Blackpool has weathered many a storm. No matter what the world throws at it, many of the resort's business say they can always bank on one thing: The Scots.
She said: "I've never known it this quiet, in May. I have never known it this quiet - it's half-term! Kids are off school and look how busy I am. This is half-term and if this is what the season's going to be like, I am dreading it. I might not survive."My daughter's school is off for two weeks, at Easter they were off for one, whereas my friend down the road, they were off for two at Easter and only one now.
Speaking on Radio 4 at the time, Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said: "People are fed up with this but this has to be down to the government and Environment Agency. They have to hold water companies and United Utilities to account. To combat this, Blackpool Council and central government have invested millions into regeneration projects for the town, building a new Holiday Inn hotel, a £13 million Showtown museum and £21 million Backlot Cinema complex.
"There's too many homeless people on the streets," she said. "People come to me every year and every time they've come this year, they've said to me 'it's the last year. We're not coming anymore'. It's losing its family image." Next door is Sarah, who runs two stands selling ice-cream and Blackpool rock, as well as gifts and souvenirs for holidaymakers. She says a phone box opposite the stalls are having a detrimental impact on business, as they're visibly defaced.
Carol from the Potter Inn explained: "The thing is, when it's raining then people will go into places, The Tower and Sandcastle, things like that. I do think it has a detrimental impact on people visiting Blackpool. ", but luckily in July and August I picked up a lot of business from school trips. Kids were going to the Pleasure Beach and all the coach drivers came in here, that was like three or four days a week.
"Everyone's skint as well. People aren't going to Blackpool, or anywhere else. They're having picnics as well."