Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

Blackpool Council’s work to improve adult social care (ASC) services has been recognised and praised by the government’s lead on social care.

An 18-year-old who is registered blind has turned his own experiences of living with sight loss into an app designed to help other blind and visually impaired people navigate the world more safely and independently.

Two allotment sites in Thornton-Cleveleys have been formally determined as Contaminated Land at a meeting of Wyre's Full Council.

The award-winning St Annes International Kite Festival returns in 2027.

Thornton’s much-loved and iconic Marsh Mill looks set to undergo further extensive restoration work.

Proposals to transform the former North West Ambulance Service station in Thornton into offices for a roofing firm have now been lodged with Wyre planners.

New proposals have emerged for a dedicated motorhome park on the Blackpool Central site, with those backing the plans saying it would provide a ‘massive boost’ for the town’s tourism.

Blackpool has been shortlisted as one of the final four places to be named UK City of Culture 2029.

Blackpool’s warm welcome for Hungarian refugees has been commemorated with a special wreath-laying ceremony.

A new announcement about Blackpool’s Metropole Hotel and the plans for its future is expected to be made soon, operators Britannia have intimated.

Police in Lancashire are stepping up efforts to tackle violence against women and girls with the launch of a new operation aimed at kicking out misogyny and sexual offending in football.

A Blackpool councillor says he is demanding answers from the Government over concerns of an apparent lack of prosecutions of vandalism on children’s playgrounds.

A Blackpool man has outlined ambitious proposals to create a wide-ranging community hub in the town – and make use of the resort’s iconic former Abingdon Street Post Office.

Blackpool Council is still negotiating with the owner of a single property in a row of terraced houses being demolished to make way for two major sports projects.

Work is finally underway to build a brand new hotel and bar on South Shore promenade following the demolition of the original Art Deco Yates Bar building.

A new innovative food destination for Blackpool is to be launched next month in the form of a vibrant Christmas Market.

A major step forward in Blackpool’s most ambitious development proposals – the £300 million Blackpool Central project – looks set to finally be revealed in the New Year.

Last week’s cancelled World Fireworks Championship event won’t be rescheduled, say Blackpool Council.

A Fleetwood councillor is trying to stage a last-ditch bid to save a much-used children’s play area and multi use games area in Fleetwood.

A Blackpool resident raised concerns at a council meeting about the three-weekly bin collection and food caddies – and said it was leading to an increase in rats around people’s homes – including his own.

Police have charged 33 people and seized significant quantities of drugs, cash and weapons as part of a major operation in Blackpool. 

A council debate raised questions about the actual attendance figure for the 2026 Blackpool Illuminations switch-on event amid unfavourable comparisons with figures for Lytham Festival.

Blackpool councillors have unanimously refused proposals to open a controversial Parrot Experience attraction after agreeing that it would be “detrimental” to the resort.

A Blackpool councillor has called for a long-term strategy to help bring about the return of international flights to the town’s airport.

A decision is set to be made on controversial proposals to open a ‘Parrot Experience’ in Blackpool town centre which have attracted an 16,811-name petition and 18 objection notices.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders are being invited to have their say on the future of Hillhouse Enterprise Zone as Wyre Council launches a public consultation on the draft review of the site's masterplan.

The star of Blackpool Tower’s famous circus has received a British Empire Medal after being recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this year.

Local people are being invited to share their views on how the vision and opportunities behind Multiversity are communicated as the landmark £65 million development continues to take shape in the heart of Blackpool town centre.

Proposals for new train services between London and Blackpool have been rejected by the Office of Rail and Road.

Stanley Park has marked its 100th anniversary with a special two-day celebration bringing together generations of Blackpool residents, visitors, volunteers, community groups and the people who help care for the much-loved park.

A man from Garstang has been given a 22-year sentence after abusing and raping a woman.

Blackpool is set to receive a share of £10m to improve access to healthy and affordable food for people in need.

Everyone is invited to Stanley Park this weekend for the main public celebration of the park's 100th birthday.

A pensioner old man has been jailed after sexually assaulting a young woman in the early 1990s.

An agreement has been reached between Lancashire County Council, Wyre Council and the operator of the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry service to provide additional funding.

Blackpool’s original 1920s cinema The Regent is playing host to an international festival of short films which is normally staged in Manchester.

Thousands of Fylde households are receiving their brand-new food waste caddies from this week.

Stalled plans to build a new multi-million pound magistrates court in Blackpool are progressing with a new developer for the major project announced.

Wyre Council leader Michael Vincent has called on the Government to make an urgent intervention over historic contamination in parts of Thornton by cancer-causing chemical PFOA.

