Blackpool: It's Grim Up North

[@robertjarrett9562]

I do enjoy your videos you show the good side of Blackpool and you are not afraid to show the grim side as well Stephen. It really is heartbreaking to see what parts of Blackpool have become. I'm hoping that the people who have had the courage to invest money into Blackpool receive a good return on their investment and hopefully a lot of good years ahead with a LOT of holidaymakers bringing money into the town so the whole of Blackpool can benefit and get it back to somewhere near its heyday because as I have said before Blackpool is a British icon 👍👌

[@Wackadoodoono1]

We used to go to Blackpool in the 1960s . Twelve of us used to go regularly for weekends etc. We had some cracking times then , went back a couple of years ago and was sad to see the decline and decay.

[@MonstaTrapz]

My parents used to bring us up once a year from Devon in the 80's/90's, we loved it, particularly the pleasure beach, pier and tower. Shame that all the negligence of respective governments have allowed this to happen. Its not just Blackpool unfortunately, seaside towns around the country are going downhill.

[@dongmingzhu666]

And mining towns, and fishing towns...😂

[@dongmingzhu666]

Going downhill is probably an understatement 😂... Gone to the dogs more like...😂

[@MonstaTrapz]

@@dongmingzhu666 Both! And done on purpose

[@SuzyJarman]

Why is it that money hasn't been invested in the mining and seaside towns? I'm curious.

[@sarahstrong7174]

@@dongmingzhu666 Didn't notice any dogs there.

[@juliemcgarty4764]

So run down thanks for update stephen

[@TheEx3rgj]

I used to love Blackpool in the 60s and 70s when I was a kid, It’s so run down now it’s such a shame.

[@anoshya]

When the airlines started offering cheap flights in the 1980s Blackpool started going downhill…the weather also is not the best..I did see a notice in a hotel saying No Needles..I,presume it was not knitting needles. I grew up in Blackpool but left 52 years ago..

[@Shaunsfavourites]

Ha ha ha

[@johnmoore9862]

Nelson Muntz, isn’t just a Simpsons cartoon character, he is here In the commentary.

[@James-gf9jl]

I thought about having a tattoo at the weekend. But my garden's not big enough and I don't really like bagpipes.

[@moonagedaydream4489]

🤣🤣

[@annawitter5161]

Videos like these make pull my knees up to my chest and rock...

[@robmorton4560]

Last time I went to Blackpool with my parents "Paint your Wagon" with Lee Marvin & Clint Eastwood was showing at the cinema facing Butlins Metropole.The year was 1971

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I was only 2 then!

[@mrparkuksmith1311]

Cheers for your efforts. I love Blackpool and have been visiting several times a year since a kid. Now 51 and visit with my kids. They hate it. What a shame. The people are the weak link. You could spend £Billions, and it would still be worth avoiding. A real shame.

[@edwinfitchett6033]

The trouble is these derelict buildings have zero parking and are surrounded by double yellow lines which makes them unviable as b & B's or convertion to residential flats and although in the olden days they would have been walking distance from central station they are a long way from North station. without car access and parking they are unusable.

[@user-ox2mz8ds7g]

Maybe that's the plan. Make them uneconomical and rundown then some developers can buy them up cheap

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

I haven't checked in for a while but your presentation skills and editing have come on even better than before and it was already good. Keep it up Stephen

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Welcome back pal.

[@jasongray4517]

So much for levelling up

[@aarontaylor4967]

My parents would take us up every year also in the 80s/90s for a weekend when the illuminations were on. Go up the tower, pleasure beach, etc. My wife and I took our kids last year. The change is incredible!

[@gavinhodgkins6643]

Part of Blackpool people don't see. Well done Stephen, great video as usual.

[@robinmaelbrancke2560]

Spent a week here in the 80s during the Scottish fortnight in July. Absolutely the best holiday to take my visiting best buddy from Canada to. Ram Jam Inn forever....

[@davidpendry7731]

I only remember the days when Blackpool shone. Very sad to see these areas. I remember how nicely the landlady’s kept their properties and beautiful home cooked meals Even the illuminations were so much brighter back in the 60s and 70,s At least the beach , fresh air and sea haven’t changed Also the beautiful heritage trams

[@uk_bigboss]

It's not just Blackpool many places in the UK are like this nowadays sign of the times

[@lindenbutters9396]

I enjoyed your mini tour. Thank you from my cosy sofa!

