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Keep Fylde landmarks open!
ANGRY hoteliers have hit out at the decision to place Fylde landmarks Lowther Pavilion and Fairhaven Lake under threat from council closures.
Hotel bosses say losing the much-loved tourist attractions would do "nothing for business" and affect visitor numbers to both Lytham and St Annes.
The prized "luxuries" have joined Kirkham and St Annes swimming pools on the chopping block as Fylde Council attempts to plug a 1m-plus budget deficit.
But Christian Corbett, who co-owns the Chadwick Hotel on South Promenade, St Annes, with other members of his family, says closing them would be a major blow to tourism in the area.
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He said: "I am quite shocked. Both of them are landmarks for the area and if either went it would do nothing for businesses.
"A lot of our guests do enjoy going to Fairhaven Lake, especially in the summer, because there is the boating and people enjoy using the facilities at the lake.
"The pavilion also puts on a lot of entertainment, which is especially important for the elderly."
Samantha Lewis, manager of the Dalmeny Hotel, also on the promenade, feels the council should be backing business by investing in more facilities not less.
She said: "Fairhaven Lake and Lowther Pavilion are what makes the area a nice place to visit and make people want to spend money.
"We are trying to invest ourselves in our family facility and that needs to be supported by the council.
"They are talking about the budget but spending money on their offices."
John Strong, chairman of the Lytham chamber of trade, is annoyed facilities are being threatened despite council tax continuing to rise.
He said: "These are attractions for the community which attract people from out of town.
"How come we could afford these services years ago but not now? I doubt anybody at the town hall is taking a pay cut.
"People pay their rates every year but they are still looking to close things. I don't see things improving."
The council says the drastic cuts are being considered after the government slashed 600,000 in funding combined with the expected 300,000 cost of free travel for the over 60's.
Simon Renwick, cabinet member for Culture and Tourism, says raising council tax by the maximum five per cent would still only yield an extra 220,000.
He said: "We are not in an ideal situation. The Government has put significant budget pressures on Fylde.
"Raising council tax doesn't even come close to covering the increases in pensions, fuel and concessionary travel. The decisions are yet to be made."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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