Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

A solar farm the size of almost 100 football pitches is to be installed on the border of Fylde and Preston.

A Blackpool restaurant fighting to keep its conservatory after planners said it had to come down has seen its latest planning application thrown out.

Ambitious proposals to bring one of Poulton’s grandest buildings back into use have got the go ahead.

Blackpool Council is urging eligible residents to get protected this winter, with free flu vaccinations available, for those eligible, at walk-in clinics across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. 

Train operator Avanti West Coast has confirmed it is reducing its four daily weekday services to and from Blackpool to two a day from next week.

Cleveleys is to get a big new illuminated ‘welcome’ sign to greet people coming into the town centre.

A man has been jailed after a six year old girl was fatally struck by a flat-bed truck as she stepped off a bus in Bilsborrow.

Up to 150 people who face being alone on Christmas Day are to be treated to a festive roast dinner – thanks to a big-hearted family and kindly volunteers.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has called on the Government to immediately provide funding for two new specialist SEND schools in Blackpool.

A Fylde coast man is on a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of skin cancer.

Alanis Morissette will headline Lytham Festival in 2026, a year after adverse weather forced the last-minute cancellation of her scheduled performance.

Fylde Council has taken a step towards the revival of Kirkham Baths, approving £150,000 of essential works to safeguard the building and prepare it for reinstatement.

A former French polishers and upholstery business in Carleton could become a new microbar if the scheme gets the go ahead.

Blackpool is doing its bit to support a charity which helps bereaved people – culminating in the iconic Tower turning orange next week.

The firm that operated a highly controversial fracking site in Fylde has been told that it cannot have another two years to restore the plot – after it emerged it had not made proper use of a previous extension.

Plans are in the pipeline to bring a disused former bank in Kirkham back into use.

A housing scheme which would have seen more than 200 homes built in Poulton has been refused by planners.

Lancashire Police are urging motorists not to drink or drug drive throughout the festive season.

Moor Park Primary School is considering ambitions plans to extend its SEND provision and has launched a consultation with a range of groups about the proposals.

Parkwood Leisure has been named as the new operator for Wyre’s leisure centres in Fleetwood, Garstang, Poulton and Thornton, replacing YMCA Fylde Coast from April.

Blackpool’s premium cinema scene is entering a thrilling new era with the launch of The Arc Cinema at the former Backlot Cinema site.

Blackpool Council is making it easier than ever to enjoy the festive season in the town with the return of the popular Christmas parking offer.

The first deliveries of new bins for Blackpool – including brown ones- have arrived as part of the shake-up of waste collections coming in next year.

Blackpool Council has formally confirmed its proposals to merge with Preston to form a new council.

Wyre Council is inviting residents, businesses, and visitors to share their views on exciting plans to rejuvenate Fleetwood’s waterfront.

A man from Merseyside has been jailed after he repeatedly stamped on a gull, killing the animal.

MP Lorraine Beavers has made a renewed call for the restoration of Fleetwood’s rail link.

Campaigners striving to keep the Fleetwood to Knott End ferry have welcomed reports that funding has now been secured until 2029.

International multi-award-winning superstar Michael Bublé is heading to the Lytham Festival in 2026.

An online plea has meant an elderly couple can enjoy one last visit to Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom where they used to go dancing.

The driver an £100k supercar which was engulfed in a fireball after crashing into a house in St Annes has been jailed.

Proposals to demolish two hotels and replace them with 51 modern apartments on Blackpool’s South Shore promenade have finally been approved by planners.

Protesters against a stinking landfill site say the waste deposits are getting steadily higher and have called on the site to be either suspended or closed for good.

A man who drove a van at a group of people in Poulton-le-Fylde, causing life changing injuries to one man, has been jailed.

Visitors to Fairhaven Lake can look forward to a new visitor centre after Fylde Council approved plans to transform the iconic Pagoda building.

Residents with FY postcodes can now enjoy unbeatable savings at some of Blackpool’s most iconic attractions, thanks to a new initiative from Blackpool Tourism Limited.

Two people have admitted to kidnapping a baby in Blackpool.

Works to create a new road from Common Edge Road to Blackpool Enterprise Zone on Amy Johnson Way are moving to the next phase.

Blackpool is preparing to launch a magnificent programme of Christmas entertainment – with a sprinkling of Strictly stardust.

Calls have been made for a world-class arena to be built on the Blackpool Central site, which has been earmarked for multi-million pound regeneration projects.

