MINISTER for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, Kim Howells, is impressed with the progress of Blackpool's regeneration plan.

Blackpool Council chiefs travelled to London for a high profile meeting with the government minister to update him on the town's 'Master Planning' process.

Council leader Cllr Roy Fisher and Peter Moore, the resort's tourism tsar, met Mr Howells who said he felt "significant strides" had been made in bringing the plan to fruition. Cllr Roy Fisher said: "We were delighted to have the opportunity to update a government minister.

"Mr Howells had taken a keen interest in the 'Master Plan' when he visited the resort last year and wanted to be updated on how we are moving the project forward.

"He was very interested to hear about the consultation which we have initiated with the public - in fact the meeting ran over its scheduled time.

"That extra time in a busy diary is a clear indication of the government's interest in the resort's regeneration and the role that casinos might play in Blackpool's future."

Kim Howells heard that reshaping the resort into a modern vibrant, exciting, quality orientated tourism environment was vital. Blackpool has aspirations to create a resort destination of immense appeal to local and regional tourists which would also have a positive impact on national and international visitors.

"It is abundantly clear that since my visit last summer, Blackpool Council and all the other stakeholders have made significant strides in bringing to fruition the Master Plan," said Mr Howells.

"The latest proposals for the regeneration of Blackpool look very exciting."