Just over a week ago the darker side of social media had a profound effect on our town.
Threats of demonstrations and reports of protestors gathering in parts of Reading were spreading at speed across the town and causing concern.
I am pleased to say that all these reports turned out to be fake and Reading residents and visitors were able to enjoy a peaceful weekend in the sun.
However, the worry and anxiety the rumours caused was very real, especially to our Muslim and minority ethnic communities in Reading. We had all seen the appalling acts of violence and criminality in towns and cities across the country and there were reports of many more demonstrations being planned.
I would like to thank Thames Valley Police and council officers for working together to provide reassurance and security to the public and to community representatives for helping to quell concerns about disturbances.
And thank you to Reading residents for keeping calm during a tense few days.
Council managers and officers kept in close contact with the police throughout the week and monitored the situation constantly. Police on the street and Council staff watching our CCTV cameras were immediately able to investigate reports circulating on social media about disturbances, and prove that they were false.
Our colleagues at the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) also kept the town’s businesses updated and the BID wardens maintained a presence in the town centre.
Police and Council staff were on standby and ready to react if necessary and kept watch on activities last weekend. I was pleased to hear that the pre-arranged Carnival of the World event in Broad Street on Saturday, which celebrated music, dance and costumers from around the world, was a great success and highlighted what our town is truly about.
The speed with which rumours and false news spread via social media was truly alarming and I think has been a reminder to us all to think twice about what we read on these platforms and to check that messages are from a trusted source. It’s vital that misinformation from unofficial sources is not spread more widely.
I am pleased to see that many of those who did take part in riots around the country, and deliberately fanned the flames on social media, have faced swift justice.
Reading has a long history of welcoming different communities from near and far, and as a result we have a wonderfully rich and diverse population who all contribute towards the success and vibrancy of our town.
The Council and police will remain vigilant to any potential threats over the coming days and weeks and I would ask that you continue to check on your friends and neighbours and show that caring and kindness is at the heart of our town.
Liz Terry is the leader of Reading Borough Council
