We continue to lobby for more resources to be given to policing the city centre.
However, we are concerned about the nature of the debate which is now taking place.
Firstly, the fear of crime still remains a greater problem than actual crime. 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, not just creating a new police station but spending on having more and or better-equipped officers, more CCTV coverage or perhaps properly funded programmes to tackle the drug dependence and mental illness that 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.