Disruption is a pain ...but it brings gain

Further closures are expected on Dickson Road in Blackpool and elsewhere in the town centre.

Blackpool Council says the work is on schedule and insist residents and visitors will notice the improvements once the work is complete.

But while it will mean residents will gain in the long run, motorists are set for more short-term pain in the meantime.

Planned roadworks which began in November are part of a huge scheme which the council says will lead to investment, local jobs and a more attractive place to live and work.

Benefits will include better public transport, more places to shop and eat, a new IMAX cinema, new four and five star hotels and a conference centre.

Coun Fred Jackson (inset), Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “The vision for a Better Blackpool is becoming a reality and will provide benefits to our community and visitors for years to come. Roadworks are a necessary part of these improvement works but the end result of a better town centre is worth waiting for.”

Work to move utility pipes underneath sections of Talbot Road and its junctions, in readiness for laying new tram tracks for the ambitious link-up with Blackpool North Station, continues until March.

Dickson Road, between Talbot Road and Lansdowne Place, will be one way northbound until March 5 and fully closed until March 16.

Talbot Road will be closed between Dickson Road and Abingdon Street from February 19 until March 30.