Councillor's hope that protest march will raise awareness

After the pronouncements of the last few days concerning the proposed protest march through Boston to highlight immigration levels, one borough councillor has tried to set things in a perspective which doesn’t include political correctness for once.
Independent Councillor Carol Taylor was commenting after Monday’s statement by Councillor Mike Gilbert, the borough’s portfolio holder for Community Development, and Boston Eye’s Tuesday report on the umpteenth interview with council leader Peter Bedford – this one on BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Peter Levy Show.
In an e-mail to Boston Eye, Councillor Taylor says:
“There are so many opinions as to the true reason for the people's demonstration march scheduled for November, that it is difficult to see when Political Correctness finally takes a back seat in favour of the true feelings of the vast majority of Bostonians.
“The importance of social integration between valued migrant workers and the people of Boston should never be underestimated.
"Whilst the main topic of discussion seems to concern the potential loss of jobs, it is by no means the full story.
“Immigrants to Boston clearly have a different culture to ours, which is to be expected, but there are aspects of their culture which are unacceptable to us in Boston and give rise to much debate with members of the public.
“Micturating in public areas with no concern as to who may witness this antisocial behaviour, including children, is clearly not a concern for some members of our migrant population. The well known phrase any time, any place, anywhere, seems to be the norm for this group of people.
“The practice of spitting is another great concern, as not only is it antisocial, it is also a health hazard. A few years ago, TB was eradicated from our country, but in recent years has re-appeared in places such as Birmingham. Spitting can be a significant contributable factor towards the spread of this disease.
“The drinking of alcohol in public places, whilst not only migrant workers, only leads to public fear and distress and may culminate in the culprit being arrested in areas where there are ' No drinking zones'.
“With regard to working here, I recognise that the migrant workers do indeed contribute to our society, performing tasks that remain unpopular with local people.
“It is well known now that some of our local politicians would rather the march be focused towards London or Brussels, the inception of EU regulations.
“Whilst I agree with our inability to provide a solution to the number of immigrants arriving and settling here, surely the acts of micturition, spitting and over indulgence of alcohol can be stopped by our own local governmental officers - especially the police.
“Although the proposed Localism Bill is a labyrinth of complex and ideal suggestions, one area which is clear is that of the empowerment locally to make our area a better place - so it is up to us as a council to embrace this concept and start acting now!
“Migrant workers have also opened many shops and pay business rates (which is the law) but this does not have an immediate effect on our economy, as most of the stock comes from their own country.
“This is where integration would play a vital role for the improvement of relationships between English and non-English people in as much as promoting the using of English shops and vice versa  -but can this happen? Let’s hope so, as our future now depends on it.
“I have a 24 year-old son who lives in America, and last year he came home with his new girlfriend and together they went out for the evening with friends to show 'the American' what Boston has to offer.
“At 11.50pm I received a phone call from my son requesting me to collect him, as non English men were pursuing his girlfriend despite her being with my son. This caused her great distress and spoilt her visit to our lovely town of Boston.
“The march planned for November is clearly instigated by a group of people who, like so many others, are continually frustrated with what appears to be a lack of support from Boston Borough Council, and being fobbed off with politically correct statements which further serve only to exacerbate the potentiality of a volatile situation arising.
“I hope that the demonstration proves to be a peaceful and democratic affair which continues to raise awareness of the frustrations of the people of Boston.
“What is undemocratic, however, is the person or persons responsible for trying to stop this march by means of a petition. It is foolhardy and dangerous."

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