Coastal towns share in £2.4m funding

Blackpool, Morecambe Bay and South Ribble are to benefit from £2.4m government investment.

The money – from the £36m Coastal Communities Fund – will support projects that will create nearly 3,000 jobs and almost 1,500 apprenticeships and training places nationally.

Cllr Graham Cain, cabinet member for Tourism and Leisure, said: "I am sure the hundreds of businesses which rely on the illuminations will be over the moon. This investment will create a whole new visitor experience bringing new life into the illuminations, boosting the local economy and creating jobs.

“LightPool will bring exciting new light shows, events and features into the town centre, including digital mapping projections onto the iconic Blackpool Tower.

Morecambe Bay Partnership has been awarded £297,542 to improve visitor facilities and create a new cycling infrastructure, in a project that will create over 10 jobs.

“Electric bikes are great for encouraging people to try cycling. Creating a new electric bike network, as well as boost the Bay Cycle Way will bring health and well-being benefits; benefits for tourism and business and encourage green travel.”

Councillor Phil Smith, South Ribble Borough Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for Regeneration, Leisure and Healthy Communities, said: “This is truly fantastic news for Longton, Western Parishes and South Ribble as a borough.

Coastal communities minister Penny Mordaunt said: “Backing our coastal towns so they can rise up and drive forward their local economies is a key part of our long-term economic plan to secure a brighter future for Britain. This money will help create jobs, boost skills and open up new business opportunities, benefitting hardworking people in coastal communities across the country. “These fantastic projects demonstrate the creativity, enterprise and passion needed to help seaside towns become year round destinations that people are proud to live and work in.”