22 March 2024 , 12:01
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A resident of Cheltenham has spoken up about his frustration at the persistent xenophobic notes that have been littered across his neighbourhood.
Mehdi Ali, 26, says he started finding the notes around "three to four months ago," near St James Car Park in Cheltenham town centre and has been left shocked at their contents. The notes have been scattered around the neighbourhood, including lampposts, floor, bins and walls in the area.
The notes include phrases so shocking and offensive - using a vile racist slur and the most disgusting racist lies - that Gloucestershire Live, who reported this story originally were unable to share them - even in an edited form. Mr Ali shared his concerns, saying the notes made him worried for migrants and Muslims in the area.
He said: "I am angry and upset that this is happening right where we live. It's disheartening and sad." When asked why he thought it was happening Mr Ali said: "A combination of factors- the current state of our socio-political climate has enabled racist and hateful behaviours to only grow in our communities."
Mr Ali added: "These people feel empowered and justified because our government are the ones pushing this poisonous rhetoric about the “danger” of migrants. Our area has a fair amount of people of colour and diverse families and businesses, which is also why I think it’s happening here."
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Mr Ali said anti-hate/crime/counter imagery/posters could be put in the alleyway to stop perpetrators from dropping these notes. As well as more CCTV and CCTV signage to deter offenders.
Inspector Mike Yates, of Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Officers have been made aware of these notes and are conducting patrols in the area to make further enquiries. We would encourage anybody who experiences hate crime to report it either through the Constabulary website or on 101.
"We have a dedicated county-wide partnership who work together to ensure we drive out hate. We are proud of the diverse county we live and work in, and people should be able to go about their normal day to day lives without having to live in fear of being singled out and targeted for who they are.
"Hate crimes not only have a detrimental impact on the victim, but can also have a wider impact on our local communities."
Cllr Flo Clucas, Cabinet Member for Safety & Communities for Cheltenham Borough Council said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of this inappropriate and offensive incident that has happened in our town. Hate crime is not acceptable in any shape or form and we would encourage anyone experiencing this to report this via the national police scheme, known as True Vision, online or call 101.
If you feel the incident is an emergency as things could get heated, violent or you’re worried someone is in immediate danger and in need support right away please call 999.