Blackpool's improved prom to open

The work is costing £73m and is expected to last four years

New walkways on Blackpool famous promenades are to open in the first stage of the resort's biggest ever civil engineering project.

The access is part of the £73m coastal protection scheme at Blackpool to replace the 100-year-old sea wall.

From Tuesday, sections of the new parades to the north and South of St Chad's headland will be opened up in time for the summer season.

Other sections of the promenade will be opened as the works continue.

'Positive impact'

Councillor Maxine Callow, cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, said the scheme would also transform "the seafront into a desirable, modern place to explore" and help "showcase" the beach.

Peter White, executive director of development at the NWDA, said that the project would make "a hugely positive impact on the image of Blackpool as a destination".

In total the work is expected to take four years and will rebuild 3.2km (2 miles) of promenade and sea wall between the Sandcastle and North Pier.

Funding has been provided by central government, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).