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Hoardings transform Yates's eyesore
FROM eyesore to art – the site of the Yates's inferno has been transformed.
A total of 80 1.5 metre high panels have been installed around the demolition site in Talbot Square in a 20,000 bid by the council to give the area a lift.
Artist Sarah Galloway has created the colourful installations at her Pilling studio, based on photographs of iconic Blackpool buildings and people.
Text from Blackpool's poet in residence John Siddique is also featured in the artwork.
Thornton singing sensation Little Boots, aka Victoria Hesketh, is one of the celebrities featured, along with comedian Alan Carr, who will be switching on the Illuminations next month.
Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens, Central Pier, the Grand, Central Library and the Imperial Hotel are also included, along with photographs of local people.
Some of the panels are hand-painted, others use digital photography and others are printed on acrylic discs.
Sarah said: "I'm really pleased with how it looks now that all the panels are in place. I think it looks really good and it certainly gives people something to talk about and a destination to aim for.
"It makes this part of Talbot Square look a lot better. When I have been on site there have been a lot of favourable comments. Some have muttered about the 20,000 cost but generally they seem to like it."
Reaction to the panels is mixed, with some people branding it a waste of money, while others say it is key to the resort's regeneration.
Anthony David Boak, 78, from Sherbourne Road in North Shore, said: "It looks terrible, it's very gaudy and 20,000 is a complete waste of money.
"It's part of the whole way Blackpool has changed, it used to be all side shows and hamburger stalls, now it's all modern."
Jane Cooke, Lowther Avenue in Bispham, added: "I think it looks very cheerful and it reminds people of the regeneration that's going on in Blackpool.
"There are even pictures of tourist attractions that will remind people to go to them. It's very pleasing to the eye."
The Yates's complex has lain in ruin since it was gutted by fire on February 15.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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