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Tram shelter 'eyesore' mission
PROMENADE tram shelters have been branded an eyesore by a resident who says he is appalled at the lack of maintenance on the landmarks.
John Garnham, of Cherry Tree Road, Marton, went to the trouble of photographing peeling paint and rusty railings and has now sent the evidence to Blackpool Council whose responsibility it is to look after them.
Mr Garnham said: "As a local resident and ratepayer I'm very angry at the atrocious sights on view near the Tower to the tourists and locals.
"These are not due to any recent damage or vandalism, but appalling lack of maintenance and neglect over very many months by the council.
"One really has to question if anyone from management ever gets from behind their desk and actually looks at what is on view.
"It will very soon be another Bank Holiday, but it's far more than a window wash that is required.
"There are seats and shelters in desperate need of painting, very rusty waste bins, rusty bridge railings and even aspects of the new South Promenade are going the same way."
He added: "On entering Blackpool the signs state "Britain's Premier Resort" – you would hardly think so. Just compare its upkeep to even nearby St Annes or Southport.
"The council spends huge sums on aborted studies and dubious projects yet the most basic needs on the Promenade are ignored. Have they never heard that first impressions count?"
Blackpool's new council leader Coun Peter Callow blamed the poor maintenance on the previous administration and pledged something would be done about it.
Coun Callow, who this week launched a litter blitz as part of his promise to clean-up the Golden Mile, said: "I will be speaking to our officers and to Blackpool Transport to see what can be done. We are committed to cleaning up the Promenade and making it more attractive."
shelagh.parkinson@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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Wind direction: West
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