MP Hilton Dawson hit the beat to check out the problems with Poulton's nightlife.

The Member for Lancaster and Wyre joined Poulton police on night duty on a Friday night in March to witness first hand the problems they face.

Mr Dawson joined Poulton-based Sgt Gary Hamer and his patrol as they travelled to Fleetwood to witness an admission to the cells, to Garstang for a suspected burglary and finally back to Poulton in time for the night clubs closing.

Mr Dawson said of his experience: "It was a very good insight into their duties and I was very impressed at the way they dealt with all manner of problems encountered.

"When we were at Fleetwood cells for example I witnessed the very calm and reasoned manner with which they dealt with a person they admitted.

"When we got back to Poulton we observed people leaving the town's two night clubs and they appeared to be in reasonably good spirits. We then saw them go the kebab shops and then off home with no trouble. It was a very quiet night in all."

Prior to his patrol Mr Dawson had received a huge number of complaints from residents about vandalism and loutish behaviour as people leave Poulton's pubs and clubs.

A recent public meeting also heard a lot of similar concerns from local people and just a couple of weeks ago Mr Dawson received a petition collected from a local shopkeeper with around 500 signatures on.

Mr Dawson said: "I think it is important that Poulton has a lively night life -- it's all part of being an attractive town.

"However it is vital that it is safe and that high spirits and revelry don't descend into anti-social behaviour."