Written by: Salma El-Sakka
Residents and visitors of Victor Hugo Street and some surrounding streets in the French city of Bordeaux are suffering from concerning repercussions linked to the spread of the drug trade, amid growing demands for a decisive response that restores safety to the area and puts an end to daily harassment.
Establishment of a residential group to confront violations
The deterioration of security conditions and the increase in harassment prompted local residents and shop owners to establish a group named Hugo Delire with the aim of improving daily living conditions in the neighborhood and pressing for radical solutions. Resident representatives held meetings with local and municipal authorities to present their proposals and discuss ways to enhance stability in the region.
Fears of escalating manifestations of insecurity
Residents complain that security challenges have turned into a daily reality imposing itself on the lives of families and children. Group representatives pointed out the recording of break-in cases into private property and shared spaces, creating a feeling of fear and hindering the normal daily activities of citizens, especially the most vulnerable groups who face unacceptable behaviors in public places.
Demands to establish a permanent security point
Despite the continuous security patrols by the municipal and national police in the street, residents believe that these measures remain insufficient to eliminate the roots of the problem given their limited temporary impact. In this context, the group demands the establishment of a permanent police station in the street to ensure continuous presence and effectively deter illegal activities, parallel to continuing constructive dialogue with municipal authorities to discuss all available options to improve urban and security conditions.
