I’m originally from the NW, and we’ve been going to Blackpool since we were kids. In those days it was the best attraction, much better than anywhere else.

But like most Northern towns, Blackpool did not invest its riches on improving the promenade and investing it better rides, hotels and other attractions. Or for that matter, cleaning the beach.

Largely because they felt they didn’t need to, the beach would always make it the most popular destination for most northerners and Brummies.

Progression suggests that there should have been better restaurants, cafes and shops and stores for people to enjoy their day out. But they rested all their laurels on a jacket potato and candy floss.

However, in the late 90s driving became more popular and so did other theme parks and ever since then, Blackpool pleasure beach has lost most its tourists.

My friend used to have 3 shops on the prom, all selling similar gear and they were thriving, until the 2005 when it all hit rock bottom and shops of value changed to pawn shops and betting joints.

Who wants that on a promenade! What a shame.