Blackpool '˜failed' by police cuts warns Marsden

Blackpool's Labour MP today warned cuts to policing are '˜failing to protect Blackpool' amid concerns of increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town.
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has raised concerns about cuts to policingBlackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has raised concerns about cuts to policing
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has raised concerns about cuts to policing
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Over recent months there have been reports of youths throwing missiles at vehicles, including on Central Drive.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden claimed police are at ‘breaking point’ as a result of cuts made by the Conservative government.

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He says Lancashire Constabulary is facing further cuts of almost £3.1m in real terms over the next 12 months.

He said: “Our police are at breaking point and further cuts of over £3m for Lancashire this year will only worsen the situation here in Blackpool.

“Blackpool is a unique town with millions of visitors coming here all year around but we receive no extra resources to help with that.

“The Government are not just failing them but also the safety of local residents and the thousands of small businesses that serve the town.”

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Mr Marsden added: “Taxi drivers, small business owners and the local bus company have been contacting me for the last year about anti-social behaviour, including some groups of youths targeting them with stones and eggs.

“I have raised these cases with the local police. They would be able to operate better if it wasn’t for the level of Government cuts.”

Lancashire police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw said last week a rise in crime figures showed the “real impact from years of the Government’s continued austerity”.

But Conservative MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys Paul Maynard (left) said the Government was investing in policing. He said: “Labour voted against a £450m funding package for policing, including an additional £50m for counter-terrorism.

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"That is in spite of the tragic events in Manchester and London last year. In Blackpool, we have seen significant investment in a much needed £23m police headquarters and Lancashire Constabulary is pressing ahead with the recruitment of 200 new officers.

"I met with the chief constable last week and we discussed the need to focus on improving police working conditions so that officers can more effectively serve the people of the Fylde coast.”