NEWS that Blackpool Tower will not shine out when the rest of the town gets all lit up has been labelled as tragic by a Blackpool holiday chief.

A hitch in gaining planning permission means the Tower lighting tableau will not be ready in time for the August 29 Illuminations switch-on - for the first time in 75 years.

And it has been met with disappointment from all corners of the resort, including Josie Hammond, company secretary of the Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association, who feels part of the Illuminations will now be missing.

She said: "It's part of the skyline. I find it tragic that something like this sponsorship should hold up the Tower being illuminated.

"Personally I think any sort of added illumination in the form of sponsorship such as the Fanta or the Pepsi signs should not be permitted on one of our heritage buildings, but there's nothing wrong with having lights running up and down the sides."

Tower owners First Leisure has had to draw up a new planning application after its first one, for a giant Fanta sign to replace the previous Pepsi logo, was rejected as too visible in daylight.

Now the toned-down version - still costing £500,000 - will come before Blackpool regeneration and development committee next Monday (August 11).

But with the matter having to be deferred to the Secretary of State it could be at least another month before a final decision is made.

Blackpool tourism and leisure chairman Councillor Roy Lewis commented: "It's regrettable that an agreement over an acceptable form of replacement for the Pepsi display has not been achieved in time for this year's switch-on.

"Nevertheless, with six miles of wonderful displays and tableaux that include a new carousel at the Gynn roundabout and two new roadway sections, I'm sure the rest of the Illuminations will be magnificent and attract lots of people to Blackpool."

No-one from First Leisure was available for comment at the time of going to press.

Well readers, what do you think?

How do you feel about the Tower not being lit up for the Illuminations.

Write to the editor with your views.

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