Coming together as a community

As Sutton Council’s Lead Member for Community Safety, I was deeply concerned to see the disorder, violence and racism happening across the country. I am thankful that no events of this kind happened here in Sutton. However, we all cannot be complacent or ignore the incidences of hate crime and prejudice which do occur. 

The police encourage the public to always report hate crimes. How you can do this can be found on the Council’s website. 

Last Friday, in response to the riots and hate, I attended a Peace Gathering event at the Sound Lounge on Sutton High Street. I was heartened to see so many community and faith leaders, and members of the public, come together to make a strong gesture of solidarity - sending a clear message that in Sutton, we will always stand against any forms of hate. 

At the event, Kashif Barlas, of the Muslim Culture & Welfare Association of Sutton, spoke about how many fellow Muslims in Sutton had been stopped on the street by people seeking to reassure them that in Sutton we will not stand for any forms of hate. This highlights how we can all play our part in making everyone feel welcome and safe. 

It was also good to see the local police team at the event. Seeing them mingle and chat with attendees was a demonstration of community policing at its best. I am very keen to see the Council’s strong working relationship with the police continue.

Coming together to celebrate our diversity, like we did last Friday, is when Sutton is at its strongest. Later this year, a temporary installation of a moon gate and urban garden will be on display in Trinity Square. Set to open this September, the installation will celebrate the harvest and moon festivals of different communities in the borough.  

I am really looking forward to visiting the moon gate and learning about the stories of people from across Sutton and what their traditional festivals mean to them. 

The installation is a symbol of the rich diversity of our borough. Let’s continue to celebrate, make sure everyone feels safe, and stand up against any forms of hate. 

Councillor Sam Martin
Deputy Leader of the Council