Gordon Calls For Rethink On Police Cuts
Gordon Marsden has called on the Government to rethink their cuts to police budgets here in Blackpool.
The Government’s policy to cut 20% from Lancashire’s Police Budget will lead to a loss of 800 Lancashire Police Officers overall. Lancashire has already lost over 540 police officers so far and is set to lose more under current plans. Gordon held a campaign stall with supporters on Whitegate Drive to petition residents against cuts to frontline policing.
Gordon who has also lobbied the Government for greater protection of War Memorials in Blackpool commented, ‘The links between the Blackpool residents and our Police Service are vital in upholding a safe and strong community. We have already had the front desk closure at our Police Station in South Shore, which is no longer open for residents to visit and report crimes. The continuous issue of metal thefts has been a big problem for Blackpool residents in recent months with local churches and schools all being victims of this lowest of crimes. Blackpool Police are doing their best to combat metal theft in the town.
‘I am completely behind police staff who recently marched in Westminster against certain cut backs and my colleagues in the Shadow Home Office Team who joined them. Police workers are having their jobs made more difficult with the cuts to officers on our streets and their pensions squeezed.’
The previous Government brought in an additional 12,000 Police Officers nationwide. Today’s police numbers show the total number of officers has dropped by 8,000 since the General Election. This represents the lowest number of police officers since 2002.
Gordon added, ‘I have been campaigning here and in Blackpool for greater protection of our War Memorials and tougher penalties for individuals who damage or misuse them. I intend to take my campaign petition against the Government’s 20% cuts out to the residents of Blackpool South and listen to their concerns on the cuts to local police.’
