A COUNCILLOR from the town where the BBC’s smash hit Peaky Blinders programme is filmed has said it should be aired late at night to stop people copying its violence scenes.

Cllr Bryan Cotterill made his call as members of Dudley Council discussed how to prevent violence in the borough – home of the Black Country Museum where many of the show’s scenes are filmed. 

He said he believes the gritty historical drama which portrays the exploits of the Shelby crime family could encourage violence.

The Labour councillor spoke out as members of the local authority Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee discussed ways of reducing violence.

Questioning the council chief health officer about possible links between graphic portrayals of shootings and knife crime and people copying the actions of on screen characters, he said: “That programme [Peaky Blinders] made about Birmingham is violent, it is just violent.  I am sure that it must have a tremendous effect on children and adults".

In response, council officers said that none of the data they had collected on the causes of violence had so far showed a link to television shows or computer games.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Cotterill admitted he didn’t watch the show because of its violent scenes but added: “I think something is happening that people now think it is the norm to knife people, to shoot them and to beat them up.

“I really do think that they see it on television and then go out and do it.

“I think it is putting in front of young people –  and not just just young people – but I really do think that television does have an effect.”

But the Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood councillor stopped short of of calling for the programme to be banned saying it should be broadcast late at night adding:  “I know that this show is on after the [9pm] watershed but some of the programmes should be aired way past the watershed.” 

His comments came after the latest episode of the show attracted a record audience of nearly four million viewers for the series’ finale aired on Sunday.