Blackpool saw a surge in internet hotel room bookings during August despite fears that poor summer weather and a surplus of rooms in the town heralded tougher times for the seaside resort.

Online booker Laterooms has revealed it took more than 5,000 reservations for hotel rooms in Blackpool during August, up from approximately 3,000 in July and just 1,244 in August 2006 – when weather conditions were more favourable.

“Despite the washout, we have had some good weekends this summer,” said Tony Walsh, development director at Laterooms.

He added “People no longer book their holidays months in advance. Now breaks can be arranged based on the weather forecast – so there are no unpleasant surprises.”

Blackpool in Lancashire currently has 220 hotels worth £57m up for sale as the resort seeks to reduce bed stock that grew speculatively in the run up to the announcement of the location of Britain’s super casino.

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By Christopher Walton

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