I met with Chief Inspector Chris Hardy this week to discuss policing matters.
I was pleased to learn three prolific thieves have recently been arrested following a spate of thefts in Lytham, Ansdell, Fairhaven and St Annes.
Extra patrols were put on during both day and night, the CCTV van was used, and more officers were sent into the area - and police have got the result we all wanted.
Chief Inspector Hardy told me how the new officers and backroom staff will be used to tackle crime in the area.
He also spoke about how the travellers who recently took up residence on the fields at AKS were moved on swiftly. The two police patrols who initially attended met with some aggression – but the arrival of a total of 21 officers ensured the matter was brought to a swift conclusion and the travellers were escorted elsewhere.
I want to thank police for the excellent way in which they dealt with the situation and how they are using all available policing methods to keep crime low across Fylde.
I also met with officials from Transport for the North regarding the South Fylde railway line.
I’m delighted to say the passing loop which I have long called for is now an official project and funding is being sought.
Transport for the North expects a minimum of two services an hour on every rail line – and that is what we want to see on the South Fylde line.
There is a £7 billion investment programme to 2025 for local schemes and the South Fylde line fits the bill perfectly.
The fact we only have one train per hour serving Kirkham and Wesham, Lytham, St Annes and Blackpool Pleasure Beach is preposterous – and that now looks set to change with proposals for a passing loop being put under real scrutiny.
On Friday night I attended the music concert in Ashton Gardens ahead of walking in the Carnival procession on Saturday. The organisers once again did a fantastic job and I congratulate them all. St Annes Carnival Day is always packed with families enjoying themselves and is a real highlight in the calendar.
The children from Ribby with Wrea Church of England School recently wrote to me to tell me they were supporting the Send My Friend to School campaign, designed to ensure all children around the world have access to education.
I support them fully in their choice and I met with the people behind the campaign in Parliament this week.
Giving children around the world a better education can only ever be a good thing; it is every child’s right to learn and achieve as much as possible.
As a member of International Development Select Committee I have seen first-hand the difference education can make in communities around the world – for the good of us all.