THE Hereford Times carried out a vox-pop this week, asking people if they thought that Hereford is still a safe place to live and visit, despite recent violent crimes being committed in the city.
The majority of people said that they do not feel any more scared as a result of the incidents, and I feel the same.
Of course, it was shocking to hear about two random stabbings in the city in April, which ironically occurred just days after a national report stated that Hereford was the safest place to live in the UK.
Two further stabbings happened in Newton Farm a month later, and then a 13-year-old boy was robbed on the Great Western Way.
Some people would argue that these reports makes the survey look ridiculous and I can sympathise with that.
But, despite all that, I do feel safe walking the streets of Hereford.
I was born and bred in the city, and apart from spells at college and university, have lived here all of my life.
It is a city where a lot of people know each other and I think that the majority are friendly, law-abiding citizens.
Of course, there are certain areas where you have to be extra vigilant, especially if you’re alone.
But, isn't every city like that?
I lived in Birmingham for a year and I knew that there were some places that you would be advised to avoid.
But, I am proud to be a Herefordian and think that it is a great place for people to bring up their children or for tourists to visit.
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