Blackpool energy campaign could boost town’s fortune

More than 50 Blackpool hoteliers have joined a new campaign calling for shale gas to be developed to revitalise the town’s fortunes. 

Their support comes as a new policy paper is launched by the North West Energy Task Force that says onshore energy development could create up to 4,500 jobs in the UK hospitality sector.

The ‘Blackpool 50’ join more than 400 economists, academics and business supporters of the North West Energy Task Force.

They have signed a letter, published in the Daily Telegraph, which calls “on all party leaders to get behind this unique economic and security opportunity – for the sake of the North West region and for the UK as a whole.”

Clare Smith, the President of Stay Blackpool, which represents 200 hoteliers, guest houses and B&Bs, said: “Independent experts say shale gas can be extracted safely and Blackpool desperately needs a fresh injection of investment.

“We should all get behind this unique opportunity which could be a real boost for the town.”

Michael Grewcock, of the Burbage Holiday Group, said: “It is clear that Blackpool needs to take advantage of all our available opportunities. A thriving North West-based shale gas industry – alongside renewable energy technologies – is needed to help revitalise Blackpool’s fortunes.”

The hospitality sector is a crucial part of the North West economy, making up around 3% of gross value added (GVA) in the region. However the region has been badly hit by the economic downturn, experiencing a long-term decline in local tourism from its heyday in the 1980s.

In recent years The Centre for Cities 2014 report found that Blackpool has had one of the largest real wage drops from 2012 to 2013 and the fifth lowest weekly earnings in the UK.

Despite this the hoteliers say they can play “an invaluable supportive role” to the onshore energy industry in the North West.