TUC delegates sprang to the defence of Blackpool this week after an attack on the resort in the national press.

Times newspaper columnist Tom Baldwin dismissed Blackpool as being, like the TUC itself, locked in the 1970s.

But delegates streaming towards the Winter Gardens for their conference were quick to hit back.

A man who last visited Blackpool in the 1970s was Rob Thomas of the probation staff union NAPO, but all he could remember were the Pleasure Beach rides.

"But I have spoken to colleagues who were here five years ago who say the place has brightened up and smartened itself up."

T&G representative Margaret Armstrong from Stoke-onTrent who was paying her first visit for 21 years said: "It's very nice. I have been made to feel very welcome. I have been surprised how clean it is for a popular seaside resort."

Signs of progress were also noticed by Robert Studham, a T&G representative from London.

"I have been coming to Blackpool for 15 years to various conferences and the place is improving. They have a way to go yet to smarten the place up. It's a question of image.

"But things are getting better."

Alan Tuffin of Trade Union Fund Managers Ltd had been visiting Blackpool since 1966.

"I've been staying at the Savoy which is a good hotel and the service is excellent. Blackpool is just fine."

The Times comments were also rubbished by Coun Roy Lewis, portfolio holder for tourism and regeneration.

"It's fine for London newspapers to make knocking copy but I think it's most unfair as Blackpool is working hard with business and the community to do things about this town.

"If you look at the TUC on the TV you see Blackpool illuminations in the background showing that Blackpool is alive and well.

"We are not stuck in the 1970s we are heading for the future."

Tom Baldwin himself replied that people shouldn't take offence.

"It's part of Blackpool's charm. It's a sort of nostalgia trip. People are looking for a traditional seaside resort."