[@dawnwalker4965]

The lights are great,and great fun to be had,cheap and cheerful.xx

[@TuxedoPanther]

Thanks for the lovely videos, keep up the great work buddy 👍

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@chrisevans4123]

As kid growing up in the west Midlands in the 1970s and 80s, I always looked forward to the annual day trips to Blackpool by coach in the summer holidays ,...its was this magical place as a kid , the flashing lights of the arcades, and all the smells , hotdogs, burgers and fish and chips wafting through the warm summer air, ...and candy floss and toffee apples at the pleasure Beach,...the rides , the prospect of going on the beach , all filled me with so much joy and excitement ,...I loved it, ...and even the very first sight of the famous tower itself as we approached Blackpool in the coach gave me so much joy,...only a kid could understand,...yes Blackpool was magical and gave me some great memories, that I will always treasure.....Great times

[@jennybates]

I've lived in Blackpool for 43 years, and I've seen it go from the Jewel in Lancashires crown, to being a first class dump! I spent 11 years in south shore, and over 30 on a housing estate near layton, and south shore has gone down hill.

[@JohnHughes2002]

Was the housing estate Grange Park?

[@jennybates]

@@JohnHughes2002 yes. But, that's gone from rough to improved.

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

No different to many places all over Britain, I’ve lived in London all my life. I wonder what changed?

[@therocksbyclan]

It sure makes you reminisce to another era and how things once were.

[@roygardiner2229]

I applaud your truth telling about Blackpool. I still see it through rose-tinted glasses: just after WWII my family would frequently go on day trips from the mill town where we lived. To me as a child Blackpool was a magical place. Even the Woolworth's store by the Tower was alluring. I have often thought of retiring to Blackpool but your depiction of the reality has cooled my enthusiasm for that. 😥.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

There’s always Cleveleys or St Annes at each end. They are more suited to retirees.

[@JohnHughes2002]

​@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpoolyes, I call Cleveleys Af-granny-stan. 😂

[@kimmyk4425]

That building that you said hadn’t changed in 3 years used to be a cafe. It’s been closed at least 10 years and boarded up for about the last 3 years. It’s rough around there.

[@davidbennett906]

Another good one Stephen. Loving the back street exploring and seeing places we normally wouldn't do.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks David 👍

[@gji25]

great place blackpool. been there a couple of times. was a giggle 😃

[@stephenguppy7882]

Very telling video Stephen. Did you know Blackpool councillors all voted themselves a big fat pay rise this week? About time they started to earn their money isn't it?

[@Mrs_Em]

Such a shame that the oldest part of Blackpool cannot be preserved. Some of those buildings were beautiful. Foxhall Market would have been thriving years ago. Thanks Stephen😊

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

Yep , sad .

[@dwbonbon3370]

Great video. My family settled in Blackpool in the 1830s and were quite a well known family for several generations. My parents moved away when they were in their early twenties but I stayed many times as a kid with my grandparents who still lived there and remember going to their shop in Foxhall.

[@georgesmellie8717]

Thanks again for another informative vlog Stephen you only need to go a couple of streets off the promenade to see how run down parts of Blackpool Blackpool is when i started going to Blackpool nearly 50 years ago all they B&B's were all busy

[@mikestraveldiary]

That's why you called a walk on the wild side because this is the wild side of Blackpool. Thank you for showing all things Blackpool 🙏 🌟 😊

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

100%

[@edwardharrington678]

Very good. Been to Blackpool many times for a holiday but never saw those backstreets that are all run down. Amazing really.

[@elainemorris3408]

In weather like that, my grandmother would say, "Let's go for a walk along the promenade to blow the cobwebs off. She lived in Dover. Thanks for a great vlog 😊

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Love that!

[@laurawalker1509]

I love the seaside. I've gone from regular visits to Blackpool whilst working in the North West to living in Brighton. Huge disparity in investment, but Blackpool has some lovely places and people. Stanley Park and the zoo are definitely worth a visit.

[@peepresc8002]

We are staying in Blackpool for 3 nights starting 11th July, looking forward to it.

