Blackpool's famous illuminations still draw in the crowds

A proposal to turn the town into the UK's answer to Las Vegas is included under the town council's regeneration "masterplan", to stem a decline in visitors.

The authority is currently waiting for relaxation of UK gambling laws, which will enable it to open 24-hour casinos - a main feature of its plan.

However, the Blackpool Coalition Against Gambling Expansion (BCAGE) was meeting on Wednesday to call for more family-friendly attractions to boost the town's tourism.

Alan Duxberry-Campbell, chairman of BCAGE, said that, while the council's plans include a sub-tropical world and aquarium, more family-orientated attractions are needed.

The town could become the UK's answer to Las Vegas

He said: "People have been talking about halting the decline in family visitors to Blackpool for some time.

"What we are trying to do is bring year-round family entertainment to Blackpool that will promote employment and business for everybody.

"We would rather have family entertainment than the casinos that have been proposed under the masterplan."

He said Blackpool has been in decline for several years and something needs to be done to stop it.

'Big catchment'

"We want something that is not just seasonal but all year round," he said.

"We know for example that Bottrop, which is Blackpool's twin town in Germany and is not even a seaside resort, has got a Warner's Hollywood Studios.

"If they can do that, away from the big catchment that we've got already, then what can we do?"

No-one was available from Blackpool Council to comment on the group's claims.