A Blackpool woman fears being left broke if her home is sold to the council and demolished as part of a controversial regeneration scheme.

A vital service in Blackpool offering support for people recovering from addictions has staged a special event to highlight the impact it has been having.

There’s a new name on the Blackpool street map, and it leads to a whole lot of Happiness.

An innovative theatre in Blackpool which had to leave its premises last year is making a splash with its new base.

Blackpool’s public light-art festival, Lightpool Festival returns this October half term - and celebrates its ten-year anniversary.

There’s less than two weeks to go until Stanley Park marks its 100th anniversary, with a spectacular day of family fun, entertainment and a dazzling drone show.

Blackpool Council says it is aware that a small number of beggars are taking an increasingly aggressive and intimidating approach – and is working with partners to tackle the issue.

Essential repairs will be carried out on the paddling pool at St Annes after funding was agreed by Fylde Council.

Blackpool Transport is on the lookout for a suitable location from which to temporarily display the town’s iconic and much-loved heritage fleet.

A lush meadow which has been part of people’s childhood memories in the Kirkham and Wesham area for generations desperately needs saving from a massive housing scheme, say campaigners.

A damning CQC report on Blackpool’s Adult Social care last year has ended up being a positive wake-up call which has improved services, an annual report concludes.

Lytham Assembly Rooms, home to Lytham Library, is set to remain in the hands of the community that has cared for it for decades, after Fylde Council’s agreed to transfer the freehold of the historic building to Lytham Town Trust.

Contractors working with Blackpool Council have joined forces to create a new community space in South Shore, aiming to upskill residents and help create a more resilient community.

A government decision to approve a controversial cabling scheme to connect a pair of offshore windfarms near Fylde to a power station in South Ribble will leave the local landscape it cuts through changed forever, campaigners against the plans have warned.

Cheering crowds of excited children waved union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a serious road traffic collision in Freckleton.

The Duke of Edinburgh is set to visit Blackpool’s award-winning Stanley Park tomorrow as the Grade II-listed park celebrates its centenary year.

Leisure operators are being invited to help transform one of Fylde most loved destinations, as Fylde Council opens its formal tender for a padel and tennis concession at Fairhaven Lake and Gardens.

The parents of a little girl with a serious degenerative illness are in a battle to try and slow down its progression in any way they can.

Blackpool Council insists it has not ruled out the prospect of a top arena for the town, despite the proposals not being explicitly included in an update on its ambitious Blackpool Central proposals.

The owners of a Cleveleys pub which has been closed for more than three years have confirmed it is to reopen.

The future of a large and prominent hotel on Blackpool seafront remains uncertain after the operators went into liquidation.

Part of the former Fleetwood Hospital building could be used for student accommodation in the face of a shortage of suitable provision in the area.

Blackpool Council is being recommended to continue with a procurement exercise to find a developer for the Blackpool Central site.

Demolition work has been carried out on an unsafe fire-damaged play ship in Anchorsholme Park which was targeted by arsonists last December.

Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone continues to see significant progress, with major infrastructure projects completed, new development land released and further investment planned to support business growth and create new jobs across the Fylde coast.

Dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets could face a £250 fixed penalty notice under new measures approved by Wyre Council.

A woman has been found dead in a pond at Lowther Gardens in Lytham.

Blackpool’s RNLI sent a powerful message to planners that proposed rock groynes could directly lead to lives being lost in the sea.

A Blackpool mental health charity has reopened its South Shore hub almost a year after massive storm damage left it uninhabitable.

A Fleetwood man has been jailed for assaulting a woman and engaging in controlling behaviour towards her. 

The latest phase of improvements to the children's playground at Memorial Park in Fleetwood have been unveiled.

Lancashire County Council has indicated it could be willing to pay more to keep the Fleetwood to Knott End ferry in operation – but first wants convincing that an increased subsidy for the service makes sense for the public purse.

Controversial plans to build almost 80 new affordable homes in the Over Wyre village of Stalmine have been given the green light by Wyre Council.

Lancashire Police is to launch the use of Live Facial Recognition, helping prevent and detect crime, while protecting the most vulnerable in our county.

Planners at Wyre will meet this week to make a decision on on a controversial application to build 79 new affordable homes in the Over Wyre village of Stalmine.

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.

Blackpool is pushing for the return of the national Labour conference which would be worth £30 million to the local economy over just one week.

A piece of Kirkham's heritage has been saved for future generations after a significant milestone in the restoration of the Grade II listed Hillside on Preston Street was reached.

