SANDGROWN'UNS have lost their sense of pride and need to sing the resort's praises instead of putting it down.

That's the lesson according to Lancaster city councillor Ron Sands - who says Sandgownuns are sour and surly' and too quick to moan.

He hit out at the attitudes of locals in a letter to the BBC Breakfast show in response to an invitation to hear about towns that suffer from bad press.

Cllr Sands (pictured) says moaners and groaners' are always going on about how awful Morecambe is and how much more vibrant is the historic town of Lancaster.

"The moaning goes on and on. People like me who have come to live here from elsewhere think it's terrific, but locals can be guaranteed to run us down," says Cllr Sands.

"You can scour the whole country without finding a greater mis-match between reality and the jaundiced perceptions of the locals"

He believes the reason for residents' attitudes is down to the fact that seaside resorts have declined over the last 30 years.

He understands that they are naturally disappointed' with the state of things now - but points out that the same has happened at most resorts in Britain and if people continue to talk the town down then they deter investment and do nothing to help.

"People seem to think it's Lancaster's fault but it is just down to macro economics, which favours university and historic towns at the moment."

He denies that Lancaster City Council is to blame for letting Morecambe slip into degeneration and says: "Morecambe is not neglected and more of resident's money has been pumped into Morecambe than Lancaster."

Born and bred in Moss Side, Manchester, Cllr Sands remembers well his trips to Morecambe in his youth. And now, after living in the resort for 17 years, he adds: "I remember Morecambe being magical and it still is. Sandgown'uns' seem to be immune to the magic of the seaside - the smell, taste and tang of the sea, the breathtaking displays of flocks of acrobatic seabirds on the wing, the expanses of patterned sand and the thrill of crashing waves on the rocks of the sea defences at high tide."

He goes on: "My favourite place is the extended stone jetty jutting out into the Bay. It's like walking along the deck of an ocean-going cruise liner... but the locals remain sour and surly about what is under their noses.

"I live on the promenade facing the sea so I get excited every day by the panorama - morning, noon and night."

WHAT do you think? Call 01524-382121 or send an e-mail to rachel.ryan@lancaster. newsquest.co.uk