TACKLING the evils of poverty in the poorest parts of Blackpool will be the number one priority when the new unitary authority takes control in April.

That's the message which came out of a seminar to set up a strategy combating severe social problems ranging from unemployment to crime.

Last Friday's meeting at the Savoy Hotel (Feb 27) followed a recent study which highlighted such problems in the resort's six inner wards

It was attended by political leaders and representatives from community organisations and although they agreed it could take a decade to make any real difference to the quality of life of those on the breadline, they said there were a number of schemes which could be started quickly.

Longer-term initiatives would be explored by a small executive group of decision makers. Council leader Ivan Taylor commented: "The council is committed to the fight against poverty and this seminar represented an important milestone.

"Taking control of all services and being able to spend locally-raised finance in a way that suits the needs of our community will be significant factors."

But he warned the fight against poverty was one the council could not win alone, stating that other local agencies would have to work together to turn words into reality.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden, whose constituency includes the inner wards, also attended the seminar and told those gathered that he had sent the findings of the Blackpool survey to Downing Street.

He added: "One important thing I can do as MP is get across to the Cabinet the other side of Blackpool behind the gloss.

"It is a difficult job. The Government is already introducing initiatives which will help but we obviously want to see much more and I will be using this report in any way I can to chivvy ministers, not just for Blackpool, but for other seaside resorts."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.