VISITORS to Blackpool will be tripping the Lights fantastic into the 21st Century if ideas put forward at a think-tank held by the council this week get the go-ahead.

Some of the famous tableaux, pictured here sited on Queen's Promenade, could be moved among the shops in the town centre, a night time Disney-style parade along the seafront is a possibility, Stanley Park could see "one-off" firework and lights extravaganzas and Blackpool Zoo may see a colourful interactive lights display.

Councillor Philip Dunne, who chaired the December 12 meeting at which members of the public were invited into the council chamber to put across their ideas for the resort's biggest autumn attraction, said it was "very productive". "We have been working on new ideas for the Lights for two or three months now and we saw some interesting and innovative ideas at the meeting," he added. "We will look at the strengths and weaknesses of all the ideas."

Another idea put forward by Blackpool Licensed Taxi Operators' Association secretary Trevor Boaler was to hold weekends to cater more for groups and societies such as fishing, health and beauty, and gardening clubs. He also suggested people could invest in the town by buying shares.

"Too many people come into the town, drive through the Lights and back out of town without even getting out of their cars. We need to provide parking out of town and a public transport system to get people out of their cars and into the town," he said. Coun Dunne was delighted with the ideas put forward by business owners and members of the public who were interested in the town's future.

"It was good to get the views of the public and I urge anyone who couldn't get to the meeting but has an idea to contact me. All the suggestions will be discussed and those which show promise will be put to the Tourism and Leisure Committee," he said.