Business leaders call for community response to recent incidents
Chichester’s Business Improvement District (BID) has urged residents, businesses and visitors to play an active role in keeping the city centre safe and welcoming after recent reports of racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination. The appeal from the BID’s chief executive comes in the wake of incidents that included members of the cast of a major theatre production and visitors reportedly subjected to intimidation and abuse.
In a column published on Thursday, the BID said such behaviour was “deeply saddening and appalling”, adding that the organisation stands in solidarity with those affected and with Chichester Festival Theatre in its commitment to inclusion and equality. The BID described the events as an uncomfortable reminder that pride in the city should not lead to ignoring difficult truths about society.
“No one should experience intimidation, prejudice or abuse and such behaviour has no place in our city.”
The BID emphasised that safety stretches beyond the physical environment and includes how people treat one another. Its office oversees a range of measures intended to reassure businesses and visitors alike during normal trading hours.
- BID Ambassadors provide a visible presence across the city centre, assisting businesses and members of the public and reporting concerns to relevant authorities.
- Chichester Business Against Crime (ChiBAC) is supported by the BID to help firms tackle crime and disorder.
- The BID represents city-centre businesses at safety and policing meetings with Sussex Police and partner organisations.
Reporting and partnership work
The BID urged witnesses of abuse or crime to report incidents to Sussex Police rather than simply walking on. It said action by the community and by official agencies should be coordinated so that businesses feel supported and the city remains open and welcoming.
Business leaders told the BID that a secure environment is central not only to the success of individual firms, but also to the experience of everyone who lives in, works in or visits Chichester. The BID pledged to press for “meaningful change” on issues affecting the city centre and highlighted its existing channels for support and engagement.
| Service | Role |
|---|---|
| BID Ambassadors | Customer-facing presence; reporting and assistance during trading hours |
| ChiBAC | Support scheme for businesses to tackle crime and disorder |
| Engagement with Sussex Police | Representation at city safety and policing meetings |
Community expectations and the role of debate
The column acknowledged that public debate has grown more polarised, with social media amplifying hostile views. The BID warned against letting that environment normalise prejudice. It invoked a literary reminder of shared humanity, quoting Shakespeare’s line from The Merchant of Venice:
“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?”
That appeal underlines the BID’s message that tolerance is not just a civic nicety but a practical necessity for a successful urban centre. The organisation said it would continue to invest in the city’s safety infrastructure, represent businesses in discussions with policing partners and push for tangible improvements where necessary.
For residents and businesses, the immediate ask is clear: report incidents, support victims and engage with local schemes designed to improve safety. The BID stressed that tackling prejudice and abusive behaviour requires both institutional response and everyday action from the community.
