Leading fight against abuse in Lancashire

That was the clear message as Blackpool Council joined the growing list of local authorities which have signed up to the White Ribbon campaign to stop violence against women and girls.

It means Lancashire has now become the first ‘white ribbon county’ – with every council, the police, fire service and several health bodies all earning white ribbon status.

An event at the Winter Gardens was held yesterday to mark the occasion.

Coun Graham Cain, (pictured)Blackpool Council’s cabinet secretary for resilient communities, said: “A campaign such as White Ribbon focuses attention on what are despicable acts of violence against women and the distress of people who witness it.

“By actively engaging more men in the debate about the issues we are taking a positive step towards driving greater awareness of this type of violence in our communities.”

He said he was ‘proud’ of the council’s white ribbon status and praised everyone involved helping secure accreditation.

Speaking in Preston, at one of several events held across Lancashire yesterday to celebrate the county’s success , police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw said it was a ‘fantastic’ achievement.

Mr Grunshaw, whose office has white ribbon status and led the push for county-wide recognition, said: “I am delighted to see Lancashire become the first White Ribbon County.

“Violence against women and girls is unacceptable – this has to stop and anything we can do to tackle the issue and get people talking about it has to be a good thing.”