Have fun in Blackpool but behave

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Have fun - but respect our town and each other.

That is the message as a new campaign is launched tonight aimed at making Blackpool town centre safer.

The Blackpool Fairness Commission, set up to reduce inequality, will bring together police officers, street angels who already patrol offering advice, and other volunteers, to hand out leaflets advising people not to misbehave while enjoying a night out.

Supt Stuart Noble, chairman of the Fairness Commission’s night time economy working group, said: “This has been a great opportunity for partners involved in the town centre to come together and support a shared vision which is to have a vibrant and safe night-time economy.

“The message is clear, come and enjoy Blackpool, but please respect it and each other.”

Blackpool Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said: “It’s a simple message but one that is very important to give to people.

“When people think of Blackpool, they sometimes think of it as a party town where they can do whatever they like. That’s an image we have to change.

“We often see comments in the media and on social networks from people claiming you can’t change that image – we think that’s rubbish.

“Huge improvements have been made to the town in the last few years, despite governments cuts, and we are a place that is striving to be on the up.

“What we want to get across to people is the key message; enjoy yourself but please respect where you are.”

The initiative has the backing of licensees.

Craig Southall, chairman of Blackpool Pubwatch, said: “We think it is a good idea because it picks up on the positives, rather than being negative and telling people they can’t do this or that.

“The leaflets are also going to go out into hotels, and I think it will help in making visitors aware which are the night-time economy areas, and which are the family areas.

“So we feel it is a really good idea, especially as we approach the run up to Christmas.”

In 2007, the then Conservative administration introduced a code of conduct, primarily aimed at stag and hen groups, calling on them to have more respect for the town.