BLACKPOOL will probably continue to decline, despite any possible future multi-million pound casino developments.

Mr Reg Haslam has to speak as he apparently does because his job dictates that he should.

However, as in South Africa for instance, the casino developments will only emphasise the surrounding tacky, often semi-wasteland-like environment.

This will fill up with the undesirables and fellow travellers hoping against hope for some 'spin-off' from the 'glittering palaces'.

A more obvious two-tier culture, will develop in the community. For Blackpool to become 'great' again, planners, etc, will have to look at the local infrastructure; such as the roads, which are generally in a shocking state, apart that is from some of the major routes, which have recently had overdue refurbishments.

In addition, the redevelopment of large areas of housing and commercial properties, much of which were built for a different and past era, will have to be undertaken.

This will unfortunately have to be at the cost and often hardship of the local community.

The real profits of the large casino companies, will not be handed out to local authorities for them to fritter away, whatever people might think, wish, or say. 'God helps them who help themselves' is an old beatitude.

Wake up Blackpool before it is too late!.

A R McCarthy

Halifax Street

Blackpool