ST HELENS Council is urging residents to stand up against hate crime as it pledges support to Liverpool Pride.

Liverpool Pride is one of the North West’s biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) festivals, which will be held on Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30.

The annual festival will welcome visitors from across the country for a vibrant march and celebration of equality and tolerance on the streets of Liverpool.

It was established in 2010 following public outcry at the murder of gay teenager Michael Causer, a hairdresser from Whiston, who was killed at a house party in Huyton in an attack allegedly motivated by hate crime.

A charitable foundation was set up in his name by his family, to protect and support young LGBT+ people at risk.

In a celebration of diversity and standing up against hate crime, St Helens Council set up the No Place for Hate campaign and are asking residents to sign an online pledge – demonstrating their commitment to stamp out hate crime locally.

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Lisa Preston, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Liverpool Pride and the Michael Causer Foundation this year, and are renewing our efforts with partner agencies to make St Helens a safer place to live and work – one that embraces diversity – with our No Place for Hate campaign.

“Although numbers of hate crime incidents remain low in St Helens, the true number could be much higher as many cases go unreported.

“The crime can have a devastating impact on individuals and the wider community, so we encourage residents to stand up for equality and against hate, and to come forward if they’ve been affected.”

The Steve Prescott Bridge will also join other iconic buildings and landmarks such as the Liver Birds in lighting up in rainbow colours, like the pride flag.

To sign the pledge and for information visit sthelens.gov.uk/hatecrime for more on Liverpool Pride visit liverpoolpride.co.uk.