Fylde coast MPs Paul Maynard and Mark Menzies demand 'road map out of lockdown' for Blackpool and the wider area

The Prime Minister has been warned by Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard and Fylde MP Mark Menzies that the pandemic is threatening his election pledge to “level-up” the country. The pair made up a group of 50 Tory backbenchers representing northern constituencies.

The North-South divide in the tier system has sparked concern among Tory MPs, with the newly-formed Northern Research Group writing to the Prime Minister to express their fears.

The group – led by former northern powerhouse minister and Lancashire MP Jake Berry – urged Mr Johnson to set out a “clear road-map” out of lockdown restrictions.

Mr Maynard said: "I have made clear the need for Government to deliver a targeted package of support for Blackpool, in particular for our hospitality businesses who have been hit hard by the imposition of additional restrictions.

"Sectors like tourism and events are crucial to our town and have been asked, over the past six months, to take the brunt of the economic damage caused by the pandemic.

“I am equally aware that many other businesses are struggling with livelihoods and jobs at risk. The Government need to stand by Blackpool and the region as a whole in its time of need.

“Equally, businesses and communities need to understand the conditions under which restrictions can be lifted, enabling us to work together towards a common goal.”

Mr Menzies said: “I have been delighted with the amount of support we’ve seen from the Government in Fylde recently, including replacing the missing funding for the M55 link road scheme, funding for the A585 and Preston West Distributor, funding for the Enterprise Zone at Blackpool Airport, the flood defences around Fairhaven, and for Kirkham town centre.

“But I always want more for Fylde and I think it is the duty of all MPs to go and make the case for funding support for the area they represent and I and my colleagues are unashamedly doing exactly that.”

A Number 10 spokesman said: “We are absolutely committed to levelling up across the country and building back better after coronavirus.

“We stood at the last election on a solemn promise that we would improve people’s lives, and although the pandemic has meant 2020 is not the year we all hoped it would be, our ambitions for the country are unchanged.”

Some 40 Conservative MPs have publicly signed the letter, while a further 14 have had their names redacted.

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