Politically Correct by Michele Scott

Investment is welcome but still plenty to do
Artist's impression of the proposed new conference centre for BlackpoolArtist's impression of the proposed new conference centre for Blackpool
Artist's impression of the proposed new conference centre for Blackpool

It was great news the Government has agreed a cash investment into our town of more than £20m to build a first class conference centre linked to the historic and restored Winter Gardens.

This investment will help Blackpool re-establish itself on the conference scene, competing nationally and internationally with the likes of Harrogate, Southport, and Bournemouth.

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It is without doubt that Blackpool is slowly re-building itself.

Michele Scott, Deputy Chairman of Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative Party.Michele Scott, Deputy Chairman of Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative Party.
Michele Scott, Deputy Chairman of Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative Party.

Following the crushing disappointment handed to Blackpool by Labour’s Gordon Brown when he overlooked us for a casino licence, Blackpool hit rock bottom in terms of morale and investment.

We started to turn the corner when the incoming Conservative Government approved the loan to buy the Tower and Winter Gardens and from those foundations, bit by bit we’re finding our feet again in my view.

When we look around the town centre and we see household names opening new restaurants, such as Las Iguanas, Nandos, and Harry Ramsdens, complementing great independent offers like the Beach House and West Coast Rock Café, it is clear to see confidence in the town is up.

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I’m not saying all is rosy, far from it, but at least we are making a start.

Michele Scott, Deputy Chairman of Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative Party.Michele Scott, Deputy Chairman of Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative Party.
Michele Scott, Deputy Chairman of Blackpool North and Cleveleys Conservative Party.

Living in the heart of Warbreck Ward I can see some of the social problems creeping ever northwards.

Houses in multiple occupation, with unmanaged tenants and out-of-town landlords are becoming an issue.

Many of the large family homes that Warbreck is known for are being bought up and being turned in to hostels, half-way houses, and unregulated children’s homes.

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In itself this is not a problem, but in concentration and when uncontrolled, these developments can change to their detriment the nature of a street or area.

Is it perhaps time now to look at what levers we can pull to adapt planning policy to allow local people more of a say?

Dementia support is key

For the past few years I’ve been a volunteer Dementia Friends Champion and have run sessions to raise awareness of the disease.

In the last two years alone I have delivered sessions that have seen over 400 local people become Dementia Friends – including our own MP Paul Maynard and many of our local councillors.

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First-hand experience has shown me how this cruel disease can steal from those who are living with dementia many of the characteristics and memories that made them who they are.

It is also extremely challenging for those who are supporting a loved one who is living with the disease; it changes who they are and frustrates relationships with family and friends; too often, it is only the tight bonds of love and devotion that can keep families from falling apart.

I am pleased that work is being done around support for dementia at present. David Cameron, the former Prime Minister, has been appointed as President of Alzheimer’s Research UK, an appointment that I am very pleased with.

As we move further into 2017, I’d like to think this is the time when we can look at what we all can do to create a dementia friendly town.

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Through my work as the chair of the Fylde and Wyre Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), working in partnership with Blackpool DAA, I know there are plans afoot to create a Fylde coast dementia hub, which will be a valuable addition to the dementia cafes which exist in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.

If we can tie all these things together, and continue with the positive partnership work, my hope is we can make Blackpool and the other Fylde coast towns truly dementia friendly where people with dementia and their carers will feel safe and supported in their community.

Owners must be responsible

My husband and I have two little dogs and, as might be expected of caring dog owners, we walk them regularly.

We often see other dog walkers and many have become more than nodding acquaintances, as we’ve passed each other so many times.

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We consider ourselves to be responsible owners. We always pick up after our dogs, as do other dog walkers we come across daily.

However, not one walk goes by without us seeing, and almost stepping in, the evidence of the minority who, quite honestly, are not behaving as responsible human beings.

Many different tactics have been tried by the authorities, some with more success than others. I liked the idea of stencilling the pavements as a reminder and this has been tried across the town.

I’ve also read recently of a scheme in Yorkshire where dog walkers will be fined if they don’t have a dog litter bag with them; that is a scheme I’d like to see tried here in Blackpool.