BLACKPOOL needs extra police funding to take account of its huge seasonal influx of visitors, says resort MP Gordon Marsden.

Mr Marsden is writing to Lancashire chief constable Pauline Clare to argue the case for extra police power during the season when town centre crime rates rocket to seven times the national average.

The Blackpool South MP was speaking after Operation Arrival, launched to prevent the annual upsurge in crime during Easter, was declared a success.

"Operation Arrival was extremely successful in reducing incidents and tensions over a packed weekend," he said. "Before this the police did not put extra police on the streets during holidays because of funding implications, which demonstrates there is a case for strengthening police presence in Blackpool at peak holiday periods.

"I'm going to ask the police authority to look again at the funding mechanism." Mr Marsden, who met Blackpool police chief Richard Taylor to discuss policing initiatives and progress, welcomed the way the local force was incorporating new powers against anti-social behaviour in its Community Safety Strategy.

The Crime and Disorder Act which came into effect this month gave police extra powers against such common problems as nuisance neighbours and juvenile nuisance which makes life miserable for residents.

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