Seaside town where tourists once flocked now 'urban hell' say locals

Blackpool, a seaside resort that once held a special place in the hearts of many Brits, is now a topic of debate. Known for its piers, arcades, beach and the iconic Blackpool Pleasure Beach, it was a hub of thrills and excitement during its prime. However, those who haven't visited for a while are now questioning whether it's still worth a visit.

A curious individual took to Reddit's 'Ask' forum to query: "Is Blackpool really awful? I went YEARS ago as a kid and don't really remember it. I know it's got a reputation for being terrible (seedy, run-down, tacky), but was just wondering what it's like these days!"

The question sparked a flurry of responses from the online community, with some unexpected replies. While some lamented that it isn't as good as it was back in its heyday, others insisted it wasn't "all bad."

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One optimistic user shared: "It's not all doom and gloom, last time I was there I got a greasy Full English and coffee for £4."

Others reminisced about their childhood visits to Blackpool, admitting they may have viewed it through "rose-tinted glasses."

However, others were not so convinced. One person wrote: "It's literally one of the worst places and most deprived places in the entire country. Full of dereliction."

A local resident chimed in with their assessment, writing: "I live in Blackpool. There are areas that one could only describe as urban hell. Yet there are also some lovely areas.

"The town centre is in need of regeneration and a fresh coat of paint and many areas behind the promenade have been left to rot. We have very few green spaces and hardly any trees in the centre.

"There is a lot of dereliction, a lot of deprivation, a lot of crime and a lot of dirt.

"On the plus side, the people are extremely friendly, the nightlife is fun, the promenade has loads to do for families and adults alike. The beach is vast, and we have some of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen. It has a thriving LGBTQ scene, too.

"Most people from Blackpool agree there are problems here, yet we always defend it. On the same note, many people come here and have an amazing time, then complain about how horrible the place is.

"Scratch the surface in any seaside town and you will find the same problems. Blackpool wears its heart on its sleeve".

Another local penned: "It's a Jekyll and Hyde kid of place. Very s***, but also possible to have a really good day out there".

One bloke commented: "The way I like to describe Blackpool is, it's a town with potential, a town that with the right targeted investment (mostly working class semi-skilled jobs) could turn itself around fairly quickly.

"The infrastructure is there, the potential workforce is there, and the social life is there. It just needs something to drive the local economy in the off-season. Logistics, manufacturing, warehouses - they could all do well in Blackpool, I think".

One local resident praised the convenience of living near Blackpool, saying: "The best thing about Blackpool is having it nearby if you live in the Fylde.

"Growing up, it was very handy having Blackpool within easy train/bus/cycling distance to go to the Pleasure Beach, ice rink, Sandcastle, Coral Island, etc, to have something to do before we were old enough to get into pubs".