This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-27870432

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Blackpool deckchairs folded away by council Blackpool deckchairs folded away by council
(35 minutes later)
Blackpool has sold off one of the traditional sights of the British seaside - its deckchairs.Blackpool has sold off one of the traditional sights of the British seaside - its deckchairs.
The resort's council said its 6,000 chairs had been mothballed for the past three years.The resort's council said its 6,000 chairs had been mothballed for the past three years.
It said holidaymakers would rather sit on the benches on its remodelled seafront.It said holidaymakers would rather sit on the benches on its remodelled seafront.
The stock has been sold to Cheshire company Deckchairstripes which will be hiring out the refurbished chairs elsewhere.The stock has been sold to Cheshire company Deckchairstripes which will be hiring out the refurbished chairs elsewhere.
Graham Cain, Blackpool council cabinet member for tourism said: "For decades the deckchairs were a familiar sight along Blackpool's seafront.Graham Cain, Blackpool council cabinet member for tourism said: "For decades the deckchairs were a familiar sight along Blackpool's seafront.
"However, over time they were used less and less until the service ceased in 2011."However, over time they were used less and less until the service ceased in 2011.
"The new design of the seafront means that people have more places to sit than previously."The new design of the seafront means that people have more places to sit than previously.
"We found that the majority of people would sit on the new benches or the Spanish steps and there was no longer a demand for the deckchairs.""We found that the majority of people would sit on the new benches or the Spanish steps and there was no longer a demand for the deckchairs."
'Empty place'
Claire Smith, president of StayBlackpool, which represents the resort's hoteliers, said: " I would love them to come back - bucket and spades, donkey rides and deckchairs are part of the British seaside.Claire Smith, president of StayBlackpool, which represents the resort's hoteliers, said: " I would love them to come back - bucket and spades, donkey rides and deckchairs are part of the British seaside.
"You don't know if people are going to use them unless they are available.""You don't know if people are going to use them unless they are available."
Local writer and former deckchair attendant Barry McCann said: "The promenade will seem an empty place without them.Local writer and former deckchair attendant Barry McCann said: "The promenade will seem an empty place without them.
"I'll also miss the fantastic suntans I used to get when working as a deckie.""I'll also miss the fantastic suntans I used to get when working as a deckie."
The current stock of council-owned chairs was bought in the 1970s.
'Out of date''Out of date'
The current stock of council-owned chairs was bought in the 1970s.
However, their future has looked precarious for the past 10 years.However, their future has looked precarious for the past 10 years.
Some councillors first called for their scrapping in 2004 arguing they were out of date.Some councillors first called for their scrapping in 2004 arguing they were out of date.
In addition to buying the chairs, Deckchairstripes bought 1,000 windbreaks and 120 ticket machines. It will spend £25,000 on refurbishment.In addition to buying the chairs, Deckchairstripes bought 1,000 windbreaks and 120 ticket machines. It will spend £25,000 on refurbishment.
The chairs are to be marketed as "Blackpool's iconic" deckchairs for weddings, festivals, outdoor concerts and other events.The chairs are to be marketed as "Blackpool's iconic" deckchairs for weddings, festivals, outdoor concerts and other events.
Blackpool's deckchairs have featured on TV programmes such as Downton Abbey.Blackpool's deckchairs have featured on TV programmes such as Downton Abbey.
Other councils around the country still hire deckchairs to holidaymakers.Other councils around the country still hire deckchairs to holidaymakers.
Scarborough Council owns chairs in Whitby, Filey and South Bay at Scarborough, while Bridlington's are owned by East Riding Council.Scarborough Council owns chairs in Whitby, Filey and South Bay at Scarborough, while Bridlington's are owned by East Riding Council.
On the south coast Eastbourne has council-owned chairs. The deckchairs in Brighton, Margate and Broadstairs are in private hands.On the south coast Eastbourne has council-owned chairs. The deckchairs in Brighton, Margate and Broadstairs are in private hands.