Fylde MP Mark Menzies has written to the Chief Constable of Lancashire commending the force’s work to keep the public safe throughout the difficult past few months.
Lancashire’s officers have helped enforce the social distancing measures which were introduced to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives, and Mr Menzies joined fellow Lancashire Conservative MPs to pass their thanks on to police officers and support staff.
Officers patrolled Lytham green after concerns were raised over the number of people in the area during the hot weather in the past few weeks.
In a letter to the Chief Constable, Conservative Lancashire MPs praised the officers who have been putting their lives on the line every day throughout the pandemic – and reassured them that that the Government would continue to give forces all the resources and backing they need so they can do their job and keep people safe.
The letter also praised officers for their restraint and professionalism over the past few weeks when faced with protestors and – in certain cases – violent thuggery. The MPs gave the police their full backing in dealing with those who are aggressive and abusive towards them.
Lancashire constabulary will receive an extra £22.6 million this year to help deliver on the Government’s priority of cracking down on crime and getting more frontline officers onto the streets – with an initial 66 officers already in place across Lancashire – and more to come.
Mr Menzies said: “It is a difficult job to police social distancing measures and I am grateful to all of the officers on duty in Fylde for their help. These past few months have been some of the most challenging in recent times and it is important to recognise the extraordinary work of our brave frontline officers and their support staff.
“I know many of them were also tasked with helping prevent illegal gatherings on the Fylde coast as people become frustrated with the lockdown measures.
“However those lockdown measures are there for all our safety and I would also like to pass on my thanks to residents who have adhered to them so well. It’s not easy.
“I know the extra officers being recruited means an extra sergeant and officers on duty in Fylde and more officers who will be used on specific police operations in the area.
“I know hope to see St Annes Police Station reopened to give them a much-needed base here in Fylde.”