What future for Blackpool?

Blackpool is a bit like marmite, you either love it or hate it. In my early childhood we went to various coastal resorts in England. I have happy memories of Scarborough and Margate. One year we went to Blackpool. I insisted because I saw it as the iconic seaside resort. I remember the rain, not been allowed on some of the rides at the theme park (too dangerous and they would make me sick) and the Tower.

Times change and in my later childhood we went to Greece or Spain. In recent years Blackpool has become a place to go for a short break, a day out or a conference. I was last there for an afternoon and went on 'The Big One', a roller coaster ride. I was terrified, but determined to finally go on one of those rides that were out of bounds to me as a child. It was good fun. My brother takes his daugthers for short breaks sometimes and they love it.

In some respects Blackpool is great, but in too many respects it isn't. I have felt a great sense of nostalgia when visiting as an adult. There lies the problem because it just hasn't changed with the times. Recently Pontins announced they were closing, because of plummeting numbers.

In recent years the conference trade has provided some revenue, but now even that seems to be going. In any given year the Tories, Labour, the Lib Dems or the TUC provided some trade. Not this year. The conference season has begun with the TUC in Liverpool, the Lib Dems are off to Bournemouth, Labour to Brighton and the Tories are in Manchester.

Northern towns are now the destination of choice for big conferences in the north rather than Blackpool.

The Super Casino idea seemed to offer possible saviour, but that doesn't seem to be on the agenda any more.

The only trade left seems to be stag parties, birthday parties and short breaks.

I have never stayed in really good accomodation in Blackpool and some has been appaling, so it isn't hard to see why it is in decline. It is a shame though, that this once great playground can't keep the best of what it once had and that it hasn't devoloped to meet the needs and aspirations of modern travellers.