CHALLENGING times lie ahead for the man who will help boost Blackpool into the Millennium - project management expert Alan Cavill.

The 38-year-old has come back to his roots and taken up a job as manager of the Blackpool Challenge Partnership, in charge of the resort's multi-million pound Single Regeneration Budget.

He jumped at the opportunity of working in his home town, having previously commuted to Manchester each day where he was scheme and finance manager for a challenge fund team in charge of a budget of £63 million.

He said: "It means I can put an extra two hours a day into my new post."

Alan was appointed a month ago and is enjoying it immensely, adding: "I am certain the job will be a challenge, but one I am equipped for and looking forward to dealing with."

When asked what areas were top of his agenda, the former Arnold School pupil replied: "We are targeting the four inner wards first, which cover The Gynn in North Shore to the South Shore end of Lytham Road.

"An extensive programme to improve the living conditions in these needy areas is to get under way."

Other plans include ensuring the best use is made of the pioneering Technology Park being built in Bispham, along with allowing the Squires Gate Business Park near the airport to continue to grow and flourish.

Blackpool Challenge Partnership was set up after being awarded more than £19 million from the Government to rejuvenate the town.

There are some 40 organisations involved at present, including the borough council, Radio Wave and Midland Bank.

Alan hopes to expand the group and include more supporters from the private sector as well as broaden its scope of responsibility by generating more resources to pave the way for extra projects in the town.

As he finally pointed out: "I would like to see the partnership used as a vehicle to attract additional resources to create further opportunities in more areas in the town."

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