Council pledge to tackle hate crime in Hastings and St Leonards

A motion by Councillor James Bacon and seconded by Cllr Trevor Webb was tabled and given unanimous approval at a full council meeting yesterday (Wednesday, July 20).

Cllr Bacon said: “Hastings Borough Council condemns discrimination in all its guises.

“The council fears recent national events could leave many individuals and communities feeling isolated and fearful.

“We reassure all people living in Hastings and St Leonards that this council will use every opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and to promote equality, will continue its long-term commitment to dealing with the multiple causes of hate crime and not allow hate to become acceptable.”

He urged the council to write to schools, charities and faith groups to request they promote the message of ‘One Hastings, Many Voices’ and write to the Police and Crime Commissioner for an assurance that budget cuts will not adversely impact on the ability of the police to both investigate and bring to justice perpetrators of hate crime.

Council leader, Cllr Peter Chowney, said: “We all need to tackle hate crime whenever we see it and encourage others to do so.”

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