THE number of people from black and ethnic minority communities in Kettering has risen by more than 60 per cent in six years, prompting calls for better multicultural facilities.
From 2001 to 2007, the number of people from these backgrounds rose from 2,706 to 4,400 – more than five per cent of the borough's population.
Representatives of these groups now say there is a need for a multicultural centre in the borough.
T
hey have also approached Kettering Council about religious groups needs.
On Tuesday the council's policy and improvement committee will look at venues across the town which are suitable for community events.
They will also consider ways to improve working partnerships with people from different backgrounds.
A report to the committee states: "It is clear that needs are growing rapidly and trends suggest they are likely to increase further."
It goes on to say: "It is reassuring to know hate crime and racial incidents are at a very low level and that steps are being made by Kettering Council and its partners to tackle the root causes, reporting and handling of these incidents."
In June, Race Action Kettering said that people from different ethnic groups have nowhere to go to share their experiences.
However, Kettering Muslim Association said it has raised enough money to buy a property to use as a mosque.
There has also been concern that there is under-representation of employees from ethnic minority backgrounds at Kettering Council.
Ongoing work to address this includes ensuring that interview dates do not clash with key religious dates.
A Hate Crime monitoring group also meets every month, which is attended by the council's housing managers.
