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.

All you say is very true, a lot of area's of the Town centre only require a coat of paint above shop level that alone would make a lot of difference especialy in the Talbot road, Abingdon street, Topping street, and most urgently the Length of Central drive. :P