MAJOR tourism figures have criticised a TV show which they feel showed Blackpool in a bad light.

Holiday Watch was broadcast during the bank holiday weekend (August 25), showing the resort warts and all, and now holiday chiefs have hit back to stand up for their town.

The programme suggested Blackpool has seen an overnight explosion in its gay community.

Basil Newby, owner of Funny Girls nitespot, said: "I think they've gone a bit overboard really.

"There are 3,000 hotels here and 57 of them are gay or gay friendly.

"There are more than 2,000 licensed premises in Blackpool - seven are gay.

"All sorts of walks of life are enjoying coming here."

Cannon and Ball, who appeared on the show, have also hit back to reject claims that their comments on the Granada TV show amounted to an attack on the resort.

They said: "There is nowhere in the world like Blackpool and no-one like Blackpool holidaymakers.

"There may be some disruptive elements, as in any town, but the vast, vast majority of Blackpool holidaymakers are fun-loving people here to enjoy themselves with their families."

Jane Seddon, head of tourism for Blackpool, said: "I think it was a very badly produced programme and very bitty.

"It didn't show the promotional side of Blackpool, although it did touch on some issues such as beach pollution.

"It was not a fair and accurate picture of the town and it was unfortunate that the comments by Cannon and Ball were made, although they have now retracted them.

"There can be very good programmes on Blackpool but this was wishy washy and not what we want to see on a bank holiday weekend."

Mrs. Seddon also said she would complain to the BBC about Monday night's episode of EastEnders (August 26) which portrayed the resort as seedy and drug-ridden.

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