A year of harmony for Luton

A message from Cllr Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Borough Council

When I wrote my final Lutonline column for 2009, I could not help but reflect on some of the community challenges that we have faced in Luton over the last few months.

In April I spoke out against the small minority of anti-war protestors who tried to disrupt the Homecoming Parade through Luton by soldiers attached to the Royal Anglian Regiment 2nd Battalion, ‘The Poachers’.

In May we had to contend with disruption on our streets from divisive individuals, and this led to the Council and police working together to seek a banning order preventing unauthorised marches through the town, which was approved by the Home Office.

In October it was with dismay that I received the news that members of our young community had attacked police.

All of these events were unacceptable, and not a true reflection of our town, our diversity and the many good relations that exist here within our communities.  The vast majority of residents here value, and are proud of, our town’s diversity.  We know this for a fact because they have told us so. Indeed, in June, an overwhelming 82 per cent of people who took part in the Community Safety Survey told us they believe Luton is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together.

The majority of people in Luton are unhappy when extremist groups of any hue blight our town and its reputation.  The majority of people in Luton are unhappy when others hijack the name of our town for their own ends.

This is why January 2010 will see the launch of Luton in Harmony, a campaign supported by our partners in the Luton Forum.  This initiative will seek to redress the balance and restore the reputation of our town on the national and international stage.  It has a straightforward aim – to encourage the town’s residents to wear a Luton in Harmony badge, and sign its pledge.

The pledge says that you, like me, will make friends with people from different backgrounds and life experiences – and learn about their values.

The pledge says that you, like me, will promote your beliefs in a spirit of peace and harmony – and encourage everyone you know to do the same.

The pledge says that we will wear the Luton in Harmony badge with pride – and tell others what it means.

As we go into a new year, I encourage you to make the best possible resolution, and sign the Luton in Harmony pledge.  Putting your name to this campaign could be one of the simplest but most important things you do all year.

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