BLACKPOOL Council has a new king of the tourism empire - as well as housing, public health, cleansing, leisure, libraries and art.

Terry Gregson, 55, will be the first director of community and tourism services when the new Blackpool unitary authority takes over next April.

Mr Gregson, currently director of community services, quashed fears expressed by some in the holiday industry that tourism would be downgraded in such a wide ranging department.

"Tourism is something which every member of the department is involved with," he said. "Community services, leisure and parks all contribute to the tourism package.

"The council's tourism arm will be strengthened, not weakened, because the whole strength of the department will be behind it."

Jane Seddon remains head of tourism, in charge of promoting the resort, but, said Mr Gregson, "She'll have a lot more support, and I'll be there at a strategic level to assist wherever possible.

"We're all looking to build a partnership with the tourism industry for the betterment of Blackpool."

The new unitary authority will mean all Blackpool's services - including education and social services - are provided locally, rather than partly from Lancashire County Council as at present.

Mr Gregson, whose background was in environmental health, joined Blackpool Council in 1977. Originally from Blackburn (and still a Rovers fan), he lives in Anchorsholme.

Council leader Ivan Taylor said: "This is another first-class management appointment. Mr Gregson will provide community and tourism services with strong and experienced leadership."

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