A WELL-KNOWN Blackpool barber is considering cutting his losses after 17 years in business, as his takings drop and the area degenerates.

Phil Lambert, or "Phil the barber" as he is known locally, believes Blackpool Borough Council has marooned him and his business among the debris of a once thriving area in Caunce Street.

His takings have dropped dramatically over the years as he has watched a number of shops close down and he is not sure how much longer he can continue.

He told The Citizen: "I run a small, fairly successful business and have invested heavily in the premises and its upkeep. My shop is noted for its cleanliness and friendliness.

"I believe I provide a valuable service to the local community, which in general is not among the most affluent in the town.

"Now, after 17 years in this location, I am considering closing and re-locating. That would be a shame, if only for the fact that it would end an era of hairdressing on this site which has been going for well over 100 years.

"The area of the town in which the shop is situated is poor, very run down and crime-ridden. I am surrounded by boarded-up shops and DSS flats. Even the newsagents across the road from me has closed down after being there for more than 80 years. The whole area seems to be a forgotten area as far as the council is concerned.

"I have been to all the council meetings for the area and have even been the business liaison officer for the shops in this area -- but they have all gone now. I have thrown in the towel with regards to dealing with the council, they are just full of talk."

Blackpool Borough Council were contacted and asked if there were any plans for the area. A spokesman said: "Since April, 2000, £4.4 million has been spent in the area doing up properties, including houses and business premises, buying up disused properties and converting them into family dwellings, and on highways works etc.

"The council has successfully bid for a total of £1.3 million from the Department of Transport, local government and the regions DTLR -- £956,000 from the department and £300,000 from council funds, for a Homezone project.

"This will be spent on initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents in the area through a package of measures designed to calm traffic, increase resident parking space and create an environment where people feel comfortable and safe in the street."