THERE are fears Redditch town centre could become a no-go area after a man was left fighting for his life after being attacked in the early hours of Saturday morning (August 29).
The issue of public safety has reached such a level that it has already been raised twice by the Town Centre Partnership.
Business leaders in the ‘evening economy’ are also calling for a more co-ordinated response from the police and other relevant bodies in an effort to keep people safe.
The issue comes as Redditch tries to spruce up its town centre offering with a new upmarket pub opening and a new restaurant in the pipeline.
Gareth Firkin, manager at the Royal Enfield pub on Unicorn Hill said if trouble was going to start it was going to be at closing time.
“It can escalate as people leave the pubs and clubs and are looking for food or a taxi, that’s when aggro can start,” he said.
“It’s not a question of having more police more a case of having them there when you need them.”
Balden Badhan-Gill of the Fisherman’s Catch agreed: “I think just the mere presence of the police sends a message – it can be too late if they come after trouble starts.”
A spokesperson for the Town Centre Partnership said public safety was something that needed to be addressed by all the relevant organisations, including the owners of the pubs and clubs and that by only providing a co-ordinated response could the issue be successfully tackled.
Police are still appealing for witnesses to last Saturday’s attack which left a 23-year-old man in hospital in a life threatening condition.
The incident happened outside the Three Cooks cafe at around 4am.
A 21-year-old man from Gloucester was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault but has been bailed until the middle of September.
Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 106s of August 29.
Do you think Redditch town centre is safe at night? Write to the Redditch Standard, Webb House, Church Green East, Redditch, B98 8BP or email [email protected] .
