Community Day in Leicester

I had a busy old day in Leicester on 5 October. This was one of my weekly Community Days when I get out and about to meet members of the public to discuss there concerns and hopes.

The day began with a visit to a business in Asfordby Street, off Spinney Hill Park. The owner and I chatted about local issues and agreed that the police were doing a fine job of dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB), though this remained a continuing problem.

Then I was off to the Belgrave Community Centre where a number of local groups were hosting a coffee morning to get to know local residents. I met with organisations helping victims of domestic abuse, those suffering mental health issues, people with money problems and an organisation handing out crime prevention advice. There was a steady stream of people coming through the doors, so clearly plenty of good advice was being handed out.

I then walked up Belgrave Street to visit some of the businesses there. I call in at a samosa shop, a sari shop and a lettings agency. In each I had a chat about local crime and ASB, as well as the response from the police and city council. There were some concerns about ASB in some streets. However, everyone was looking forward to the coming festive season include Navatri, Diwali and Christmas. Indeed, the lights were going up along Belgrave Road as I walked along. Those I spoke to did voice some concerns about security at the events, so I promised to pass these on to the police officer drawing up the plans for the events.

Next was a tour of the Jewish Heritage Centre. This was a fascinating look at the history and culture of Jews in Leicester. I was fascinated to learn of the large influx of Jews to the city during the Second World War and the gradual dispersion afterwards. It was concerning to hear about some recent incidents of hate crimes and incidents directed at Jewish people in Leicester.

Then back to Belgrave to visit the Community Garden that lies at the back of the Library in Cossington Park. This is an exciting project that allows some of the more vulnerable in the local area to enjoy gardening in an area where gardens are rare. Schoolchildren and others visit the garden to learn about growing food or flowers – and to see the insects and birds that are attracted.

Finally, I was off to the Duncombe Road estate in Beaumont Leys to meet with local councillors, Cllr Bhatia and Cllr Orton, together with the local beat officers. Together with the Chair of the local residents association we walked around the estate to discuss local issues and how they are being dealt with by the local police and other organisations.

All in all, a fascinating day around the City of Leicester learning a lot about the local issues that are of concern to local residents. All part of my continuing campaign to improve local neighbourhood policing.

Rupert Matthews
Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland