Council leader Coun Peter Callow said: "Whatever Blackpool Council can do, it will do."

He said the blaze had left some people in tears.

"This fire has destroyed one of Blackpool's iconic buildings," he said.

"It is particularly upsetting as Yates's had recently spent half a million pounds restoring the building to its former glory.

"I officially re-opened the venue last year after the painstaking work had been done and I know how proud people were.

"This fire is tragic because the opening of the nearby Travel Lodge and the completion of the revamp of Rumours had seen Talbot Square looking very fine again.

"There are some fine buildings in Talbot Square and it has all been ruined.


>> Watch exclusive video of fire damage
>> View our photo gallery of the fire
>> Watch dramatic footage sent in by a Gazette reader
Click here for the full story and to watch a video report from the scene

"But we will help with whatever we can do to help Yates's and the other businesses affected rebuild. Whatever Blackpool can do, it will do. We're not going to let this beat us."

Coun Ian Fowler, cabinet member for business services, watched the fire unfold.

He said: "This is absolutely tragic for the town – I'm so angry and upset that this has happened, and I want to find out why.

"We don't know whether the Yates building, which represents so much history for Blackpool, will have to be knocked down. It is devastating.

"But we will look to the future to rebuild this centrepiece of the town as soon as possible."

Council building control officers were due to check the building again today to assess when it would be safe for firefighters to go inside and whether the remains of the structure will have to be pulled down.

Clifton Street and Talbot Road from the Promenade to Abingdon Street, and Corporation Street, are all closed to the public which will impact on nearby businesses. West Street car park is also closed.

A contact number has been set up for anybody concerned about access to premises in the area.

If people want to check the current status they should ring (01253) 477600 or call in to the council's Customer First centre after 8pm today.

For more details on amended bus timetables ring (01253) 473000

The major half-term events such as Showzam will continue as they are outside the cordon that has been set up and Blackpool remains open for business throughout the half term.

A council spokesman said: "Drivers can expect some additional congestion on the Promenade and some delays on bus routes so drivers and public transport users should allow some extra time for their journey and plan to avoid the immediate area of Talbot Square."

Don't miss your special early edition of The Gazette on Monday with full reports, reaction and pictures