'Turn off' Blackpool Illuminations if businesses won't pay

That’s the message from hotelier Mick Grewcock who supports the Lights with an annual donation of around £3,500.

It comes after town hall chiefs warned the resort must find new ways of funding its cultural services including the Illuminations.

One option could be to create a town-wide Business Improvement District which would raise money through a one per cent precept on the business rates.

Mr Grewcock said: “If people don’t donate, especially the big operators, turn the Lights off. We’ve been down this path before and the council just doesn’t have the money.

“I think extending the BID is a good idea. If you sign up to Blackpool, you sign up for the Illuminations.”

Shirley Hunt, of The Cranstone Hotel in South Shore, also welcomed the move.

She said: “We need to explore new ways of funding the Illuminations and every business in Blackpool benefits from them.”