Luton launch operation clean up
A major new operation has been launched in Luton town centre by police and other agencies to tidy the area up in the run-up to Christmas
The major partnership operation has been launched to clean up Luton's town centre. It aims to reassure shoppers and businesses in the town centre by providing a visible police presence and engaging with the public around their concerns.
Chief Inspector Jamie Langwith, from the Luton community policing team, said: “This is a really important operation for us and I am delighted to have so much partnership support and buy-in for this work.
“We hear all too often from people and businesses in Luton town centre that the behaviour of a small minority can leave people feeling harassed and intimidated.
“People should be free to go about their business in peace and as police we have a key role to play in tackling things like drug use and anti-social behaviour.
“However, we also recognise that enforcement and arrests alone are not going to solve the issues. That’s why we are working closely with such a wide range of support services, to make sure we can get help to people who need it.
“The feedback we have had so far has been really positive and I am confident this work will make a big difference.”
Cllr Abbas Hussain, portfolio holder responsible for Neighbourhood Services and Community Safety at Luton Council, said: "Improving our town centre is a key priority and the launch of Town Centre Masterplan earlier this year demonstrates our ambitious plans now and for the future.
“But it's not just the physical improvements - new developments, buildings and more green spaces that are part of our plan. We know we have to tackle elements that discourage people from visiting such as street drinking and begging.
“These are complex social issues which need a joined up approach from services across our town and we continue to work extremely hard with our partners in the police, Business Improvement District and third sector organisations to tackle antisocial behaviour in our town centre."
Tim Archbold, chair of Luton Homeless Partnership and CEO of local homeless charity Signposts, said: "We very much welcome this additional support for our town centre, where we are all aware of the challenges Luton faces.
"Getting people off the street is not straightforward. There are many and complex reasons why people sleep, or beg, on the street. Working closely with individuals and together with our partners across the community really is the very best way to make a real difference."