Anti-social behaviour is a concern for so many in Fylde. It is a worry that I hear on the doorstep time and time again. Fylde is a fantastic place to live with a wonderful sense of community but, be it vandalism, graffiti or the discarding of nitrous oxide cannisters, the behaviour of a small number of individuals risk blighting this.
I have seen how, in many areas of the country these acts go unpunished, leading to issues spiralling, dividing communities, and deterring residents from using local amenities.
I am therefore glad that the Prime Minister has given his commitment to target anti-social behaviour through tougher punishments and increased resources, including a £2 million uplift in funding for Lancashire Constabulary. Such acts are by no means victimless, and it is right that perpetrators will be made to rectify the consequences of their actions, with the Immediate Justice scheme seeing offenders repairing the damage they have caused as quickly as within 48 hours of an act.
Last week was English Tourism Week and, to mark the occasion, I went up to North Beach in St Annes to meet with Linda from the Beachcomber Café to hear more about their first six months of opening. Located next to the Wind Sports Centre, the café shows off the very best of what Fylde has to offer, warm hospitality, stunning beaches and activities for local families and visitors alike to enjoy.
The team are looking forward to expanding their offering and I very much look forward to coming back during the summer to enjoy the live music and other events they have planned.
Saturday saw the annual Lytham Hall Ball, held at the Clifton Arms Hotel, a wonderful occasion that exemplified Fylde’s active culture of civil society, raising just over seven thousand pounds for the continued restoration of the Hall’s South Prospect Gardens.
Lytham Hall goes from strength to strength thanks to the work of Peter Anthony & Paul Lomax, who put their heart and soul into the Hall. They are aided by the selfless efforts of the over 340 volunteers who ensure that the charity can keep the Hall and grounds open, free of charge, to the public.
To help boost our tourist economy I want to see more visitors arriving by rail and this means much needed investment in the South Fylde Line. This week I met with the Rail Minister to again make the case for Government funding for the passing loop that will double services on the line, creating a dependable and fast route between Fylde, Blackpool and Preston.
While the minister expressed his support for the project, it is a highly competitive process. Several key hurdles still need to be overcome, including the remaining stages of the bid process and I remain committed to fighting for this scheme, locally and in Parliament.