BLACKPOOL is a town which is on the move, according to Blackpool Borough Council's new chief executive Steve Weaver.

"Some good foundations have been laid and although it will take a while, European money and regeneration funds will start to make a difference to Blackpool," he says.

Prior to taking up his new position, which pays between £92,000-£101,500 per annum, the 52-year-old father of three was formerly executive director for education, social services and leisure at Blackburn Council. He succeeds Graham Essex-Crosby, who took early retirement at the beginning of the month.

Blackpool has long been a favourite with Mr Weaver. As a child, his parents used to bring him, his brother and sister from their home town of Normanton, near Leeds, on day trips to the resort.

"We loved it here. We used to play the game all children play to see who's the first to spot the Tower," he says.

Mr Weaver is excited to be working in one of the few UK resorts which has international recognition.

"I want Blackpool to be a prosperous, safe place to live in, one which has good quality jobs and good schools," explains Mr Weaver.

"Last year, the town was 10th placed in the country's most improved education authority in terms of primary school results."

Mr Weaver is hoping that the town will get the go-ahead for a 10-year light rail system project to incorporate a new track and additional modern trams running from Lytham to Fleetwood. The first phase is likely to cost in the region of £40m.

"But we plan to keep the tradition of our heritage trams as they are an intrinsic part of Blackpool. They could effectively support the new light rail system during the season and other periods of high demand," he says.

On the resort's casino debate, Mr Weaver says he will await a full report from the council meeting on May 8.

He is impressed with the work being done by the Blackpool Challenge Partnership and the Community Safety Partnership.

With an eye on the future, he feels the resort should aim to attract a wider range of people. "We should be targeting those with good disposable incomes," he says.