The critically acclaimed show Something About George, a powerful celebration of the life and music of George Harrison, arrives at the Blackpool Grand Theatre this Sunday for one night only – bringing audiences an uplifting, emotional and musically rich journey through the legacy of the “quiet Beatle”.

Blackpool’s ambitious £65m Multiversity scheme is pressing ahead as planned – but the council is looking to ensure there are no potential hold-ups to slow the project down.

Blackpool Council is looking into alternative models of residential care for children in the face of the “unsustainable” £21 million a year costs of private care provision.

Plans have been submitted to transform two empty units in Poulton’s Teanlowe Centre into a banking hub.

A man has been charged following a serious collision in Broughton last month.

Wyre Council has announced the successful completion of the revitalisation of the Young People’s Place on Windsor Road, Garstang.

Blackpool Council’s services for children are continuing to improve, a new Ofsted report says.

Proposals for a temporary ice rink at Lytham have hit a setback – despite being given the go ahead by local planners.

Blackpool Council is taking the next major step in delivering a first data centre as part of plans for Silicon Sands, a flagship digital infrastructure project at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

A popular festive food and craft event which is staged annually on the Fylde coast will not be taking place this year.

The multi-million pound regeneration of a much-loved Art Deco pub in Blackpool has seen a large part of the structure being demolished.

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a child was left seriously injured following a road traffic collision in Blackpool.

Blackpool is getting a £6.85m upgrade to street lighting in a bid to cut carbon emissions and electricity costs. 

A bogus builder from Blackpool who conned his victims out of thousands of pounds has been jailed.

Police have charged three teenagers with attempted murder following an incident in Blackpool which left a man with serious stab injuries.

Some of Blackpool’s newest Illuminations have been rubbished by a leading councillor – prompting a rousing defence of them by the council leader.

Four more people have been arrested as detectives continue to investigate a wounding in Blackpool which left a man with serious stab injuries.

Police are appealing for information after a collision in the Broughton area left a man with serious injuries.

From April 2026, all councils in England are to introduce weekly food waste collections as part of the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling initiative, designed to make recycling more consistent and effective across the country.

Police have launched an investigation after a man was stabbed in Blackpool.

Fylde's employment support programmes are transforming lives at pace, with 118 residents achieving positive outcomes including 21 people securing jobs, 63 gaining qualifications, and 34 entering education or training between July and September.

A special ceremony will take place at the world-famous Blackpool Tower Circus to celebrate the unveiling of a Blue Heritage Plaque honouring one of Britain’s most beloved circus performers, Charlie Cairoli.

Potential buyers are in discussions over the sale of Blackpool’s iconic North Pier, one of the town’s top attractions.

Blackpool’s spectacular Christmas By The Sea village is returning for 2025.

People who regularly use buses run by Blackpool Transport are being urged to have their say on how the services can be improved.

Proposals for 38 new homes in Over Wyre have been submitted to planners as part of a major outline planning application.

Ambitious proposals for a new multi-million pound Fisherman’s Friend factory in Fleetwood are still going through the planning process – despite the scheme being given approval two years ago.

Lytham will be transformed into a glittering winter wonderland again next year, as the Fylde Ice Festival returns to the town for its fourth year in 2026.

The M55 motorway between Blackpool and Preston has reopened this morning following an overnight closure caused by a serious road traffic collision.

More than 4,700 nominations have been submitted to recognise the people, groups and businesses making a difference across the Fylde Coast, as anticipation builds ahead of the awards night.

A huge illuminated drone display over Stanley Park caught many people out this week as they were driving past.

Blackpool looks set to get a new bowling alley as details of new leisure plans at the former Odeon Cinema have been revealed for the first time.

Controversial plans to develop a quarry in a quiet Over Wyre village have been thrown out today – prompting spontaneous applause in a council chamber.

One of Blackpool’s most distinctive festivals has been extended – bringing some extra colour and brightness to the dark nights of autumn.

Ambitious plans to build a sizable food store at Norcross may have been approved – but planners have stipulated the application was not specific to M&S.

Amir Morani Fireworks, a pyrotechnics team from India, have been crowned the first champions of Blackpool’s annual World Fireworks competition.

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a fatal collision in Kirkham over the weekend.

Blackpool has been selected to join the inaugural class of a new European city leadership initiative – and the move is expected to benefit the town in key ways.

Show homes are now open for inspection at a new housing development in Thornton – but a ward councillor says a chance has been missed to preserve a precious archaeological site on the land.

A man has been jailed for assaulting staff while a patient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

A woman has been jailed after attempting to abduct a baby girl in Blackpool.

There will be an enhanced tram timetable to help visitors during the final performance in the World Fireworks Championships 2025, says Blackpool Transport.

A call has been made for the removal of Rolf Harris’ name from Blackpool’s famous Comedy Carpet because of the late entertainer’s conviction for sexual offences.

A further phase of soil sampling is underway in Thornton-Cleveleys as part of an ongoing inspection related to historic activity at a nearby chemical facility.

Voting is now open for the Fylde Coast Community Awards, giving residents across the area the chance to recognise and celebrate the people, businesses and organisations making a real difference in local life.

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a collision involving a police vehicle and a car in Fleetwood on Tuesday.

The most successful duo in UK music history, Pet Shop Boys, are heading Lytham Festival 2026.

Blackpool Football Club say they’re ‘appalled’ that a racist message was received by one of their players via social media.

Blackpool’s N-Vision sight loss charity has announced a range of new services for Lancashire.

Fylde Council is calling for government support to protect local housing for its residents.

GRAMMY nominated musician Teddy Swims has been announced as the first 2026 Lytham Festival headliner.

Work to renovate an iconic Blackpool town centre building has completed, as it prepares for a new future as a hub for growing local businesses.

Residents and visitors can follow a journey of discovery as Fylde Council’s Head of Tourism, Tim Dixon, sets off on a three-day, 40-mile adventure walking the district border of Fylde in aid of the Mayoral charities.

In preparation for the Government’s new Simpler Recycling legislation, Blackpool is set to trial a new waste collection system designed to make recycling easier and more accessible for residents.

VisitBlackpool, organisers of World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, have confirmed a new date for the cancelled show from Team India, which was due to take place on Saturday 13 September. 

Wyre Council are looking for a new operator for the leisure centres in Garstang, Fleetwood, Poulton, and Thornton.

Blackpool Council has used grant funding to purchase the former post office, a key development site in the town centre, to secure and safeguard its future. 

A senior hospital consultant has been jailed for six years after abusing his position to sexually assault female members of staff at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The progress of one of Blackpool’s biggest regeneration projects has been discussed this week as the next steps forward are considered.

A former world champion boxer from the Fylde coast has paid tribute to close pal Ricky Hatton after his sudden unexpected death aged just 46.

A man has died after a tree branch fell on his tent in a park in Blackpool.

A businessman who was thwarted in his plans to transform a Grade II listed radar station into a unique house in Fleetwood says he is not giving up on his dream.

It was once Fleetwood’s cherished M&S store and then during a dark period became its biggest eyesore, before making a welcome comeback.

A new office for Department of Work and Pensions in Blackpool has been named as the best new building in Lancashire.

Hometown hero Ross Goodwin, better known as Rossy Rascal, will bring his trademark chaos, charisma, and championship spirit to the Winter Gardens this September in an unmissable Top Rope Wrestling showdown.

Proposed changes intended to fix a problem roundabout described as ‘dangerous’ will not alleviate the key issues, says a road campaigner.

A proposed windfarm project would see underground cables laid through parts of Wyre – including environmentally sensitive parts of Fleetwood and Thornton – if plans progress.

The first round of work is under way to transform one of Blackpool’s most iconic pubs as part of a multi-million pound project.

The Environment Agency says it is investigating a ‘small liquid discharge’ close to the River Wyre from a controversial landfill site in Fleetwood.

Two novel attractions new to Blackpool are being proposed for a seafront site close to the town’s famous South Pier.

It’s all set for Fleetwood Colour Run, a fun-packed family event on the beach which takes place this weekend.

New proposals for two rides to operate either side of Blackpool’s famous South Pier have been thrown out by planners.

An organised crime group have been jailed after importing drugs from the USA to be supplied in Blackpool.

Fylde Council has agreed a contract extension with the YMCA to operate St Annes Swimming Pool until the end of March next year.

An attempt to transform a Grade II listed radar station into a unique house with remarkable views over a beach has been thrown out by planners.

Marks & Spencer has responded to rumours that the chain is to close its Blackpool town centre store.

Poulton could get another new housing development – comprising more than 200 homes – if plans are approved.

Blackpool is set to light up the skies once again as it launches a thrilling new chapter in its firework championships.

Friends and family have got together to pay glowing tribute to a much loved midwife who tragically died aged just 37.

Lancashire residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to have their say on the biggest council shake-up in the county for more than 50 years.

Pop superstar Olly Murs is set to light up Blackpool tonight as the headline performer for the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event.

If you go down to Cleveleys seafront this weekend you might be mistaken in thinking you’ve walked onto the set of a Star Wars production.

Residents in Fylde have a chance to find out more about proposals which could bring electric cables through the borough to connect an offshore wind farm to the national grid at Penwortham.

St Annes International Kite Festival makes a return at the end of this week and continues throughout the weekend.

Fylde Council is urging residents to attend upcoming community information events about Ørsted’s proposed East Irish Sea Transmission Project, which could bring electricity cables through the borough to connect an offshore wind farm to the national grid at Penwortham.

Blackpool is preparing for one of the most magical nights in its calendar when, for one night only, the six miles of Promenade will be closed to give cyclists a sneak preview of this year’s Illuminations.

Marton Mere Holiday Village in Blackpool is planning to site extra static caravans on the park.

Work to build another 20,000sqft of industrial units at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone has reached a key stage.

Developers behind ambitious proposals to build a new M&S food hall at Norcross have responded to a long list of concerns raised via a huge public reaction.

Four men have been jailed following the discovery of a cannabis farm in Blackpool.

Blackpool’s Showtown museum of fun and entertainment is calling on little people to help lead a pioneering new project.

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a woman very sadly died following a collision in Lytham over the weekend.

Blackpool’s former Abingdon Street Post Office is on the brink of a multi-million pound transformation into a top-name hotel.

The date has been set for a drop-in session to discuss the ongoing odour issues with a landfill site in Fleetwood.

The new operator of Blackpool’s Backlot Cinema is set to take over this Friday – and has reassured customers that there will be no immediate changes.

A Blackpool man has avoided prison after admitting killing a motorcyclist while driving in Knott End.

Lancashire Police say arrests for drink and drug driving have risen by 20% compared to the same period last year.

There’s a new team out to lend assistance to passengers on Blackpool’s trams and buses – and their distinctive uniforms are hard to miss.

Defender dragons, pampered pooches and wild wonders of the woodland are set to light up Blackpool, all created in collaboration with four nationally acclaimed artists.

Police have charged 20 people and seized numerous weapons as part of an operation to tackle Class A drug dealing in Blackpool and the Fylde.

Work is finally able to press ahead on multi-million pound regeneration plans at one of Blackpool’s most iconic pubs.

Police are appealing for information and footage after serious collision in Blackpool.

Fylde Council has unveiled a spectacular transformation of St Annes Square in time for the town’s momentous 150th anniversary celebrations.

The legendary Funny Girls cabaret venue on Dickson Road is officially up for sale.

A leading swimming club member has welcomed Fylde Council’s move to officially regain ownership of the Kirkham Pool site – but he believes a longer term vision is needed.

24,000 free tickets have been made available for those wishing to attend.

Central Radio's Nicola Adam had the pleasure of heading to the theatre to catch Chicago and shares her experience.

Fleetwood’s iconic Tram Sunday – officially known as Fleetwood Festival of Transport – celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend.

Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers has joined calls for action to be taken over Norcross roundabout and the continued congestion problems on parts of the A585.

Volunteers are helping to ensure that rail visitors arriving directly outside Blackpool’s famous Pleasure Beach Resort have a good impression before they even enter the amusement park.

A new film festival is being launched on the Fylde coast which has an international dimension and also invites local filmmakers to take part.

Major changes coming in for Blackpool’s bin collections have met with an unfavourable reaction from some residents, although others have been more supportive.

UPDATED - The northbound section of the M6 has reopened following an earlier serious collision near junction 33 at Lancaster.

It has been an eyesore since it closed seven years ago but finally Blackpool’s former police station is coming down.

Huge changes to Blackpool’s bin collections are on their way after getting the green light.

A petition has been set up in support of the continuation of the historic Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry service.

Campaigners against a stinking landfill site have welcomed confirmation that an end date is finally in sight.

Blackpool’s iconic heritage trams are on track for a return to service on the seafront this autumn as work is underway to get the trams and track ready.

An innovative sports skills project for youngsters which launched two years ago is facing closure after losing a planning bid.

