Joining the PCC on the beat in Blackpool

Last week, I was out on the beat in Blackpool town centre with Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and our fantastic local officers. It was a great opportunity to see the work being done to keep our community safe during the busy summer months.

We spoke with officers about the progress being made through Op Centurion, which has been steadily reducing antisocial behaviour in the town over the last few years. I hear constantly from residents that tackling antisocial behaviour is one of their top priorities and it remains one of mine too. It was reassuring to see just how effective the extra patrols and targeted action have been.

One initiative I have been particularly impressed with was the newly launched on and off-road bike fleet. They are already making a real impact in tackling the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes. In just one afternoon of action in August, Clive and I joined police as they seized more than 50 nuisance vehicles. For local people, that means safer, more welcoming streets – and that really matters.

We also talked about the Safer Streets Summer initiative, which is all about visible policing and strong partnership working between the police, the council, businesses and community organisations. Lytham Road has been selected as a target area for the initiative and it’s clear that when everyone pulls together, we can achieve real results in making our town safer.

Clive made the point that with so many visitors coming to Blackpool over the summer, it’s crucial that the town feels safe and welcoming for everyone – whether you’re living here, working here, or just visiting for the day. He was clear that the Safer Streets Summer initiative shows what can be achieved through collaboration and he reaffirmed his commitment as Police and Crime Commissioner to working alongside Lancashire Police, MPs, and other partners to deliver the best possible policing service across the county.

I’ll keep working with Clive, Lancashire Police, Blackpool Council and our community partners to make sure our town centre is a place we can all be proud of – safe, welcoming and a vibrant place for residents and visitors alike.