Blackpool Council leader endorses Sarah Everard 'It Stops Here' movement with Illuminations display

On the back of the growing public outrage following the disappearance and murder of Sarah Everard in London, Coun Lynn Williams has vowed to do 'everything possible' to create a zero tolerance attitude in Blackpool towards the abuse of women and girls.

Coun Williams has issued a declaration that states it's 'unacceptable' that in 2021 women should be living in fear of harassment and verbal and physical attacks.

She said: “As a community, we call time on abuse. We will work with women, with the police, with health, with businesses and our vibrant community groups to create not just safe spaces, but a safe Blackpool that is intolerant of abuse and an environment that is safe for all.”

Sarah Everard disappeared while walking home from her friend's house near Clapham Common, London, on March 3, with her body found in a woodland a week later.

On March 9, Wayne Couzens, a Metropolitan Police officer with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection unit, was arrested in Deal, Kent, firstly on suspicion of Everard's kidnapping and later on suspicion of her murder. Mr Couzens was charged with kidnapping and murder two days later.

As well as a statement by Coun Williams, the words ‘It Stops Here’ will run through the Illumination arches today and over the weekend.