‘We need visible policing’ – Luton council tackles ‘enormous task’ of creating thriving nightlife
‘We need visible policing’ – Luton council tackles ‘enormous task’ of creating thriving nightlife.
By Euan Duncan, Local Democracy Reporter.
The revival of Luton’s nighttime economy must address public views of town centre safety at night (v.1). According to a meeting, public impressions of Luton town centre at night continue to be a major obstacle in the local authority’s ambitions to reinvigorate the nighttime economy.
The borough council formed a task and finish group to investigate and provide recommendations on how to revitalise Luton’s nightlife while also making the area safer for residents and visitors.
Labour Farley councillor Mahmood Hussain told the group, “One thing we must recognise is that something drastic needs to be done to make the town viable and thriving.”
“It’s really disappointing to see that 98 per cent of the venues had hardly any customers at all after 10pm,” he mentioned. “Visiting Leeds showed us how the local government can facilitate and lead the revitalisation of a community.
“We need more enthusiasm from our planners and licensing people to let some venues open for another hour without an objection, especially when it’s a cafe.” How can this town be vibrant if we don’t support its growth?
We need the cooperation of all sectors of the local government to form one council and promote the night economy, as has been done in the past.
There was visible policing in Leeds to reassure women that they were secure in the city centre. They’ve set up a specific (phone) line so they can call it if there’s an issue.
“There’s a notion that the town is unsafe, despite the fact that we went around after 10 p.m. and had no anxiety whatsoever. “We need visible policing.”
The council should explore anti-social behaviour (enforcement) squads, which conclude at 9 or 10 p.m. Life goes on, and we need to think about how we might extend it until at least midnight.”
Liberal Democrat Stopsley councillor Nigel Marshall hailed it as “an enormous task,” adding, “I hope to see much of this come to fruition in the months and years ahead.”.
At a local ward community meeting, I would estimate that 90% of the attendees still believe our town centre is not a safe area.
On a personal level, I know it’s safe. “I appreciate it won’t happen overnight, as changing people’s perceptions is difficult.”
Corey Albone, interim head of culture and creativity at LBC, acknowledged that the town centre task force is focused on addressing this ongoing challenge.
Bedfordshire Police can help with not only policing but also involvement alongside us. Anyone who has spent time in the town centre this summer would have seen an increase in enforcement presence.
It is critical to spread and reinforce that message on a continuous basis, but this takes time. The most difficult problem is persuading folks who refuse to visit the town to observe what the changes are like.
Conservative Bramingham councillor Aziz Ambia mentioned the lack of buses and public transit after 6 p.m., and councillor Marshall added that Arriva would need to be economically viable to provide later services.
The group will review a final report on November 27, which will then be discussed by LBC’s executive in January.
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