Fylde Is Debt-Free – So Why Are We Being Dragged Into Blackpool’s Black Hole?

For years, the Conservatives talked about Local Government Reform (LGR) — and then did nothing. Now that they’re out of national power and Labour is pressing ahead with the very reform they once supported, suddenly the same Conservatives are kicking and screaming in opposition.

Why? Because they’re no longer the ones in charge.

Let’s be clear: LGR is happening. Fylde, Wyre, and Blackpool are almost certainly going to be merged into a new unitary authority in some shape or form within the next two to three years. That means our services, staff, assets — and crucially, our debts and liabilities — will be combined.

And that’s where things get worrying.

Fylde: Responsible. Debt-Free.

Fylde first became debt free when Independent councillors were the leading group at Fylde and who have since worked hard with other political groups to keep our house in order. Fylde has managed its finances sensibly, and as it stands, we are debt-free. That’s something to be proud of.

But under the new unitary authority, that responsibility will be wiped away — because we’ll be forced to shoulder a share of Blackpool’s staggering £570 million debt.

Let that sink in.

In 2023, Blackpool Council owed £211 million.By early 2025. That figure had ballooned to £570 million — that’s £4,042 for every one of its 140,000 residents.

What’s behind this explosion in borrowing?

Here’s a snapshot:

• £48M – Houndshill Shopping Centre (loss-making)

• £22.5M – Phase 2 of the Houndshill (more retail in a dying market)

• £82M – Civil Service Offices on King Street

• £29.1M – Holiday Inn Hotel

• £16M – “Multiversity” Project

• £4.8M – Purchase of the M&S Building

• £4.25M – Blackpool Airport (still losing money)

• £10M – Blackpool Tower and Golden Mile Centre

• £11M – Blackpool Tower Maintenance

Despite the spending spree, Blackpool’s decline continues. Residents and local businesses are still struggling — and soon, Fylde taxpayers will be helping to foot the bill - the interest on the loans alone is a staggering £25 million a year!

And While All This Happens… Kirkham Baths Crumbles

Fylde’s Conservatives have let down our local community in more ways than one — but nowhere is it more obvious than in Kirkham. Kirkham Baths is a historic and much-loved facility. Yet today it sits mothballed, costing £400,000 to maintain in its current unusable state.

Rather than taking decisive action, Conservative leaders have placed all their hopes on a long-shot National Lottery Heritage Fund bid. A decision on eligibility won’t even be made until late 2027, and if successful (which is a big “if”), the earliest possible reopening would be late 2029 — long after the unitary authority takes over. IF the money is ever in place, it may no longer even be Fylde’s decision whether or not the Baths reopen.

And if the bid fails? That’s £400,000 wasted — and an irreplaceable community resource gone forever.

When I asked at the March 31st council meeting if the Conservatives would consider borrowing the £3 million needed to refurbish the Baths, the answer was a flat “no.” The funding strategy, they said, had already been decided, there was no Plan B in place.

Let’s Put It in Perspective

£3 million to bring back a treasured community facility — an amount that would barely register when combined with Blackpool’s £570 million debt and would be shared with the residents of Blackpool and Wyre.

This is not about affordability. This is about priorities — and clearly, Kirkham isn’t one.

Fylde Residents Deserve Better

We’ve done the right thing. We’ve kept our books balanced and invested wisely. So why should our community be punished for Blackpool’s poor decisions and mounting debts?

Fylde’s Conservatives have failed to fight for what matters. And if Labour thinks we’ll just sit quietly while our local identity, assets, and hard-earned financial stability are swept into a unitary authority’s black hole — they’re wrong too.

“Fylde has done things the right way—no debt, careful spending, and strong local identity. We shouldn’t be dragged down by Blackpool’s financial mismanagement or sidelined in a reorganisation we didn’t ask for.I’m standing to make sure your voice is heard, your money is protected, and your community comes first.”— Cllr Peter Collins, Independent Candidate for Fylde East.

Why I’m Standing as an Independent

This election is about more than party colours. It’s about who is willing to stand up and speak out.

As an Independent candidate for Fylde East, I’m not tied to party donors, central offices, or political career ladders. My only loyalty is to the people who live here.

We need:

✔️ A voice who will put local priorities first

✔️ A plan to protect our assets and financial future

✔️ A representative who will fight for Kirkham Baths

✔️ Accountability and transparency as LGR moves forward

Fylde East has been ignored long enough. It’s time for real leadership — not empty promises and strategic punts.

On May 1st, Vote Independent.

Fylde Deserves Better.

🗳 On May 1st, you have a choice.

You can vote for more of the same—or you can vote for someone who’s ready to ask the difficult questions, stand firm on the issues that matter, and fight for Fylde every single day.

📍 Vote Peter Collins – Independent for Fylde East

Because it’s time to stop letting others decide what happens to our future.

📲 Read more, get in touch, or join the conversation:🌐 https://votepetercollins.wixsite.com/vote-peter-collins📧

petercollins4568@aol.com