£18,000 cost of new lifesaver Landrover for Blackpool beach patrol

Council chiefs are being asked to approve funding for a new Landrover for the resort’s beach patrol at a cost of £18,676 over three years.

A report to the council’s executive says: “The continuity of this emergency vehicle is pivotal to safeguarding Blackpool’s coastline.”

Last year the beach patrol attended 350 serious incidents involving members of the public.

The team also successfully reunited 131 lost children and vulnerable adults who had been found in distress on the beach and Promenade, with their parents or carers.

The report adds: “The beach patrol’s main purpose is to minimise or prevent incidents either occurring or escalating on the beach, Promenade or in the sea.

“This service is provided for both residents and visitors alike.”

The vehicle has a lifespan of around three years and must be ordered in advance because the fitting of specialist equipment will take at least three months.

Councillors will consider the recommendation to replace the vehicle when they meet on Monday.

It is proposed to fund the purchase through prudential borrowing over three years, with annual repayments of £7,124, which is accounted for within the revenue budget.

Among incidents attended by the beach patrol last year were people in trouble in the sea near North Pier, and people trapped by the incoming tide at Anchorsholme.