Growing calls for Stokes Croft Inquiry

Written by Chris Millman Tuesday, 05 July 2011

A petition calling for a wide ranging inquiry into April's disturbances in Stokes Croft has now gathered over 1,000 signatures.

In addition to the 473 who have added their names online via the Bristol City Council website, 560 have signed a paper petition which was circulated in the Stokes Croft area on Saturday.  

400 of these were collected by Simon Lewis, who was bitten by police dogs during the disturbances.  

Simon, 38, a builder said;

"Many people commented on the large scars on my arms whilst I was out collecting signatures during Saturday's Carnival.  When I explain how I received them they are horrified and want to know how this can happen."

Simon continued:

"We just want to get a definitive account of what took place, look at all the causes, and see if there are any lesson that can be learned from this."

Local Councillor, Gus Hoyt (Ashley) of the Green Party, said:

"It was inspiring to see just how many people stopped on route to the carnival to discuss the complicated local situation.  Most believed it has been 'swept under the carpet'"

"If we cannot learn from the mistakes that occurred prior, during and after the disturbances - how are we ever going to move on as a community?"

Lead petitioner Ben Appleby said:

This shows there is demand for this inquiry.  Please will the other councillors get off the fence, sign our petition and actively campaign for an inquiry."

The petition can be found at http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk


Contact:  Chris Millman, Green Party Press Officer.