HUNDREDS of people poured through the doors of Morecambe's Platform to see visions for the future of a crucial 10-acre seafront site unveiled for the first time.

Six artists' impressions for the future of the central promenade area were revealed by Urban Splash the company responsible for the refurbishment of the Midland Hotel.

The ideas are being touted as ideal to kick-start' the regeneration of the resort.

But their content provoked a mixed reaction from people who gathered to see them.

Locals who went to the Platform were all happy to see that something is finally being done with the landmark site.

But many had concerns that there was too much emphasis in the schemes on More-cambe being a place to holiday.

Local John Silver says: "The plans are all bright, shiny concepts but they do not reflect the needs of Morecambe and its residents. I don't see how any of them will regenerate the resort the only thing I can see is that the schemes will put cash in the developer's pockets."

He says he does not believe there is a need for more homes in the centre of the resort, and goes on: "There is no infrastructure to support all the people even now. Already doctors surgeries are merging because of the rise in demand and people cannot get a dentist. I just don't think it has been given the right sort of thought."

Kath Edge, of Bare, told the Citizen there are a number of things in several of the drawings, which she likes such as a boardwalk caf.

But she adds: "That is only a summer thing and it needs to appeal to people the whole year round, otherwise nothing will really be achieved.

"The density of the buildings in most of the plans is just too much and some of the ideas are not in keeping with Morecambe. I think that it needs more variety to work."

Alan Campbell, who moved to the resort from London two years ago, says: "We really love Morecambe. It is a great place and pretty but holiday accommodation on the site is not appropriate it would end up like Blackpool."

The event went down a storm, says Bill Maynard, of developers Urban Splash.

"We have had a great response. People seem very positive about the plans but have also been coming up with their own ideas which I have been jotting down such as an ice rink and an observatory.

"Some of the schemes are complicated and I don't understand them myself but there are good bits of one and good bits of others, and somewhere there is a great scheme. Bouncing ideas around and seeing what people think is what this is all about."

He says Urban Splash wants to see the site developed with a variety of activities and uses.