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Google catches Fylde on camera
LOOK at the changing face of Blackpool – online.
Resort tourism bosses say the web revolution Google Street View, which is made up of millions of photographs taken by the famous search engine's streetcars, will showcase all Blackpool has to offer – and show how much the resort has improved.
Natalie Wyatt, head of VisitBlackpool, said: "People who visited the resort a few years ago will be astounded at all the work done on Yeadon Way, the Promenade and the headlands.
"When they see it on the maps it will definitely encourage them to come back and stay here. We are currently working with Google to see how we can constantly update the images, and we feel it's the way forward for promoting tourism."
Blackpool hoteliers said the street maps would promote their businesses – but could paint an unrealistic picture.
Claire Smith, owner of the Number One hotel, on St Luke's Road, South Shore, said: "For me the street map view is a good thing, as the surroundings are well-kept and the hotel looks nice. But there's a problem with just having a snapshot of a street on one day. It might be a day when it's not looking its best, there could be building works since finished."
Martin Jackson, manager of the Big Blue Hotel on Ocean Boulevard, South Shore, added: "It's certainly something we'll promote for our customers.
"It'll be a positive thing for the Big Blue Hotel too – we already stand out, as we're blue, but a street map will show how close we are to the Pleasure Beach and other attractions."
And businesses in Fylde and Wyre also welcomed the chance to show off all they had to offer online.
Ian Rigg, landlord of The Taps, on Henry Street, Lytham, said: "It's definitely good we've now been included on the maps. It will be good for businesses all over the Fylde.
"People can 'travel' down the street and see Fairhaven Lake's nearby, so they've got somewhere to walk, and how pretty the town is."
Keith Yates, a director of Fleetwood Transport Festival, added: "It's a great idea.
"You can have a virtual walk-through before you get there and it will be so much easier because you will be aware of what's around you."
But the new navigation technique, which, until yesterday, only covered 25 UK cities, also captures unwitting residents and there are fears it could give burglars a way to scrutinise homes. People also expressed concern about privacy.
Tom Birch, community leader at the United Reformed Church in Fleetwood, said: "I believe it's intrusive and unnecessary.
"It might be different if it was helping me get from A to B like the sat-nav in your car, but as far as filming in the streets and posting that without my permission, it really isn't on.
"My privacy is important to me."
Google's streetcars travelled across England capturing images of every road, alley and back street and 95 per cent of the country is now included.
A spokesman for Google Street View said: "Google Street View is a great way for hotels and bed and breakfasts in Blackpool to encourage new visitors to their location.
"Not only can visitors more easily find them and check them out before they arrive, but any local business can also embed the technology for free on their website too."
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 27 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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