Residents, community organisations and local experts are being invited to attend a public meeting at Easton Community Centre to discuss possible long-term solutions to persistent drug use and dealing in the Stapleton Road area.

The meeting, taking place at on 1 October 2026, has been organised in response to growing concern about the impact of drug-related activity in locations including Stapleton Road, Rawnsley Park, Newtown, Riverside Park, Brenner Street and the area behind Easton Leisure Centre.

The community conversation will explore alternatives to the current approach, which many residents feel has failed to tackle the root causes of addiction. Local councillor Cara Lavan, who has worked on drug-related issues for many years, argues that addiction is often linked to complex challenges such as childhood trauma, homelessness, mental ill health and domestic abuse.

One proposal that will be discussed is the introduction of an Overdose Prevention Centre, where people who use drugs could do so under medical supervision while accessing health, housing and recovery support. More than 100 similar facilities operate worldwide, but establishing one in Bristol would require both funding and government approval.

The event will feature contributions from leading experts, including Dr Danny Ahmed and former undercover police officer Neil Woods, alongside local residents sharing their experiences and perspectives.

Eastside Community Trust encourages everyone with an interest in the future of Stapleton Road and the surrounding neighbourhoods to attend and contribute to what organisers hope will be a constructive discussion about a safer and healthier future for the community.