Bispham Conservatives

17/04/2026

BLACKPOOL’S EMPTY PROPERTY PLAN: MORE WORDS, NOT ENOUGH ACTION

Blackpool Council has brought forward a new empty property strategy, but it reads like another round of promises unless it is backed by proper delivery, hard deadlines and real enforcement. The council says there are around 1,500 empty homes, many in disrepair, yet residents still see the same derelict buildings sitting there for years, damaging neighbourhoods, dragging down streets and, in some cases, becoming fire risks.

The report talks about working groups, advice to owners, better engagement, support options and using enforcement only when everything else has failed. On paper, that sounds tidy. On the ground, people know the story all too well. Empty properties are still blighting the town, and the council’s own website says many are vacant because owners leave them idle while they deteriorate, attract vandalism and crime, and cost money to keep empty.

That is why this strategy feels familiar. The council has talked before about advice, support and bringing homes back into use, but the problem has plainly not gone away. The weakness here is not the idea of helping owners who need it. It is the lack of evidence that the softer approach has worked well enough to justify yet another document with the same language. If the council really means business, it needs to show how many properties have actually been resolved, how quickly action is taken, and how often it is prepared to use the powers it already has.

There are also contradictions that need testing. The report says finding ownership will “usually” be straightforward, then admits ownership can be complex and opaque. It says there will be consistent enforcement, but does not spell out what that consistency looks like in practice. It speaks about progress, but gives little that residents can measure or hold to account. That leaves a very obvious concern: is this a serious plan to clear up dereliction, or just another exercise in managing the problem on paper?

Blackpool does not need a glossy strategy. It needs empty homes turned round, neglected sites tackled, and owners made to act before buildings become hazards. Anything less will look like the same old drift, and residents have seen enough of that already.

06/04/2026

It’s fantastic that so many people want to support our local charity shops — those donations make a real difference. But please don’t leave items outside when the shop is closed.

When donations are left on the pavement, they can quickly become damaged by rain, rummaged through, or stolen. What was meant to help the charity often ends up as street litter, creating extra work and cost for volunteers and local clean-up teams.

Most charity shops display a contact number in their window or offer collection services. If they’re closed, please call or pop back when they’re open — they’ll always be grateful to receive your donation properly.

A little care goes a long way in helping charities keep their good work going and keeping our streets tidy. 💚

05/04/2026

04/04/2026

POLICE MEETING - 7th April

A quick reminder that this month’s Bispham PACT meeting takes place on Tuesday, 7th April, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at Cavendish Park Bowling and Social Club.

As it’s Easter week, our local police representatives won’t be able to attend this time, but Cllr Paul Wilshaw will be there to listen to any issues, questions, or concerns you’d like raised. He’ll make sure these are passed on to the right people.

Whether you have local policing matters or council-related concerns, please feel free to come along or get in touch with Paul beforehand.

It would be great to see some familiar faces there!

01/04/2026

The day has arrived….

Information and advice on when and how to present your bins for collection. Waste collection, bin collection, refuse collection, your bin collection. When your bins are collected

01/04/2026

Fleetwood Carnival is more than just a date in the diary — it’s part of the local identity, our shared history, and community pride. We should be celebrating and backing events like this that bring people together, support local life, and keep our traditions alive. Let’s make sure Fleetwood Carnival gets the recognition and support it deserves.

Fleetwood Carnival is part of the local identity and community pride. Let’s back it, celebrate it, and keep this historic tradition thriving for generations to come.

27/03/2026

Welcome to the official page for Bispham Conservatives — your local voice for community pride, common-sense politics, and a stronger future for Bispham.

This page is here to share local news, campaign updates, councillor activity, and the issues that matter most to residents, while standing up for safer streets, better services, and a ward people are proud to call home.