Local Elections 2026: Peterborough First leader explains how he will address PT readers’ concerns if his party wins election

In less than 24 hours, we received hundreds of replies on social media from people of all ages and backgrounds, eager to share their thoughts, feelings and opinions.

We put these concerns to all six of the local party leaders who are campaigning to become Leader of the Council on May 8.

This is what the leader of Peterborough First, Councillor Chris Harper, said he would do to tackle the city’s most pressing issues if his party triumphed in the 2026 local elections

PT READERS HAVE VOICED ANXIETIES ABOUT THE STATE OF PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE, WITH ISSUES LIKE BEGGING, ABSENT TOILETS, STREET-SLEEPING, AND CRIPPLING BUSINESS RATES BEING OF PARTICULAR CONCERN. WHAT WILL YOU DO, IF YOU BECOME LEADER OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 8, TO IMPROVE THE CITY CENTRE?

“Whilst we must protect the well-being of rough sleepers, some of whom may also have mental health issues, we have a duty also to protect everyone visiting our city centre. A zero-tolerance policy is needed towards rough sleeping, begging, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

“The routes to and from the centre are extremely important - visitors must feel safe coming into and when leaving the centre and these routes and the car parks must be safe and well-lit. The feeling of being safe will increase footfall and increase revenue for businesses.

“The £3m funding needs to be invested now to soften up the harsh concrete with more flower beds and greenery and we need a proper weekly market back in the Square. The refurbishment of the Guildhall must happen without further delay and – working closely with the BID, Queensgate and others – we will install the long overdue toilets and changing facilities so badly needed.”

MANY PT READERS HIGHLIGHTED EXPENSIVE PARKING AND POT-HOLED ROADS AS ISSUES THEY’D LIKE TO SEE THE NEW COUNCIL TACKLE AT PACE. HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES IF YOU WERE COUNCIL LEADER?

“Providing residents with the option to travel at a low cost via public transport is a good idea but I appreciate many would still like to use their own car. I would urge the Combined Authority Mayor to help with the long-term funding of our car parks during peak periods, such as Saturdays, and if it drives up footfall, then businesses will see the results and also likely contribute.

“On the issue of pot holes - the Dragon-Patcher is a great piece of kit but the amount we pay to have it for just a few weeks a year is around three quarters the cost of a new one! We need to seriously consider whether having our own would be a wise investment, not only for our own roads but also to hire out to others”

ISSUES WITH CRIME & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE CITY ARE CLEARLY UPPERMOST IN PT READERS’ MINDS. MANY HAVE SUGGESTED DEPLOYING MORE VISIBLE POLICE FOOT PATROLS TO DETER CRIMINALITY AND MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SAFE. IS THIS SOMETHING YOU WOULD CONSIDER IF YOU WERE TO BECOME LEADER?

“The ‘broken window effect’ creates a feeling of lawlessness and deprivation which then leads to more crime and ASB, and the entire city suffers the negative impact.

“Visible policing is without doubt the best way to discourage crime and ASB and I will task our MP’s and the Police & Crime Commissioner to lobby government ministers for more funds to invest into this area.

“I would [also] seek to appoint a graffiti and ASB czar.”

AND, FINALLY - FLY-TIPPING. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR NEW ADMINISTRATION’S APPROACH TO TACKLING THIS PERSISTENTLY TROUBLESOME ISSUE?

“Fly-tipping must be dealt with robustly, with more investment in covert cameras and a real determination to seek heavy penalties and the seizure of vehicles used. Whilst we’re told fly-tipping is down, this is not true of rural areas and – similar to the ‘broken window effect’ mentioned earlier – if not dealt with quickly, only leads to more because offenders know they will likely get away with it.

“We will allow residents to register more than one vehicle at the Waste Recycling Centre and review the limitations in regarding how much waste can be taken for disposal. Better in the tip and under control than in our laybys, dykes and common areas. We will also reintroduce the regular bulky waste collection days in all wards.”