The overhaul of a play area torched in a mindless vandal attack is still on schedule, insists Blackpool Council after ward councillors hit out at delays.

Superstar DJ and award-winning producer Fatboy Slim will head to the Lancashire coast next summer to headline the North West’s largest live music festival.

Plans for two new padel tennis courts in Poulton have been put forward to accommodate the world’s fastest growing sport.

A plan to install 17 rock groynes on the southern end of Blackpool’s beach has been hailed as the saviour of its famous golden sands – but almost 60 people and the RNLI are objecting.

Blackpool Winter Gardens is throwing open its doors for a new weekender built around the bands and songwriters who soundtracked British guitar music from the tail end of the 80s through the 90s and beyond.

Blackpool is set to host its first-ever Illumination Switch-On Watch Party, giving hundreds more people the chance to be part of the biggest night in the resort’s calendar.

Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously injured in a road crash in Blackpool.

Crews have tackled a large vehicle fire in Poulton-le-Fylde.

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a motorcycle rider was left with serious injuries following a road traffic collision in Blackpool.

Supporters of Blackpool's North Pier have been asked to get involved in a public consultation into how the town's landmarks should be protected in future.

A singer songwriter from Kirkham has been backed by the legendary Sir Paul McCartney and Peter Kay.

Thousands of spectators lined the route as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women's elite cycle race came to Lancashire.

Lancashire residents have been warned about a scam where fraudulent messages are sent about unpaid parking charges.

Police have arrested a man after carrying out a drugs raid on a property in Blackpool.

A year ago Peter Franklin was fighting for his life after suffering a massive heart attack while on his honeymoon in the Caribbean.

A programme of road closures will be in place when an elite women's cycling race visits Lancashire in a first for the county.

Crews have tackled a fire at a property in Blackpool.

A registered sex offender has been jailed after indecent images of children and extreme pornography were found on devices belonging to him.

Lancashire County Council has hailed "fabulous results" in today's A-levels and offered support for students thinking of their next move.

Proposals have been made to install 18 EV charging stations at Blackpool’s largest Tesco store in Marton.

A mum whose son vanished without trace 10 years ago in St Annes is desperately waiting to hear from him to tell her he’s alright.

A teacher has been jailed after grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a teenage girl in Lytham St Annes.

Blackpool has unveiled a dazzling array of new, family-friendly features set to illuminate the resort’s famous 2026 Illuminations display, created in collaboration with three acclaimed female artists.

Blackpool is in with a brilliant chance of of being named the UK City of Culture 2029, says council leader Cllr Lynn Williams.

A Blackpool councillor has called for a crackdown on the increasing number of camper vans parking up for free on a main seafront road.

A community cafe in the middle of a Fylde coast park is to close permanently at the end of this month.

Plans have been put forward to set up an enlarged traveller site in Blackpool’s Marton Moss area.

Blackpool Council is holding several fostering information events this month.

Fleetwood is gearing up for its first Food, Fish and Music Festival, offering three days of free entertainment, food, live music and fun for all ages.

Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) and Furness College have formally merged – marking the beginning of a new chapter for education across Lancashire and Cumbria.

Fylde Council say St Annes swimming pool and gym will remain closed ‘for an extended period’ while extensive renovation works are carried out.

A man who blew up his Hambleton home has been jailed.

Television and radio presenter, comedian and author Paddy McGuinness will perform the honour of switching on the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations at this year’s Switch-On event.

Fylde Council has announced the latest round of Community Projects Fund grants, with thirteen local groups set to benefit from funding.

Children’s services in Blackpool have been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

A campaign to save a former church building on the Fylde coast from demolition has been boosted by national recognition of its heritage value.

A roofer who Padiham who misled, threatened, and took thousands of pounds from an elderly victim in Blackpool has been jailed.

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

Multi-award-winning musician KT Tunstall will join Manchester’s renowned Hallé Orchestra a free live concert to celebrate Blackpool's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Major proposals to extensively revamp Fleetwood’s Marine Hall – including the provision of a new café and outdoor seating – have been given the green light by Wyre planners.

On the fourth anniversary of Kiena Dawes' death, her mother, Angela Dawes, is calling on the public to support the campaign for Kiena's Law, urging decision-makers to strengthen the response to coercive and controlling behaviour before more lives are lost.

32 e-bikes and e-scooters have been seized in Blackpool, after a day of action by the local Neighbourhood Team and Roads Policing Team.

Andy Burnham’s pledge to end rough sleeping as one of his first main policies as Prime Minister has struck a political chord with Blackpool.

International pop megastar Robbie Williams is heading to the Lytham Festival in 2027.

