Blackpool Illuminations depot seeks lighting fix

Blackpool's Illuminations are famous the world over but the council is ironically looking to borrow £90,000 to provide lighting for the building where they are stored and repaired.

The Illuminations Service has been based at the Lightworks building, on Amy Johnson Way, since 2010, after moving from the old depot on Rigby Road.

A report to Blackpool Council's Executive Committee said the building's lighting was no longer serviceable as parts for the non-LED lighting are now no longer available and emergency lighting had also failed due to the age of the equipment.

The council is also seeking a loan of an additional £230,000 to purchase vehicles and plant for the depot.

The authority plans to borrow £320,000 for the two projects combined, in addition to interest payments of £43,250 for a total bill of £363,250.

The proposals are that this will be paid in instalments over a period between 2027 and 2036.

This arrangement is what is known as prudential borrowing, a self-regulated system that allows local authorities to borrow money for long-term capital projects without needing central government consent.

The Executive Committee, which is the main decision-making group responsible for the day-to-day management, policies, and services, will meet next week to consider the proposals, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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