REDDITCH’S top police officer Inspector Lee Page has hit out after the force was criticised by the deputy leader of Bromsgrove District Council for attending the town’s Pride event.
Councillor Adam Kent (Con, Hollywood) said in a tweet he would prefer police to be ‘fighting crime rather than being at a carnival’.
Coun Kent wrote: “Once upon a time, the police fought crime! My residents suffer with anti-social behaviour, burglaries, car theft and speeding. They will be delighted you can spare officers for a carnival’.”
Insp Page responded by saying two officers were at the event after reports of homophobic and transphobic abuse towards young people, adding the team had his full support.
He added: “There are more than two officers policing Bromsgrove.”
In another tweet, Insp Page said: “Equally important is hate crime against marginalised communities, who also have a right to be heard.
“Our efforts are therefore focused on providing a fair, accessible, accountable neighbourhood policing service to all and I make no apologies for that.”
Coun Kent later deleted his Tweet.
Insp Page said Coun Adam Kent had ‘blocked him’ on the social media platform.
He said: “Speeding, anti-social behaviour and burglary are important, of course they are – which is why I met with him to discuss these issues just a few weeks ago.”
In a statement Coun Kent hit out at the lack of police action to prevent crime in Hollywood and Wythall including theft, burglaries, fly-tipping, drug use and speeding.
He said his tweet would have applied to any carnival or event.
“I’m sorry but I don’t think with the issues my residents are facing they will feel having two officers attend a carnival in Bromsgrove is an effective use of resources or taxpayers cash,” he said.
Joe Baker, chair of the LGBT+ group in Redditch said: “I give my 100 per cent backing to Insp Lee Page for calling him out on his tweet.
“We have a fantastic police team here in Bromsgrove and Redditch and it’s sad to see such damaging comments aimed at the LGBT+ community from a person in public office.
“I believe the councillor should consider his position.”