[@sonny2004]

Once again a great memory lane vid,thank you Stephen 😀

[@Mehmehmeeeeeeh]

I took my children to Blackpool in 1997 ,it was the only place on our trip around the UK , THAT THEY ASKED TO LEAVE ,as it was so dirty and smelly , when we returned to NZ ,they told ALL their friends what a hole it was .

[@Ducky_vr11]

I’m from Glasgow and I’m down hear the now I love the place i go a lot of different places but I will always come to Blackpool twice a year. There’s no one better than anyone in this life

[@G4RY1159]

My first ever visit to Blackpool was 1974 - my last was Sep 2018 & not been back since, used to visit 2 or 3 times a year down from Glasgow, worked in the old Funland on the Prom before that building went on fire, at that time I lived up near the old Derby baths. You'd never see a single void B&B or shop in the past, not one even in all the back streets. It really is a great shame watching the place decline, so many good memories in the place, that first ever trip to the Pleasure Beach, taking my daughter on the Big1 for the first time, winning daft things on the Crane machines, wondering in and out all the markets as a family, some of the crazy fashions or what everyone wanted, anyone mind the big Emu faze ? they were everywhere lol - those big heart shaped lolly's, polo mints for eyes lol, or the smarties walking sticks. Very sad seeing how the place is now, very sad. Thanks for the tour about. Cheers!

[@mildredschulz]

Thank you very much for your video showing some parts of Blackpool that I have never seen. You are doing a e great job Stephen 👍❤️❤️❤️

[@valeriethomas1775]

Aww how sad that Carlton house belonged to my mum’s friend when I was young & it was kept beautiful & always busy & my auntie & uncle had one further down york st they were always well kept very busy how sad it is now my mum worked at the fox hall working men’s club happy times & memories love your channels thanks for sharing x

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

So sad to see it now.

[@mcdoubler]

Portrush resembles Blackpool in N. Ireland. Amusement park Barry's shut down when I went there. For a "holiday town" all its got was leg breaker casinos (slot machine variety). Both areas very similar as it was a popular holiday town in the 80s.

[@andrewmacleod5826]

That was absolutely fascinating and brilliant 🎉👍🏽

[@JAY-lo3sx]

Have always wanted to visit Blackpool but living on a farm in Dorset it’s hard to get the time. But thanks for sharing your journey through Blackpool.

[@ellismeah8110]

Always a nice buzz when you get off the coach, or parked the car up

[@moonagedaydream4489]

Other KZbin channels fail to tell the truth about real life in Blackpool, and the surrounding areas. Perhaps it is because they don't wish to be unpopular with their viewers, or because they are actually blinkered to their surroundings, who knows? Thank goodness Stephen is the one person who we can always rely on to tell it as it is. I've noticed not for the first time that some people only want to know about the bright lights, amusements, candyfloss etc. However, those things are there mainly to cater for the people visiting the town for a day trip or on holiday. Behind all of the attractions there is a beating heart, the real Blackpool, the town where people live, work and many struggle to survive on a daily basis. Yes, there are some really beautiful parts of Blackpool and nearby areas, but the honest truth is that there is a lot of poverty too. The council seems to forget that the people who live in the town should be their priority, never mind spending money where it isn't needed, they should concentrate on helping the local people to get decent housing and to help local businesses to survive. There isn't a town or city in the U.K. without troubled areas, there's no shame in calling councils out for failing to deliver decent accommodation and facilities for the people who live there. If people find the truth too bitter a pill to swallow, then what does that say about them. I think it's great that Stephen has the town's best interest at heart, he is passionate about Blackpool and I hope the powers that be sit up and take notice of the areas he has highlighted. Fantastic video Stephen xxx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Moonage xx

[@moonagedaydream4489]

​@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool No problem Stephen xx

[@Mrs_Em]

Well said, Moonage xx

[@jennybates]

That's because they don't have the testicular fortitude of our Stephen "Mr wildside" Cheatley.

[@petermarcham8729]

An excellent analysis of the true situation of this wonderful old town. Well said Madam.

