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Blackpool is a town often a victim of negative stereotyping, reinforced photographically and in tabloids. The issues of alcohol and drug abuse, along with the popular hen nights and stag dos, have plighted the seaside town for many years. However, for the residents of the town, it's not the whole truth. Everyone knows the Blackpool Tower and the Promenade and whilst the town has undergone many modern regenerations - there are areas that have been neglected.
The work aims to show the contrasts between the attractive and not-so-attractive areas of Blackpool town from a long term residents point of view.
One of the many regenerations the town has undergone - the structure has moving projectors within the glass balls that are active during the night displaying, colourful patterns and images on the street.
A couple on the Comedy Carpet - a large graphic on the promenade creatively presenting hundreds of famous quotes from a variety of comedians throughout the years.
The following photographs are all taken around and on Central Pier.
Blackpool and the Fylde
Rather than focusing on the town centre of Blackpool which most people know, the town is actually made up of several towns, villages and areas. The body of work is an exploration of four of these settlements, highlighting what the community is like and how change affects these areas too, in correspondence with new stories specific to that area.
Layton
The Queens park estate with it's (previously) five flats has been a part of the Layton skyline since the 1960s, but this year they are being demolished completely. Plans are to build 200 family homes on the site and residents are split on their opinions of the demolishing. Some are glad to see them go due to the notoriety and perception of crime. Whereas others who have lived there for over 40 years are sad to see them go.
Bispham
After a series of damning Ofsted inspections and along with plans to merge with another high school, the site of Bispham High School has now closed. The merger resulted in the two schools forming into an academy and many staff redundancies and job losses.
Cleveleys
Last year, dogs were banned from being on Cleveleys beach as well as other areas within Blackpool and the Fylde. The restrictions are in place under the council's instruction to keep the beach clean and pleasant for other visitors.
Fleetwood
Massive council cuts across the region, but specifically the Fleetwood to Knott End ferry which would have been a huge loss to the community. The ferry provides a hugely important link between the two towns. However an online petition was created to fight to keep the ferry running and it won.
