Why the Illuminations arch has gone at Bispham - and when it is expected to be back

The Illuminations arch at Bispham has been temporarily removed as it undergoes a major refurbishment.

The confirmation of the situation by Blackpool Council comes amid fears by traders for the future of the Illuminations continuing to extending all the way to Bispham for the full duration of the iconic display.

Those fears were sparked by an announcement on the I Love Blackpool tourism site advising that the Illuminations would only be lit as far as Gynn roundabout after November 1 this year - but Blackpool Council later confirmed the lights would go the full distance into January.

While grateful for the U-turn, some traders were still fearful that Bispham - with its eye-catching Illuminations tableaux - would have the lights switched off earlier in future years, and the disappearance of the arch at the junction of Queen’s Promenade and Red Bank Road compounded those fears.

One trader said: “We are really worried about what has happened to our arch - it’s a landmark. There is still an arch at Starr Gate - so why has Bispham’s gone?”

But a Blackpool Council spokesperson said: "The arch has been temporarily removed while it undergoes major refurbishment. We aim to have it back in place as soon as possible."

Adam Pretty of the Hesketh Hotel in Bispham aid: “We are grateful the council has 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.”