TOURISM bosses have reacted angrily to the publication of a prestigious travel guide which describes Morecambe as a resort in "sad decline."

The internationally respected Lonely Planet guide has been accused of ignoring the resort's multi-million pound regeneration.

But sporting tourism boss Ron Sands has said they are still happy to sell the guide at Morecambe's Tourist Information Centre but only with an accompanying "health warning".

The Lonely Planet guides are widely read by foreign visitors looking to pack as much into their stay as possible and Morecambe's poor write up could encourage many to steer clear of the resort.

Council Leader Stanley Henig (pictured)said that he was "outraged" by the guide and asked if they had even bothered to visit the resort. And head of tourism, Mr Sands, has written to the staff at Lonely Planet asking them to look again at what Morecambe has to offer.

"I have written to invite the editor of the guide to come to Morecambe to see for herself the huge transformation that has taken place recently with the regeneration of the town," said Mr Sands. "I'm confident that they will revise their opinion of Morecambe in the next edition. Meanwhile, we intend to sell the book but insert our two new leaflets on the "new" Morecambe, a free map and events guide plus a recently published colour brochure on the TERN seafront project."

Anyone buying the book will also be offered a stamped and addressed envelope to Lonely Planet so that visitors can give them their own views about "rundown" Morecambe.

The guide's only note of praise was saved for the art deco Midland Hotel and Mr Sands added: "There are many aspects of the Lonely Planet guide I admire but their views on the North of England are definitely out of order."

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