Chichester councillors to meet with police over hate crime concerns
Reports of a homophobic attack - with one visiting actor describing the worst discrimination he'd faced in his life - led to calls for a "multi-agency approach"
Chichester District Council says it will meet with police over the coming weeks to discuss what can be done about hate crime, after the city's Pride group demanded action to combat it.
Reports of a homophobic attack - with one visiting actor describing the worst discrimination he'd faced in his life - led to calls for a "multi-agency approach".
A letter penned by the group shared a co-ordinated reponse must include making it easier to report hate crimes, improve safety around public spaces, educate young people and include progress reviews.
It added that one in 8 LGBTQ+ people don't report being targeted, and said "building trust, improving accessibility, and engaging directly with affected communities must be central to any response".
A spokesperson for Chichester District Council said: “There is no place for racism, homophobia, xenophobia or any form of discrimination in our district, and we — along with our partners — are committed to working together with communities to ensure everyone feels safe, welcome and respected.
"The Chichester Community Safety Partnership, which includes Chichester District Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and a representative from the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, is bringing together relevant agencies and organisations in the weeks ahead to discuss the issues raised and consider appropriate actions in response to recent incidents.
"We are also attending a meeting led by Chichester Festival Theatre and Chichester Pride next week, which will focus on equality and diversity.
"The vast majority of people who live here share our values of kindness, respect and inclusion, and want our communities to be places where everyone feels they belong.
"While we know that the overwhelming majority of people who live and work here share these values, any instance of discrimination is one too many.
"We are committed to promoting equality, inclusion and opportunity for all, and to working closely with our partners, community organisations and residents to ensure that everyone who lives in, works in, or visits our district feels safe, valued and respected."