Storm ahead over forecast

From the Blackpool Citizen, first published Wednesday 22nd Aug 2007.

Blackpool's falling visitor numbers could be down to inaccurate weather forecasts, according to tourism leaders.

They believe the resort, and other areas of the Fylde, get a raw deal when it comes to TV weather forecasts when they are lumped in with the regional reports.

They say that there have been many times when the forecast has predicted rain for the North West, yet Blackpool has enjoyed dry and sunny periods, and they have the evidence to back it up.

The council is now in talks with the Met Office to try and literally brighten up Blackpool's image.

Councillor Maxine Callow, cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, said: "This is a concern that we've had for some time, which I'm sure many other residents and tourist businesses will share.

"We believe it is frequently the case that the weather forecast for the area is accurate for Preston and the rest of Lancashire but, as you approach the Fylde Coast, the weather is often different and more clement.

"This isn't about having sour grapes or wanting to fabricate the weather reports in our favour, this is about giving people an accurate overview.

"This is especially important in a town like Blackpool which notoriously attracts visitors within a two-hour radius, and many visitors base their decision to travel on that morning's weather forecast."

Coun Callow has monitored the weather in recent weeks to track the problems, and on the week commencing July 16, the BBC regional forecast predicted rain all week. However, Blackpool had rain on Monday, and early on Tuesday, but the rest of the week was clear and sunny.

Potential solutions to the problem include a bespoke weather forecast which would be focused entirely on the Blackpool area, which could then be fed direct to the council and tourism websites. Coun Callow added: "This is an issue that might take some time to overcome but we believe it's important for the resort. We would welcome some feedback from members of the public of their experiences and ideas, and if, for example they would be interested in any kind of commercial forecast service, perhaps as a potential sponsor."

Residents are invited to email Coun Callow via nicola.lamb@blackpool.gov.uk

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