Political View; Operation Horizon – keep up the momentum or it’s nothing more than PR!

I am sure the recent two-day operation to clean up the City Centre was welcomed by all. Indeed, you would need to be a very dismissive character to challenge the worth of this most laudable exercise, writes Cllr Steve Allen, Deputy Leader, Peterborough Conservative Group. 

Pulling together an army of Council staff, Police, and enforcement officers together with other City Centre partners to address the many challenges of the City Centre was long overdue.

My concern, I am sure shared by others, is whether this is a new on-going policy of commitment and application or merely a public relations exercise, designed to show ‘something is being done’, rather than address a long-term challenge.

The action was certainly high profile and got the attention it deserved, BUT if this was a one off ‘flash in the pan’ it will have achieved little else other than validating the need to see a well-funded policy put into effect. To do that will demand the allocation of substantial resources, both financial and human. The list of commitments is daunting:  regular street cleaning and washing, litter and graffiti removal, strong enforcement against cyclists, e-bike riders and e-scooter users who ride irresponsibly in pedestrian areas; and the need to effectively deal with beggars and street sleepers.

The council are said to have ‘listened’. Well, if that’s the case the list would have included all the above and I am sure much more. The Conservative group leadership and our councillors are not aiming to be negative on the issue. Recently our group leader Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald highlighted the dirty condition of Cathedral Square with a well-aimed social media post, and I raised the issue of rough sleepers and the proliferation of tents in Cathedral Gardens. We are delighted both matters have been addressed with the clean-up:  it’s important to know we are all on the same page!

It’s a long-term commitment that is essential. The question is will Council officers and Staff be able to don high viz tabards and get out there painting street furniture and removing graffiti on a regular basis; will Cathedral Square and surrounding streets be hot washed every week, every month…………or maybe just once a year when the pressure mounts again to do something about the filthy condition of the area.

To keep on top of problems requires regular and undiminishing attention; ensuring those who avoid visits are proven wrong, and trips to shops, bars and restaurants are something to be relished, rather than avoided.

We welcome the outcome of the recent ballot which saw Peterborough Positive reconfirmed for a further 5-year term, with a mission to enhance safety, business support and visitor experience in the city centre. This vindicates the actions of the Conservative Administration at the time in establishing the Business Improvement District (BID). It’s the actions and cooperation of agencies and politicians of all shades, together with retailers and hospitality businesses which will see our commercial centre survive and thrive. Let’s Keep it safe and tidy.

I cannot close this week’s column without a mention of an event which every year contributes to a huge increase in footfall in and around the centre – I of course refer the Annual Peterborough Beer Festival. This is something Peterborough does so well, and I always look forward to. Now in its 47th Year!

To prove its’ not just a ‘beer thing’, the addition of a gin bar a couple years ago was inspired, and this year we see the Rave Generation being catered for by Peterborough’s own Shades of Rhythm taking stage on Friday evening with what I am sure will be a memorable set!