Blyth Residents Feel Forgotten Amidst Crime and Economic Struggles

Residents of Blyth, Northumberland, are expressing concerns about the state of their town. They report a significant increase in shoplifting and drug abuse, alongside a desperate need for the return of essential retail services. The town, with a population nearing 40,000, is marked by numerous derelict buildings and boarded-up shops.

Despite voting for the Labour Party in the last general election, after previously supporting Boris Johnson, locals feel neglected by the current government. Robert Millican, a 42-year-old resident, plans to vote for Reform UK in the upcoming election. He criticizes the government for what he perceives as a betrayal of Labour values, citing the loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance and the implementation of "stealth taxes" like National Insurance contributions. He believes the two major parties are now indistinguishable.

The town is slated to receive a £90 million investment for a development that includes a new cinema. However, this project has been met with skepticism from residents, who argue that the town's primary need is for everyday shops. The demolition of the Keel Row Shopping Centre last year has further exacerbated this issue. One woman questioned the logic of building a cinema when the town lacks essential retail options.

Robert identifies drugs and crime as the most pressing issues in Blyth. He highlights the lack of resources to address shoplifting and drug abuse, particularly the prevalence of heroin and cannabis. He describes addicts begging for money outside of supermarkets to fund their habits. He believes that investment should have been directed towards tackling these problems instead of the cinema. He also points to the high unemployment rate and the loss of local industries, such as coal mining and shipbuilding.

In contrast, the leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson, presents a more optimistic view, describing Blyth as undergoing a "renaissance." He highlights the importance of the Port of Blyth and the recent investment in a Data Centre campus, which is expected to create thousands of jobs. He also mentions the re-opening of the Northumberland Line, which has already seen a significant number of journeys and is benefiting Blyth.