Town centre gets a New Year clean-up

Repairs have already taken place in Abingdon Street and Clifton Street in Blackpool, with the next phase set to see footways upgraded in Bank Hey Street, Victoria Street and Market Street.

The Strand, which links Queen Street and Talbot Road, will be completely resurfaced in February.

Traders have welcomed the investment which it is hoped will make the town centre look more attractive.

Eileen Ormand, town centre and BID (Blackpool Improvement District) manager, said: “It is good to see this upkeep taking place.

“With so many improvements having been done in the town centre in previous years, it is good to see the maintenance is being done to keep it in good condition.

“This will help keep the town centre looking good ahead of what I hope will be a good year in 2015.”

The entire project is due to be completed by March.

Coun John Jones, cabinet member for highways and transport on Blackpool Council, said: “Some of the cobbles in the town centre have been down for almost 20 years, and as you’d expect they have received some wear and tear.

“We’re giving them a bit of tender loving care to help make the town centre look a bit nicer so that it can be more inviting to shoppers in 2015.

“I’m really conscious that we don’t impact on any shops or customers going about their daily business, and I’m making sure our schedule of work takes that into account.

“However, if any shops want to talk to me about the programme, then I am more then happy to listen to their suggestions.”