23 photos of Blackpool and the town centre in the 1980s

These photo gems turn back the clock to focus on Blackpool through a decade

Who can forget the sight of King Kong perched at the foot of Blackpool Tower? The massive – 85ft in fact – inflatable star came for the 90th birthday of Blackpool Tower. The giant ape was quite a sight, peering down on the people below – and no doubt distracted one or two motorists along the Promenade. Some of the long gone shops are pictured and so is the dawn of a new era - when Houndshill opened. And there were urban issues too - abandoned cars and a derelict boating pool. In case you missed it: Streets of Blackpool long ago Blackpool's coldest winters LOVE LANCASHIRE? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Visit our Facebook page: Lancashire Nostalgia

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