RUMOURS about the sale of Blackpool airport were inflamed this week when the council failed to give an absolute denial.

And critics of the council claim that selling the airport now would not represent "best value" for the town if the new Las Vegas-style redevelopments go ahead in the future.

At The Citizen we have been approached by several parties claiming discussions were underway with Manchester Airport to sell the property.

But Blackpool Borough Council's chief executive, Graham Essex-Crosby, has yet to deny these claims, saying "I do not deal in rumour."

The council has not had direct ownership of Blackpool Airport since 1987 when a company called Blackpool Airport Limited was set up.

The council, however, does retain 100 per cent of the shareholdings in the airport, giving it the power of decision on whether a sale would go ahead or not

Mr Essex-Crosby said: "I have received no instruction from the council to dispose of the council's shareholding in the airport."

Both the council and Gary Eastwood, the managing director of Blackpool Airport Ltd, have confirmed that regular discussions do take place with Manchester Airport, but say these are only of an operational nature.

Steven Black is a Blackpool business man and chairman of the Friends of Blackpool group, an organisation which lobbies both local business and the council and claims to act with the interest of the people of Blackpool at heart.

After hearing similar rumours Mr Black wrote to Mr Essex-Crosby asking whether it would represent "best value" to the town if the airport was sold off before the "multi-billion pound casino resort" developments took place.

"I got a letter back very promptly -- which was good -- but it doesn't directly deny the airport could be going up for sale, which raises questions," said Mr Black. "I just think it would be terrible value to sell the airport before we know whether or not the town is going to become a multi-national holiday destination."