CONCERNS have been raised about cannabis smoking youths who congregate at the top of a multi-storey car park in the town centre.

Shoppers using the Brunel West parking facilities are being met with the smell of the herbal drug wafting in the lift as the teenagers play their music and gather on the top floor.

One person told the Adver they are now reluctant to park there with their young children because of the smell.

Swindon Borough Council has been forced to increase their litter patrols as a result, clean the car park daily, while also asking police to patrol the area more often.

But the council has admitted their hands are tied in trying to deter the youths from gathering there as it is a public space.

They had a similar conundrum earlier this year with homeless people living there.

“The problem we have is that car parks are public spaces with many entrances and exits, and keeping some people out while allowing everyone else in is impossible,” a council spokesman said.

“Even when the non-24 hour car parks are locked up we have had people breaking in, but we are doing what we can.”

Wiltshire Police has arrested 50 people over the last couple of months for possession of cannabis in Swindon.

Sergeant Neil Bott said: “The Swindon Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team work extremely hard to keep the area a safe place for local people to live, work and socialise in.

“The team regularly patrol the two Brunel car parks, as well as several other multi-storey car parks including Whalebridge, Fleming Way and John Street.

“We work closely with our partners at Swindon Council to ensure these areas are patrolled daily at different times as part of our ongoing issue with rough sleepers.”

Sgt Bott also explained that anyone over the age of 18 caught in possession of cannabis for personal use in these areas could be arrested or issued with a street warning.

He added: “This is recorded as a crime on their records but will not involve an arrest or court proceedings.

“Depending on the circumstances, and whether or not those involved are repeat offenders, arrests may be necessary which could result in a court appearance.”

Wiltshire Police also wants to reiterate that reports of any drug use are taken very seriously. They urge members of the public to be vigilant and report any drug activity in their area on 101.

“We understand that illegal drug use brings misery to many vulnerable individuals,” Sgt Bott added.

“It has a wider impact on society, bringing anti-social behaviour and violence to the surrounding communities and we are committed to tackling this behaviour.”