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Petersfield residents say they have noticed needles, drug equipment, and human excrement in the cemeteryDrug paraphernalia in Mill Road Cemetery(Image: Public)Cambridge residents fear restrictions on dog walkers are contributing to an “uptick in drug use” in a city centre cemetery.Neil, who asked to use only his first name, has lived in Petersfield for five years. He used to regularly walk his dog in Mill Road Cemetery, but says it has now become an “intimidating place to go”.He said: “It’s never been this bad before – there’s always been occasional drug taking, kids smoking weed and stuff, but this is a whole new level. The other day someone found seven needles lying by the path and there’s been human excrement and drug equipment found there.”He said residents have seen “what appears to be drug dealing” in the cemetery with “people handing over cash and receiving packages”. He said: “It’s definitely a scary place to go.“There’s a lot fewer dog walkers than in previous summers – it used to be the case where you would go at five o’clock and the place was full.”Dogs are currently banned from being off-lead in the cemetery between March 1 and July 31. Cambridge City Council is consulting on extending the ban year round.Drug paraphernalia in Mill Road Cemetery(Image: Public)Some residents fear this will reduce footfall even more, making the cemetery even more of a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.Neil said: “I think the council is proposing for dogs to be kept on leads all year – I’m obviously biased as a dog walker, but I’m really worried that’s going to make the situation worse. I feel like there are bigger issues in the cemetery than dogs being off leads.”Donna, another Petersfield resident who asked to use only her first name, said the council has recently “ramped up their patrols” and the policy “seems to have had unintended consequences”.Locals said they have noticed needles and other drug equipment in the cemetery(Image: Public)She said: “Ever since then I think fewer dog walkers go there – even though the cemetery is one of the few enclosed spaces where dogs can be safely let off the lead in central Cambridge. I do understand the need to protect ground nesting birds, but what about the need to protect human beings?“The dog walkers who used to visit the cemetery were a large community of people who walked there all day long. For me, their absence is keenly felt.”Will, who asked to use only his first name, also lives in Petersfield. He agrees that the issue has “fundamentally got worse” with fewer people going to the cemetery.He said: “It’s gotten much worse the last two or three weeks – it’s becoming really antisocial; needles on the ground, rubbish, human feces and lots of people hanging around. It’s almost like you’re looking over your shoulder – it’s easier when it’s lighter but I certainly wouldn’t be going there in the winter months.“I feel there needs to be some measures put in place – certainly more police patrols in the area and police taking more action to tackle low-level street dealing.” He suggested measures such as closing the gates, adding more lighting or CCTV cameras.But, Will continued, “It’s beautiful because it’s private – so how do you create this place, supposed to be a place of respect, where people aren’t worried about dangerous individuals around?“I just think, fundamentally, Cambridge is such a beautiful city because it has a really lovely mixture of thriving urban city and beautifully kept green spaces. And one of the green spaces often forgotten about is the cemetery.“Mill Road and the surrounding area can sometimes get a bit of a bad reputation, but it’s a beautiful road with thriving businesses. Other commons in the city are beautifully maintained and looked after and I would love to see that area become somewhere people can take their children and ultimately feel safe.”A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the force has stepped up patrols in the area. A 32-year-old man from Oldham was arrested last week on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.They said: “We are aware of issues with drug dealing in the area, as a result we have increased foot patrols and we are working closely with partner agencies to tackle the issue. We would encourage people to come forward and report any issues online or via 101, always call 999 in an emergency.”Cambridge City Council has been contacted for comment.

A public consultation on the plans ran from 4 to 25 February and received four concerns and one letter of support for the plans.One resident did not believe the speed limit had contributed to incidents on the road, but supported introducing the traffic island to help with vehicles cutting the corner when turning onto the west end part of the road.In response to the objections, council officers said the island would be combined with the speed pads to “provide a more effective traffic calming solution over a greater length of road”. They added: “Regarding noise and vibration, these are generally associated with vehicles traversing traffic calming measures at excessive speeds.”The proposed design, including narrowing with the island, is intended to encourage lower vehicle speeds and smoother vehicle movements, which should help to minimise such effects.”