Stoke to scrutinise its night-time economy

STOKE-on-Trent City Council’s leader has called for a comprehensive review of the city centre’s night-time economy.

Councillor Mohammed Pervez has asked for a task force to be set up to look into the issue. It will involve city councillors and take into account the views of businesses, visitors and licensees.

They will collect information on the current night time economy of the city centre and make recommendations for future improvement.

The task force will examine alcohol-related crime and hopes to strengthen the safety of the night time environment in the city centre and support the council’s Mandate for Change pledge of encouraging the city’s economy to grow.

Councillor Pervez said: “We want to ensure our city centre is a thriving and enjoyable place to visit, where people feel safe and where businesses prosper.

“I am asking for a task and finish group which will see councillors scrutinise the night time economy and consult with a wide a range of people who use the city centre.

“The group’s remit will be to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues which affect the city centre and to look at ways we can encourage growth. We work very closely with colleagues in the police and other public services, and we also want to build on our close working relationships with businesses.”

Latest statistics from the city’s Safer City Partnership show that alcohol-related crime is more of a concern in the city centre than elsewhere in Stoke-On-Trent, although the figure is coming down.

A group of councillors will carry out the review over the next three months. They will report their findings and recommendations back to the city renewal overview and scrutiny panel and ultimately to the council’s cabinet.

The results will be used to shape the way the council responds to the situation and works with partner agencies.