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Deal Town Council asked to help combat violence on women after Sarah Everard murder case

A council is being asked to help protect women from violence in the wake of the Sarah Everard tragedy.

A motion was set to go before Deal Town Council last night.

Decorated pebbles in memory of Sarah Everard in Deal last week. Picture provided by Susan Carlyle
Decorated pebbles in memory of Sarah Everard in Deal last week. Picture provided by Susan Carlyle

The suspect in the murder investigation is from the town.

Cllr Susan Carlyle was scheduled to put forward the motion at the authority's full meeting.

It asks for a plan to be created, by an officer and councillors, to address violence against women and girls in Deal and to be brought to the council with a budget in April.

It also asks fro the council to meet Reclaim These Streets Deal to discuss how the authority can help.

This may lead to setting up forums and creating a shared campaign on the issue.

Susan Carlyle, one of the campaigners highlighting women's safety in Deal
Susan Carlyle, one of the campaigners highlighting women's safety in Deal

As a private citizen Mrs Carlyle is a member of the women's safety campaign group.

The report to councillors,prepared by deputy town clerk Paul Bone is called Safer Streets for Women.

It says: "In a virtual meeting (of RTSD) a councillor was asked to raise with DTC questions about how some parts of Deal are unsafe for people to walk in the evenings or commute from transport points.

"DTC are asked to note the increase in domestic violence during the Covid pandemic with a 25% rise in the figures of reported domestic violence.

"There is a lack of information and local support for women reporting incidents of harassment or threats and feeling unsafe.

Sarah Everard
Sarah Everard

"The council is asked to develop a project taking forward the wider issues of safety for women, including safety on the streets and open spaces, and safety from abuse at home."

The case of Ms Everard, 33, gripped the nation this month after she went missing in London on March 3.

Her body was found in woodland near Ashford seven days later and the suspect, Wayne Couzens, 48. was arrested on March 9 at his home in Freemen's Way, Deal.

Metropolitan Police officers had this month swarmed into Kent to also search Couzens' former workplace, the disused BCB garage in Dover, the Betteshanger area and parts of Sandwich.

Books of condolence were set up in Deal and Sandwich earlier this month.

The tribute stones outside Deal Pier last week. Picture provided by Susan Carlyle
The tribute stones outside Deal Pier last week. Picture provided by Susan Carlyle

Decorated pebbles in tribute to Sarah were put on the statue outside Deal Pier from last Wednesday to Saturday.

They have since been moved to be placed at another location to be confirmed.

Couzens, a serving armed Metropolitan Police officer, is charged with Sarah's kidnap and murder and is currently in custody.

His plea is expected to be heard in court in July and a full hearing is scheduled for October.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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