Visitors must feel safe in our town

FEELING comfortable in where you live, work and relax is something we often take for granted and rightly so.

However, recent events across parts of Stockport town centre have highlighted an issue that needs to be addressed if we wish to see continued progress.

Despite Stockport being generally perceived as a safe and pleasant place to be, some of our customers have admitted that from time to time they have felt unsure of their local surroundings.

With all the redevelopment work and investment being made, a safe, clean and welcoming route through all parts of our town centre is imperative.

To be well-used, new spaces and public realms must include security, lighting and CCTV to create an environment that makes visitors to the town centre feel safe and secure - no matter what the time of day or night.

We are yet to see what security improvements will come from Redrock and Stockport Exchange and these are two key areas where families must feel comfortable.

Redrock aims to improve Stockport’s evening economy, which means visitors will be walking between public transport hubs, shops and cinemas/restaurants after working hours and clearly these routes need to be safe and secure.

The BID, which will be up and running in a matter of days, will also be looking at this area and working with other stakeholders to ensure a joined-up approach.

A new wave of visitors to the town centre need to be made welcome and to feel as safe as possible.