.
Avon and Somerset Chief Inspector Paul Wigginton said: “The Easton neighbourhood team are aware of an ongoing problem of antisocial behaviour at the bus stops on Stapleton Road.
“We share the concerns of the local community and are working with them and local partners to tackle the issues.
“A problem-solving plan is in place which includes high visibility patrols of the area, with officers aiming to target persistent offenders, using ASB legislation where necessary to disperse groups causing a disturbance.
“In the last fortnight there have been two significant arrests relating to individuals supplying class A drugs at the location.
“As ever we encourage the general public to work with us and report any criminal activity and/or anti-social behaviour they witness by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. All reports will be thoroughly investigated.”