TOURISM chiefs have defended themselves after radio listeners voted Blackpool's promenade the third least attractive place in Britain and promised - it's going to get even better.

And the 265 listeners who phoned BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, don't want to stroll along the town's most famous attraction.

They votes put it narrowly behind the M25 and the Millennium Dome in the Seven Horrors of Britain survey.

Councillor Roy Lewis, portfolio holder for regeneration and tourism at Blackpool Borough Council said: "I'm sorry that 260 people felt unhappy about our promenade and I wonder which part of the six miles they referred to.

"We have had plaudits for the new South Shore promenade which is embellished by contemporary artworks and plans are in place to improve the stretch between Central and North Pier.

"I am sure the results will satisfy our severest critics."

The English Tourism Council defended the town, praising Blackpool's plans for the future.

Ken Kelling, spokesman, said: "It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but it's still hugely popular and is making a big effort to redefine itself. There are plans to open a Las Vegas-style casino complex at the resort."

Geoffrey Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said: "Maybe the public are right and the Corporation does need to spend long overdue money on the Promenade.

"Customers tend to be right. Maybe the Corporation are wrong."

Voters put Heathrow airport at fourth place in the list, and Birmingham's New Street station at number five.

The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester was at number six and Cumbria's Sellafield nuclear power plant at number seven.

Mr Kelling said: "I think it's a shame they've chosen to take something all about what's good about this country and turn it into something negative."

A recent Environmental Agency study, Blackpool's South and Central beaches were given a grade A listing as two of the cleanest in the country.