BLACKPOOL WINS SAFER SHOPPING AWARD

Blackpool town centre has ‘bagged’ a safer shopping award, much to the delight of local business leaders.

Town centre representatives were recently presented with the ‘Safer Business Award’, by Action Against Business Crime, the national body backed by the British Retail Consortium and Home Office.

This national acclaim is issued to strong partnerships aimed at tackling and reducing business crime and providing a safe environment, both for retail and leisure.

The award recognises the long standing work of Blackpool Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), BSafe Blackpool (which features both Blackpool Council and the Police) and the Business community. These parties have driven forward the Blackpool Retail Crime Initiative and Pubwatch scheme, encompassing the day time and night time economies.  The initiatives have featured successful crime-prevention strategies and protocols including Radio Link security systems, barring and exclusion notice schemes, offender photo-sharing, and effective use of CCTV.

 In addition, training courses in safety, security and shop theft reduction are carried out by the BID for business staff, and the BID’s town centre Rangers play a vital role in liaison with businesses, store guards, police and other agencies working  to improve safety and security and public perceptions within the town centre BID area.

The award was presented in Blackpool’s Hounds Hill by Steve Booth, Regional Crime Manager for Action Against Business Crime to members of the BID and BSafe Blackpool, accompanied by members of the various partnership agencies.

John Holt, Chair of the Blackpool Town Centre BID stated: “I am really delighted that Blackpool has achieved this award which reflects and recognises the hard work that all parties have put into achieving safer business in Blackpool towncentre”.

Cllr Sue Wright, Vice Chair of Blackpool BSafe Blackpool added: ”Blackpool is working hard to improve its shopping and leisure offer, and improving safety for both the retailer and the consumer is an integral part of the process. I’m thrilled that Blackpool has been awarded this national accreditation, especially at a time of year when businesses are becoming increasingly busy.”

Pictured are representatives from the Police, BSafe Blackpool, Blackpool Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Marks and Spencer. Holding the award left to right: John Holt, Chair of the Blackpool Town Centre BID, Cllr Sue Wright, Vice Chair of BSafe Blackpool, and Steve Booth, Regional Crime Manager for Action Against Business Crime.