Plans to create one of Blackpool’s most innovative food destinations are pressing ahead as 19 converted shipping containers were moved on site for the first time.

Three teenagers have been sentenced after a stabbing in Blackpool which left a man with serious injuries.    

Following the recent fire at the former ex-catalogue shop on Lord Street in Fleetwood, Wyre Council has taken action against the owners of the building to try and make the building safe as soon as possible.

The leader of Blackpool Council has expressed disappointment at today’s decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire – and fears the town will ‘lose its identity’.

A man has admitted harassment towards Blackpool South MP Chris Webb.

A teaching union claims that plans to force every Catholic school in the Diocese of Lancaster to become an academy will drain vital funds away from the classroom – and could see teacher numbers cut.

The operator of a chemicals facility in Thornton which is part of a pollution probe has vowed that its possible closure will have no bearing on the investigations.

Lancashire will be split up into four new council areas when the county’s 15 existing local authorities are abolished in less than two years’ time.

Work is underway to reinstate the windmill sails that have welcomed people to Blackpool for generations.

The skyline at Norcross is already starting to change as building work gets under way on huge new 21,500 sq ft Marks and Spencer Food Hall.

Attempts to increase Blackpool’s rail connection with London have stalled – despite coming at a time when the resort is enjoying massive multi-million investment.

Hazardous counterfeit toys have been being seized from shops across Blackpool.

A number of parks across Blackpool and the Fylde coast have earned a Green Flag Award.

Blackpool Council is set to deliver a programme of resurfacing works to St Annes Road, helping to protect and improve this key route for the long term.

More than 200 jobs in Thornton are hanging in the balance as the operators of the former ICI plant have revealed proposals to cease production.

The man who led Blackpool Council as it became a unitary authority, oversaw the roll out of Sure Start centres, and set up the town’s first publicly run leisure centre, has died.

A Blackpool off-road racer is staging a major cross-Atlantic campaign, trading the Fylde coast for the gruelling deserts of the Baja Peninsula.

A Blackpool charity which helps seriously ill children has sent out an SOS after heartless burglars broke in and caused massive damage.

It seems to have been a long time coming, but the first sign of construction of Blackpool’s £65m Multiversity campus has finally appeared.

Everybody on the Fylde coast is being encouraged to back a bid for Blackpool to be named the UK City of Culture 2029.

A man has been jailed after killing a grandfather on a pedestrian crossing in Cleveleys.

A new padel facility is set to open at Stanley Park offering a new sports option for residents and generating funds to be reinvested in the park.

The government has been accused of giving a lukewarm response to lobbying efforts to secure support for the replacement or refurbishment of Preston’s Guild Hall.

The extra costs of improvement work needed on a new £18.5m access road after lorries struggled to turn onto it will not be borne by Blackpool Council or council tax payers.

Blackpool Council is looking to take steps in case it will need Compulsory Purchase Orders to get an ambitious but controversial regeneration project off the ground.

The Blackpool South MP says he is hopeful that opportunities can arrive in the future to revive the town’s airport – but that moment isn’t ready yet.

A public inquiry is to be staged tomorrow to decide on Blackpool Pier Company’s appeal against Blackpool Council’s decision to reject plans for new rides on South Pier.

Two men who burst their way into a house in Blackpool and robbed the householder of his mobile phone, have been jailed. 

Blackpool Victoria Hospital has been granted planning permission to permanently retain a prefab building which was originally used for the Covid pandemic but has continued to be used.

Ziggy played guitar…and now you can see it up close at Blackpool’s Showtown museum.

Residents impacted by unwanted odour in their homes from a Fleetwood landfill site are urged to continue to record incidents while an abatement notice is in place.

North Pier, Blackpool's oldest and most iconic pier, has entered a new chapter, with a £10million investment programme planned.

Five, along with Lucy Spraggan and The Feeling have been revealed as the musical acts performing at this year’s Blackpool Illuminations Switch‑On.

The Blackpool South MP says the government has pledged to fund the first steps in building a world-class arena in the resort.

Owners of a Blackpool hotel where a child died after suffering an electric shock in the lobby have been fined £120,000 over health and safety offences.

An update on plans to create a pet crematorium at Carleton is to be given by Blackpool Council after a question was asked about it at a public meeting.

A man was arrested after a car was driven through road closures put in place for the annual Lytham Club Day parade.

Police are appealing for information and footage after a collision in Kirkham in which a man in his 80s died.

Lancashire Police have issued a reminder to partygoers heading to Lytham Festival next week to have fun but stay safe.

