Jamaica Street Stores closes its doors permanently today and owner Charlie James has partly blamed the ‘lawless’ and anti-social behaviour around Turbo Island opposite his restaurant. Charlie says that although soaring energy bills and rents are a contributory factor to the sudden closure, it’s the fact that the area has become less safe.
Turbo Island, on the junction of Jamaica Street and Stokes Croft, has long been a troubled area but Charlie says things have worsened in recent times. He claims there have been several instances where he and his staff have been threatened and that there are ‘significant risks to public safety when the council allow areas of the city to become lawless in this way’.
Charlie says recent issues with Turbo Island have included several fires, open drug dealing and drug use, and he has seen rats in piles of rubbish.
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He said: “The area is often littered with drug paraphernalia and we often see drug users passed out on the pavement. I’ve also had to paint out graffiti tags on the front of the building about once a month.
“Violence between people on Turbo Island causes the area to feel unsafe. Last week there were three fights on different days, one resulting in someone getting tasered mid-lunch service.
“I’m no prude but I do think there’s limits to what should be tolerated before some strong action is taken. I’m aware that Turbo Island was there before the restaurant, however it’s only getting worse and my question to anyone opposing my view, would be ‘where do you draw the line?’”
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Bristol Live readers have reacted strongly to the news that Jamaica Street Stores is closing after five years. Many people expressed sadness that a small independent restaurant was being forced out because of the growing problems in the area and others felt the urge to comment on the general state of Stokes Croft.
Commenter ‘Bristol_Girl’ said: “Totally agree with the owner - who wants to have a coffee/lunch/dinner whilst watching people high on spice burning mattresses? There is absolutely NOTHING cultural about Turbo Island, and the sooner gentrification forces those people out the better.”
Reader ‘oOoOo’ was also sad to hear the news that Jamaica Street Stores was closing, commenting: “I think your restaurant was wonderful, I have been many times and it will be a loss for the area. I can imagine you had to put up with a lot in the last 5 years - I was under the illusion that conditions were improving but I did notice a lot of rubbish and rats in the last year or so. It is disgusting for everyone and ultimately it will limit the potential of what you can do, so I understand your decision and wish you all the best!”
‘GenericUserName’ said the issues went beyond Turbo Island. They said: “If you clean up the Bear Pit where do you expect people to go? They don't become invisible and not a problem, they will go and hang around elsewhere. Pave over Turbo Island and they will find somewhere else, kicking people out of a space is not the answer. Helping them is.”
Reader ‘PeterdeMeteor’ wasn’t surprised by the problems in the area and claimed they have been there for years. He said: “I can't remember a time in the last 40-odd years when it’s not been a bit ‘edgy’ in that area, but it’s definitely got a lot worse over recent times. Sorry to hear about your business, Charlie, and I hope things improve for you elsewhere. In the meantime, the powers-that-be should hang their heads in shame for letting things come to this.”
Commenter ‘Bboy’ said: “Stokes Croft would look better if it was bulldozed by a stray out of control bulldozer … that area should be made the subject of some court decree, no gatherings at this point.” It was a sentiment shared by reader ‘Kingswoodbiffo’s’ who added: “It’s a dump and dangerous at night. Stokes Croft itself is a bad place and not the culture centre some people make out.”
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