Hope for a more positive future

I attended last Wednesday’s planning meeting and personally spoke to object to this application. I objected based on the change in use because it would lead to increased crime levels, a significant harm to the character and appearance of the area and excessive hours.

There was even an objection from the police crime prevention officer as they too understood the impact on the area would create an unsafe environment. The police objection highlighted that there would be no policing available between 4-6am to oversee the premises due to a shortage of officers. The application was merely citing CCTV and street lighting as a safety measure during these hours however, these measures were clearly unacceptable.

I felt it was telling that the key security issues were around a lack of policing, especially given that moving forward, it is likely that if this government’s severe cuts continue, the number of officers and their resources will fall, making crime an increasingly important concern for local people.

Above all, from this meeting I took away with me hope that a more positive image of South Town can now begin to be created. I am passionate about improving Leamington and know that South Town can become a fantastic community and business environment for all. - Cllr Gurpreet Dulay, Leamington Town Council.