All Saints Church in Carshalton has temporarily locked two of its entrances following police requests prompted by reports of drug use and aggressive behaviour near the historic site. The church, located beside Carshalton Ponds, confirmed that the Talbot Road gate was closed at the request of police due to antisocial behaviour and drug use in the area. A second entrance near the church’s south door was also locked after reports of aggression towards members of the public.
Church statement on temporary closures
In a statement, the church said: “The gate at Talbot Road has been locked temporarily due to antisocial behaviour and drug use. This was on request of the police. The small gate near the South Door of the Church has also been temporarily locked for similar reasons, such as aggressive behaviour towards members of the public.”
The statement added: “We understand this is frustrating, but we want to keep those who live near the churchyard and those who visit or walk through it safe. We hope this won’t be long term.”
Historic significance of All Saints
The measures have been introduced at one of Carshalton’s oldest landmarks, with a church believed to have stood on the site since Saxon times. All Saints describes the site as having been a place of prayer and sanctuary for around 1,200 years. The tower is the oldest surviving part of the present building and, according to the church, certainly dates from the Norman Conquest and could be of Saxon origin.
Other parts of the church followed during the medieval period, with its north and south aisles dating from around 1170 and 1190 respectively. From around 1160 until the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Augustinian Canons of Merton Priory held All Saints. The building has since undergone numerous alterations and extensions, including major work towards the end of the 19th century after its north aisle began to collapse. It remains the Church of England parish church for Carshalton and The Wrythe.
Church of England guidance on churchyard safety
Church of England guidance recognises antisocial behaviour as a problem faced by some churchyards, including drug use, drinking, vandalism and public nuisance. Churches experiencing problems are advised to consider measures including improved security, lighting, having people present while buildings are open and the use of locks.
The temporary closure of the gates is intended to address immediate safety concerns while the church and police monitor the situation. No timeline has been given for when the gates might reopen.
