Overview
- Residents describe theft, drug use and insecurity in the town centre, with security guards reported outside Greggs to deter shoplifting.
- Locals link a lack of opportunities to the closure of Vauxhall’s van plant last April, saying job prospects have deteriorated.
- Luton Council cites a Town Centre Masterplan with roughly £1.7bn in public and private funding to be delivered over 20 to 30 years.
- Work has begun at Power Court for a new Luton Town FC stadium planned at 25,000 seats, plus a hotel, music venue and about 1,200 flats.
- Recent upgrades include the unveiling of the River Lea at Hat Gardens, and a 2024 Town Centre Task Force working with police and charities to address crime.