The goodwill seen by local people since the tragedy at The Hart Space in which three young girls died and how so many rushed to clear and repair the damage after the subsequent riot “shows the true spirit of Southport”.
Sefton Council will vow to take a ‘zero tolerance approach to hate crime’ at the full council meeting at Southport Town Hall next Thursday (12th September 2024).
They also want to build relationships with local faith communities, and are warning people to be cautious before sharing information online.
It follows the wild rumours which were circulated across social media following the horrific attack at The Hart Space in Southport on 29th July in which three young girls were killed and several children and adults were severely injured.
At the council meeting, Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson will say: “Sefton Council is united in condemning any criminal, racist, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic acts and any violent disorder.
“We stand in solidarity with all of our communities, against those who seek to divide us.
“Sefton is a proud borough with a rich history of diversity and inclusivity and we are proud to represent a borough of many faiths.
“We commit to support and defend those who are targeted because of their faith or race.
Senior police, fire and council figures visited Southport to applaud clean up efforts following the riot on Tuesday
“We denounce all forms of racial hatred, and endeavour to promote social justice and equality for all.
“The goodwill we have seen from people in and beyond Southport, including recovery from the attack on the Mosque on Sussex Road and surrounding shops and homes, shows the true spirit of Southport.
“Sefton Council will:
take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and encourage anyone who experiences assaults, threats or harassment, whether they be a one off incident or a series of incidents, to report it immediately
Increase our engagement with faith communities, and those who have English as a second language, to build trusting relationships
Urge everyone to think before sharing information online, that it comes from a trusted source and they are not spreading misinformation
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