Prom site is no wonderland

When the Lights are shining, Alice’s Garden at Bispham is a family favourite.

But Coun Danny Scott, who represents Warbreck, is worried that during the summer months the site has become run down.

Pictures taken by Coun Scott show stagnant water, bottles and litter strewn across the site and artificial turf torn up.

Coun Scott is concerned the winter attraction is becoming a summer eyesore and believes the water could pose a health hazard.

He said: “This is a lovely feature for the Illuminations and has been a great addition to the Promenade.

“It looked great during the Lights but simply hasn’t been maintained.

“I’m hoping to meet with the Illuminations department to find out what they plan to do.”

Coun Scott is concerned the garden is in a prominent position with many people passing on foot.

He said: “The council has just built a brand new path which goes right past the fence.

“People like to walk through the Illuminations.

“But this isn’t much to look at right now.

“There’s stagnant water, there’s litter and bottles everywhere.

“Some of the artificial grass has been torn up.

“I can’t understand why you would put this feature in and then not have anybody looking after it.”

Councillor Scott is concerned young people are getting into the site, a potential danger with standing water is some of the ponds.

He said: “It’s obvious people are getting in.

“There’s water on there which is in a very unpleasant state. I don’t know what the solution is but cleaning it up would be a good start.

“If the garden is in better condition people might show it a little more respect.”

Blackpool Council’s illuiminations team says work in already underway to transform the site and ensure the issues do not return

A spokesman for Blackpool Council said: “Staff have already begun work at Alice’s Garden.

“They carried out work last week and this week.
“This includes cleaning up the water on the site and removing some of the vegetation which will be replaced by artificial plants.

“Atificial grass is also being moved and features replaced.

“The aim is to restore the site to good condition as soon as possible.

“This should not be an issue in the future.”