COMMUNITY leaders in Blackpool have reached the next important milestone along the town's road to social and economic recovery.

A draft social inclusion plan has been published, calling on all sections of the community to work together acting as drivers for change.

Leaders at Blackpool Council, who produced the document, say that while social regeneration can't happen overnight, with everyone pulling in the same direction Blackpool can become a better place to live, work, invest in and visit.

Council leader Ivan Taylor said the plan was an extension of a community audit and needs survey. He said: "We live in Britain's busiest resort and as a community enjoy good services and environment, a direct motorway, rail and airport links. These are assets that can attract new investment and secure a prosperous future.

"But behind them are serious problems which we must tackle as a community. A weak economy is holding back investment and has led to the build up of social pressures.

"The vision of this plan is to create a prosperous and cohesive society where no-one feels excluded."

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