“Reading is a great place to live”. 

That is the message from residents paying tribute to the many benefits of living in the UK’s largest town.

On Wednesday the Chronicle spoke to shoppers in the town centre about why they love Reading following on from a viral radio call where doorman “Darren” praised the diversity in Reading. 

His positive speech, which went viral online, was in response to the violent and “racially motivated” protests following the killings in Southport.

Town landmarks including Reading Train Station and Forbury Gardens remained peaceful, despite nationwide upheaval surrounding attacks in a variety of towns and cities.

Residents shared their thoughts with the Chronicle about nationwide riots, potential local repercussions and how Reading's diversity could impact reactions.

Lower Earley resident John Roberts, 47, offers a local perspective.

He said: "The riots are out of order. My neighbourhood is quite diverse, and it's lovely to see how multicultural it is.

"It is so sad that a lot of people are actually afraid to go out and get shopping for fear that there may be riots or that they may be attacked."

"I think because Reading is so diverse the far right will face more of a challenge here and more opposition.

"I’m from North Wales originally and moved here 18 months ago and I absolutely love it.

"I think it’s a great place to live.

"Although nothing has happened yet, we have been warned by work to leave early on Friday because something is supposed to happen then."

A 52-year-old man from the Muslim community also gave his opinion.

He said: "We need to stop this at any cost. It is just terrible what is happening and to claim that it has anything to do with the Muslim culture is wrong.

"We are very happy and peaceful and have been living in the UK for generations."

Peter, another resident in Reading, criticised the nation-wide unrest.

He said: "I believe that these riots are being perpetrated by people controlled by bigger forces that don’t understand the complexity of the situation.

"Reading hasn’t been badly affected because since the 80s, the council has promoted inclusivity in the community.

"Other cities do not take that initiative until it’s too late.

"The people of Reading and authorities have been working for almost 50 years to create a diverse and multicultural society."