SOCIAL care workers from seaside resorts across the UK gathered yesterday (April 28) to exchange ideas on how to tackle poverty hidden behind Britain's promenades.

Key decision makers from local authorities, the NHS, private and voluntary sector workers put their heads together at the conference, Social Care by the Seaside, in an effort to turn the tide and find solutions to problems distinctive to the seaside.

Delegates from Southend, Brighton, Blackpool and Bournmouth met at the De Vere Hotel to share expertise on a number of issues including poor housing, social exclusion, health, hospitals and holidaymakers.

Minister for Health John Hutton, who addressed the conference, said: "Seaside communities face particular challenges in providing for children and the elderly which we are keen to recognise and help local authorities, the NHS and the voluntary sector to address."

Blackpool South MP and president of the British Resorts Association Gordon Marsden said: "I think there are two benefits here. Firstly there has been a lot of useful exchange of best practice and secondly we have the opportunity to give a clear message of the needs of seaside towns.

"What the Government is now doing is responding across all factors to the needs of seaside towns. Joined up government is the key phrase here and we want to see that both locally and nationally."

Sue Wright, Blackpool Borough Council's social services chairman, said: "Seaside towns often feel on the periphery, not just in terms of their location, but also because of the distinctive nature of their problems.

"We know the problems we all face, for example high numbers of elderly, and what people like Gordon Marsden can do it take our views back to the Government."

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