More than 2,000 residents signed a petition against High Town councillors calling for action to be taken against prostitution, which was handed in to the Town Hall in Luton today (April 12).
The petition declares “total non-confidence in the councillors” and is the culmination of years of problems in the area which residents describe as a “prostitute haven”.
Old Bedford Road shopkeeper Shahzad Khadam led the group to hand in the petition and a number of supporting letters.
He said: “My life is sheer hell; my customers are either touted by pros or kerb-crawlers. My shop is targeted by pimps and pros, I have been attacked, spit at, sworn at and attempted to be bitten.
“The councillors do not want to know, nor do they care. I have been to forums, meetings, have your say events - to no avail. I am a rate and taxpayer. All my staff and customers deserve much better than this - we live in a vice ghetto and we are ignored.”
A council spokesperson said the council has listened to the concerns of residents at public meetings and by knocking on doors and have taken a range of actions as a result, including fixing street lighting, cutting back shrubbery and bushes and installing gating in problem areas.
Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council, said: “We are fully aware of the issues and have complete and total sympathy for all residents who are suffering at the moment. What they are having to put up with at the current time is unacceptable.
“I wish there was a simple solution, I really do. But this will take some time. The crime of kerb crawling and paying for sex is of course primarily an issue for the police but it is a very complex issue and is going to require committed partnership working over a period of time.
“The Council for its part is doing absolutely everything in its power to help deal with the problem. We are working closely in partnership with the police, health services and voluntary agencies to ensure that all possible action is being taken to resolve this complex and challenging problem.”