‘Having young residents involved in such a plan creates civic pride and this is what we need’

There have been mixed views from residents after Blackpool South MP Chris Webb hit back at critics of a mile long wellness walk featuring art work and street furniture in the Claremont area.

Mr Webb, who helped secure £200,000 Government funding for one of Blackpool’s most deprived communities to deliver real street improvements. said “creating a safer, greener and more attractive place to live is what residents deserve”.

The colourful corridor just north of the town centre has been inspired by ideas from local schoolchildren and is taking shape in the Claremont ward, just north of the town centre.

But the scheme was blasted as a waste of money by Mark Rabjohns, who is the Reform UK candidate selected to stand in Claremont in the council elections coming up next year.

Brendan Bunting said: “I think the pavement art looks pretty good, and is a nice idea.

“Do I feel there are better things to improve safety in Claremont? Absolutely, but I feel many of us are missing a point here - this idea was chosen by residents after a consultation. Very young residents, but residents all the same.

“It’s easy to dismiss the idea as a gimmick or nonsense. But by having young residents involved in a plan like this, it creates civic pride and this is what we need.

“These children will be the future homeowners and dog walkers of the area. So rather than fly tip or fail to pick up their dog poo, by having the pride installed in them they will look after their area for future generations.”

Steven Garner said: “I think it's a nice idea to give local kids a chance to change their own streets and brighten it up a bit.

But Stanley Field’s view was: “I think if you had asked the residents, having painted pavements would not have been their priority” and Stephen Sharples said: “Personally, I would rather see public money prioritised for: children’s social care and support for vulnerable families, staffing and patient care at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, more operators monitoring the town’s CCTV and more police officers patrolling our streets.

“I understand this particular £1.5m fund has ‘restrictions’ and cannot simply pay those salaries. But government sets those restrictions, and residents are entitled to question its priorities when Blackpool’s Children’s Services alone are forecasting a £7.17m overspend.

“Even within this fund’s rules, improved lighting, measures to reduce crime, accessible paths and better community facilities are options. Why was £200,000 for the Wellness Walk judged the best use of that money?

“Making an area look brighter is fine. Residents deserve a clear explanation of how this spending addresses their most pressing needs.”

Meanwhile, Mike Henry said: “I reckon it’d be safer to clean up the fly tipping before painting pavements”, Kayleigh Tismond said: “Honestly sick of moaning comments from people who frankly haven’t got a clue how funding works. No, they couldn’t have used the money to fill potholes instead, or reduce your council tax” and Catherine Gregory’s view was: “For a start the area is fine and safe anyway but painting the floor changes nothing in the area. My little boy thinks it's pretty but that's about it.”