CASH set to pour into Blackpool for regeneration has been branded long overdue by one local councillor.

The resort has been recognised as an Economic Development Zone and awarded £9.5m following a successful bid from Blackpool Challenge Partnership.

Conservative councillor and former mayor Henry Mitchell said the European funding destined for the resort was very welcome, but it would have to spent wisely.

"It's an excellent idea," he said. "But when is it going to happen? And providing the money IS spent wisely it will help Blackpool return to its former glory.

"Our town has been downgraded for so long, but help is coming now. It's a shame it's not the full £15m originally applied for, but any money coming into the town is good."

And Blackpool Borough Council's portfolio holder for regeneration and tourism, Coun Roy Lewis, told The Citizen what the money will be spent on.

"The three main proposals are Bank Hey Street, the central corridor and car parks and the Illuminations.

"The Bank Hey Street plan, entitled 'Designing Out The Elements', means building a canopy over the popular shopping street to create a giant enclosure with escalators providing access to different levels of Blackpool Tower. This would make it an all-weather experience and establish Blackpool as a year-round visitor attraction.

"The corridor coming from Yeadon Way to the town's car parks will be greened and remodelled with screened car parking and buildings improved to create a quality visitor reception and start visitors off well. This would also fit in neatly with future plans for the town, including the Xanadu snow dome project.

"And the Illuminations will be made more interactive.

"All in all it's a real boost for Blackpool and what's good for the town is good for everybody. We are trying to think of year-round tourism."

Speculation still continues on whether Blackpool will receive a new department store.

Blackpool is the first of 15 towns to succeed in getting funding allocated for regeneration, and BCP manager Alan Cavill said: "Naturally we are delighted. This is a reward for all the hard work and effort that went into the submission."

Now the BCP has been asked to elaborate on plans and provide further information to Government Office North West by June. If all goes well the cash should be available by the end of the year.

St Annes has also done well this week with a £1.75m funding boost from the North West Development Agency (NWDA) destined for the town's much criticised Square project.