Since the turn of the 21st century, Blackpool has had a Labour-controlled Council for 11 of the past 15 years. When considering whether I should stand, I asked myself the question, ‘Has Blackpool improved in that time?’ The answer is clearly no.
Under this Labour Council, life expectancy is the worst in England, alcoholism is rife and deaths from drug abuse rival London and Glasgow. Yet you never hear the Council talk about tackling these issues. Instead, they form groups that try and keep the media out of town, borrow millions to build hotels and car parks and take away the security we used to enjoy, like the monitored CCTV in the town centre.
It’s wrong that our once great town has become a flood of bedsits, illicit prostitution and all-night drinking. It’s wrong that our once thriving shopping areas are now full of betting shops, off licences and pay day lenders. It’s wrong that our children are being educated in poorly-run, failing secondary schools, with even Ofsted labelling the Labour Council as ‘weak’.
The people of Blackpool deserve more than this Council of Incompetence. I truly believe that I can make a positive difference and I truly believe Blackpool can be great again. We only have to look to our neighbours in Salford and think of the reputation it had even ten years ago. Now, it is a thriving, cultural hotspot with jobs, tourists and security for its residents.
It can be done. Blackpool can be great again. But I fear time is running out. I call for everybody who loves this town as much as I do to give me the chance to make a real difference and vote for me and my colleagues to Fix Blackpool.
- Bring back monitored CCTV in the town centre
- Create a new Central Bus Station
- Tackle our failing secondary schools
On Thursday 7th May, vote for Adam McCance and Moira Graham