Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a response to fears raised by members of the public about drug taking and anti-social behaviour in an 'unsafe' community space used by dog walkers, families and picnickers.

Last week it was reported that drug paraphernalia, including needles, was found in a community orchard within the grounds of Cornwall Council’s headquarters at New County Hall / Lys Kernow in Truro. The spot has also been blighted by dumped rubbish, vomit and human faeces.

It is situated adjacent to 18 pods used as emergency accommodation for homeless people. The growing incidents of anti-social behaviour around the community orchard, off Treyew Road, and neighbouring Newham Trail were raised at the last meeting of Truro City Council.

Looking towards the community orchard at the rear of New County Hall / Lys Kernow in Truro (Pic: Lee Trewhela / LDRS)

Looking towards the community orchard at the rear of New County Hall / Lys Kernow in Truro (Pic: Lee Trewhela / LDRS)

A dog walker, who regularly uses public space, said she felt 'unsafe', explaining: “I’ve really had enough of the way the area has gone down the pan. I live very close to the trail. Since the pods were used to house the homeless, there are now huge issues on the Newham Trail with litter, empty alcohol bottles, discarded bedding and clothing.

“There are also larger numbers of homeless people hanging around the area, shouting, swearing and taking drugs. I no longer feel safe as a lone female walking my dog.

“The community orchard has become a meeting place for drinking alcohol and camping. It’s a disgusting health hazard. I had to stop my dog from eating human excrement last week and I decided then that I would now completely avoid the area. I also stopped walking in the Fox’s Reserve area [an urban nature reserve near New County Hall] as people were taking drugs in there at the bottom end.”

The woman, who did not want to be named, added: “I have contacted the council on more than one occasion but have not received any feedback so far. The environmental department said to me that it was a housing issue and housing said it was environmental. It’s a shame because there was a huge amount spent on redeveloping the Newham Trail and now it has become totally unsafe.”

A tent has been put up in the middle of the community orchard (Pic: Lee Trewhela / LDRS)

A tent has been put up in the middle of the community orchard (Pic: Lee Trewhela / LDRS)

Cornwall Council still hasn’t commented on the anti-social behaviour within its grounds, but a spokesperson for the local police has now responded to the concerns.

Devon and Cornwall Police neighbourhood team leader Sgt Dave Pearce said: “We are aware of concerns raised with regards to the garden areas at the rear of County Hall.

“The local neighbourhood officer has been working with staff at the site and partner agencies to resolve the concerns raised. Regular patrols are conducted in the area and Truro neighbourhood team have a good working relationship with the teams on site.”

Since the original story was published, tents in the orchard area have gone and Biffa has carried out a big clean-up of the area.