Changing UK coast: Morecambe – it’s never been a ‘Kiss Me Quick’ place

With natural wonders like Morecambe Bay and the Trough of Bowland close by, it’s no surprise a seafront Eden Project North is in the pipeline

An energy-sapping heat haze drains the life out of Morecambe Bay. Even the joyful statue of Eric Morecambe caught in his famous skipping pose looks too washed out to bring anyone sunshine. There’s nothing for it but to hasten my pace along the prom and create my own breeze as I head north.

Morecambe has a chequered history of dubious town planning, including a Mr Blobby-theme park that flopped before it opened. Twenty years ago, before the refurbishment of the Midland Hotel added a much-needed dash of art deco glamour, it inspired the first Crap Towns book.