Cannell Green problems with drug taking on Norwich bench

Jonathan Baker has lived in Cannell Green in NR3 since 2009 but eight months ago Norwich City Council erected a communal bench at the back of his home.

The 41-year-old has been begging the council to have the bench removed after attracting anti-social behaviour. 

The communal bench was put up by Norwich City Council eight months ago (Image: Jonathan Baker)

Mr Baker said: "It's been a nightmare ever since it was put there.

"No one actually sits on the bench but at night people hang around it and do drugs - I've seen needles left there.

"Being right outside my bedroom window as well there's been the horrible smell of marijuana and I can't sleep because it's so loud.

Jonathan Baker, 41, said it's been a nightmare since the bench was built (Image: Jonathan Baker)

"I've been reporting it to the council constantly to try and get the bench moved to somewhere more open but no one has replied or done anything.

"I've also reported one of the incidents to the police who have been helpful in trying to get things resolved."

A police spokeswoman confirmed a report of suspicious behaviour at 10.35pm on Wednesday had been received.

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She said: "The incident occurred on the same day when two men were seen to be taking drugs outside of an address in Cannell Green.   

The Cannell Green area on the outskirts of the city centre (Image: Google Maps)

"The incident has been referred to the local beat team."

The constant issues have Mr Baker feeling anxious and afraid to leave his home.

He added: "I feel like I should go out and confront them but it makes me so anxious and I can't bring myself to leave the house.

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"None of the neighbours wanted the bench here either and I really can't take it anymore - the council needs to do something."

The bench is next to Mr Baker's bedroom window and leads out into the communal garden area (Image: Jonathan Baker)

A city council spokesman said: "We were recently made aware of the issues Mr Baker is reporting.

"We'll be engaging with Mr Baker, the police and others in the coming days to look into the issues and see what can be done to address any anti-social behaviour that's occurring.

"The safety of residents is a priority for us."

Norwich City Council said it would be working with police as to what it could do to address any anti-social behaviour in the area (Image: Google Maps)