News

I have just completed a survey in the High Town Road area of Luton following on from a series of complaints and concerns I received about anti-social behaviour and crime in the area.

The results of the survey are as follows, and Meherban Khan (who helped with the survey) and I are now sharing the results with local police, business and community leaders:

• 94% of respondents said they were 'very concerned' about crime in the high town road area
• 94% bof respondents also believed that the level of crime had increased in the area recently, 4% the same and 25 decreased.
• 19% said that the police had been very responsive to crime issues in the area, and a further 37% said somewhat.
• 81% said they had personally observed evidence of drug taking or drug pushing and 88% had observed prostitution, while 94% had personally experienced anti-social behaviour of some sort.
• 63% said the area had become a less attractive place for business in the last 5 years, but 13% said more attractive.

Local community leaders including Wendy Walker have organized local residents meetings to discuss these and other problems.

Clearly we need to work together to make sure the immediate issues are addressed and that the long term, positive vision for the area - which is after all, meant to be a dsiegnated regeneration area - is realised.

I will continue to ask the police to act, and they have also asked any residents experiencing particular difficulties to contact Luton Central Safer Neighbourhoods team directly on 01582 394 408 or email snt.luton-central@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk