UK seaside resorts in decline – in pictures

Amusements of different vintages along the esplanade in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Photograph: David Bagnall/Rex Features

Old-fashioned seaside postcard humour decorates a cafe on the seafront in Margate Photograph: Bethany Clarke/Getty Images

A worker sweeps the 'Comedy Carpet', created by British artist Gordon Young on Blackpool's promenade Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

No joke: an attempt to attract customers on a boarded-up shop in Margate Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Clacton-on-Sea town centre in Essex – the bookmaker is next-door to the amusement arcade
Photograph: Pete Titmuss/Alamy

Plans are under way for the revival of Dreamland amusement park as part of the regeneration plans for Margate in Kent Photograph: Nicholas Bailey/Rex Features

Closed-down shops in Margate – Mary Portas's scheme to make over the town's high street has divided opinion Photograph: Martin Godwin for the Guardian

Traditional seaside games on offer on the pier in Great Yarmouth – but not too many customers Photograph: Julian Claxton/Alamy

Derelict holiday chalets awaiting demolition at Pontins holiday camp in Blackpool, December 2012. The park closed in 2009 due to falling visitor numbers Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Rhyl's Children's Village, which has carousel rides, a cinema, restaurants and miniature golf, at the end of the summer season Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Mr B's amusement arcade in Rhyl at night
Photograph: Matthew Ashton/Alamy

A children's ride waits for trade outside an amusement arcade in Rhyl, north Wales Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images