THE Blackpool 1st Alliance rarely shares any of the political views of Mr Stephen Bate. But we totally agree with his verdict on coverage of the controversial resort casino hotels proposal by Leisure Parcs.

The fact is that the concept will remain just "pie in the sky" unless the government effects major changes in the tax laws solely for Blackpool's benefit.

That much James Whelan, the ex mayor of Atlantic City, acknowledged when he answered questions from the representatives of those bodies who successfully gate-crashed into the "lion's den". The meeting with Mr Whelan was otherwise clearly intended to be restricted to those tame and toothless people who have swallowed the hype uncritically.

Mr Whelan did not dodge any questions, though pressures of time did not permit him to deal with many issues. Though he drew comparisons between his home town and Blackpool, he was visibly surprised to learn that we had more than 2,000 family run hotels and guesthouses.

Apart from the 12 massive resort hotels he seemed unsure as to how many family hotels Atlantic City has but, when pressed by me, agreed that it was now "less than 100".

To his credit he did not disguise the fact that many small hotels and businesses in Blackpool would close on the advent of resort casinos. He doubted that the number of closures in Atlantic City was as high as 1,000 but, surprisingly, having been Mayor for ten years, was unable to dispute this figure which has been published widely on the internet.

Finally, he admitted that he is now a director of the company developing a mega hotel casino in Atlantic City -- hardly the independent voice which he has been portrayed in some quarters!

Oh, and our recently appointed "Mr Blackpool" Peter Moore revealed after the meeting that Mr Whelan's trip had been funded by Leisure Parcs.

As Del Boy might say, "Quel surprise Rodney".

Michael Edwards,

Press Officer,

Blackpool 1st Alliance,

c/o Winter Park Hotel,

Albert Road,

Blackpool.