Racist abuse of Nepalese people in Swindon has prompted three councillors to ask for more police in the area.

The members for Liden, Eldene and Park South, Couns Fay Howard, Janine Howarth and Chris Watts wrote to Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson: “Last week the Swindon Advertiser published an incident where a Nepalese man and his daughter were harassed as they parked their car outside the Co-op on Cavendish Square. We know there are similar incidents taking place in public places and that some members of the Nepalese community do not feel safe.

"We know you will be aware that the Nepalese community contribute a huge service to our town and country. Many work in our public services like in the Great Western Hospital, others support the local Streetwatch service which is working to make residents feel safer in their communities and some are veterans of the British army and have fought to protect our country.

“These racist incidents are now happening at such a frequency that we believe it is time that the police urgently increase its presence in the Parks area, particularly in community spaces like Cavendish Square. We would urge you to do this as swiftly as possible and keep the police presence high until such a time that these incidences are significantly reducing.

"We appreciate that due to police funding cuts over the last 8 years that resources are tight, but addressing these issues are of such importance that we cannot sit back and not see more done.

"We would be grateful if you can take up this issue on our behalf and outline how the police will be able to prevent these racist instances from happening in the future."

Mr Macpherson responded: “To hear that the Nepalese community in Swindon do not feel confident report hate crime incidents to Wiltshire Police is incredibly concerning.

“Offences of this nature can have a huge impact on individuals and the wider communities, and it is rightly expected that the police takes reports of this nature seriously and that any language barrier addressed that may prevent a report being made.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable regarding this and am reassured that proactive steps are being taken to address this issue and key relationships are being built between community groups and the police.”

PCSO Phil Day is one of the community policing team for Swindon South. He said: “Our local PCSOs in the area actively engage with the Nepalese community via the community centre in Walcot regularly and they have an excellent relationship with staff and visitors to the centre.

“If victims would prefer not to speak to police, they can use True Vision’s online reporting facility, or call Victim Support’s 24/7 support line on 0808 16 89 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”