Youth anti-social behaviour has been causing misery for Morecambe residents "for years"

Residents continue to live in fear as anti-social behaviour remains a major problem in the Poulton area and all over Morecambe.

Morecambe Town Council has been told about high levels of regular youth anti-social behaviour in the Oxford Street and Townley Street areas of Poulton, as well as close to Morecambe Police Station.

Councillors were told that "some residents do not feel safe" due to noisy vehicles including loud quad bikes being ridden on the roads, and disturbances in the street during all hours of the day.

Dr Graham Blick, a Poulton resident who spoke to Morecambe Town Council at a public meeting on Thursday, said where he lives is "a dangerous environment" and residents have to "check if the coast is clear" before leaving their homes.

"Youths are engaging in different anti-social activities," he said.

"Life is not enjoyable.

"I've had two meetings with the police. I haven't seen a single foot patrol. They need to be visible.

"The West End has usually been the area where most of this stuff goes on. It's now around the police station and Poulton."

Councillor Paul Hart, who represents Poulton ward, told how an XL Bully dog had been tied up in Morecambe Parish church graveyard and then "trained to be more aggressive".

"They tie it up and poke it, and it snarls and builds muscle, and becomes angry," he said.

"We can only guess why they are doing this. Dog fighting or to intimidate people. There is a crew of them in our area and we need them kicking out.

"Dr Blick and his family and others are having a thoroughly miserable existence and we need to bring it to an end."

Other councillors spoke out about similar issues in other parts of Morecambe, at the meeting held at the town hall.

"This is an ongoing thing in the whole of Morecambe," said Councillor Clark Kent (pictured below).

"Poulton has got worse. We have seen issues in the West End." 

Councillor Geoff Knight said: "What we need is a better police presence in Morecambe."

Councillor David Whitaker suggested that the town council bring back its Police Liaison Committee, so they can speak directly to local police on a regular basis to discuss issues.

Councillor John Hanson (pictured below) said: "This isn't new. It's been going on for five or six years.

"All we get from the police is, it's not a priority.

"We used to get this up at Alexandra Park (in the West End), and all over Morecambe. People near the Arndale Centre, sat on the benches, drinking, and you never see a policeman."

Councillor Wayne Dixon said: "Yesterday I was walking my dog down Morecambe Road and I saw an electric bike flying down there, faster than all the cars. E-bikes and e-scooters are getting out of hand. The cycle track is now the horse and cart track, taking up both lanes, going in whatever direction they want."

These talks came as Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner launched his Police and Crime Plan Public Consultation.

This survey is an opportunity for everyone who lives, works and travels in Lancashire to share feedback on crime and policing.

Morecambe Town Council has compiled a response to this, as follows:

"There are areas of Morecambe where some residents feel less safe than others. These concerns are often related to a perceived lack of police visibility, especially in areas with higher incidences of anti-social behaviour.

"Some residents report feeling less safe in certain parts of town, particularly at night, where street lighting is poor, and there is limited foot patrol presence.

"This perception of unsafety is heightened in areas where there are visible signs of vandalism, loitering, and drug-related activities.

"In the view of Morecambe Town Council, the biggest problems in the local area are a combination of anti-social behaviour and a lack of sufficient police resources.

"Anti-social behaviour, including vandalism, public disturbances, and low-level crime, continues to affect the quality of life in some neighbourhoods.

Pictured below, a smashed window on Townley Street in Morecambe.

"Residents have reported that these issues can escalate during peak times, particularly on weekends and during school holidays, but police resources seem stretched too thin to provide a consistent deterrent.

"There is also concern around substance misuse, with drug and alcohol-related incidents being prevalent. These issues are compounded by limited social services available to intervene and support vulnerable individuals.

"Additionally, an increase in fly-tipping and littering adds to the overall deterioration of some areas, giving the impression of neglect and making residents feel unsafe.

"In our opinion, Lancashire Police perform well in responding to serious incidents and dealing with major crimes. The response times to urgent calls are commendable, and their ability to manage large public events safely is well regarded.

"Lancashire Police's community engagement efforts, such as attending local meetings and holding public consultations, are appreciated by the community.

"However, there are areas where Lancashire Police could improve. There is a strong need for more neighbourhood policing, particularly a greater visible presence in the community. Having regular foot patrols would help deter anti-social behaviour, reassure residents, and build trust within the community.

"In addition, tackling drug and alcohol-related issues could be enhanced by increasing collaborative efforts with local support services. More proactive prevention work, such as targeted youth interventions and educational programmes, could help reduce these issues over time.

"Furthermore, an active presence on social media could be beneficial. Increased communication via social platforms would allow residents to stay informed about ongoing operations, success stories, and safety tips.

"This would also foster better engagement between the police and the community.

"The key to improving safety and reducing crime in Morecambe lies in bolstering neighbourhood policing and addressing anti-social behaviour. While the police's response to serious incidents is effective, increasing visible patrols and community engagement will go a long way in making residents feel safer and more supported."

Two years ago, Beyond Radio reported how residents near Fisherman's Square in Poulton were suffering constant anti-social behaviour, including one incident where youths threw rocks at a woman and her baby granddaughter during a weekend of vandalism and intimidation.

Read more: Rocks thrown at grandmother and baby girl as Morecambe residents suffer weekend of "living in fear" - Beyond Radio

*If you are aware of instances of anti-social behaviour where you live, please report them to the police either via 101, the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 or email.

You can also report incidents via the Lancashire Constabulary website.