Preston, Leyland & Chorley News

A man described by the Judge as a "violent thug" has been jailed for 15 years and a half years.

A 33-year-old man has died following a collision on the M6 between Lancaster and Preston this week.

Mystery surrounds the identity of a food retailer that is eyeing up a vacant car showroom in Preston for a new outlet.

Dozens of road changes are being planned between South Ribble and Preston which highway bosses hope will encourage more people to cycle, walk and use public transport.

Controversial plans to build new football facilities on a Preston park have been kicked into touch by councillors as the city grapples with the rising costs of a raft of government-funded ‘levelling up’ schemes.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision on the M6 which left five people with serious injuries.

Two Preston villages are to get new sports grounds and a new community venue – replacing a facility that has been standing for more than 70 years.

Plans to make major safety improvements at a zebra crossing near Cardinal Newman College in Preston have been approved, with work due to take place over the summer holidays.

A new all-year-round homeless shelter could be set to open in Preston city centre.

South Ribble Borough Council has a new leader after the man who led the district for the past five years became the area’s MP.

More than a hundred flats are set to spring up on the one-time site of a Preston mill which burned down in the 1960s.

People will enjoy more frequent and later bus services thanks to improvements taking effect from this week.

Preston City Council, in collaboration with the local charity Red Rose Recovery, has successfully supported over 160 people in Preston through the transformative 'Changing Futures' programme.

More than 100,000 journeys a week are being made on Preston’s newest road, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal.

In the last 12 months, more than 2,600 people have been arrested for drink or drug driving offences in Lancashire.

A bus stop is to be moved from outside a popular Penwortham takeaway, because it is so often blocked by vehicles whose owners have stopped off for something to eat.

The cost of transporting pupils with special needs to school and providing financial support to the families of vulnerable children were amongst the biggest pressures on Lancashire County Council’s budget last year.

Plans have been unveiled to overhaul a series of junctions on one of the busiest routes between South Ribble and Preston after a previous vision to create a new dual carriageway was abandoned.

A bid to finalise controversial plans to build hundreds of new homes in Chorley has been delayed.

The operation of a recently pedestrianised route on the edge of Preston city centre has been rethought – over concerns that it could damage the very businesses it was designed to help support.

A Chorley GP whose patients launched a campaign to keep her as their doctor has been told by NHS bosses that she can remain at the helm of the surgery she has run for more than a decade.

Police have arrested a man following the discovery of a large cannabis farm in Chorley.

Preston is to get its second set of courts on which residents can play the increasingly popular sport of padel.

A long-awaited new service station in the suburbs of Preston is fully operational after Greggs became the last of the site’s outlets to begin trading.

An executive housing estate could be built on land that was originally intended to form part of a new park in suburban Preston.

A zebra crossing in Preston is to be redesigned and relocated – a year after a young schoolboy was launched into the air while cycling over it.

The newly-elected MP for South Ribble says he never aspired to end up in Parliament when he first entered the political fray as a borough councillor 17 years ago.

Lancashire's local radio station is gearing up to host the Adlington Carnival this 13th & 14th of July with a host of family fun and entertainment planned.

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of drugs offences following a proactive vehicle stop on the M6 near Chorley.

As thousands of people were enjoying their night out across Preston City Centre this weekend, officers from Preston Task Force were carrying out a plain-clothed operation in the pubs and clubs.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the death of a 57-year-old man in Chorley.

An extensive renovation project at Astley Hall, Chorley, has scooped a prestigious Heritage award.

The trust that runs the Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble hospitals has brought in what it describes as “specialist support” in order to achieve a £58m savings target.

Highways bosses are considering the creation of another new bus lane in Preston – a move that would bring the total number of bus-only zones in the city to 10.

Preston City Council has given the green light for the refurbishment of the nine iconic red phone boxes on Market Street.

Lancashire County Council and other local authorities across Lancashire will raise a special Armed Forces Day flag on Monday 24 June.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident where two grenade-type devices were found in Fulwood, and are appealing for help in the enquiries.

With a jammed packed schedule, Windrush 76 promises to be bigger and better than ever, when it returns this weekend.

Lancashire fire service latest anti drink-driving message parody’s the latest series of Netflix hit, Bridgerton.

Two controlled explosions have been carried out after bomb disposal experts were called out to a street in Fulwood.

A Preston man has been ordered to pay almost £23,000 after being caught selling illegal vapes.

Police are appealing for witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage following an assault in Preston yesterday.

Police are appealing for witnesses, CCTV or dashcam footage following an aggravated burglary in Leyland.

A new campaign has been launched to recruit adopters willing to give brothers and sisters a loving home and keep them together.

Police are appealing for information after a lollipop man was assaulted by youths riding antisocially on e-bikes in Fulwood.

A number of local people have been awarded the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Book lovers in Chorley are being notified that one of their local libraries is temporarily closed for essential repair works.

A man from Longton who terrorised his neighbours while dressed in Spiderman mask over a number of years has been jailed.