A gang responsible for the supply of millions of pounds of drugs to the streets of Lancashire and beyond have been jailed for a total of more than 40 years.

A spectacular drone show will illuminate the skies above Stanley Park this October as part of a special anniversary weekend celebrating the park's centenary year.

Blackpool Council has released a statement clarifying its involvement with the tragic Preston Davey case.

Councillors in Fylde have agreed that controversial plans to build nearly 50 new homes in the village of Weeton should be approved.

A Poulton-le-Fylde man who had part of his leg removed during cancer treatment has walked 10million steps in a year – representing a million steps for each year he’s been cancer-free – to raise funds for charity.

Proposals for a north of England bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games have been welcomed in Blackpool and Lancashire.

Fans of Ken Dodd know the comedian famously came from Liverpool – and Knott Ash in particular – but he is also forever linked with Blackpool.

A special parkrun event will celebrate the centenary of Stanley Park – and it will include historic medals for participants.

Wyre Council is delighted to announce the completion of a major refurbishment at Thornton Health and Fitness Centre, following an investment of more than £230,000 to transform the gym facilities.

A comprehensive Health and Community Impact Report into odour emissions from the Jameson Road landfill site in Fleetwood has highlighted the ongoing impact on residents’ health and wellbeing.

A man has been jailed for 13 years for sexually assaulting two children.  

A huge regeneration project aimed at improving housing in Blackpool’s Revoe area took a major step forward today – but many residents are not welcoming it.

A Thornton councillor is calling for a plot of open land to be used as a designated community recreation area after year of campaigning.

Wyre Council has worked in partnership with Blackpool Transport to introduce a temporary shuttle service in Fleetwood, ensuring continued access to the town centre and market following disruption to tram services on Lord Street. 

Blackpool should apply for city status and take advantage of the benefits, says a leading local businessman.

A restaurant owner in Blackpool has vowed to appeal over a decision to revoke his premises licence over illegal worker claims.

The Wyre Business Awards are back for 2026, and entries are now officially open for the borough’s biggest celebration of local business success. 

A number of local people from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast have been recognised in King Charles’ Birthday Honours List.

A balloon artist from Kirkham has helped create what is believed to be one of the World's largest foil balloon World Cup trophies after being challenged to design the structure from scratch for an international training event.

Vandals have forced a public toilet at Blackpool’s Stanley Park to close after mindlessly trashing the facilities.

Blackpool Council has vowed to complete a new housing development of 51 homes in Bispham despite being left £9.5m in debt after the developer went into administration.

A £40,000 grant is to be made available by Wyre Council to help set up a training facility at Thornton to tackle a worrying skills gap in the area.

Network Rail is objecting to plans to build a new housing estate near a level crossing.

A shop owner has been jailed after Trading Standards officers uncovered an illegal tobacco and vape operation in St Annes.

Fylde Council is bringing its food waste team directly to communities across the borough this summer, ahead of the service launching in the autumn.

Proposals to reinstate and revitalise the largest park in Cleveleys as an active, nature-rich and multi-generational space are now being shared with the community for feedback. 

A Blackpool councillor has called for urgent answers after safety concerns over the resort’s famous trams were raised by a transport watchdog.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly woman was found dead at an address in Thornton Cleveleys.

Anti-fracking campaigners have reacted with delight after the firm that operated a controversial drilling site in Fylde was given six months to restore it to the farmland that it used to be.

Wyre Council is moving into the next phase of improvements at Marine Hall in Fleetwood, with plans to invest £1.3 million to bring a key part of the venue back into use.

Community organisations across Wyre could soon benefit from a £1 million funding programme designed to transform local spaces and create lasting impact for residents, following approval by Wyre Council’s Cabinet.

Ambitious proposals to create new apartments in one of Blackpool’s most iconic buildings have been give the green light by planners.

Proposals for two rides to be sited at Blackpool’s South Pier are set for a public inquiry hearing after the scheme was rejected on two occasions by resort planners.

Residents in the Revoe area of Blackpool have three more drop-in sessions planned to discuss a controversial regeneration scheme which includes demolition of their homes.

A 13-year-old and 15-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire which destroyed the former M&S store in Fleetwood on Wednesday night.

Residents in Poulton-le-Fylde are benefiting from improved road conditions following the completion of a full resurfacing scheme on Curzon Road.

The boss of a long-established Indian restaurant in Blackpool says tough rules on immigrants being allowed to work are forcing decent eateries to close.

National concern about the rising number of young people who are NEET – Not in Employment, Education or Training – are being shared in Blackpool.

A veteran Blackpool councillor is believed to be the longest serving elected member currently serving on a council in the UK.