Workers on Castle Street in Belfast City Centre have said something needs to be done to improve a "horrible" area plagued by anti-social behaviour.
Castle Street has become a hotspot for drug abuse and anti-social behaviour in Belfast over the past few years with those working in the area saying they see dealing taking place every day and "people constantly off of their heads".
They claim the street is "stained with spillages and p**s" and can feel like quite a scary place in the evening.
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However despite this, the businesses on the street have a very good working relationship together and support one another, and if you look past the anti-social behaviour there are many lovely people who shop and spend time there.
Belfast Live spoke with a number of shop workers on Castle Street, who did not wish to be named, who described what life is like working on the street and whether or not its reputation is justified.
One worker who had been on Castle Street for a number of years said that there are problems with drink and drugs in the area, but "things are not as bad as it is made out to be".
He credited the close proximity to homeless hostels as one of the reasons the area can be a hotspot for anti-social behaviour as it is a meeting point for people who then move on elsewhere in the city centre.
The ages of those involved in the anti-social behaviour range from 19 to 65.
He said: "There definitely are problems down here but it is not nearly as bad as it is made out to be. You do see people dealing in the street and people who are high or drunk, but if you get speaking to some of them they can be lovely people who are just down on their luck and going through a rough patch.
"The big reason why this is a bit of a hotspot for things is that it is so close to the hostels up the road, and when everyone is kicked out in the morning they meet up in Castle Street. It is also the closest off-licence to them in the town.
"There have been a few worrying incidents which have stayed with me, like when I found a woman who overdosed at the side of the shop, but because of that I've looked at ways at helping others that might be in that situation and have been trained to use Naloxone. Sadly I think that woman went on to have another overdose later that day.
"If there was some facilities for these people to use when they are not at their hostels instead of being out in the street, I don't think we would see the problems that we do.
"What people don't hear about on Castle Street though is the brilliant relationship that all of the shops and businesses have with one another. Everyone on the street gets on very well and we rely on and support each other with whatever is needed."
Another worker said that it was "horrible" working on the "disgusting" street, saying the only good thing there were the people who work on it and the regular customers they have.
She complained about the streets being "covered in spillages and p**s" with constant drug abuse and dealing taking place.
She said: "It is just horrible working down here, the place is disgusting. All of the pavements and walls are covered in spillages from drinks or p**s.
"You constantly see people out in the street dealing god knows what to each other and nothing seems to be done about it ever.
"Just look at the place, it is like it has been forgotten about. One of the buildings collapsed a few months ago and the rubble from it is still sitting there."
Another worker said that once they finish in the evening if there is not a bus coming quickly, then they walk away from the area to get it somewhere else.
She said: "When you finish up in the evening it can be a bit threatening in the street outside. If my bus isn't coming very soon I tend to go somewhere else to get it because I don't like hanging around.
"It is not that anything has ever happened to me, but you just feel like you have to be cautious with everything that is going on."
Another shop worker, who has been there for less than a year, said that it is "not too bad" working on Castle Street, but said it would be a lot better if it wasn't for the drink and drug problems.
He said: "People are nice down here, it can just be a bit of bother when you have to deal with the addicts.
"A couple of them will meet up here and then a few minutes later there is a huge group of them and then they go off and do whatever they are doing. It does bring the place down a bit and I understand why it would put people off coming here."
Police have said they are aware of concerns about anti-social behaviour in the Castle Street area and officers continue to work with partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find solutions to the problems.
Inspector Gibson said: “We are committed to working towards a solution and welcome any information from the public and local elected representatives to inform what we are doing.
"Our officers continue to provide a visible policing presence throughout Belfast city centre. We constantly monitor crime trends and deploy our resources to the areas of greatest need and vulnerability and regularly run targeted policing operations, working alongside partners to address community concerns.
“We all have a responsibility to help make where we live safer for everyone. Reporting crimes or incidents that impact on your quality of life helps focus our patrols where they are needed and take positive action. Ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team.
"A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk."
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