Eric Ollerenshaw, Parliamentary Candidate for Lancaster and Fleetwood welcomed Caroline Spelman M.P, Shadow Secretary Of State for Communities and Local Government to launch the new action plan to reinvigorate coastal towns.

The plan, entitled ‘No longer the end of the line’, outlines how the Conservative Party will end the sidelining of seaside towns under the Labour Government. The policy proposals in the comprehensive action plan include:

• Economic development – Introducing new tax breaks for local firms – including local business rate discounts, lower corporation tax on small firms, and waiving National Insurance on new firms which create jobs.

• Fighting back against crime - Giving local councils and the police new powers to restrict the large number of late licenses and tackle the alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour that blights many coastal towns.

• Better and more affordable housing – Cancelling Labour’s council tax revaluation which would charge residents higher council tax for having sea views. Creating a ‘Community Right to Buy’ to allow local groups to take over and save threatened community assets and buildings.

• Fair funding for costal towns – Allowing privately owned, listed seaside-heritage attractions, such as piers, to apply for Lottery funding.

Eric Ollerenshaw said “Labour Ministers in Whitehall have ignored and marginalised our coastal towns like Fleetwood, and this must change. This action plan is proof that the Conservative Party wants to reinvigorate our coastal towns, so that they are not just places for a great day out, but are also successful and attractive places to live and work.