Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

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 world-famous Illuminations were officially switched on by comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness, marking the start of another dazzling season for one of the UK's most iconic attractions.

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.

An influential committee has formally asked Lancashire County Council’s cabinet to provide the extra cash needed to keep the Fleetwood to Knott End ferry afloat.

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.

Hundreds of suspected fake perfume bottles and scores of suspected illicit Apple and Samsung products have been uncovered by Trading Standards at a car boot sale in Wyre.

Fylde is set to take centre stage in celebrating the very best green spaces across England.

Blackpool’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and British Transport Police’ County Lines Task Force have undertaken a joint day of action, with the aim of targeting drug supply in the town. 

Police have issued a warning that any disorder or crime committed during a protest march in Blackpool this weekend will not be tolerated.

Blackpool Council has responded to claims made by Reform UK’s lead councillor over plans to house migrants locally whilst also refuting stats on the number of asylum seekers in the town.

Plans to create a gleaming new play space at Anchorsholme Park are moving forward after vandals wrecked the play area in a mindless attack last year.

A new message on the door of a popular pub-restaurant which is facing the axe has still left punters with questions.

Calls have been made for an empty pub and restaurant in Bispham – which closed last year – to be taken on by a successful pub chain.

Blackpool Council is submitting a government bid for £30m to fix the colonnades.

Wildlife, residents and the wider environment are set to benefit from a programme of exciting improvement works along Liggard Brook.

Dates have now been confirmed for this year’s spectacular World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, one of the resort’s most iconic autumn events.

A popular bus service that’s helped thousands of visitors make the most of holidays on the Fylde coast is set to return ahead of the summer season.

Construction has now started on the new Multiversity campus, with representatives from all key stakeholders joining together on site to mark another major milestone in the transformation of the town centre.

A man who shouted racist abuse at a mother and daughter as they walked their dog in Warton has been sentenced.

The opening date for Blackpool’s newest attraction has been confirmed.

A meeting for residents of Thornton who are concerned about chemical pollution close to their homes is being staged tomorrow.

Blackpool Council and residents have hit back after the town was labelled Britain’s violent crime capital, where “one in 20 people” have been affected in the past year alone.

Plans have launched for new sea defence measures for north Blackpool and Bispham. 

An ambitious digital-led technology and data campus project expected to bring thousands of jobs to Blackpool has taken another huge step forward.

The world-famous Red Arrows will not be taking part in this year’s Blackpool Air Show, it has been confirmed.

Blackpool's Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted joint patrols with partners to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town Centre.

A bar in Blackpool has been closed down following a serious assault last month.

Ambitious proposals to extensively revamp Fleetwood’s Marine Hall – including the provision of a new café and outdoor seating – have now been lodged with Wyre planners.

Blackpool Pride Festival will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a landmark three-day event and a two-day street party when it returns next month.

Blackpool Council has appointed Martin Lawton as its new Director of Adult Services.

A roundabout on the Fylde coast where a car recently smashed into the garden wall of a school has been called ‘a fatal accident waiting to happen’.

Residents who are against plans to build 99 new homes on fields in Carleton are planning a demonstration this weekend.

A married couple who are both councillors will be taking up their chains of office as the mayor and mayoress of Blackpool this week.

Three people have been sentenced for committing contempt of court by discussing evidence whilst a defendant was part-heard during a manslaughter trial.

It’s Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest campaign to raise awareness of the positive impact of fostering.

Plans have been put forward to open a ‘Parrot Experience’ at premises in Blackpool town centre.

The Conservatives have claimed a double win in last night’s Ansdell Park and Kirkham South wards parish by-elections, holding both seats.

Blackpool Zoo has been given the green light by planners to put up a huge safari tent on the site.

The main works for a coastal protection project in Blackpool have started.

Progress continues to be made on the £45 million Ministry of Defence office in Blackpool town centre – with residents now seeing notable changes on site.

Blackpool’s newest attraction is nearing completion and already proving to have true blue appeal.

The creation of a ‘mini–Canary Wharf’ is promoting Blackpool to an increasingly global audience as an all-year round international visitor destination, according to the manager of one of the resort's leading hotels.

Pupils at a Blackpool pre-school got fed up of the rubbish that kept blowing off the street and into their playground.

More details have emerged of what will be on offer as the huge new Tenpin centre, based at the former Odeon site on Rigby Road in Blackpool, takes shape ahead of opening next month.

The Splash park in Promenade Gardens, St Annes, opens its gates for the 2026 season today.

Wyre Council has issued an Abatement Notice to the operator of a landfill in Fleetwood.

A new access road from Common Edge Road to Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone on Amy Johnson Way is set to open next week.

Police have charged a man with attempted murder after a pedestrian was struck by a car in Blackpool.

Fylde Council has announced its the latest round of Community Projects Fund awards, with eight local organisations and an new heritage initiative set to benefit from grants.

Blackpool’s Tramtown museum has been forced to close permanently after the main building used by the public was found to be unsafe.

Some 21 residential roads in Blackpool – including many with the worst potholes – have been resurfaced as part of a huge council investment in extra road maintenance.

Speculation has continued over whether the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool is preparing to take in asylum seekers, despite assertions from politicians that it isn’t.

The 156th Open Championship will return to Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028 after a 16-year absence.

Wyre Council has issued major updates for two of the borough’s key venues -  Marine Hall in Fleetwood and Thornton Little Theatre.

Blackpool Council has formally submitted its Adult Social Care Improvement Plan to the Department of Health and Social Care.

Wyre Council has taken firm action to tackle environmental crime by increasing the penalty for fly‑tipping to the maximum level permitted by government.

A popular amusements arcade is making a fresh start with a new name, a new brand and an eye to the future.

A new contemporary building is to replace a shop unit in Blackpool town centre which was destroyed by a devastating fire more than three years ago.

A multi-million pound scheme to construct a gleaming new purpose-built Fisherman’s Friend factory in Fleetwood appears to have been held up – by the appearance of some protected wildlife.

Hoardings are now in place promoting a controversial housing regeneration scheme in Blackpool’s Revoe area.

The Arc Cinema Blackpool is undergoing a major refurbishment, with luxury seating and new screens planned ahead of the summer blockbuster season.