[@chrislennon4298]

Hi Stephen really enjoy ur videos. Hopefully more will be done withthis end of blackpool. However appreciate everything you show of blackpool. Looking forward to ride the lights 2023 video. Love all your videos but ride lights 2022 was my favourite.I😊😊😊😊

[@gordonspence6544]

Been to Blackpool a fair few times over the years. As a kid parents drove us down from Scotland (circa 73/74) but hadnt pre booked. We spent all afternoon trying to find a bnb or hotel but all fully booked. We nearly gave up but eventually got put up by a very kind lady in a beautifull cottage in Little Eccelston village just outside town who helped her bnb neighbour across the road occasionally. We ended up going to hers a few times in following years. I remember seeing the black n white minstrel show , Dick Emery and many more . Now its all tribute acts etc as no big stars go there not thats theres any worth seeing nowadays anyway . 70s n 80s prob the last decades of true star entertainment.

[@aestroai8012]

Good vid. I'm an American from Philly Pa, and I've always found it striking how these places in the north of England are similar to where I grew up. Blackpool is a bit neglected but what you've shown is far from grim. At least all the streets are mostly clean. I heard it was primarily a resort town.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Yes, it was a bustling seaside resort which grew rapidly during Victorian times. We haven't quite hit anything like what has happened to Kensington, although it may seem we are on the way. I do feel that this town has enough about it to rise again.

[@CountryGalB]

Nowhere in the UK compares to Philadelphia. I cannot believe what has become of that place. To think, it was once the capital of the USA. Very sad.

[@wendyjones2351]

Hi Stephen thank you for another great video as always yes there's some really bad parts of blackpool but some absolutely amazing parts too such a shame that these buildings are left like it what a waste have a great evening xx

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Wendy x

[@1602hughes1]

I see beauty in the grimness 😃

[@Sr19769p]

Same 👍

[@elwolf8536]

Whent to Blackpool a couple of weeks ago lovely people but theirs that meany borderd up properties the window cleaner goes round with a sander

[@brantnuttall]

6:27 The Jaggy Thistle Pub saw here. There was a lot of trouble here so nobody was sad when it disappeared.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Yeah, I remember it now.

[@jamesdurber88]

a few streets down from where u where is Bairstow street - still has some really nice guest houses and small hotels so its not all bad! great video though cheers

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

One half of York Street at least, looks nice.

[@tehf00n]

Im living in a delapidated house in Blackpool. The landlord has only ever done 1 repair in the last 11 years. Now the interest rates have gone up he is evicting us so he can sell it. But nobody would buy it for his asking price. It needs 10-20k work doing on it. Meanwhile me, my wife and our 5 children are about to be put in a hostel because we cannot rent due to the size of our family.

[@juliec70]

So sad to see lovely buildings go to ruins ty Stephen for another great video 😊 x

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks Julie x

[@moonagedaydream4489]

Hi Julie, I'm not sure if you will see this, just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you yesterday. I hope you got on well at hospital. Sending a big hug 💕 xxx

[@philipjones9458]

When I was a child circa 1950's you could get an aircraft ride around the tower. Maybe something from Southport can't quite remember.

[@dazzp2]

Well done and people forget ,"Well deserved " because your passion for what you do ,the treating your best days filming/ editing only as good as the one before is itself incredible, I've put only about 30 videos together which is not related to hard graft like this ,and when I got 160k views on one video with 670 subscribers it still is a feel great feeling , so 46k is just momentous , your growth is nearing that 1st shield and it'll be here before you know it I think it'll happen by Xmas , in fact I'll say the end of the years season up to and during the 4,5 days of Xmas festivities , I still say to people "do an hour walking , talking ,being bloody careful too with some bad peep around any Corner now ,that's 5 things before editing starts and the final upload ! It's hard damm work Steve , 🎉🎉🎉 congrats pal on that 46k

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks pal.

[@marymand4859]

What a shame to see the streets of Blackpool looking so unloved. I love Blackpool and hope that someone can do something to resurrect these areas.

[@ronnierocket1819]

new month wild weather to go with it.will the summer return.its not looking good for next week weather wise.another interesting video. thanks.

[@simonwhitlock9189]

That Foxhall area is beyond grim, needs bulldozing and starting again unfortunately, as you said, it needs millions spent on it and in theses times of austerity that is just not going to happen it could be welcoming but honestly I don't think a dog would want to walk through there.

[@JohnHughes2002]

I think a dog would prefer the beach. 😊

[@0792-z3y]

Location is a huge factor, look at properties directly on the prom, constantly needing maintenance, they take a battering from the elements 24/7 (sand, salt, wind, rain)

[@Sr19769p]

Thanks, Steve. Love how you see light through darkness, order in disorder, beauty in decay. We've just switched over to 'Electric Blackpool' on your calendar - what a bangin' snap! 👍 'It's Grim Up North'? Anyone who says that has clearly never been to Sheerness in Kent!

