Get Online and Get It Sorted!

If you want it sorted, then get it reported!

That’s the reassuring message from BSafe Blackpool, which is urging residents suffering from anti-social behaviour in their community not to suffer in silence.

From unsightly graffiti to abandoned cars, dog fouling to noisy neighbours, there are a host of neighbourhood issues that can be dealt with – all at the click of a button.

BSafe Blackpool – the newly formed multi-agency partnership that strives to make the town a safer place in which to live, work and visit - has launched a new customer-focused website (www.bsafeblackpool.com) that gives people practical tips as well as a wealth of information about crime, community safety and drugs.

One of the areas expected to prove very popular is the on-line reporting system, which gives residents the opportunity to report, at their own convenience, issues of concern to them of an anti-social nature.

Cllr Sue Wright, Vice Chair of BSafe Blackpool said: “We live in a 24-hour society, where people can now shop at any time of day from the comfort of their own home.

“There is no reason why the Council can’t tap into this 24/7 culture, and has already made great strides in making many of its services as accessible and user-friendly as possible, such as the introduction of information kiosks in the town centre, as well as Internet access at other public venues such as libraries and the Customer First Centre.

“The new BSafe Blackpool website is another great resource for residents; it gives viewers a raft of useful and easy to understand information about crime and community safety, as well as the opportunity to report anti-social behaviour in a private and convenient manner.”

Although many types of anti-social or disorderly behaviour may not necessarily constitute a crime, it is the low-level, persistent disturbance that can severely impact on the quality of life in local communities, and BSafe Blackpool wants to encourage residents to come forward, safe in the knowledge that it will be dealt with accordingly. It’s only with the support and involvement of local residents can we work together to make a difference.

Chief Superintendent Russ Weaver added: “Police officers, Council staff, staff from the Fire and Rescue Service and Health Service workers are all working and talking together as part of the BSafe team. I would simply encourage the public to talk to BSafe about the problems they need resolving and the new website has been designed to make that easier than ever.”

BSafe Blackpool is the new name and identity of the Blackpool Community Safety and Drugs Partnership, and the website is an important part of its new identity. It features a variety of details for householders and individuals, from alley gates to vehicle crime, Neighbourhood Watch schemes to personal safety. It also tackles more complicated issues such as the recommended steps to address domestic abuse, or what to do if you suspect someone has a drug or alcohol problem. There are also further links to a long list of useful agencies and contacts.

A BSafe Blackpool drop-in session is also taking place on Tuesday November 14 at the Council’s Customer First Centre on Corporation Street, between 1pm and 4pm.

Residents are welcome to look at the various displays on alley gates, domestic abuse, drugs and anti-social behaviour. A member of staff will also be on hand to answer any queries.