Blackpool Tower’s £11 Million Paint Job Raises Concerns
Residents living next to the iconic Blackpool Tower are expressing their frustration with the local council’s decision to spend a whopping £11 million on giving the landmark a fresh coat of paint instead of addressing pressing issues facing the city.
While Blackpool continues to draw millions of tourists each year with its sandy beaches, fish and chips, and thrilling roller coasters, some locals are pointing out the dark side of their beloved town, plagued by knife crime, drunken disturbances, drug problems, and poverty over the years.
The council plans to fund the extensive paint and steel works on the tower using revenue generated from the attraction itself.
We took to the streets to gather opinions from residents, and here’s what they had to say:
Richard Simpson, a 51-year-old NHS post room operative who has spent his entire life in Blackpool, offered insights into the town’s hidden struggles. He commented, “It’s got quite a good front, but behind it, it’s quite a poor town really. They’re making a bit of an effort in the center.”
Gillian Raynor, who moved to Blackpool in 1996, expressed her concern about the town’s deteriorating safety, saying, “It’s gone downhill. They need to tidy it up. They should be spending money on giving the kids something to do, not wasting it on painting the tower.”
Ellen Charlton, a long-time resident of 52 years, painted a picture of the changes she’s witnessed, noting, “One of my neighbors wanted a taxi to Central Drive, and the taxi driver said they don’t go there anymore. People are getting stabbed.”
Daniel McLaughlin, a 19-year-old aspiring special constable, suggested that the town needs more law enforcement efforts and activities for young people to curb anti-social behavior.
Peter Winter, an 81-year-old resident, shared his mixed feelings about Blackpool, emphasizing the importance of tourism for the town’s economy. He said, “Blackpool is a place of 50/50 – good and bad. There’s lots of good in Blackpool.”
However, not everyone is critical of the council’s decision. Samantha Beaumont, who runs Promenade Snow Cones, expressed her love for the tower, saying, “They definitely should spend money on the tower. It’s world famous.”
David Green, another resident, acknowledged the controversy but recognized the importance of the tower for the local economy.
The council argues that the tower’s refurbishment is “essential” to extend its economic life, preserve its structural integrity, and maintain its status as a world-class visitor attraction.
While opinions vary among residents, Blackpool Council’s decision to invest in the tower’s renovation continues to spark debate in this vibrant seaside town.