'We've holidayed in Blackpool for years but won't go back, it has gone to hell'

Blackpool's glory days as the jewel of Britain's seaside tourism are now a distant memory as long-time visitors say they're unlikely to return after witnessing the town's ongoing decline. Historic piers and hotelsonce considered grand are now described as tired and outdated, and regulars who have been coming to the resort for decades say it's "not what it used to be."

One couple from Manchester, who have visited Blackpoolfor years to relive childhood memories, said: "It's all alcies and druggies now." Mrs Jones, from Gloucestershire, who has been visiting since 1980, said: "We've come twice in a year at times. But it's gone downhill. It's nowhere near as nice as it used to be… I've said to [my husband] 'we won’t come again'."

Her comments echo those of June and Tony from Waterfoot near Rawtenstall, who have been visiting Blackpool twice a year, Lancs Live reports. "We have seen a decline," June said. "It's very, very sad. My heart goes out to Blackpool." Tony added: "It's a real shame. The hotels on the Prom have gone to hell."

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The town - once a booming Victorian resort favoured by the North's working classes - has suffered decades of economic hardship. In 1801, Blackpool's population stood at just 473. By the 1890s it had grown to 35,000, welcoming 250,000 visitors each year. The Grand Metropole and Imperial Hotel were built in the 19th century as the town's tourism industry flourished alongside landmarks like Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach.

Now, it's one of the most deprived local authority areas in England. Government data ranks Blackpool poorly across health, education, employment and crime. According to the Office for National Statistics, 28% of its population were classed as "economically inactive" last year - neither working nor actively looking for work.

Yet despite its fall from grace, many still return. For some, Blackpool holds nostalgic value - though rising prices and thinning crowds are hard to ignore. 

Ann and Richard Kelly from Durham say they've visited dozens of times. "We used to bring our kids here when they were growing up. Now we bring our grandkids," Ann said. "But everything costs so much more these days. I was stunned when I saw how much it costs to go to the Pleasure Beach. It’s just so quiet. I've never known it be so quiet."

Elizabeth and Alex Foulds from Paisley have also been coming since childhood. "It holds such happy memories for me but it's sad to see how things are now," said Elizabeth.

Despite public perception, Blackpool Council insists there's hope. The £300m Blackpool Central development - promising two indoor theme parks, a flying theatre, a 200-bedroom hotel and public square - was dealt a blow when its developer collapsed. But demolition work on the former Bonny Street police station began this week in an effort to revive investor interest.

"Blackpool Central sits right at the heart of our plans to make Blackpool better for everybody," said Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council. "I believe that this is one of the most exciting leisure development opportunities in the country."

The project is seen as key to growing Blackpool's £1.98bn visitor economy, which currently supports over 22,000 jobs.