Chris Webb, the new MP for Blackpool South, has joined forces with The Blackpool Lead in a campaign to save Blackpool rock.
Webb and The Blackpool Lead are co-hosting a petition which calls on the government to grant Blackpool rock the same protected status as other cherished British staples such as Wensleydale Cheese, the Cornish Pasty and the Cumberland Sausage.
Webb has pledged to take the petition to Westminster in the coming weeks. Sign the petition now.
The call to action follows the news from local manufacturers that their business is under threat from cheap imitation imports, mainly from China.
Stanton and Novelty, a third generation traditional rock manufacturer in Blackpool South, raised the alarm about the threat they are under last month.
Webb responded during his second week in office, raising his concerns about the future of Blackpool rock in the House of Commons. He pointed out that only seven factories remain in Blackpool and this year some of them are facing up to a 40% drop in sales.
They employ the majority of the 30 remaining confectioners who have the ability to properly letter sticks of rock – a historic skill that’s at risk of dying out without intervention.
Webb’s call for a debate in government time to secure the future of Blackpool rock was met with enthusiastic cheers from both sides of the House and Leader of The House, Penny Mordaunt, thanked him for raising this “very important issue”, adding that Blackpool rock is “iconic”.
“Cheap imitation Blackpool rock is jeopardising the livelihoods of local employees and the viability of the historic process of manufacturing it,” Webb told The Blackpool Lead. “It’s incredibly skilled work that exists in local businesses that have been passed down through generations and we have already lost eight of them in Blackpool.”
Sign our Save Blackpool Rock petition now below and demand Defra take action. (Story continues below the petition)
In our joint petition Webb and The Blackpool Lead are calling to protect Blackpool rock under the geographical indication protected food names scheme. David Thorp, director of Stanton and Novelty confectioners, whose grandfather founded the company, has also endorsed the petition.
He believes the ‘Stick of Rock’ should be protected under the scheme. This would guarantee the product’s characteristics, reputation, authenticity and origin.
It would also protect the product name from misuse or imitation.
He said: “This petition is going to be a huge help for us to save Blackpool rock factories and protect the Stick of Rock. Not only will it show the government that the public support saving an industry under threat, but also helps our goal of protecting our heritage.”
Webb said: “This is part of our cultural seaside heritage and we’re going to loose it if we don’t stand up to protect and save Blackpool rock.”
Ed Walker, Lead Editor (North), said: "It's important in our local coverage that we don't just report on what's happening but, when something clearly needs to be done, take a stand and ensure those with the power to make a change look to do so.
"We've had dozens of signatures already since the petition launched and we hope to see Chris waving a long list of names around in Westminster to ensure Defra, and others, listen to the challenge facing the proud rock producers of Blackpool."
Sign our Save Blackpool Rock petition now and demand Defra take action.
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