Decisions on government funding for Blackpool are ‘urgently needed' to assist in the regeneration of the town. This is the view of the Blackpool Task Force, which has just presented an action plan, backed by Blackpool Council, to the Government. Funding propositions awaiting approval include confirmation of local enterprise growth initiative funding and investment in the Tramway renewal. Following the town losing its bid for a regional casino licence, the success of the Action Plan, alongside the confirmation of proposals currently in the pipeline, could lead to a stabilised economy. The action plan could create 11,000 new jobs, 2,000 new homes and almost £2bn in private sector investment by 2017. It states Blackpool is in ‘urgent need of comprehensive regeneration', and success hinges on levering ‘substantial private investment'. Many of the plans' proposals do not require further government funding, but do rely on government support, such as Blackpool's bid for World Heritage Site Status and the designation of Blackpool as an exemplar sustainable resort. Communities secretary, Hazel Blears, welcomed the report and described it as a ‘good basis' for considering possible ways forward for the town.
