In light of recent events, Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council; Cllr Eve Parker, Lead Member for Community Cohesion; and Sara Todd, Chief Executive of Trafford Council, have today signed a joint letter to members of community and faith groups in Trafford.
The letter states:
We know that, like many people, you will no doubt be upset and disturbed by the events that have taken place across the country over the last 10 days. The tragic incident in Southport last Monday when three young children lost their lives and many others were injured, has left us all in a state of heartbreak and shock. All of that has been followed by disorder and violence across many towns and cities in England.
Greater Manchester has not seen the same levels of violence and disruption as other parts of the country so far and this is due, in large part, to the bravery and professionalism of our colleagues in Greater Manchester Police. However, it is possible that tensions will continue in the days and weeks ahead, and we want you to know that we are here for you.
As a Council, we have been on standby to respond to any unrest – though as things stand, police intelligence does not indicate any particular threat to our borough or our neighbourhoods. On this basis, we are as assured as we can be that residents can feel safe going about their business this coming week as usual.
All of that said, we recognise this is a distressing time for you as individuals and members of your local community.
We remain on alert, keeping in constant contact with our partners at Greater Manchester Police, with whom we are working closely on the ground and with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and our counterparts in boroughs across GM.
If this situation changes, we will update you as promptly as we can. We will take necessary action, and offer advice and guidance, based on the recommendations of GMP.
Please know we are here for you, and we have asked our Council Officers to be out and about in communities to listen to your concerns and also to discuss opportunities for how we might maintain and enhance positive community cohesion, something we know we are all keen to protect.
If you hear anything of concern through your community networks, please relay this to the police at fib@gmp.police.uk, an email address which is constantly monitored.
Finally, we want to listen to your ideas and suggestions for how we might provide further reassurance and support to communities at this time and work together to further promote good community relations. Please contact us at safer.communities@trafford.gov.uk
Only by continuing to work together can we overcome those who want to divide us.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council
Cllr Eve Parker, Lead Member for Community Cohesion
Sara Todd, Chief Executive of Trafford Council