‘Let’s stop pretending this is just urban life; it’s not – it’s neglect’

I want to speak plainly — what’s happening in parts of St Paul’s is unacceptable.

I walk these streets. I speak to the families, the elderly, the shopkeepers, the young people. I hear the fear in their voices.

I’ve seen the drug dealing happening in plain sight. I’ve spoken to mothers too scared to let their kids go to the park.

Let’s stop pretending this is just ‘urban life,’ it’s not. It’s neglect.

Since being elected, I’ve made myself available every week, holding weekly drop-in surgeries, walking the streets, meeting with the police, talking to residents, faith leaders and community groups.

I’m doing this work because I care and because this is my community too.

No other councillor in the city holds surgeries every single week, but I do because I know how quickly people can feel ignored.

I’ve sat down with local sergeants and with the police and crime commissioner, Clare Moody. I’ve spoken directly with our MP, Carla Denyer.

We’re all aware of the crisis, and we’ve all heard the same thing: the police are underfunded, under pressure, and often reactive rather than preventative.

But let me be clear – that can’t be an excuse anymore. We need more visible policing. We need targeted patrols, especially near our parks and bus stops.

But we also need something even more basic – reporting.

The hard truth is, if incidents aren’t logged, the authorities don’t see a problem. That’s why I’m urging residents: please report everything. Even if you think it won’t make a difference – it does.

Every report strengthens the case for more resources in our community. It gives us leverage. It puts our needs on paper.

Many residents have recently come forward to vocalise their fear of criminal activity in the area – photo: Martin Booth

But this can’t just be about enforcement. We need long-term solutions. We need youth services reopened, we need community spaces that are actually funded and we need trusted outreach teams that work with – not just around – our residents.

The answers won’t come from City Hall alone, or from yet another restructure of Avon and Somerset Police.

They’ll come from working together with councillors, residents, faith groups, charities and businesses.

United by the belief that this area deserves better. I’m not interested in writing off any part of this city and I won’t allow anyone to write off St Paul’s.

We are strong, proud and diverse – and we deserve clean streets, safe parks, and the dignity of being listened to.

But we must all play a part. My surgery doors are open. My phone is on. I’m here. The question now is: who’s willing to stand with us?

This is an opinion piece from Abdul Malik, one of the councillors for Ashley Ward 

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All photos: Abdul Malik

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