Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Cultural Scene
- Residents' Concerns
- Crime Statistics
- Business Closures
- Police Response
- Community Efforts
With its Regency architecture, lively cultural scene, and expansive gardens, it’s no surprise that over 4,000 millionaires have chosen Cheltenham as their residence.
This town, located on the edge of The Cotswolds, hosts several annual festivals, including one dedicated to literature, which helps attract around two million tourists each year.
Just one tent encampment in a popular public park in CheltenhamCredit: Sun Newspapers Ltd
The serene Gloucestershire town attracts over two million visitors annuallyCredit: Alamy
However, issues with drug and alcohol-affected homeless individuals are escalating
Residents are concerned that these issues in their picturesque town may deter visitors, as they contend with tent encampments and individuals using their beautifully maintained gardens as public restrooms.
This problem has been highlighted by residents near Imperial Gardens, where the Garden Bar hosts music events under the watchful gaze of the bronze statue of renowned composer Gustav Holst.
During the Cheltenham Literature and Jazz Festival in October, two tents were pitched right at the park's edge, and residents reported witnessing someone defecating in public and walking around naked at night.
Though those campers have since moved on, another tent was set up in the shrubbery by a man who huddled inside, clutching a can of lager, while diners at the nearby upscale Queens Hotel enjoyed their Champagne.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: “Having tents set up in the gardens will discourage people from wanting to visit the town, especially when they’re using the park as a restroom and walking around without clothes.”
“It’s a public hygiene issue, and someone needs to clean up after them.”
“Another resident mentioned they had taken a photo of public urination, but the council can take weeks to relocate them. During the festival, young schoolchildren had to walk past them when they should feel safe.”
Locals elsewhere in the town, where the occasional scent of cannabis lingers, believe Cheltenham has declined.
Accountant Julia Larcombe, 55, remarked: “I work here, and while it used to be known as the posh town in Gloucestershire, compared to its neighbor Gloucester, I don’t think it holds that status anymore.”
“Drunks loiter in the church gardens, and there are often tents set up there. There’s no police presence during the day, although they do come at night; during the day, there’s no one.”
Some individuals living on the streets have been reported to walk around naked and instigate fights
Julia Larcombe fears the recent rise in crime will have negative consequences for CheltenhamCredit: Adrian Sherratt
“It can feel quite unsafe at times, and it could dissuade people from visiting.”
“There are homeless individuals who require assistance with mental health and substance abuse issues, but I don’t believe we do enough to help them.”
Brawling Homeless
At the bottom of the High Street, stall trader Bob Davidson, 65, remarked that groups of intoxicated individuals often gather on the town’s benches.
“They’re usually there, especially around 7 am, with three or four men present. Sometimes they’re harmless, but other times something triggers them, and they start shouting and fighting.”
“We see people going to the clothing bank to get outfits, but they leave the clothes scattered across the car park instead of returning them properly.”
“Having a stall on the street, we often have people walking by trying to steal something, but
