What I learnt Beyond the Prom this summer

When the rest of the country think of Blackpool, they picture the Promenade – the Tower, the piers, the bright lights and the bustle. It’s iconic and I’m proud to represent it.

But for us locals Blackpool is so much more. Often, there’s a sense locally that the rest of the town is overlooked – it’s my job to ensure that every corner of Blackpool South gets the attention it deserves.

This summer I headed Beyond the Prom to do exactly that – working with residents, community groups and partners along the way to build a better Blackpool, street by street.

Over two weeks I set out across every corner of Blackpool South, meeting residents, charities, businesses and community groups. What I found was a town full of hidden gems – beautiful green spaces, thriving youth clubs, historic pubs, creative projects and high streets with real character.

Just as important were the people behind them – volunteers planting gardens, coaches inspiring the next generation of footballers and rugby players, community organisers bringing neighbours together and small business owners keeping our local economy alive.

Of course, we encountered challenges along the way too – from fly-tipping to anti-social behaviour, to rough sleeping, high streets in need of investment to services stretched thin. But what struck me most was the determination of local people not just to complain about our problems, but to work together to solve them.

That spirit of partnership was visible everywhere. Councillors walked with us, listening to residents and picking up casework. Enveco’s NEAT officers sprang into action on environmental issues. Our neighbourhood police teams engaged directly with the community. And countless local groups opened their doors to share their work and their passion.

The message is clear – Blackpool has far more to shout about than the Promenade. We uncovered inspiring stories in every park, every estate, every high street and every community hub where people come together to make life better.

The Beyond the Prom tour wasn’t a one-off. It’s the way I will always serve you as your MP – visible, accessible and active. Because building a better Blackpool means shining a light on what makes us proud, tackling what holds us back and working side by side with the people who call our town home.