A Lichfield councillor has called on people not to make assumptions about the Dimbles area of the city after two people were found guilty of murdering a father-of-five.
Twenty-year-old Carl Keatley of Greencroft, Lichfield, and 16-year-old Jordan Carroll of Windmill Close, Lichfield, were convicted of killing 43-year-old Michael Eccles following a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
The case put the Dimbles area of Lichfield under nationwide scrutiny and even saw one local councillor describe the area as being “like Beirut”.
But Councillor Helen Fisher, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community, believes the murder should not be viewed as a representation of the entire community.
She said of the verdict:
“This is a positive result for the family and the community. When tragic events like this happen, it is very easy to jump to the conclusion that they reflect the community as a whole. But, we know from working closely with local people, both before and after Mr Eccles’ murder, that many people didn’t recognise where they live from some of the comments made in the national media, and were saddened by the way North Lichfield had been portrayed.
“We have a long history of working in partnership with people living in North Lichfield, and whilst they tell us there are some issues that need to be addressed, they also tell us they like living here and are proud to be part of their local community. Following Mr Eccles’ death, we have brought forward some of our plans for the area, stepping up our visits to the Dimbles Lane shops, improving security, and enhancing the local environment. We’re also working with partners to improve facilities in the shopping area, including putting in CCTV later this summer.”
Cllr Fisher added that the aftermath of Mr Eccles’ murder had seen local people become more involved in decisions about the future of the area. She explained:
“Agencies have worked even more closely with local people, involving them at every stage of the work we are doing, including hosting community workshops and events. We’ve also worked to raise the profile of local activities for young people that take place in the area. Overall this work has had a positive impact and reduced the incidences of anti-social behaviour. Looking to the future we will continue our programme of partnership working so that the community’s ongoing needs are addressed.”
