Cllr Shaun Brookes - Labour - Marton Ward, Blackpool

08/09/2026

Yesterday, Secretary of State Angela Rayner announced some major news in the House of Commons.

Local Government Reorganisation is to be paused immediately for the 4 areas where a judicial review has been requested to allow a fair and legal process to take place.

The Lancashire decision, and the 13 other areas which were announced in July will also be paused to allow due process to be followed.

We are not yet certain what this means in Blackpool, or for the future timeline of any proposed Fylde Coast Council, but what we do know is that next year's elections will now take place on the current Blackpool Council boundaries.

You can read the full statement from the Secretary of State here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-09-07/debates/BBDE7BC0-92C4-4B04-BFC8-CFB70302CD0E/LocalGovernmentReorganisation -BDEBDE39-CDCE-4F03-AF3D-59818AC35353

We will, of course, keep everyone informed over the coming weeks as more information comes out and in the meantime, we will do as we always do - work everyday to build a better Blackpool for all of us.

S 🌹

Hansard record of the item : 'Local Government Reorganisation' on Monday 7 September 2026.

07/09/2026

A reminder that this first fishing meeting is tomorrow night. Let's work together through the Friends of Stanley Park - Blackpool to get a club that can ensure better management of fishing, more education opportunities and improvements to the lake.
Visitor Centre, 7pm, Tuesday 8 September.
I'll be there straight after public protection.

Please note that the main gates are undergoing painting as part of the Centenary so residents are encouraged to go via the Sports Centre Car Park where a flat path is available through to the Visitor Centre next to the Cafe. It's not ideal but the gates need doing outside of the holidays and will look brilliant this time next week.

I'll also be looking at a wildlife club and discussing this with the Friends very soon.

The council have now shared this news. Reposting. Thank you to everyone that has helped us get to here, I've enjoyed catching up with you all on the banks, meetings and even in the supermarkets.

Meeting details Tuesday 8th September, 7pm, Stanley Park Visitor Centre.

04/09/2026

Switch On day 💡

Whether you've got tickets for tonight or not, 🎵If you've got the feeling 🎵 (early), why not head down to Showtown to explore Blackpool's own museum and their interactive, fun for all ages Illuminations section.

Having been to the special preview Ride the Lights and Blackpool Night Run events already this week, I can confirm it's better with the lights on.

See you tonight, S.

04/09/2026

I have just submitted my response to the traffic regulation order regarding the introduction of double yellow lines on Stanley Park Close.
This residential cul-de-sac is a lovely area and over the past few days it has been a pleasure to speak with residents and to assist them in making their voice heard.

Residents are rightly worried about the loss of visitor access outside their properties, the complete removal of on street parking, the displacements of traffic, the effect on the area and the value of their homes as a result of this move.
I am concerned that this application arrived with no supporting evidence, no mitigating factors, no lesser alternatives and no justification to install such a wide reaching scheme.

In the last few days I have spoken to, or heard from, all but one property in the Close and with resident support I believe the council now has a much fuller picture of resident feelings and the needs of the area.
This is not NIMBYism, it's a neighbourhood standing up for themselves against a traffic order that seems to be wholly over the top.
We now wait and see what is determined but I would expect this will now be brought before the cabinet member given the strength of response. I hope we have done enough, let's see. 🤞

02/09/2026

Ward surgery tonight.
Fishing. Double Yellows. Dog Park. Stanley Park Centenary Update. Footpaths. Anti Social Behaviour. Community Issues...

I'll be there from 5.30-7pm. Join us.

This is the what3words address for a 3 metre square location near Great Marton, Lancashire.

02/09/2026

Reminder: Today is ward surgery. 5:30-7pm
Marton United Reformed Church (opposite the school). Speak to police colleagues. Speak to councillors. Get the latest news, meet fellow residents and get your issues sorted.

I'll be updating on Double Yellow line proposals and how to respond to them,
the Stanley Park Centenary and all the latest Blackpool news.

As always, you can contact me anytime with issues and I'll do my best but this is the easiest and quickest way to discuss any issues that affect your area.

I'll see you there, S

Stanley Park Main Gates Refurbishment

UPDATE - Please be aware that the closures to the gate and Mawson Drive will now be taking place on Monday 7, Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 September.

The main gates at Stanley Park are scheduled to be repainted this week as part of ongoing maintenance works to help preserve the park 🌳

To allow the work to be carried out safely, Mawsons Drive will be closed while the painting is taking place and until the works are complete.

Please note that the work is weather-dependent and will only be undertaken during suitable dry conditions. As a result, timings may change if wet weather is forecast.

We appreciate that this may cause some temporary disruption and would like to thank residents and park visitors for their patience and understanding. We are aiming to complete the works by the end of the week, subject to favourable weather conditions.

Thank you for your cooperation while we carry out these improvements to Stanley Park.

28/08/2026

It's the last real day of the summer holidays today. As seaside resorts across the country begin closing down, it's the time of year when Blackpool comes into it's own.


It's important that we recognise the difference keeping Blackpool open makes to our local people. Whilst many resorts close on Monday all the way through to Easter, our activities continue into the New Year, keeping so many of our residents employed and the visitor economy supported. This was the initial justification for the illuminations extension as I understand it, and something I have always supported.

There are still 7 major free events between now and the end of the year in Blackpool- on top of all the events we've already had! Here's my rough and ready guide for folks, so it's all in one place- timestamps included so you can skip to your favourite.

Cheers,
S.
🍊🌹

27/08/2026