'Stories like this reduce Blackpool to a stereotype' - Council, MP, and residents dismiss GB News article

Blackpool Council, Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, and residents have hit back after the town was labelled Britain's violent crime capital, where “one in 20 people” have been affected in the past year alone.

An article published by GB News recently said Blackpool - Britain’s biggest holiday resort - was the UK’s most violent town where, according to the latest police statistics, there were approximately 69 offences per 1,000 inhabitants during 2025.

But Blackpool Council, local residents, and Chris Webb MP have hit back at the claims, insisting that the picture painted of the town is far from their lived reality day-to-day in Blackpool, with Lancashire Police also outlining local efforts to improve safety.

Away from potentially-misleading stats which fail to take into consideration the vast number of tourist who visit Blackpool on a regular basis, supporters of the town have said that Blackpool is welcoming, safe, and unduly targeted.

What Chris Webb MP has said

“Headlines like this don’t reflect the reality of day-to-day life in Blackpool which is a welcoming, family-friendly town with a strong community spirit.

We do face challenges with crime but these statistics also need proper context – we’re one of the country’s biggest tourist destinations with huge numbers of visitors coming through the town every year.

“I’m already looking into the statistics further with Lancashire Police because, from my close work with them and from what I hear regularly in local PACT meetings, crime in many areas has actually been reducing.

“I delivered on my promise to local people for more visible neighbourhood policing in every ward in Blackpool and we’re now seeing the benefits of that work. Lancashire Police have dedicated teams across the town working incredibly hard every day on prevention, community engagement and tackling crime head on.

“Serious violence has a devastating impact wherever it happens and tackling it requires everyone pulling together – police, the council, health services, youth services and communities. That’s why we’ve got to keep investing in young people, opportunities and prevention as well as policing.

“Stories like this reduce Blackpool to a stereotype but our town has huge pride, resilience and ambition. We’ve got brilliant cultural organisations, thriving community groups and beautiful natural assets. That’s the real Blackpool and I’m proud to represent it.”

What the council and local residents say

David Mowbray, who moved to Blackpool from Oldham 15 months ago, said: “I’ve seen articles and blogs knocking Blackpool and I can’t understand it. All towns have their problems but Blackpool has so much to offer for residents and visitors alike.”

Cllr Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, neighbourhoods and street scene, added: “Incident rates in Blackpool are higher per capita, due in part to the millions of visitors we welcome to our town of 141,000 residents every year.

“We want everyone – residents and visitors alike – to feel safe and have confidence in our town. This weekend there were thousands of families in Blackpool enjoying a safe, affordable break, and most locals are proud to live here.

“We’re working really hard with partners across police, health, housing and the third sector to tackle issues that lead to violent crimes being committed. We enjoy a very strong partnership with Lancashire Police, who are responsible for tackling crime in Blackpool.

“Our new Community Safety Plan (CSP) prioritises preventing, detecting and disrupting violent crime and anti-social behaviour. It includes measures ranging from early intervention work or diversion programmes for vulnerable or high-risk groups, as well as improved lighting and CCTV across our town centre.

“Our previous CSPs have proven effective already, delivering results in reducing anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, and we are committed to building on that further.”

What the Police say

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We remain committed to disrupting and preventing crime across Lancashire, including in Blackpool.

"We want to reassure anyone with concerns that we have dedicated teams across the town, covering a number of different aspects of policing, including community engagement, immediate response, and detectives.

"These officers will continue to conduct their duties and police Blackpool with the intent of keeping residents safe and reducing crime."