A sexual assault survivor has called for more to be done for women's safety in Evesham after reports of minors being sexually harassed in the town centre. 

The call comes after a woman, Carrie Thomas, was left with a cracked skull and a bleed on the brain after being attacked on Port Street earlier this month. 

A group of residents have since held a "Justice for Carrie" protest to have their voices heard. 

The police have released an open letter regarding their plan to address the issue. 

Speaking at a town council meeting on October 14, Chloe Hopper who was sexually assaulted on Port Street in 2022 said: "I'd like to highlight a safeguarding issue with Port Street.

"My friend was assaulted on Port Street and suffered some quite serious injuries on October 6.

"She has a cracked skull, she's waiting for surgery and she's got a blood clot on her brain.

"It was unprovoked and as I understand it's a lot like my case where I was sexually assaulted on Port Street in 2022.

"There are not enough safety measures on Port Street for women and there aren't enough ways of collecting evidence.

"I'd like to introduce safe routes which is an idea where women know there's a safe route home

"Port Street can become a safe route by adding lighting into the alleyways that aren't lit at all, adding signs along Port Street that say there aren't any CCTV down the alleyways, but I'm also looking for more ideas to make Port Street safer.

"It's not safe and there's seven women that stand behind me as victims of the same crime over the last 13 years and the last assault was Saturday.

"So it's an ongoing issue and it's consistent with something that's not going to stop unless we can start with raising awareness to it and finding ways to make women feel safer."

Evesham Town Council agreed to discuss the issue further and in more depth with campaigners and also agreed to add to to a list of police priorities.

John Campbell-Muir at the meeting said: "A suggestion I'd like to think the council would support is the idea of giving rape alarms to pubs to hand out to young vulnerable women walking home at night which I think is in this day and age is a must.

"I've spoken to PC Adam Johns and talked about making it a possibility for cars to go down there after the nightclub closes so these young girls can get home from the nightclub safe. 

"I think we as a council should do all we can to help Chloe address this problem and make Port Street a safer place to be."

Ms Hopper was then asked what times incidents are happening the most, to which she said when the pubs and clubs close but also when minors are walking to and from school.

These times were added to the priorities that would be given to the police.

Councillor Campbell-Muir also suggested the idea of subsidising taxis.

In an open letter to all residents of Evesham, chief inspector Paul Harvey from West Mercia Police said: "We are aware from our work with the Evesham community of a feeling of unsafety in the Bengeworth area of the town.  
 
"I want to be open with you about the perception of crime in the area, the facts and, importantly, what we are doing to help you both be safe and feel safe.

"Over the summer right up until now we have seen a reduction in reported crimes involving violence against women and girls (VAWG) across the whole town.

"I understand that Port Street has been an area of particular concern for the community so want to be completely open about the reported crimes in the area.

"Since July there have been five crimes reported on the road linked to VAWG; three domestic related crimes, one assault linked to disorder in a pub and a dog bite. All of these crimes have been investigated.  
 
"Please know that if you are a victim of a crime you can come to us in confidence and all matters will be thoroughly investigated.

"We will also ensure you know what support is available to you.  

"Working with our partners, we’re doing all we can to understand fears and concerns in the area, particularly those of women and girls. 
 
"As part of our ongoing work across the whole town, we are working with our partners to look at the Bengeworth area to consider any improvements that may be necessary and could help you feel safer. This includes reviewing CCTV and lighting.  

"As well as reaching out directly to your local policing team you can also use the StreetSafe service to report areas where you don’t feel safe – such as poorly lit alleyways that make you feel unsafe, or where there is vandalism.  

"Crimes should be reported directly to the police, which you can do via our website but, of course, in an emergency call 999.   
 
"Please keep talking to us."