CLAIMS by Ledbury residents that racist incidents rose locally since the Brexit vote in June appear to be supported, to some extent, by local crime statistics.

But recorded incidents for the South Herefordshire policing area, which includes Ledbury, are still very few and far between, and opinion is strongly divided as to how bad the problem actually is in the town itself.

Concerns about incidents of racism in the Ledbury area in particular were raised at last week's full town council meeting in the Market House, by both members of the public and some town councillors.

The debate arose before town councillors voted on, and approved, a motion of tolerance which contains the words: "This council continues to promote and celebrate difference and we condemn all forms of racism, xenophobia and hate crime."

Ledbury businessman, Daniel Vesma, speaking on the night said: "I employ a Polish gentleman who experienced three or four incidents after Brexit. I'm talking about the one incident I know. Racism does exist in the town."

Another Ledbury resident said she employed a Polish lady who, after Brexit, "was told three or four times to go home, and she came to me in tears".

Former town councillor, Richard Hadley said he understood that a town pub had been threatened with firebombing, after the landlady flew the flag of Hungary alongside the Union Jack.

But retired town trader, Yvonne White, said Ledbury had a long tradition of tolerance.

She said: "After the war, we were left with a lot of former German and Italian prisoners of war. They were are our friends and they are still our friends.There is no racism in this town."

Cllr Liz Harvey said of the problem of racist incidents in Ledbury: "We have heard how, for a few people in the community. it's an experience that is real for them."

Cllr Andrew Warmington said the motion of tolerance was not a political statement but Ledbury Town Council taking a lead.

He said: "It's for us to show leadership on the issue; to put out a positive message.

"There's enough anecdotal evidence to suggest there is some racism in Ledbury."

Cllr Tony Bradford questioned the value of a motion of tolerance because the words would not change the minds of people who are racist.

And Cllr Annette Crowe said she did not believe there was a problem with racism in the town.

West Mercia Police have provided recent statistics for the South Herefordshire area, which includes Ledbury; but they required a Freedom of Information Request for figures specific to Ledbury.

In South Herefordshire, there was a rise in recorded racial crime from one incident in May, to two in June, and to three in July - which was post-Brexit.

But incidents fell to pre-Brexit levels in August and September, with only one being recorded for each month.

In addition, there was one recorded "non-specific" racial incident in August in South Herefordshire and two more in September.

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