Blackpool Tower and other iconic tourist attractions are being taken over by the local council

The management of some of UK seaside town Blackpool’s most iconic tourist attractions is set to be taken over by the local council.

The management of some of UK seaside town Blackpool’s most iconic tourist attractions is set to be taken over by the local council.

Blackpool Tower will be handed over to the council’s own tourism company on August 1, having been run by Merlin Entertainments for the past 15 years.

Within the Tower the authority will oversee the Tower Eye, circus, ballroom and Dungeons as well as Madame Tussauds.

In a statement the leader of Blackpool Council, Lynn Williams, said: “In 2010, Blackpool Council bought Blackpool Tower, bringing it into public ownership for the first time to safeguard the future of our much-loved iconic landmark while also transforming it into a tourist attraction fit for the 21st century.

“Back in 2010, we did not have the skills or knowledge within the town to redevelop the tower into a modern attraction.

"Bringing Merlin Entertainments on board was absolutely the right decision and we have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with them which has brought other quality attractions to the resort.”

However, Williams said “the time has come to reassess our position,” adding: “The benefits that our amazing attractions bring will be kept in Blackpool.”

Blackpool Tourism was previously known as Blackpool Operating Company. It already operates Sandcastle Waterpark and will also oversee the Showtown Museum.

As part of the change, Merlin and the council have entered a new partnership to allow Madame Tussauds and the Dungeons to continue to operate, with Blackpool Tourism running both attractions under franchise from Merlin.