The smell in Castle Park has been described as ‘unsuitable for children’
Spring blossom in Castle Park(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Bristol Live readers have been debating the noticeable scent of cannabis in Bristol’s parks, an issue that is getting under everyone’s noses. Residents have taken to the comments section to voice their concerns regarding the issue.
Castle Park, a popular spot for families, has been criticised as inappropriate for children due to the strong smell of cannabis, a substance which remains a Class B drug. This distinctive odour has led to some questioning the appropriateness of Castle Park as a family environment owing to its frequent use by cannabis smokers, particularly during the annual 420 event which draws crowds every April.
The issue extends beyond the park’s boundaries, with the ‘Bristol fog’ being a familiar presence throughout the city. A common theme among readers was a lack of visible policing, although Bristol’s force has previously said it is prioritising catching drug dealers above catching drug users.
Onlooker2 writes: “Castle Park has always been a magnet for low lifes. A bit more police presence would help ordinary people enjoy it safely.”
Bmw says: “Force the police to give up the unsavoury things they are doing now and to police the area correctly, get them out of cars and start walking the beat ! A police presence would help, letting them sit in cars has not the same effect!”
Utg comments: “France has recently banned smoking in public parks and on beaches and near schools. I hope we follow suit. The Castle park upgrade can’t come soon enough, wouldn’t ever take kids there given the open drug dealing and dope smoking.”
Fisherman19 adds: “Yes, not a place to be on your own for any length of time. And not just Castle Park, our Police have lost control, just as many citizens predicted.”
Waltertower believes: “The Police need to visit the pubs in the Old Market area. I went in one a couple of weeks ago and there were several student types in. As soon as they came in the pub you could smell the stuff on them. Did the bar stuff do anything? Nope, they’re students too!”
Webbo3 says: “The police seem to be ignoring a lot of things in Bristol, smoking dope, aggressive begging, riding illegal scooters, riding bikes and scooters on the pavement, riding the hire scooter 2 up. St James park is just as bad.”
Gosub feels: “Thing is you can smell it everywhere. Just walk around Bristol and I bet you’ll smell it. I personally dislike the smell of it.”
Banksstuart2 writes: “Unfortunately the smell of cannabis is everywhere an individual goes or stays in the city centre and outlying districts of the city centre of Bristol, even within my multiple floor apartment building. Where its evil stench pervades into my personal airspace by coming through the air vents from other apartments above and below my 4th communal floor.
“I have reported it to the Bristol City Council landlords of our property. But they cannot do anything about preventing this criminal act of stopping residents and their visitors from smoking this harmful and illegal practice unless its source is identified to a particular apartment, and that is what offenders depend upon.”
Last month Bristol’s police force confirmed it will no longer stop and search people just because they smell of cannabis. However, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “Anyone seen to be in possession of cannabis – or indeed any illegal substance – is breaking the law and will continue as before to be dealt with in the most appropriate manner.
“This includes criminal prosecution, police caution, or being offered other intervention, such as educational programmes. Our priority is always first and foremost to target those who supply illegal substances and the new policy will not in any way impact on officers’ ability to do that.”
Do you feel that some of Bristol’s parks are no-go areas due to the smog that lingers around them? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.