Hello and welcome to The Blackpool Lead. Facial recognition technology is a thoroughly divisive matter and views will range from it being a necessary step to keep us safe to it being a dangerous infringements of our civil rights. It’s 2026, so there is no room for nuance or middle ground in most debates. But we have done our best to capture that nuance in our reporting today. Blackpool briefing 🪨 A decision on 17 rock headlands on Blackpool’s beach has been deferred by Blackpool Council’s planning committee. Blackpool Council has vowed to spend more time working with the RNLI on the safety measures attached to the scheme. The RNLI had delivered a 27-page objection against the proposal saying it would create a level of risk that could not be adequately protected against. A spokesperson for the RNLI said: “The RNLI has objected to the scheme and welcomes the decision to defer the application for further consideration following representations made to the Planning Committee by the Chair of Blackpool RNLI. “Our detailed objection sets out concerns about the effect the project, in its current form, could have on the RNLI’s ability to save lives and on the safety of those using the coastline. “Many of the incidents attended by Blackpool RNLI occur close to the seawall, often during hours of darkness and in challenging sea conditions. The proposed introduction of multiple rock groynes could significantly affect our volunteers’ ability to launch quickly and access, assess and assist casualties. There are also concerns that the groynes could restrict access to areas of the foreshore currently used for safe lifeboat operations. “While the RNLI supports efforts to protect and preserve the coastline, it is vital that any proposal does not adversely affect our lifesaving service or our ability to operate effectively. Our