Cutting Back on Anti-Social Behaviour

When it comes to anti-social behaviour a local church might not seem the obvious magnet for trouble.

But the grounds of St John’s Church (Blackpool’s Parish and Civic Church) and Cedar Square became a notorious hotspot for groups of people causing various problems - often alcohol related.

Local businesses, passers-by, as well as the church, were concerned that over the last four or five months, problems with anti-social behaviour around this part of the town centre had increased.

Now, thanks to a team initiative led by BSafe Blackpool (of which Blackpool Council and the Police are key members) the area has been cleaned up, and the problems have dramatically reduced.

Cllr Sue Wright, Vice Chair of BSafe Blackpool, said: “This initiative has been a great success and shows how seriously we want to act on public concerns. By partners working together and consulting with local residents we’ve been able to provide a swift and tailor-made response.”

The problems first came to light when local businesses brought their concerns to the attention of the Local Neighbourhood Policing team, who agreed to look into the problem, and encouraged local businesses to call up anytime there were individuals or groups of people causing problems outside their premises. At the same time the Council’s Street Scene team were in talks with church representatives to establish the best way to tackle the problems.

A multi-agency meeting, including the Business Improvement District Management Team, was held and it was agreed that the Council would immediately undertake a general tidy up, as well as removing a number of shrubs and benches, which unfortunately attracted anti-social behaviour.The Police also agreed to provide a stronger presence.

Hazra Patel from the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “After the multi-agency meeting was called we thought it would be weeks before anything could be done. Thanks to funding from the BSafe Blackpool partnership, the work was miraculously completed within a fortnight.

“All the shrubbery was cut back and the benches in Cedar Square, which were on Church premises, were removed. We also conducted high visibility patrols and asked for an increased police presence at night time. We confiscated alcohol from people, pouring it away and generally took positive action with regard to any anti-social behaviour.

“Since then we have seen a significant reduction in incidents around the area and local traders have seen an improvement in trade and profits.”

Jane Simkin at Cardz For You said: “I feel it looks fantastic now and has altered the look outside. It is more people friendly."

Bill Shilton and Carol White, Managers at Vincent’s on Cedar Square, were also vocal in their praise of the improvement: "The difference it’s made! There is now a very pleasant outlook for everyone. It’s nice to be able to see out of the window and our business has seen an increase in turnover.”

Rev Michael Manley said: “We are delighted at the swift response from BSafe Blackpool which has made a real impact on the area outside one of Blackpool’s famous landmarks. The more open aspect lends itself to using St John’s as a backdrop for public events – the first of which will be the Christmas lights switch-on on November 25 outside St John’s.”

Working in partnership with Blackpool Town Centre Manager Nigel Hanson, St John’s Church say the Christmas lights switch-on will be a high profile occasion with a well-known personality performing live outside the church. Look out for more details about the exciting event in the next few weeks.

The Police are now reviewing the possibilities of using the community centre at the church as a base for their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.