Frontierland leisure plan gets go ahead

The ambitious project, which could create up to 150 jobs, has been the subject of a planning inquiry and has been put to the Secretary of State for a final decision.

And, having met with Stephen Byers to discuss the regeneration of the resort, local MP Geraldine Smith says she is very confident there will be a successful outcome.

"Having held discussions with Stephen Byers I am confident that we will have a successful outcome and that construction work can begin this year.

"The site is currently a blight on Morecambe's promenade and if the go ahead is given a great many local jobs will be created."

The development consists of factory outlets and a landscaped plaza and the developers, Morrisons, claim it will generate £8 million worth of spin-off trade.

Property Management Director, Mr Roger Owen, said the multi-million pound development was an opportunity for the whole of Morecambe to attract more visitors.

He said: "These proposals will bring people back into Morecambe and bring in money.

The rest is up to Morecambe itself."

Morrisons' plan to keep and refurbish the Polo Tower, which will become an integral feature of their proposals, and the scheme also includes a food court, a new bus service, rail links and cycle routes.

Tourism Chairman, Cllr June Ashworth, said: "It is a marvellous opportunity for the town and with the planned linkages, visitors will move out from the new centre into the town and along the promenade.

In that way the new development will have a halo effect that will benefit all retail and tourism operators in the resort."

There were considerable concerns that if the planning inspector turned down the development, Morecambe would have been left with a large derelict site on the promenade, and the local Chamber of Trade are worried that it could put smaller town centre shops out of business.

The Secretary of State Mr Byers will announce his decision shortly.