People in Blackpool deserve to feel safe on their own streets. Residents and businesses should never have to put up with persistent intimidation, harassment or disorder.
New Respect Orders are now in force, giving the police and councils stronger powers to tackle those who repeatedly make life miserable for others.
So what does that mean for Blackpool?
Courts can ban adult offenders from places where they’ve been causing trouble, or stop them drinking in public hotspots. For example, someone repeatedly getting drunk and harassing people in Blackpool town centre could be banned from the area. Courts can also require offenders to address the causes of their behaviour, including attending drug or alcohol treatment programmes.
Crucially, breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence. Police can arrest those who break the conditions, with penalties including fines, community sentences and up to two years in prison.
Through my street surgeries, casework and conversations with local businesses, I hear about the impact antisocial behaviour has on people’s lives. Tackling it remains one of my priorities as your MP.
These powers should support the work already happening across Blackpool, alongside neighbourhood policing and PACT meetings where residents can raise concerns directly with the police.
I’ll be speaking with Lancashire Police and Blackpool Council about how we can make the best use of Respect Orders to tackle persistent problems and protect our communities.
These powers won’t solve everything overnight. But a Labour Government is giving the police and councils stronger tools to act and I want Blackpool to benefit.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, on their street and in our town centre.
