Posted:
6:45 am August 31, 2019
Update:
21:17 October 9, 2020
A city garden is ravaged by drug use and smoking, according to its administrators, who have called for police patrols to eradicate the problem.
The Plantation Garden, nestled on Earlham Road in Norwich, offers visitors a secluded location in the center of town.
But administrators of the volunteer-run garden say the peaceful nature of the place is “marred” by smoking and the use of illegal substances.
In a statement shared on social media, a Plantation Garden spokesperson said, “Plantation Garden administrators have declared the garden a non-smoking area.
“This includes smoking weed.”
The Plantation Garden is ravaged by drug use and smoking, according to its administrators, who have called for police patrols to eradicate the problem. Photo: Archant
– Credit: Archant
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They added: “We deeply apologize to visitors whose time in the garden is wasted by smokers. We have requested police patrols.”
And a post on the garden’s Facebook page said, “This is a polite reminder that we do not allow dogs in the garden (other than assistance dogs) and we do not allow the consumption of tobacco or d ‘alcohol.
“The police are aware of the regular anti-social activity that is taking place and we have requested that they patrol the garden.
“Please be respectful and think of others by following these rules.”
Committee Chairman Roger Connah said: “We decided about three months ago and put a sign saying not to smoke in the garden because it was becoming more and more of a problem.
“It also gives us a reason to tell anyone who smokes cannabis that this is a smoke-free garden.
“We asked the police for advice because smoking cannabis offends our visitors.”
Mr Connah added: “It has always been a problem, but it is becoming more and more of a problem after the crackdown on Chapelfield Gardens.”
He said administrators approached police late last week.
“We ask the public to inform the police because the garden is not guarded 24/7”, he added.
“People love this place and want it to be respected.
“I think if the police were seen there multiple times it would do enough to reduce the problem.
“It’s not going to go away completely.”
And visitors to the garden shared their frustration with the issues, with some taking to social media to voice their concerns.
Gary Price said: “Wow some people just have no respect.
“Very nice place to visit and this behavior has no place in the gardens.”
While Mark Lee said: “My son was hoping to find a peaceful bolt hole but had the same experience with alcohol and tobacco use on his first visit.
“Unfortunately, I think that put him off for good.
“What a pity.”
Lyn Coleman added, “What a pity you need to post a review like this.
“There are always those who will seek to spoil the enjoyment of these beautiful places.
“Very happy with the ban on smoking and alcohol.”
And Nadine Weeks said, “When we visited a few weeks ago we came across a group of guys drinking and smoking weed with music blaring.
“It’s such a shame that they decide to do this in such a beautiful place.
“The police came while we were there and fixed the problem.”
Norfolk Police have been approached for comment, but were unable to confirm whether patrols of the garden would take place prior to the publication.
However, Mr Connah has confirmed that he will meet with police next week to discuss the matter.
The Jardin de la Plantation is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year, and people pay through an honesty cash register.
– Do you think the Jardin des Plantations should be a smoke-free space? Email reporter Jessica.Frank-Keyes@archant.co.uk