[@lparky4409]

A lot of seaside towns are the same. Some councils found that they could send their homeless to coastal places cheap b&bs in the winter and then in the summer these people got chucked out but no where to go as by then they were registered at that place and the responsibility of the local council.

[@seanmckenna4155]

1982 Blackpool was Booming, The Foxhall was our fav 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@seanmckenna4155]

Stayed at Durham House on Blundell Street , wee Mick was the perfect host. God Bless Him 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@janobyrne2424]

Thanks for the video Stephen, so sad to see those buildings so run down, they must have looked magnificent in their heydays.🙂

[@darz2186]

Good video shame when you see buildings and hotels going in this, I remember seeing The Woodley Hotel going like this at North end Blackpool

[@davidmarkwort9711]

I once lived in a town a bit further up the bay, we could see the lights of Blackpool at night from there, the town is Barrow in Furness, in the early 50's a bristling busy town with shipyards and a fishing fleet. The weekly market was a highlight, the main shopping streets in the middle of the town were full of people. I was there just before the covid pandemic struck, the place was dead. There was nothing left of that flair, the bristling traffic, people rushing around, all gone, a grey, desolate dump.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

BAE is still the main employer up there, so there must be a bit of money around Barrow.

[@davidmarkwort9711]

@@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool Vickers was the largest employer, but the yards were busier

[@davidmarkwort9711]

I first came to Barrow in 1952 as a baby of 6 months, I lived in old Barrow and Walney Island until 1958. Being there at that point in time was something that I could never forget. I am now 72, and I am German, yes I was an illegal immigrant!

[@TheUkjedi]

Looks ok to me the sea and wild weather an fun spots

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Steve how are you enjoy your vidio of windy Blackpool and the sea looks wild best wishes take care stay safe xx ❤😊

[@ellenkellett6529]

All that lovely sunny weather we had last month and now look at it July wet and windy 😟,that area need some money spending on it why don't they put the money to use instead of that complex leisure centre

[@remrettgorden2566]

I was in Blackpool a few years ago and it was clear it was a town well well past it’s hay day! Its was sadly very run down and a right hole!

[@JohnHughes2002]

What's your opinion on the safety of Blackpool seafront? Last year I witnessed a serious car accident and this year I witnessed the aftermath of a fatal electric scooter accident. I was also nearly run over by the first of two electric motorbikes pulling wheelies when crossing the promenade.

[@edwinturner1149]

there’s enough sirens wailing around that area get some patrolling and pulling done

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

The e-bike & scooter scallywags are bound to seriously injure/kill more people as we go, including themselves.

[@anncapell3982]

Another great video. Thanks 😊

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks for watching Ann

[@davidandrews190]

Hey Stephen that CARLTON HOUSE must've been luxurious in its day So sad to see it now What on earth have Blackpool council been doing to let such an iconic seaside town get in such a state And by the looks of it the place has been declining for at least 30 years SCANDALOUS Great vid as always David Cromer 🎉❤️😁👍

[@Dave534]

I have only been to Blackpool a few times but this is a side to it I haven’t seen before

[@jacquelinemccann1493]

How sad some of these buildings look Stephen, years ago I stayed at a hotel in Tyldesley Rd for the illuminations every year it's sad to see how it's deteriorated, North Pier every year now 😊

[@juliepownall1063]

Hi stephen there are bad and good places everywhere hope it gets warmer

[@cyberlizardcouk]

blackpool has the same problem that many seaside towns suffer from. it's over reliant on tourism and so much of it becomes run down. (speaking as someone with family who live there).

[@juliewright-v3v]

I enjoy your videos I've been watching you since you started 😮

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

I appreciate that!

[@Triggered1964]

Ive seen social media clips showing lots my grants just walking around, is there lots of hotels fully booked out by gov ?

[@ClaraDbvl]

Doesn't matter how wet, windy and a little weathered Blackpool is, it always has a charm like no other seaside town. I can smell the cotton candy and chips through the screen.

