Concerns about anti-social behaviour around the LTB Showrooms in Coventry have been raised by the site's manager, who says the problems go beyond vandalism and are affecting the visitor experience and local neighbourhoods.
What has been reported
Speaking to the BBC, the LTB Showrooms boss, identified only as Denyer in the interview, described incidents that go beyond broken windows and graffiti. He told reporters that alleyways and side streets close to the venue were being used as public conveniences.
"We are trying our best to put on events and make it something that people can enjoy, but the level of anti-social behaviour that you see around there, people openly using the alleyways and side streets as a public toilet. It's not good."
The comments underline tensions faced by event venues and surrounding communities when nuisance behaviour spills into residential streets and affects businesses attempting to attract visitors.
Official responses and promised measures
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has said he takes reports of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing seriously. His remarks followed an announcement of an additional 300 police officers for the force. He said the safety of residents is a priority and signalled a commitment to sustained action.
"I'm not remotely complacent about that because one victim of crime is one too many and certainly people living in fear is completely unacceptable,"
The council has acknowledged the problem. Kenny Bell, representing Coventry City Council, said officers were working with West Midlands Police to spot issues early and prevent escalation. He also confirmed the authority was looking to recruit more community safety wardens to support police activity and reassure residents.
- LTB Showrooms: manager reports on-site and nearby anti-social behaviour
- West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner: committed to action and additional officers
- Coventry City Council: working with police, recruiting community safety wardens
Who is involved and the measures on offer
| Stakeholder | Position | Action or comment |
|---|---|---|
| LTB Showrooms | Business manager (Denyer) | Reported vandalism and public urination in alleyways |
| West Midlands Police | Police and Crime Commissioner (Simon Foster) | Announced extra 300 officers; pledged sustained action |
| Coventry City Council | Kenny Bell | Working with police; recruiting more community safety wardens |
The situation highlights the practical difficulties of managing busy event spaces adjacent to residential areas. While increased officer numbers and additional wardens are intended to improve visible patrols and rapid response, sustained reductions in nuisance behaviour typically rely on coordinated action between police, council services, venue operators and local residents.
For Coventry residents concerned about anti-social behaviour, the immediate steps appear to be joint patrols and augmentation of community safety staff, but the statements from the council and the PCC do not specify precise timescales for deployment or targeted operations in the LTB Showrooms area.
As this story develops, further detail on the timing of additional patrols, wardens' deployment and any organised operations by West Midlands Police will be of interest to local people and businesses affected by persistent nuisance and crime-related concerns.
