Bovey Tracey Town Council Meeting
Mayoral Statement concerning Community Cohesion post the EU Referendum
I’m sure most of us want Bovey Tracey to be a very pleasant town, where we all live and work together for the benefit of our families and the community at large.
However, during and since the referendum an under current of xenophobia has emerged where things have been said to, often in ignorance of or forgetful of where a person has come from, or overheard, about not wanting foreigners and immigrants here.
This has and is causing concern and distress to citizens of other European countries who are established residents and have always thought Bovey Tracey to be a friendly and welcoming place.
i know the current national scene is not helping with this, but, as mayor, i am not proud of the emergence of this trait, so I want to use this opportunity to draw it to the attention of Bovey Tracey residents, to make them aware that this is happening in our town. The things being said about foreigners being unwelcome are very hurtful to those living here and is causing them a growing feeling of insecurity and alienation. I would therefore ask that people think very carefully about what they are saying as if not careful these things can escalate.
I have already mentioned this to our PCSO who will be saying something about this and hate crime later during this meeting.
I would also ask that our church representative here today passes this issue on to the various church ministries and congregations in Bovey Tracey (which includes Heathfield) through our “churches together” organisation, and that those running commercial, voluntary, sporting and young people’s organisations and schools in the town also take up the mantle to help stamp out this behaviour before it gets out of hand.
I would like to think that the vast majority of Bovey and Heathfield people, who I believe to be good natured, decent and sensible, will agree with me on this.
Thank you.
Cllr Tony Allen
Town Mayor
04 JULY 2016
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