Strange isn't it?

We have a direction finder in our cars these days in the form of Satellite Navigation. We programme it and it tells us where we are, it knows where we want to be and it can tell us how to get there.

Unfortunately, Blackpool doesn't have Sat Nav. As a town it is getting pulled in every direction with different borough councils, different legislation, different ideas on funding and development. No clear decisions on where it is heading, or indeed where it needs to be going. One thing that is a certainty, it cannot stand still. Who will be Blackpool's Direction Finder?

The Casino plan was dead in the water a while ago. The major political parties were drawn to conference elsewhere and unfortunately even some of the elected representatives echoed a statement made on a newspaper website " We may as well pack up the lights and send them to Manchester as well - they have everything else" This is not how Blackpool is going to get better is it?

See. I own and operate a business. I have to work hard to compete against a lot of other small businesses to make mine stand out above the rest. Blackpool has to do the same. Blackpool is a seaside town that needs to make itself stand out as a holiday destination that is fun, safe, clean (not necessarily in that order) but above all it has to be "Value For Money" There is a lot in Blackpool that is blatantly overpriced. The tourist pound is not rubberised. Neither is the locals. Who is going to make Blackpool a cost-effective option?

Rather than pitching our battles with how much is being given to Manchester and how Liverpool is getting a lot of publicity for Capital of Culture, we should focus on Blackpool. There is a belief culture in Manchester. Liverpool people are staunchly proud of their heritage. Where is Blackpools Fire? Where is the Civic Pride? Where is the Love?

I know of people who study (for business purposes) how they can make a website appear at the top of any search list based on a few key words or phrases. This is "promotion" "optimisation" When you talk about Blackpool is it positive? Make your key words and phrases include Blackpool, Successful, Regenerating, Improved, Value-For-Money.

For businesses these days, a website is virtually a necessity. If you have a business in Blackpool, do you have a website? Is it positive? Is it telling the truth or is it as manufactured as your product? Can you live up to the expectations of site viewers?

I intend (with assistance from Blackpoolzone & Salix Graphic - both businesses in Blackpool by the way) to design and offer for FREE a badge that becomes synonymous with Blackpool Civic Pride. One that you can print on T Shirts, Brochures, Hotel Leaflets and yes, even put it on your website.

Either I am totally on my own with my head in the clouds, or there are people like me who believe in Blackpool and are proud to stand up and say it. So where are you?

 

How Good Is That?
I have recently received, as did any number of households and businesses in Blackpool, a free newsletter called “Your Blackpool”.

Excellent features in there focusing on the positive side of Blackpool, as indeed this site wishes to do.
I am particularly taken by the article regarding Blackpool Illuminations, and the section introduced by Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen, the internationally acclaimed designer. Typically flamboyant and traditionally colourful, Decadance was very well presented and received. I note with interest the article mentions that a competition was launched encouraging other designers to produce ideas for a section of the annual specatacle. From the entries mentioned, it would show that a lot of people from a range of age groups rose to the challenge. That in turn surely demonstrates that the Illuminations still attract attention and spark (excuse the pun) memories in the minds of generations.
I know that I said that I would be positive about Blackpool and I am. However, even I sometimes despair of what is glaringly obvious. In a town that is recognised for its annual lights spectacular – why are there so many bulbs out on the tower? Its one of those “Oh yes! Look at that! I hadn’t even noticed” moments.

Blackpool has far more to offer though than the illuminations. The Tower Circus, internationally acclaimed again. The Tower Ballroom, with the Wurlitzer rising from the floor (eek! Even though I was never old enough) I remember tales of the marvellous Reg Dixon playing at tea dances and other Ballroom spectaculars. Blackpool Zoo. Another visitor attraction that is also of course a year round feature of the town.

I’m not about to write a travel guide any way . There are plenty of those around. All I aim to do is share thoughts. Sharing is a community experience though, so if you would like to write an article for the main Phoenix website, then get the details from the Home Page and write away. I’d love to hear from you.

Plenty of people want to knock Blackpool down.

I have followed with some great interest the forum entries on the local newspaper website and unfortunately, even some of the long standing residents of Blackpool cannot find something good to say about the place!

Blackpool houses its own population - obviously, but that population includes a great deal of businessmen and women who surely want more people to come and vist Blackpool and enjoy their time here. Correct? Those of us that live in Blackpool on a permanent basis do see the lows as well as the seasonal highs, but constant criticism and dersion will, in my opinion only widen the depression both economically, socially and metally of the area and the people.

I do not wear rose coloured glasses. Sure, there are areas that could do with improvement, but when day in, day out you hear people from other parts of the country, living in Blackpool telling you over and over again how bad it is - it makes you begin to question. "Why are you here?" If you dislike it so much, get on your bike!

Seasonal areas such as seaside resorts and fairgrounds will obviously see a decline in the winter months, but again, like a fairground, the roller coaster has highs as well as lows. It is NOT ALL BAD.

A strong sense of community will build a strong community. Yes, assistance from outside is needed to preserve and promote some of the facilities in this town, but who throws good money at stale bread? If the people of Blackpool (including those that have chosen to live here) show belief, then they will get more.

Consider the Government's Regeneration Budget as a business. So, if a businessman pays an employee, he expects them to work for the money he pays. Any investor wants to see a return on his investment. Even charitable donation in some areas is considered a valued business move. I don't believe Blackpool needs or indeed wants charity though. I believe that Blackpool treated as a business investment will reap its rewards.

A strong local economy with improved local services would make it desirable to live here. Property Values Improve. By token - more people "trip" to Blackpool. They want to enjoy a clean, safe, value-for-money seaside experience. They may want to experience the heritage, the local history. This can be offered to them, but only if we have something to offer. Civic Pride.

Clean up the town - the council is responsible for that. But if the people don't respect their town in the first place, the council willl be facing a losing battle. Where is the Blackpool Civic Pride?

Clean up YOUR act - If you own business in the town, is it the best that you can offer? Is it good value? Which advert works best?

COME VISIT MY HOVEL

COME VISIT MY COMFORTABLE HOTEL, IN A CLEAN PROUD ENVIRONMENT

Blackpool's future is in the hands of the believers. If you tolerate 2nd Best, you will be offered no better than that. Start today. Lead by example. Encourage and nurture, then growth will come from the seeds you sow.