Edinburgh Road car park in Ashford being used as 'drug den'
06:00, 10 June 2019
updated: 09:57, 10 June 2019
Extra security measures will not be installed at a hotspot for anti-social behaviour - due to the likelihood of CCTV systems being vandalised.
The stairwell to the Edinburgh Road Car Park in Ashford has been increasingly used as a “drug den”, according to some, with shopping trolleys allegedly being flung from the top.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “As a regular user of the council-owned car park, it is more than apparent that the stairwells are being used as a ‘drug den’.
“When the lifts are regularly out of service you have no other choice but to use the stairwells, where you are regularly confronted by the thick smog-like smoke of marijuana being used, which in turn you inhale and then drive your car.
“Police would soon prosecute you if you were stopped and had traces of this in your system. What happens if you have an allergy to the effects of marijuana?
“I’ve approached Ashford Borough Council on numerous occasions but they are not interested.
“The stairwells are also strewn with discarded alcohol bottles and cans and are used as a toilet. There was even blood everywhere the other week.”
"It is more than apparent that the stairwells are being used as a ‘drug den’..."
Groups of youths are often seen hanging around the stairwell, which bears graffiti on its walls and has recently had a window smashed on one of the higher floors.
A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council said: “We are aware of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the stairwell at Edinburgh Road car park.
“Park Mall’s cleaning team regularly sweep and wash down the public stairwell, which has just been completely redecorated. We are aware that a window has recently been smashed between levels two and three and this is awaiting repairs.
“Security measures have been reviewed but it is considered likely that any new CCTV system could be vandalised due to the low level of the ceilings. However we are constantly reviewing the additional need in line with any incidents.
“We take all incidents of anti-social behaviour seriously and we would encourage people to report any concerns they have to the council and also to Kent Police.
“In addition to a proactive and thorough cleaning regime, our Civil Enforcement Officers make regular visits to the car park and all reported concerns are reviewed and additional measures are taken where available and necessary. It should be noted that the car park is closed from 8.30pm to 6am, Monday to Friday, and 7.30pm to 6am on Saturday and Sunday.”
