simonpovey.co.uk/myblog/2007/01/ -
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Published on: 1/1/2007
Last Visited: 5/12/2007
However, Doug Garrett, chief executive of ReBlackpool, the urban regeneration company which worked on the town's bid, called the decision a "smack in the face".
"It is tragic.It is very difficult to see how they have drawn their conclusions," he added.
Previous assessments had put Manchester at the bottom of the seven bidders, while all local government bodies and regeneration agencies in the region had backed Blackpool, Mr Garrett said.
...
Out on the seafront, outside the North Pier, camera crews had descended on Doug Garrett, ReBlackpool's Chief Executive.
Disappointment
In front of the pier's Merry England bar, Mr Garrett struggled to contain his disappointment."Blackpool is in great need of regeneration.We are suffering decline," he said.