City councillor condemns closure of churchyard gates

The closure of the St Mary De Crypt churchyard gates in Gloucester has come under fierce opposition from a city councillor.

The contained churchyard, which is open to members of the public, is located to the side of Cafe Rene in Westgate Street and is being closed for maintenance work.

It has been deemed as a “hot spot” for groups congregating and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, who represents Westgate ward for the Liberal Democrats, said: “I regularly walk through this little-gem of a churchyard, which is currently abundant with wildflowers.

“I understand that the gates will be shut for a set period of time to undertake much needed garden maintenance work, but also to break the habit of groups who are deemed as ‘problematic’.

“I would like to see the maintenance work done quickly and for the gates to be re-opened as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to see these gates closed for any longer than is necessary as this will hamper the enjoyment of this space for everyone.

“I don’t believe closing these gates will solve the issue of street drinking and anti-social behaviour, but instead it just simply moves individuals to other places in the city centre.

“I am already witnessing many areas across the city where groups of individuals are now congregating due to the fact the churchyard is now closed.

“In over 10 years of living in Gloucester, I have never seen so much deprivation, homelessness, and drug and alcohol addiction than what is being witnessed on Gloucester streets right now.

“Those authority figures who believe closing a churchyard is the answer to the anti-social behaviour of individuals in our city really need to think again.”