Police have arrested a man following a theft from a shop in Preston City Centre.

Vital late night bus services linking Preston, Brookfield and Red Scar have been saved following a decision by Lancashire County Council to fund them.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a serious collision in Longton.

Police have charged a man following a spate of burglaries and attempted burglaries across Leyland.

Preston’s Neighbourhood Policing team and Lancashire County Council Trading Standards have recently conducted a test purchasing operation. 

Traffic marshalls have been deployed to Corporation Street in Preston to help drivers familiarise themselves with the changes to the road network following the introduction of a new bus gate.

Two men have been jailed following a burglary in Preston in which cash and electrical items were stolen.

A man has been jailed for over five years after police found drugs and thousands of pounds in cash in a house in Preston. 

Cricket fans have been given an update on the latest construction work taking place on Lancashire's Farington cricket facility. 

The owner of a Chorley vape shop has been fined and ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid community work after admitting selling to kids and stocking illegal products.

A man has been jailed after stealing large quantities of fuel from Lancashire petrol stations. 

A prolific shoplifter who was responsible for a string of offences against a supermarket in South Ribble has been jailed.

Lancashire Trading Standards have been busy undertaking test purchases for knives across the county last week as part of Operation Sceptre.

Police are appealing for information after a boy was shot in the head in Leyland.

Police are appealing for information following a collision in Ribbleton.

The next chapter unfolds for the much-loved Tram Bridge, with some preparatory work starting on site and Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council marking this occasion with the opening of a new public exhibition about the bridge.

The city of Preston has formally welcomed Councillor Philip Crowe as its 696th Mayor for 2024/2025, a position that dates back to 1327.  

A new bus gate in Preston city centre is planned to go live on Tuesday (21 May), with warnings issued to drivers who use it incorrectly.

Lancashire Police have charged a man after a stabbing in Preston.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a road traffic collision in Clayton-le-Woods in which a man died.

Investigations continue after a man was stabbed in the chest in Preston.

A 66-year-old man has been jailed after engaging in online sexual conversations with people he believed were schoolgirls. 

This weekend saw the Penwortham night-time economy thrive as South Ribble Borough Council brought Penwortham Live to town with event partners Creative Network.

Police have arrested two men and three teenagers on suspicion of drugs offences following reports of drug dealing in the Moor Park area of Preston.

Chorley's new Mayor, Councillor Gordon France and Mayoress Councillor Margaret France have been formally sworn in.

Preston is gearing up for a significant event on Saturday June 8 as the city prepares to honour the 80th anniversary of the historic D-Day landings.

Preston Police have teamed up with Trading Standards and young volunteers from across the area to conduct an under-age sales operation as part of Operation Sceptre – a national, intensive week of action to tackle knife crime. 

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested as part of enquiries into a report of a rape in Preston.

A man from Preston has been jailed after admitting high value thefts from a vehicle.

As the 50th Preston Caribbean Carnival approaches, organisers are gearing up for a spectacular celebration of Caribbean culture like never before.

Bus service improvements totalling £8.5m, including a discounted fare scheme for 16-21-year-olds and £1 adult fares on Sunday, are set to be introduced in Lancashire.

Lancashire County Council has signalled its commitment to tackling the potholes menace head-on with a further investment of £5m in the county's roads.

A Chorley shopworker has been banned from selling tobacco and vapes for a year, following robust action by Lancashire's Trading Standards officers.

The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library in Preston is currently reaching a significant phase in its ongoing restoration project.

An off-licence in Preston has had its alcohol licence withdrawn after a hearing last month.

After a hiatus of several years, Preston City Council has announced the reintroduction of Friday trading at the city’s Outdoor Market.

Police have arrested two men after a substantial amount of cash was discovered in a car which had been travelling on the M6 near Preston.

Bus operators have praised a new bus gate set to be introduced in Preston city centre later this month, declaring that it will "significantly improve" bus services in the area.

Encounter Festival, Preston's premier cultural festival, has secured funding from Arts Council England for its 2024 edition.

Police are looking for two people in connection with a high value theft from a car in Preston.

A man has been arrested at an address in Preston as part of an investigation into an organised crime network suspected of organising cross-Channel small boat crossings.

Lancashire County Council is asking people to leave more time for their journeys due to work starting next week to improve the pedestrian crossing outside Royal Preston Hospital.

A swoop across three Lancashire businesses saw e-cigarettes sold to underage test purchasers, including one dressed in school uniform.

Police are continuing to appeal for information after a man was attacked in Preston.

Labour’s Clive Grunshaw has become Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner for a second time.

The UK’s biggest Motocross series is heading to Preston docks.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died following a collision in Grimsargh.

Superintendent Sally Riley is the new Operations Manager for Preston with overall responsibility for Neighbourhood, Response and Response Investigations teams.    

Police have charged two teenagers in connection with the theft of a motorbike which was stolen from a house in Chorley. 

Plans for a new sports and community facility at Preston's Ashton Park have been approved.

