LIB DEM COUNCILLOR BACKS SOMALI WOMEN'S GROUP

SOMALI women have won the backing of Lib Dem councillor Sue O’Donnell in their bid to launch a new group in the aftermath of the fatal stabbing in Easton earlier this month (July).
Councillor O’Donnell (Lawrence Hill) - who chairs the city council’s Community Cohesion and Safety Scrutiny Commission - is helping to organise a meeting over the next few weeks for women from the Somali community across the city.
“The initial aim is to tackle problems with the relationship between the police and the Somali community, but there is so much more that can be achieved by these women, working together with other groups and agencies,” said Councillor O’Donnell.
“This follows the public meeting that was held just after the tragic stabbing in Stapleton Road two weeks ago. Police have agreed that their liaison team will work with the new group.
“It will be a women’s group because Somali women themselves want it that way. They see the benefits of better understanding, getting more involved and closer integration with the wider community.”
Councillor O’Donnell is also calling for the city council to scrutinise the work done to tackle gang culture in central Bristol.
“Given the recent tragic events, people need to be made aware of what’s being done by the various agencies and what they themselves can do to help,” she said.
Councillor O’Donnell will raise the subject at the Community Cohesion and Safety Scrutiny Commission on July 28.

Note: Contact Sue O'Donnell on 0117 903 1988 or 07957 700 005