'We need to be consulted' - hotelier's plea to Blackpool Council over Illuminations axe fears

A hotelier has made a plea to Blackpool Council for consultation amid fears the axe could fall on the Illuminations in Bispham during the festive period in future years.

The council confirmed yesterday that the famous lights display would extend for its full distance for the full September to January period as in recent years.

The assurance came after an earlier announcement via social media that the Illuminations would go dark north of Gynn roundabout after November 1 this year - sparking anger and dismay among businesses in Bispham,

Adam Pretty, who has run the Hesketh Hotel for the last 20 years, was among them and was relieved to hear of the council’s U-turn for the coming Illuminations season.

But Adam still fears the axe could fall early on the lights at the north end of the legendary display in future years - and has made a plea to the council for the local businesses to be consulted.

“We were not consulted on the plan to stop them at Gynn after November 1 - we just found out via Facebook - and there was no consultation afterwards either leading up to the change of mind,” he said.

“We are grateful they have had had a rethink and gone back to the full distance for the full duration but I fear the change could be made in future years and the businesses here really need to be consulted.

“The Illuminations have always brought visitors further up the Fylde coast than Blackpool centre, encouraging people to explore Bispham, enjoy our local restaurants, cafés, pubs, shops and stay in our hotels and guest houses.

“It's never just been about the lights themselves – it's about the businesses and community they support.

“For many of us, the autumn and winter seasons rely on the visitors the Illuminations attract. These decisions have the potential to impact many independent businesses that work incredibly hard all year round.

“We completely understand that difficult decisions have to be made, but we hope those making them will consider the wider effect on communities like Bispham and look at ways to continue supporting businesses outside the town centre.”

Confirming the full duration for this year, Blackpool Council leader Cllr Lynn Williams apologised if the initial announcement had caused any confusion among local businesses and and added: “We’ll continue to work with them and understand their views on how we make the Illuminations the best they can be going forward.”

The Bispham traders were backed by the council’s Conservative opposition leader Cllr Paul Galley, who said he was delighted with the U-turn on the Illuminations dates but added: "The council now needs to take a long, hard look at the way it communicates with residents, businesses and councillors.

“Had there been proper consultation and communication from the outset, this situation could have been avoided.

“One opportunity that should now be considered is keeping the Illuminations switched on at Thursday to Sundays only during the November to December period, when visitor numbers remain high.

“This would continue to support local businesses, hotels and attractions while reducing operating costs during quieter weekdays."