BLACKPOOL'S eyesore bridge has gone!
The 33-year-old bridge on the Promenade was demolished last night.
A giant 500-ton crane resembled a monster eating away at the enormous structure.
The Promenade was closed from New Bonny Street until 7am today as the bridge came down.
Latif Patel, the project engineer for Blackpool Council, said: "Bringing down the old bridge is a small but significant sign that regeneration is here."
The demolition makes way for the new Tower Headland, with a comedy carpet – concrete sections with famous sayings engraved from comedians such as Morecambe and Wise – a giant seesaw and swaying grass.
Coun Maxine Callow, cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, said: "This is an important step forward in the transformation of the Promenade.
"This bridge has been an eyesore for many years and its removal will pave the way for the new design to take shape.
"The recently opened sections of the new seafront have already attracted many compliments.
"I hope visitors and residents enjoy the new Blackpool and welcome the changes that are being made."
And historical protection groups have welcomed the news, after months of pleading for the "tatty" bridge to come down.
Elaine Smith, chairman of the Civic Trust, said: "I'm delighted it's come down.
"It was so tatty and we have been asking the council to take it down for ages."
Blackpool Gazette
So glad its gone...the comedy walk sounds cool
