A recent survey has uncovered the distressing extent of public harassment faced by young women and girls in Cheltenham, with safety concerns during race week emerging as a recurring theme. The consultation gathered responses from 177 girls and young women aged 11 to 18 in the spa town and was presented at a Cheltenham Borough Council meeting.
The findings revealed that nearly 30% of those surveyed have received unwanted explicit images, while only 16% feel their voices are truly heard. Richard Gibson, head of communities, wellbeing and partnerships at the council, described the statistics as “shocking” and a “call to action.”
Speaking at the meeting, Gibson emphasized the urgent need to develop a comprehensive action plan to address the issues highlighted. “Hearing directly from young women and girls about their daily experiences was jaw-dropping,” he remarked. “This is not something to be shelved for the future; we have to act now.”
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The report underscores how many young women feel unsafe after dark, especially during race week, which locals cited repeatedly. They also face numerous barriers when seeking help and lack confidence that professionals can effectively resolve their concerns.
Gibson highlighted collaborative efforts with local schools and police, noting particular attention was given to students of Pittville School, whose location between the town centre and racecourse exposes them to heightened risks during race events. “Working together to mitigate these risks has been encouraging,” he said.
Another significant outcome of the survey is the recognized shortage of safe, engaging spaces for young women and girls in the town centre. In response, initiatives like the youth café at Smokey Joe’s have been established and praised for their success.
Safety and Communities Cabinet member Jamie Jamieson described the survey’s revelations as “profoundly disturbing” for a town he views as relatively civilised. To address these issues, a dedicated sub-committee has been formed to develop a strategic action plan.
Guy Lavender, chief executive of Cheltenham Racecourse, reaffirmed their commitment to safety. He stressed their zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, highlighting ongoing collaborations with Gloucestershire Police and local authorities. “Our Love Our Turf initiative, now in its fifth year, exemplifies our dedication to safeguarding racegoers and the community,” Lavender added. He also expressed openness to further partnerships aimed at supporting the local population.