Community effort to ensure Stapleton Road is a place where all can thrive

Arif Khan has worked on Stapleton Road for 31 years and is proud to be a part of what he says is a wonderful neighbourhood.

But the co-owner of Brunel Associates says there has been growing concern over the last few months about a rise in antisocial behaviour around two of the bus stops outside his premises, which is affecting the wider community and making people feel unsafe.

He, along with other business owners, youth workers and police, are coordinating efforts to solve the issue and ensure support structures are in place for anyone in need of help.

“We can only try to help one another,” says Arif.

“We have a wonderful neighbourhood around here and we need to work together to ensure the safety of all and seek positive outcomes.”

Arif Khan (second from right) has run his business on Stapleton Road for 31 years – photo by Ellie Pipe

Business owners and residents have raised concerns about a small group of people congregating in the bus stops and drinking, with little adherence to social distancing guidelines. There have been reports of cat calls and young girls being followed on their way home.

Khalil Abdi is among those coordinating a community response to address the issues. His main concern is around the safeguarding of young people, many of whom have suffered disproportionately as a result of the pandemic and are spending more time on the street where they are more vulnerable.

“The main thing is we want to make this place safe and reduce the fear of crime for everybody,” Khalil tells Bristol24/7, looking out to the bus stop next to the former job centre where people have been congregating.

“We want the area to be a place where everyone can thrive.”

Feisal Said (left) and Khalil Abdi of Bristol Horn Youth Concern are out on Stapleton Road most days to provide support where it is needed – photo by Ellie Pipe

The founder of Bristol Horn Youth Concern acts as a point of contact for business owners and the wider community, as well as providing support for young people and signposting to the services available locally.

With increased safeguarding concerns triggered by the Covid-19 restrictions and lack of activities, he and his team are out each day to signpost those in need of help and work to support young people and their families.

“We don’t want to move the problem on to somewhere else, we want to help,” adds Khalil.

“There are women with young children who should feel safe at the bus stop. We need all businesses and communities to come together to help.”

He says he is grateful for the police response and believes making the area a no-drinking zone would help in tackling some of the antisocial behaviour.

Sadiq Mohamed, the owner of Easton Halal Butcher, wants to see a coordinated effort to address recent issues – photo by Ellie Pipe

Sadiq Mohamed, the owner of Easton Halal Butcher, agrees a coordinated approach is needed to tackle the issues that he says are affecting his business.

“People stand outside by the bus stop and they drink and make trouble for us,” says Sadiq, who has been running his shop for two and a half years and doesn’t sell any alcohol.

He says the actions of a small minority are putting people off coming into his premises and he has called the police several times but says those responsible for antisocial behaviour just return.

“A more community coordinated approach would help,” adds Sadiq. “We really want the police and council to come together and try to sort it out with us.”

Duncan James says it’s important young people know support is available for them – photo courtesy of Duncan James

Duncan James is an engagement worker with Learning Partnership West. His main concern is to ensure that no young people in the neighbourhood slip through the net at a time when support is needed more than ever.

“With lockdown, people are going through a lot, from anxiety and depression to having quite disturbed home lives,” says Duncan.

“There is a section on Stapleton Road where there are a few issues and quite a few young people are quite afraid to walk around that area now.

“What we have noticed as well is there are more young people hanging around two of the bus stops. They are quite vulnerable and there is concern that they will be exploited so we have been spending a lot of time there and talking to young people.

“It’s finding out who needs support who may not be receiving it. We get young people who slip through the system.”

Speaking about the area in which he grew up, Duncan adds: “This area as a whole is the best area in Bristol. It has its issues but it’s the most energetic, vibrant and multicultural area of the whole city.

“All over Bristol, we are seeing young people who have suffered from the pandemic especially around mental health. There are also those young people who may not want to be in the home because they think the street is a better, safer place for them. It’s really important that they know we are there for them.”

Chief inspector Paul Wigginton said police share the concerns of the local community and are working with them and local partners to tackle the issues.

He said: “A problem-solving plan is in place which includes high visibility patrols of the area, with officers aiming to target persistent offenders, using ASB legislation where necessary to disperse groups causing a disturbance.

“As ever, we encourage the general public to work with us and report any criminal activity and/or anti-social behaviour they witness by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. All reports will be thoroughly investigated.”

Main photo by Ellie Pipe

Read more: The challenge of supporting young people through the pandemic