Many English seaside towns seem as if they are stuck in a time warp, in an era when families and charabancs full of factory workers would converge on the shore for fun and frolics.

As buildings decay and holiday makers flock to warmer shores resorts like Blackpool and Morecambe on the northwest coast are looking to refresh their image.

Blackpool council has drawn up radical plans to turn its stretch of coastline, known as the Golden Mile, into what some have called the new Las Vegas of Europe.

The town is keen to capitalize on a proposed deregulation of Britain's gambling laws.

"Blackpool needs to see major change if it is to turn the tide and create a prosperous future," said deputy council leader Eddie Collett.

The aim is to build five big casinos and create around 30,000 new jobs. The project is already underway but developers say it will take until 2020 to finish.

Council officials say the plan could generate around 437 million pounds a year and increase annual tourist visitors to around 15 million from 11 million now.

The glitz of Las Vegas feels a long way from Blackpool.

Its sandy beach is often strewn with litter and it is hard to find much better food than a burger.

Many residents acknowledge the resort is not looking its best but some worry that the casino plan could attract the wrong sort of clientele.

"There are enough alcoholics and gamblers anyway in Blackpool," said sweet-seller Pat Whitty, referring to a current craze for stag and hen night parties in the resort.

"Casinos will definitely scare families away," added Whitty. "Blackpool will lose its old seaside image."

(Agencies)