Plans to extend a Fylde coast community centre will provide the vital space needed to allow more activities there, say supporters of the project.

A man in his 30s has died after a crash on the A6 near Garstang.

A man has been jailed for 30 years after stabbing a man in a frenzied attack in Blackpool.

Major changes to Blackpool’s bin collection service – including domestic waste being collected every three weeks - are being considered by the council.

Drugs worth £80,000 were seized when Lancashire Police officers stopped a car which had been travelling on the M6.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said Blackpool was a place he enjoyed visiting when he was younger but was a place he now needed to visit to highlight health inequalities in the nation.

Lancashire urged to shine a spotlight on its hidden heritage with National Blue Plaque nominations

Blackpool Air Show is set to return later this summer with two days of spectacular aerial displays from some of the world’s finest military and civilian aircraft over the seafront.

Fylde Council has confirmed it will take over Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre and shop following the RSPB’s departure next week.

Blackpool’s three council-run Family Hubs are aiming to reach as many people as possible by launching a new campaign to shine a light on what they offer.

Two high schools on the Fylde coast will be able to carry out vital repairs thanks to a share in a regional funding boost of over £54m.

Fleetwood Carnival is back this weekend as the town prepares for one of the biggest community events of the year.

An inspiring charity walker is just days away from completing a gruelling coast-to-coast trek to raise funds for a Cumbrian mental health charity supporting children and young people.

New collaborative track launches to raise funds for private autism assessments, inspired by a touching moment from the frontman’s own family

A Blackpool charity which provides vital support for vulnerable young people has been awarded £475,000 funding from the National Lottery.

The streets outside a Blackpool school were lined with pupils, parents and staff paying their respects to a much-loved teacher who died last month aged just 38.

Blackpool Council has clarified that a huge ‘pothole’ which held up traffic on the promenade Monday was in fact emergency work by a utilities firm.

A man who assaulted two nurses and a paramedic as he caused chaos in a hospital ward near to where a seriously ill baby was being treated, has been jailed.

The Force is definitely with Cleveleys after a new brass marker was unveiled, commemorating the town and Wyre’s connection to one of the most iconic film franchises in history, Star Wars.

Proposals to radically transform a shop front in the middle of Blackpool town centre have been lodged with planners.

A family say they’re worried that proposals for a quarry in their village will mean the works would be right next to their garden.

Three youths had to be rescued after being swept out to sea near North Pier in Blackpool.

Police have charged two men as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a baby boy in Blackpool.

Renowned glass artist closes the furnace door on a career that’s dazzled royalty, rock stars and collectors.

The scaffolding is back up on Little Marton Mill, ready for the next round of work to begin.

Lancashire Constabulary is set to benefit from an additional 53 Police Officers, as well as 30 new Police Community Support Officers and 20 Special Constables, thanks to extra Home Office funding.

A rogue trader who scammed elderly and vulnerable residents out of more than £500,000 has been hit with further sanctions to prevent him preying on more victims in the future.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb says he is helping inform pensioners of their entitlements in the wake of the Winter Fuel Allowance U-turn by the Government.

A review is currently underway into the effectiveness of a multi-million pound bypass hailed as the answer to chronic congestion, a road campaigner has been told.

King Charles has visited Lancaster Castle, his first engagement in Lancashire since he became Monarch.

Local florist ‘What The Flowers’ marks new chapter with emotional tribute and charity event for RNLI and Leukaemia Care.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has urged the Government to go further in its new free school meals initiative – by expanding the offer to ALL children.

The resort’s most famous landmark, the Blackpool Tower, will be managed by the council’s wholly-owned tourism company, Blackpool Tourism Limited, from later this year, it’s been announced.

Blackpool’s bus service is a shining example of how a council-run amenity can be run in the right way, a Government minister said after visiting the resort.

Proposals to set up a new banking hub in Garstang have now reached the planning stage, with an application lodged with Wyre Council.

The Environment Agency has declared drought status for the north-west of England following the driest start to spring in 69 years.

A former Blackpool man who tried to blame an imaginary twin, who didn't exist, for his sexual offences, has been jailed.

Residents fighting to protect a precious greenspace in front of their homes will make their case at a key council meeting next week.

The opening night of the Lytham Festival has been cancelled after it was revealed the lead singer of Kings of Leon has suffered a serious foot injury.

Blackpool Council now has the green light to use compulsory purchase powers for its plans to tackle poor housing after a key decision was taken by the authority’s executive committee.