[@micu1544]

That's a pretty loose definition of the word "charm"

[@ClaraDbvl]

@@micu1544 ok

[@micu1544]

@@ClaraDbvl raise your sights a bit, but don't forget where you came from

[@micu1544]

I just realised you're not the person in the picture. Damn this internet. Stick to blackpool

[@ClaraDbvl]

@@micu1544 I don't know what you're talking about.

[@JohnofthefamilySmith]

That car park on Cragg Street was the Jaggy Thistle pub which was great in the 1990s

[@jasonladd6400]

I loved that place in the 70s.

[@lindenbutters9396]

Lovely to rejoin you on a walk from my sofa.

[@TheROLLER1953]

Heartbreaking to see the backstreet 's like this , Stephen, foxhall should be a preservation area , great vids as usual.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Thanks 👍

[@Susan.1958]

Stephen could you take a walk on HULL RD in one of your videos years ago I stayed in the NORWOOD HOTEL which was fantastic and the owners GEFF and his wife were so welcoming.I will be grateful if you can show it in one of your video👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@nbvhoho2738]

Not too long to 19m Some great images on the calendar too roll on imax north tram and illuminations

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Viewers love grime more of this and I'll soon hit 20k calendar images ready for 2024

[@froogsleegs]

the shots you took walking around in this video remind me of street photography in the old slums all over the north and nothern ireland. it's like a different world now but the people and their struggles are the same. like when you walk by the Premier near the beginning where those ladies were chatting- that was like a perspective shot with them framed in the centre, reminded me exactly of those old photos. great video, feel like things like this will make an important historical record some day.

[@MarkHenson-hz9jj]

Hi biker boy first time replying,been watching u for a few weeks now,we are down on Monday for a week from Bridlington hope the weather is ok then take care pal stay safe.

[@realsuperdoctor5260]

I think June is the best time to go to Blackpool last year lots of places were shut, the holiday season is never that good.

[@edwinturner1149]

been to blackpool mid season and seen it very quiet,dead,dosent have to be a special now,2 hours from anywhere

[@kevintravis5123]

seems pretty clear to me a small hotel can't survive in blackpool anymore ... such a shame really as a kid we used to holiday every year and mostly stayed in the back streets behind the seafront ...

[@centureye]

That area of Blackpool does need some TLC we do use the car park round back the one that usually charge £7 for day

[@russ7151]

I was filming in Lytham and blackpool today it was windy

[@SimonGardiner-bj3pq]

Go see Stanley Park and the Zoo. Lytham St Annes is ONLY 2 MILES AWAY. Go have a look there!

[@teelesynclair5902]

Me and my friend went for a day out here from Glasgow, we had fun but it's rough as a badgers butt just off the promenade. We went out at 11pm for snacks and it was scary 😂 someone barked at us

[@oshiforb7445]

Did you say that it was July? I used to live on Coronation St Blackpool facing Hull Rd. I moved here in 1960, as was five years old then. Unfortunately, Blackpool isn't anything like its former self. When you walked on the Promenade in your video in July, the place looked deserted. In the sixties, the prom was so packed that you would have to walk in the road because there wasn't any room on the footpaths. I got married in 1974, and my job took me away for four years. When the wife and I came back to Blackpool to live and raise our family, we couldn't believe how drastically the place had changed. When the package holidays abroad started, it was cheaper to travel, and the weather was much more predictable, so this took millions away from holidaying in Blackpool. Since then, the town has slowly but surely gone downhill drastically. Will it ever return to its former glory? NEVER. No matter how much money they pump into the redevelopment of the town, it will fail. Sad really to think of it. When central station shut down, that was the beginning of the end of Blackpool. I used to go down to the station and carry the luggage of visitors on my trolly to their hotels. Great memories that I'll never forget.

[@AWalkontheWildSideBlackpool]

Growing up in Blackpool in the 70's was great, but as we we're young we never noticed the decline because we didn't know how busy it was before.

[@belong53]

That area needs to be totally redeveloped. The sad thing is that the buildings are owned by landlords. I blame the council for not taking action to compulsory purchase and redevelop or modernize

[@robmorton4560]

Those apartments could be made lovely....

[@russ7151]

I love your videos Stephen

[@stecaton1541]

On the bright side it’s getting a lot of investment now and starting to look better with even more stuff to do. Still some absolute doss holes but slowly stuff started to be demolished and rebuilt 🙌🏻