We would like to see more resources given to policing the city centre.
However, we are concerned at the nature of the debate which is now taking place.
Firstly, the fear of crime still remains a greater problem than actual crime. The fear of crime has both economic and socially damaging effects on our community. The way in which the current debate is being conducted is in our view increasing the fear of crime.
Secondly, we need a much more serious debate about where any additional resources should be spent. For instance, do we really want to spend several million on creating a new police station or would that money be better spent on more and or better-equipped officers, more CCTV coverage or perhaps properly funded programmes to tackle the drug dependence which drives much of the theft and anti-social behaviour?
It is very important to residents that this debate is properly conducted and does not become just another political football.