One of the musicians who led the charge to get a greater police presence in the downtown as the result of increased safety concerns says he’s pleased with the progress made to date—but some concerns remain, especially as it relates to an increase in panhandling in the downtown.

Rowan Sherlock says lighting was increased in the George Street area with funding provided to address safety.

A private security company, Independent Security Services, is also patrolling the downtown to help prevent violent altercations and robberies.

Although not an illegal activity, Sherlock is concerned with the level of panhandling in the downtown in recent years.

“I know that everybody can attest to this and agree to it,” Sherlock told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly. “You can’t walk from one length of George Street to the other—or Water Street for that matter—without getting stopped, probably four or five times before you get to your destination from people seeking change or a cigarette.”

Sherlock says that alone is not a concern, but he is worried about the aggressive, confrontational approach taken by some of the panhandlers.

“That’s a real deterrent for people’s want to go downtown,” according to Sherlock.