PETER Moore wrote the book on the problems facing Britain's seaside resort - and he believes the Blackpool masterplan will be a big step towards a solution.

Formerly a Government adviser dubbed the 'Tourism Tsar', Mr Moore brought a commercial edge to the masterplan, using the experience he gained as managing director at Centre Parcs.

"One of the biggest challenges for us was that the changes would have to be made in a living, breathing community," said Mr Moore: "It wasn't like building a new Centre Parcs in the middle of a forest, we had to take into consideration the homes and businesses of the people of Blackpool. This is a resort with 150 years of history. The problem is, it has major constraints. Part of those constraints is tired infrastructure and the fact that much of the development had been done without real thought.

"There are extensions to buildings and shops that are slightly hurting the town. It wasn't seen at the time, but, over time, it began to hurt the general feel of the place.

"What we are doing here is a first. Blackpool has had the nerve and determination to try and make itself an all year round resort.

"Blackpool has suffered because so many of the businesses operate for only six months of the year. That has an impact on the quality of jobs and the quality of training - people are less likely to invest in staff who may only be with them for six months.

"The first thing we want to do is reverse the decline which has affected this resort for more than 20 years. I think it will certainly become a major destination for people of this country and I hope it will be a destination for people from overseas as well."