Politicians unite to fight for more help for Blackpool’s hard-hit tourism sector

Blackpool’s Council Leader and the resort’s two MPs have pledged to do 'everything within their power' to support the town’s hard-hit tourism and hospitality industry.
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Along with the rest of Lancashire, the resort was moved into Tier 3 of the Government’s new Covid-alert system over the weekend – at the start of what would normally be the most lucrative two weeks of the entire tourism season.

It means the imposition of further restrictions on people and businesses, including the closure of bars and pubs on Friday evening followed by the closure of some other venues such as licensed clubs, adult gaming centres, soft play areas, casinos and bingo halls.

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While Blackpool’s hotels and visitor attractions can remain open and people within the Lancashire area able to use them, many businesses are already reporting a significant number of cancelled bookings.

Blackpool MPs Scott Benton and Paul MaynardBlackpool MPs Scott Benton and Paul Maynard
Blackpool MPs Scott Benton and Paul Maynard

Coun Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said the initial Government support package that was negotiated as part of the move to Tier 3 restrictions was welcome – but much more would be needed if businesses were to survive.

The Council’s finance and business support teams were working urgently to set up a scheme to get emergency funding out to those most affected as quickly as possible.

Coun Williams said: “We are acutely aware of the scale of the impact on the tourism and hospitality industry, and of the very serious challenges facing the hotel and B&B sector in Blackpool.

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“While those in the accommodation business are allowed to remain open under Tier 3 status, the reality is that the various restrictions that are in place across swathes of northern England, Wales and Scotland means that there have been large-scale cancellations.

“We recognise the gravity of that situation and we will continue to press Government so that they recognise it too.”

Scott Benton, MP for Blackpool South said: “It is becoming very clear that there is a need for a bespoke package of support measures for Blackpool, and particularly for the hotel and B&B community. I will be raising this as a matter of urgency with Ministers this week.”

Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, added: “We are grateful for the emergency funding that the Government has already committed to, but we need to explore with Ministers how we address the unique challenges facing Blackpool’s tourism industry both now and in the difficult months ahead.”

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Coun Williams said that throughout the pandemic one of the biggest challenges had been to find a balance between curbing the spread of coronavirus whilst at the same time allowing the economy to reopen in a safe way.

She said that the Council fully supported the primary objective of protecting public health, but also had a duty to support the business community and the jobs of its residents.

Coun Williams added: “When the country went into lockdown back in March, it had a significant economic impact on businesses operating in our tourism and hospitality sector. Between then and being allowed to reopen at the start of July, many of them went to extraordinary lengths to create a COVID-safe environment for their staff and visitors.

“To now be faced with the prospect of going into two of the most important weeks of the tourism season with little or no income is devastating for employers and employees alike.”