Residents declare: ‘Our town is the best in Britain’
SEASIDERS yesterday blasted claims that most of England’s poorest neighbourhoods are in Blackpool by insisting: “It rocks!’’
A Government study said the resort is home to eight of the 10 most deprived areas in the country.
But residents insisted the town is packed with attractions that make it the envy of Britain.
They pointed to Blackpool Tower, seven miles of golden sands, a new promenade, one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, historic trams and world famous illuminations.
And they even claimed the reason the resort had some problems – including a large homeless community – was because it had become a victim of its own success.
Sales assistant Linda Gallagher, 52, who moved to Blackpool from her native Stoke-on-Trent 30 years ago, said: “So many people want to live here we don’t have enough houses for them.
Friendlier
“People come thinking the streets will be paved with gold and they will find jobs and live happily ever after by the seaside.
“But there are only so many jobs and so many houses.
“Those who come with nothing are going to struggle.”
She added: “I love it. I came here because I married a local man. I’ve got rid of him and kept Blackpool. It’s fantastic.’’
British Airways flight attendant Heather Smith, 54, lives in the resort and commutes to work at London’s Heathrow Airport.
She prefers to make regular 470mile round trips rather than live down south.
Heather said: “The people are far friendlier up here. There is a great community spirit.
“I have done four charity runs along the prom this year alone to raise money.
“There can be no finer run in the country than beside the sea in Blackpool. It’s better than Spain.” She added: “There are the same problems here as the rest of the country but Blackpool probably sticks out because so many people want to be here.’’
Retired chemical engineer Jim Malonie, 72, said: “I doubt the people who did this report have ever been here.
“What’s not to love about Blackpool? I cycle up the prom three times a day breathing in air I could only dream of when I was a youngster in The Gorbals in Glasgow.’’
Motivational speaker Pamela Stewart, 60, who helps run a café for the homeless, said “community spirit” lay at the heart of the town.
She said: “I know there are people here with very little – but there are many more willing to help them.”
Illustrator Peter Jackson, 67, said: “Much of the work here is seasonal because it’s a holiday resort. Outside summer it can be difficult for people who fall by the wayside.
“But there is hope. Blackpool folk are very friendly and most will be really supportive.
“Even if people are poor they can be rich in spirit.’’