A Hull MP has come out in support of Hessle Road after a national newspaper published an article insulting the area.
On June 1 the Daily Mail, published an article on the Hessle Road area of Hull which described the area as “a microcosm of decay, despair, and lawlessness in modern Britain.”
The article adds: “The mile-long stretch, once bustling with traders and community spirit, now finds itself overrun by crime and anti-social behaviour.”
The area falls within the constituency of the Member of Parliament for Hull West and Haltemprice, Emma Hardy. Following its publication, Ms Hardy addressed the article on Facebook. The Labour MP said she was “really disappointed” to see the area “described in such a negative way.” “That’s not the Hessle Road I, and so many local residents, know” she added.
Ms Hardy’s statement also stated: “I recognise that like every other community in the country, Hessle Road has its problems, but the Hessle Road I know has a strong community, with people who look out for one another, brilliant local businesses, and a huge sense of pride for its people and heritage. We saw this in full when the horrific situation with Legacy Funeral Directors happened, the entire community banded together in support of those affected.”
On the issue of crime, which the article heavily focuses on, the MP said: “The community has my complete support and if crime isn’t being addressed properly then I will be raising this when I meet the new Chief Constable of Humberside Police and ask that it is investigated as a matter of urgency. I am also arranging a meeting with Hessle Road businesses, community groups and neighbourhood police to hear their experiences and work out a way we can collectively work together to improve things in the area.”
“Under the last Conservative government, visible policing fell drastically but this government is committed to turning that around. Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live and through the government’s Plan for Change, policing will be restored to our communities to keep residents safe.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
