Coronavirus latest: 'Too many Luton households hold large gatherings after a death in the family'

Labour Saints councillor Javed Hussain told the council’s health and well-being board this week: “There’s still a big issue with households when there’s a death in the family.

“We need to go there and discourage it.

"I don’t know whether we as a council should be doing that or the police."

Bedfordshire Police temporary assistant chief constable Sharn Basra was also at the meeting.

He said police attended reports of gatherings "if we are able to".

Councillor Hussain then accused the police of having "more of a reactive than a proactive approach" to stopping local gatherings.

Mr Basra retorted: “That’s an immature and provocative statement.

“I’m happy to take this offline, but at the moment you’re not adding any value to this conversation.”

Councillor Hussain added: “I am deliberately playing the devil’s advocate. How do we make sure that the police give it equal priority?

"We need to be proactive and tell people you mustn’t do this.

“But equally we need to know we’ve got the police to back us up, as and when we need it.”

Mr Basra responded: “We’re working fantastically well with our partners from the borough council on a joint communications approach.

“We’ve been praised. I would suggest it’s being very proactive. We can’t go to every single household.

“We’re providing that visible presence in those areas which require it.”

Councillor Hussain said: “People are saying they haven’t seen a police officer. I understand the immense pressure they’re under.

“Equally, as I learn from the Asian community, when there’s been a death there’s nobody going round to the household and asking, 'Are you following Covid measures?’

Labour Lewsey councillor Hazel Simmons, who chairs the board, said: “The only way we can make this happen is via the community meetings we’re having every week already, and working with the police and council on this.”