INVEST in the traditions of Blackpool -- not in large money-seeking companies.

That's the view of local businessman Kenneth Turner about the proposed Las Vegas style developments announced by Leisure Parcs earlier this year.

Mr Turner, who owns two bed and breakfast hotels and has interests in some holiday flats in Blackpool, ran as an Independent Conservative candidate in the May elections and says he would prefer to see the money from the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) go to the people of Blackpool and not towards helping Leisure Parcs build new conference facilities at its proposed Pharaoh's Palace complex.

"Traditional bed and breakfast hotels are going to die a death if we don't do something about it," said Mr Turner.

"People have come here and invested their whole lives in a B&B business and will have to leave with their tails between their legs because there is nothing left for them.

"We have to accept that the days of working towns taking their week's break here are gone. But now, thanks to e-commerce and the internet, the town has tremendous appeal across the continent and we get visitors from Japan and Australia etc.

"They want to see the traditional side of Blackpool. "That is why we should be upgrading the traditional bed and breakfasts and bringing them to a mandatory harmonised standard, like the ones set by the English Tourist Council, the AA and the RAC.

"Then we can reassure people who come to the resort that they will be treated in the manner to which they are accustomed.

"The SRB money should be spent on looking after the people who have made Blackpool what it is, rather than giving it to larger, money-seeking companies."

Mr Turner's proposals involve using the money to set up an indemnity fund that would enable banks to offer larger loans to bed and breakfast owners without fear of not being repaid.

Marc W Etches, managing director of Leisure Parcs, said that part of the bid for SRB money "expresses a desire to upgrade the existing conference facilities" and that may not mean building a new centre at Pharaoh's Palace, but improving the Winter Gardens.

But he was keen to warn Blackpool not to "bury its head in the sand and think we can achieve success by reverting to the past."

Alan Cavill, partnership manager at the Blackpool Challenge Partnership, which is responsible for deciding how the SRB is allocated, echoed Mr Turner in saying that they were trying to persuade the banks that Blackpool was an excellent place to invest in.

But he also supported Marc Etches' view saying: "We need to be looking to invest in the future, not in the past."