Norwich: Wensum Park and Sandy Park drug problems in NR3

It comes after police started a poll for people to vote on where the Norwich North Safer Neighbourhood Team should focus on.

Among the options were "drug issues" around both Wensum Park in Mile Cross and Sandy Park in Mousehold Avenue, as well Constitution Hill and St Clements Hill.

Wensum Park, in NR3, is a popular place for joggers, families, and dog walkers alike - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Sarah Cunnington has two children, aged nine and two years old, but has stopped taking them to Wensum Park because of the issues there.

The 30-year-old said: "There's always some sort of drug dealing going on there so it definitely needs patrolling more.

"It's the biggest issue we have in this area.

Svetmar Dimitrov, 31, lives in Lime Kiln Mews opposite Wensum Park - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"I'm always finding needles around, so there's definitely a drug problem around and something needs to be done about it."

Svetmar Dimitrov, who lives in Lime Kiln Mews opposite Wensum Park, added: "It's 
​absolutely the most pressing need.

"There's always a smell of something around the area, mainly coming from the park.

People living nearby say they're aware of the drug issues which happen in and around Wensum Park - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Michael Harrington, 77, regularly walks around Wensum Park and said: "Thankfully I’ve never been in contact with anyone dealing or doing drugs but it needs to be monitored.

"I think it would be good to have more police patrol the area just so people can feel a bit more safe."

Tracy Smyth lives in Gertrude Road, opposite Sandy Park, and notices the anti-social presence.

Michael Harrington, 77, says he usually goes for a walk around Wensum Park - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

She said: "I'm well aware of the drug issues because you'll see groups of people hanging out at the park and you know what they're doing.

"If I park up quite late I’ll ring my husband to come and walk me back to the house - I won't walk up on my own.

"It's worth more police patrolling the area as they'll hopefully see any groups hanging around the park and move them on."

Sandy Park, in NR3, which has been chosen as one of the areas for Norwich North Safer Neighbourhood Team to focus on drug issues - Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)