The Lancaster MP has invited the Home Secretary to see the work being done to crack down on anti social behaviour in the city centre.
Cat Smith took the opportunity in the House of Commons to highlight the work being done by Lancaster BID to support police in their efforts.
Priti Patel said she’d be happy to visit Lancaster again and praised the work of the force.
Ms Smith said: ‘’Last week I met with directors of the Business Improvement District in Lancaster, where we discussed the issue of anti social behaviour in our city centre.
‘’Would the Home Secretary accept my invitation to come to Lancaster to meet with the directors of Lancaster BID and hear about the work they’re doing funding s BID warden to support police on Lancaster City Centre to reduce anti social behaviour?’’
In response, the Home Secretary said: ‘’I thank the Honourable Lady for her question and if I may I’d like to pay tribute to her police force and also the Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden.
‘’I was recently in Lancaster and I’d be delighted to visit again and I want to emphasise the power of these Business Improvement Districts when it comes to dealing with issues such as anti social behaviour, but also giving businesses the confidence they need to ensure they’ve got the support they need from police and also that they can carry on investing in their business and creating jobs locally.’’
In a statement afterwards, Cat Smith said: ‘’Anti social behaviour is a serious issue, and I want to help make Lancaster a welcoming place.
‘‘I’m really pleased Priti Patel accepted my invitation to meet with the BID to hear about their work on this, and hopefully we can make the case for restoring the police (officers that have been) cut.’’
In recent weeks, there have been extra patrols in Lancaster city centre in an attempt to crack down on such behaviour. Meanwhile, applications closed only yesterday for a fresh intake of officers into Lancashire Constabulary.
The ongoing crackdown on anti social behaviour in the city centre comes as recent figures show that Lancaster is continuing to recover from the impacts of Covid, with figures showing footfall returning much faster than the average for the rest of the UK.
Quarter 1 results show Lancaster footfall increasing at 33.6% above the national benchmark and up 46.5% against the benchmark for region. The figures are calculated through comparisons with Q1 2021 (Lancaster +161.5%, UK +127.9%, Region +115.1%).
Saturday remains the busiest day of the week and the busiest hour is midday during the week and 1.00pm at weekends.
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
Mother and son unveiled as new Lancaster mayoral team
New police and crime commissioner for Lancashire begins role
Morecambe homeless man jailed after admitting criminal damage
Firefighters tackle fire at flat in Morecambe
Lancaster youth charity awarded £221,400 towards vision for 'creative youth space' in city
Tennis club near Lancaster unveils new courts after £50,000 fundraising campaign
INTERVIEW: Highest Point chief 'proud' of lineup for 2024 festival
Highest Point festival stage times: all you need to know
Highest Point team 'excited' for sunny weekend as prep continues ahead of Lancaster festival
New Friends group officially formed to support popular Morecambe music venue
"Overwhelming support" as award-winning Lancaster bakery announces shock closure