It’s the Chorley 10k this weekend.

Police are hunting for a man who absconded from a secure unit during a visit to Preston.

A cannabis set up has been discovered in Chorley overnight. 

A woman has died after falling from a bridge over the M6 near Preston.

A woman from Preston has been jailed for 44 weeks and given Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for two years for a string of shoplifting offences in the city.

The University of Central Lancashire is celebrating winning in two categories at the Educate North Awards 2024.

£50,000 in cash was discovered as part of drug dealing crackdown in Preston.

Police have charged a man following two burglaries and a theft in Preston and South Ribble.

Police have arrested a man following the discovery of a cannabis farm in Preston. 

Music in the Park is back next month with a star studded line-up. 

Police have arrested a man in connection with two burglaries and a theft in Preston. 

A man has been jailed for 15 years after raping a woman in Preston.

Underage teenage testers were able to buy alcohol and vapes at eight businesses across Lancashire during a test purchasing crackdown during the Easter period.

On 10 December 2023, Assistant Chief Constable and Executive Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, Peter Lawson passed away suddenly at home.

Police are warning people to be extra vigilant following reports of rogue traders targeting elderly residents in Preston. 

A man has been jailed for life for murdering his father in Preston.

Plans for much needed road safety improvements at a key location near Preston Bus Station have been approved.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a man died when travelling on a bus in Chorley.

A man has been found guilty of murdering his father in Preston.

A teenager from Preston has been arrested after a number of weapons were found in a rucksack in Blackpool.

Police, Trading Standards and Preston City Council have carried out test purchasing for alcohol & vapes across the city.

Preston Caribbean Carnival has been granted funding for the 2024 event, taking place in May on its 50th anniversary.

A Preston man has been arrested after a woman died in a collision on the M6 near Warrington.

The University of Central Lancashire is to slash 165 jobs in a bid to save money.

Officers from Chorley and South Ribble’s neighbourhood policing team, as well as the South and East Rural Task Force, have teamed up with partners to tackle the use of off-road motorbikes at Rivington.

Tributes have been paid to former Lancashire MP, and father of the Chorley MP, Lord Doug Hoyle, who has passed away aged 98.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is now able to offer additional degree apprenticeships in health, engineering, and cybersecurity after successfully being granted funding from the Office for Students (OfS).

A man has been jailed for burgling three houses in Preston and producing a knife after barging his way into a fourth house.

Time is running out to book your place for the Chorley 10k in May.

Seven people have been charged as part of an investigation into large scale drug supply in Chorley and South Ribble.

A man was arrested after fleeing the scene of a crash in Leyland.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and footage following a collision in Penwortham in which a cyclist suffered serious injuries.

Three men have been jailed for their roles in the supply of drugs in Preston following an investigation by Lancashire Police.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a four-year-old boy very sadly died following a collision in Preston.

Residents and visitors flocked to Chorley town centre over the weekend for a celebration of creativity.

Police have charged a man following the discovery of a substantial cannabis farm in South Ribble. 

Seven members of a drugs gang involved in the supply of cocaine between Liverpool and Preston, have been given prison sentences totalling more than 64 years.

We've compiled a superb list of Easter activities this year!

Two people have been charged following a burglary in Chorley.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a man suffered serious injuries in a road traffic collision in Preston.

The much-anticipated South Ribble Family Centre in the heart of Lostock Hall has opened its doors.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a collision in Preston.

Two men have been jailed for the killing of Jack Jermy-Doyle in Preston.

As part of a programme to replace several bus shelters across the borough, five innovative Living Roof bus shelters will be introduced to boost Chorley’s biodiversity and contribute towards climate resistance.

Two teenagers have been arrested after a car was taken from a dealership near Preston.

The much loved, free, celebration of the arts returns to Chorley town centre this weekend.

A British Transport Police (BTP) Constable has been dismissed following an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing for gross misconduct after seeking the services of a sex worker during a training course.

Preparations are being made for a quiet revolution, which is about to take place in waste recycling in Lancashire.

A much-needed, cross border bus service is set to return to the Ribble Valley.

A man has been found guilty of killing Jack Jermy-Doyle in Preston.

A PCSO from Chorley’s Neighbourhood Policing team, along with a Public Protection Officer at Chorley Council have been presented with an award for a project aimed at steering young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

20 people have been arrested, cash, weapons and mobile phones have been seized and suspected Class A and Class B drugs have been recovered from across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble.

The Harris, Preston's cultural hub, has unveiled their newly imagined First Floor Balcony.

Police have released artists impressions of a man found dead in Rivington, in an effort to identify him.

Residents have moved into new supported living apartments on a former bowling green in Preston.

Local police have released an artist's impression to appeal for identity of deceased male who was found in Rivington.

Officers from Chorley’s Neighbourhood Policing team have seized an off-road bike which was being driven in an anti-social manner.

Central Radio North West is proud to announce that our beloved Breakfast Show presenter, