In My View Column by Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID
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A safe and welcoming Chichester is everyone’s responsibility
The recent reports of racism, homophobia and discrimination experienced by Munya Chawawa, members of the A Midsummer Night’s Dream company and visitors to Chichester are deeply saddening and appalling.
No one should experience intimidation, prejudice or abuse and such behaviour has no place in our city. Chichester BID stands in solidarity with everyone affected and with Chichester Festival Theatre in its commitment to inclusion and equality.
Chichester is a city we are proud of, but pride in our community must never mean turning away from uncomfortable truths. We must recognise the world as it is, while continuing to work towards the world we want it to be. That means celebrating our differences while recognising our shared humanity. As Shakespeare reminds us in The Merchant of Venice: “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?”
It is difficult to ignore how polarised public debate has become. Social media can amplify hostility, but we must not let that make prejudice seem acceptable.
As the organisation representing Chichester’s city-centre businesses, creating a safe and welcoming city is one of the BID’s core strategic priorities. Businesses tell us that a safe environment is essential for their success and for the experience of everyone who lives, works in or visits our city.
Our BID Ambassador team provides a reassuring presence during normal trading hours, assisting businesses and visitors and directing concerns to the appropriate authorities where necessary. Through our investment in the Chichester Business Against Crime (ChiBAC) scheme, we help businesses tackle crime and disorder. We also represent businesses at city safety and policing meetings with Sussex Police and other key partners.
We will keep pressing for meaningful change on issues affecting the city centre. But safety is about more than the physical environment; it is also about how we treat one another. If you witness abuse or a crime, please report it to Sussex Police. Don’t just turn a blind eye and walk by on the other side.
Chichester is a welcoming city and most people here would be as dismayed as we are by these reports. The actions of a minority must not define us. By standing together, challenging prejudice and showing kindness, we can protect what makes our city special and ensure everyone feels welcome.