Councillor urges united response to harassment and racist incidents

Councilor Patrick Canavan has called on all councillors to condemn recent incidents and harassment in the BCP area.

The call comes after racist symbols have been daubed on walls, residents have been abused and attacked, and zebra crossings and roundabouts have been damaged and defaced.

Tensions around asylum seekers using hotels have risen in recent weeks.

A fresh round of protests and counter protests is set to take place outside hotels on Friday 29 August, following a High Court decision to grant Epping Forest District Council the temporary injunction to remove asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel in Epping,

Similar protests are expected to take place in major towns and cities across England.

In a statement Cllr Canavan, BCP Labour Group Leader, said “It is utterly unacceptable to see offensive graffiti infect our area and the attempts of some individuals to cause division.

“There is no place in BCP for verbal or physical attacks on residents because of their race, faith or any other protected characteristic.

“The recent incident involving the use of an air gun is particularly worrying. We should counter this activity which is aimed at exploiting community conflicts and only serves to stoke ill-feeling and undermine cohesion.”

Cllr Canavan has indicated that the Labour Group would be pressing BCP Council to ensure that residents are aware that the recent posting of flags and graffiti are part of a national campaign organised by those who seek to spread division.

He asked the public to reject the easy statements and slogans made by some that are both reckless, inflammatory and legally undeliverable.

He added that “As councillors we stand against hatred and, like the vast majority of Bournemouth people, want our town to be a place to live and visit that is safe, welcoming and inclusive.”