BLACKPOOL Illuminations could shine out as a job-creator for the resort.

That is the hope of Blackpool tourism and leisure chairman Councillor Roy Lewis, who is pushing for the council to market the resort's unrivalled Illuminations equipment all over Britain.

At present the council only sends its used and surplus lights either abroad, or to neighbouring Fylde or Wyre boroughs - the aim being to prevent a rival attraction in this country.

But Councillor Lewis said the sales to any one area could be limited to protect Blackpool's unique status.

"We need to see whether there's a market out there and if so how big it may be," he said.

"Not only would it help offset the annual £2million cost of the Illuminations, it could create new jobs.

"There's a tremendous bank of specialised skill and expertise in the Illuminations department and if there's scope for expansion we should explore it to the full."

At present the Illuminations department has 45 craftsmen, administrators and design staff at its Rigby Road depot.

Manager Keith Hall said: "We have had inquiries from a lot of other local authorities, especially in connection with Christmas features.

"At the moment if we have any surplus equipment we can't sell abroad then we just have to dispose of it, but if we could market it more widely in this country it would help offset the cost."

Ex-Blackpool Illuminations currently shine out in the Saudi Arabian capital of Jeddah as well as Zimbabwe and Holland.

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