East by north west: up to 15,000 Eastern Europeans could be working in Blackpool this summer, according to council estimates. But the report by Blackpool Council into the impact of migration confirms fears that hate crimes could increase as a result.
The report said: "Anecdotal feedback suggests this could develop into a larger problem, especially if the perception persists that local people are being overlooked by employers for jobs in the tourism-related industries."
Police officers are being taught Polish in a bid to communicate with the thousands of workers who have come to Lancashire. Force chiefs believe the move will help build relations with new European workers in the area.
ALAMY