A NEW travel guide which branded East Lancashire as 'depressing' and advised people not to travel there has come under more fire.

Coun George Slynn, leader of Hyndburn Council and the chairman of the council's planning, industrial development and tourism committee, has added his voice to the tide of anger which the Lonely Planet Guide To Britain has brought.

The guide said there was "little to linger for" in East Lancashire and described Blackpool as tacky and brash.

Coun Slynn said: "Towns in the North West, and particularly here in Lancashire, have increased their visitor numbers year on year in recent times and a great deal of time and energy has been put into ensuring they are attractive to tourists.

"In fact, last year, tourism spending in Lancashire was more than £600million."

Coun Slynn said that by publishing such derogatory remarks this so-called guide has potentially set back that work several years.

He added: "The tourism industry plays a very important role in the economy of Lancashire and we can well do without this sort of unhelpful comment from people who obviously have not looked around properly, but perhaps passed through our towns on some sort of whistle-stop tour of Britain. Lancashire is a myriad of bustling seaside, quiet country parks, fascinating museums and lively night spots.

"There really is something for everyone and I would hope people who live here would pass the word on to acquaintances from other parts of the country that Lancashire is great."

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