Decline of Bond Street can 'no longer be ignored' warns councillor

Bond Street used to be one of the resort’s main shopping streets in South Shore, but in recent years has slipped into decline due to businesses closing.

Now Waterloo councillor Diane Mitchell, whose ward includes Bond Street, is campaigning for the area to be made a priority for regeneration and investment by Blackpool Council.

She said: “For years Bond street has been in decline and I’m determined to turn this around.

“The remaining shopkeepers are working hard and deserve the support of the town.

“Every penny that is spent in the remaining shops not only encourages them but increases the chances of more investment in to the street.

“Along side encouraging people to shop there, I have also managed to secure the partial demolition of two abandoned buildings and I’m pushing for the council to deliver the Waterloo Masterplan.”

The Waterloo Masterplan is aimed at securing investment in new houses and building redevelopment, and a bid has been submitted to the government for funding.

Coun Mitchell added: “The decline of Bond Street affects Blackpool in so many ways and can no longer be ignored.

“Visiting tourists judge the whole town by some of the eyesores they see and residents feel neglected.

“With the right investment Bond Street and Waterloo Road will be great again.

“It starts with tidying up the derelict and empty properties, providing support for its remaining shops, and continues with the government levelling up fund being invested in better housing.

“This would encourage the private sector to see the area as worth investing in again.”

A previous bid for funding for the Waterloo Masterplan from the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund failed, but the council is currently seeking alternative funding for the regeneration of areas including Waterloo and Claremont.

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “As announced last year, the government has funded Homes England to produce masterplans for inner Blackpool, in partnership with the council, and that work is underway.

“The intention is to progress these plans through public consultation in the near future, which is likely to fall in the new year.”