Borough makes hate crime pledge

Chief Executive Jean Hunter, leader Councillor Peter Mullineaux and the Mayor of South Ribble, Coun Linda Woollard signed up to the pledge which aims to raise awareness of hate crimes and supports efforts to promote services available for those affected.

National figures have shown that hate crime spiked this year at levels that were 58 per cent higher than the year before.

These are any criminal offences which are motivated by prejudice against the victim based on their race, religion, disability, gender identity or sexuality.

Coun Mullineaux said: “Here in South Ribble we want to send a clear message that hate crime will not be tolerated.

“The diversity among our residents is something that should be welcomed and celebrated.

“We hope that by supporting our Crime Commissioner in his campaign we will help to break down prejudice and encourage everyone to take a stand by joining us in signing the pledge against hate crime.”

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner added: “I am delighted that South Ribble has signed up to the pledge and supports my campaign against hate crime in Lancashire.

“I am proud of the diversity and strength of our communities in the county and there is a lot of great work going on to bring people together.

“I am clear that Lancashire is no place for hate and I want people to send a clear message by signing up to the pledge, reporting incidents when they happen and seeking support available through Lancashire Victim Services.”

The pledge to ‘Say No to Hate’ in Lancashire is: “Not to take part in, encourage, condone or ignore hate or hate crimes in our communities”.