I am a lifelong resident of Poulton and have witnessed with heartbreak the steady decline of our small town over the past 15 years. Gone are the bustling shops and businesses that used to invigorate our streets in the daytime. Every closed business rapidly transforms into yet another pub, bar, or takeaway, leading to a surge in crime and antisocial behaviour. Even our police station was not spared, now serving as a food place. The once peaceful nights of Poulton are now marred by the chaos caused by increased nighttime activities. According to local police data, these developments have resulted in a 47% rise in crime and antisocial behaviour.

Our council seems to turn a blind eye to this matter, indifferently issuing alcohol and food licenses to those willing to open bars. What was once a beloved tourist attraction famed for its history and ancient church, our cherished Poulton, is on the brink of becoming a ghost town in the day.

The residents demand change. We insist on seeing a revitalisation of our town with more shops and businesses to encourage daytime trade to restore safety and productivity. Wyre Council must halt the issue of further licenses to pubs, bars, and takeaways and instead, encourage the growth of businesses that will stimulate daytime trade.

Let's reinvent our hometown to its former glory. Stand with us. Sign the petition to ask Wyre Council to listen to the concerns of Poulton's residents, and redirect our town's future toward a safer, more vibrant community.