A DISABLED man claims “abusive” anti-social behaviour in Castle Park has left him feeling “frightened” about visiting the beauty spot.
Floyd Thurgood said people swearing loudly, drinking alcohol and taking drugs in plain view has made for a “threatening” atmosphere.
The former homeless support worker was speaking during a meeting of Colchester Council’s crime and disorder committee on Tuesday evening.
He also raised concerns about rule-flouters riding bicycles at speed and walking their dogs in Upper Castle Park despite bans in place.
Mr Thurgood said: “I’m very concerned about the anti-social behaviour and I do feel quite frightened often in the park.
“It’s the cyclists, the dog walkers, the skateboarders and the drinkers and drug takers.”
The resident said he often sits in the bandstand or the sensory garden but tall grass allows for people to “behave as they want to” there due to being concealed.
He said the park is a place to “sit and recover and to find repose” but claimed the sanctuary is being ruined.
Mr Thurgood explained he is going blind in one eye, making people riding their bikes through the park more intimidating for him.
“I have occasionally asked people to get off their bikes or to stop. Sometimes they’re helpful and sometimes they’re abusive,” he added.
“This becomes quite threatening to me and to members of the park.”
He continued: “If I was doing that job [park warden], I just wouldn’t expect to have that confrontation with members of the public who feel it is their right to use the park in an abusive way.
“Sometimes it’s quite frightening. Sometimes I just leave the park because there is too much anti-social behaviour going on.”
Responding to Mr Thurgood during the meeting, the council’s communities boss Natalie Sommers said she will “take another look” at the signage highlighting the rules of the park.
She said: “I’m sorry to hear you’ve experienced this abuse, but I will take this back to the relevant cabinet members that look after Castle Park.
“[We will] look at the community wardens and try to enforce the laws which govern Castle Park.”
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