BLACKPOOL'S detested Talbot Road bus station could make way for a new shopping and leisure complex.

The Citizen has learned exclusively that Blackpool Council is actively seeking to interest would-be developers in transforming the whole area, including a block of businesses opposite the bus station in Cookson Street.

A new bus terminal and car park would be built - either as part of the redevelopment, or on a different site - and existing businesses resited or compensated.

The bus station, which is owned by the council, has long been slammed as old, dirty and off-putting by residents and visitors alike.

Now, the council is making it clear to retail developers that it is open to negotiation - the whole area at the back of the town centre needs regeneration and it is eager to attract more quality shops.

Council leader Ivan Taylor confirmed: "There is interest in redevelopment in that area and we're working hard to see if we can get it redeveloped."

Blackpool Civic Trust chairman Barry Shaw welcomed the idea, saying: "It's always been said we've got the worst bus station in Great Britain - I think a replacement is long overdue. "The local population would be delighted to see redevelopment there and with recent Government guidelines that new retail sites should be within town centres, it would be ideal."

Town centre manager Nigel Hanson is working hard to raise the resort's shopping profile. "I'd welcome this very much," he said, "both in terms of having the opportunity for further retail development in the town centre and for improving what's by no means an ideal bus station."

But business owners who may be affected were not so sure - Peter Lee of Progress Taxis said: "There's a lot of businesses here that are well-established and we wouldn't want to move. I'm happy where I am, it's ideal for a taxi office."

Mike Shakeshaft, of Tudor Car Sales, agreed the bus station needed to go. "It's the gateway to Blackpool and it's a disgrace.

"It's a shed that's 50 years out of date with beggars and winos - you take your life in your hands going in there.

"But our business is doing well and we don't want to move. It'd all depend what's on offer."

Other major sites in the area are set for change - the old Kwik Save supermarket in Talbot Road is to be redeveloped, probably as a department store. And the old Odeon cinema, 100 yards away in Dickson Road, is also under offer from a leisure business.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.