The only way that Blackpool Central would have survived over North is for the direct route from Kirkham to remain open. If that had happened Lytham St Annes would have been even more marginalised as their line, if that had even remained open, would have become a slow loop off the fast lines. Closing Central, while controversial, was the correct decision for Blackpool.
To the people who say re-development hasn't happened, I counter a motorway, a major link road, Coral Island, a police station and magistrates court, a coach station, a school, a Travellodge, Bloomfield Road Stadium, and that's before you start on the things that have happened, like Whitehills Business Park, as a result of the motorway. Oh and a little thing like a massive car park that allows people to visit Blackpool, a place that relies on visitors. Yes, you might not like that they come by car, but the simple fact is they probably wouldn't come by train. Family of 4, in a car from your front door, £20 of fuel and £5 to park the car, or two adults and 2 children at £15 for the adults and travel to the railway station, you do the maths!