Row Breaks Out After Blackpool Compared To Chernobyl

If there is one sure fire way to offend someone, it's to say that their hometown reminds them of a disaster zone.

And that's just what happened when a councillor compared Blackpool to Chernobyl.

For those of you who don't know, the latter was the site of one of the worst disasters in human history.

In 1986, a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant malfunctioned, resulting in an explosion and fire which released huge amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. Thirty-one people died as an immediate result of the disaster.

To prevent further nuclear debris from escaping, the site was entombed in a huge structure referred to as a sarcophagus while work goes on to dismantle it.

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So yeah, it's not a compliment.

Independent councillor Paul Hayhurst made the comments during a debate about devolution at Fylde Council.

Under the proposals, Lancashire would receive over £5 billion over seven years, as well as new powers areas such as transport, housing, skills, economic growth and climate change.

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Mr Hayhurst told the council that he believes closer ties could see Fylde being swallowed by Blackpool, which 'looks like Chernobyl no matter how much money you put in there'.

He said: "I am convinced on that basis that the more co-operation we have with our neighbours down the road, the more this area is going to suffer."

Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams hit back at the remarks, though, saying it was just an example of 'sour grapes', and that it was 'disappointing' to hear.

She said: "It's also incredibly disrespectful to a neighbouring council at a time when, to deliver a great deal for all of the residents of Lancashire, we need to work together.

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"So if this councillor wants to come to Blackpool, as he's clearly not been for a while, we can show and explain all the many things we are doing to regenerate the town."

According to reports, children from Belarus, where many families are still suffering from the effects of the Chernobyl disaster, regular visit Blackpool during their trips.

Referencing the link between the country and Blackpool, Ms Williams said: "Our having that connection through the generosity of local charities and residents of Blackpool hosting children is just really deeply unpleasant and unnecessary."

Last year, a leading scientist warned that Chernobyl nuclear power plant must be dismantled in the next 100 years or else it will collapse.