Morecambe BID and Safe Morecambe Partner with
MP Lizzi Collinge to Advocate for Additional Police
Patrol Funding
Morecambe BID, founders of the initiative Safe Morecambe, have joined forces with Lizzi
Collinge, Member of Parliament for Morecambe and Lunesdale, to champion efforts aimed at
securing additional funding to continue vital police patrol initiatives. This collaboration comes in
response to the remarkable success of Operation Centurion, a programme that has significantly
reduced anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the Morecambe BID and Poulton areas.
Operation Centurion
Operation Centurion, funded by £2 million from the Home Office over the past two years, has
successfully placed community police officers on the streets in identified ASB hotspots. Since its
implementation, the initiative has led to a 30% reduction in anti-social behaviour in key areas,
providing a safer and more welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
However, with existing funding scheduled to expire in January, stakeholders are determined to
build on the progress achieved so far.
Help from Westminster
MP Lizzi Collinge has been a vocal advocate of the initiative, recognising its impact on
improving community safety in Morecambe. She has worked closely with the Police and Crime
Commissioner (PCC), Clive Grunshaw, to stress the importance of extending the funding for
Operation Centurion.
Lizzi Collinge MP commented, “Operation Centurion has delivered real, tangible results for
Morecambe. The reduction in anti-social behaviour has already made a visible difference to our
communities, but there is still significant work to be done. This week I met with the minister
responsible for High Streets and we discussed how important action on anti-social behaviour is
to renew our high streets. I am committed to pushing for continued funding to sustain the
momentum seen in Morecambe and support the safety and well-being of residents, businesses,
and visitors, particularly as we prepare for the opportunities brought by the Eden Project
Morecambe.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner
The PCC has also advocated for additional resources to maintain this level of neighbourhood
policing. By highlighting the success of Operation Centurion to the Government, the PCC hopes
to ensure funding that will enable more patrols and continued focus on tackling local issues
such as street drinking, vandalism, youth disturbances, and drug-related crime.
Tim Barbary, Chairman of Safe Morecambe and member of the Morecambe BID executive
committee, stated, “Safe Morecambe, as an initiative of Morecambe BID, is proud to collaborate
with Lancashire Police and our local councils to make Morecambe a safer place to live and
work. Operation Centurion has proved that visible, on-the-ground policing can truly make an
impact. We are grateful for MP Lizzi Collinge’s support and advocacy in supporting our work to
push for extending this initiative. Together, we can ensure a brighter and safer future for
Morecambe.”
Safe Morecambe
Safe Morecambe, a collaborative group set up by Morecambe BID that includes organisations
such as Lancashire Police, Lancaster City Council, and Morecambe Town Council, remains
focused on curbing issues that harm the community's vitality. These efforts align with their
mission of making Morecambe “Eden-ready” – a safer and vibrant community poised to benefit
from the economic and cultural opportunities presented by the Eden Project North.
The outcome of these funding efforts is expected to be clearer in early 2025. Meanwhile,
Morecambe BID, Safe Morecambe, and MP Lizzi Collinge continue to spotlight the importance
of prioritising safety and anti-social behaviour prevention at the heart of local policy-making.
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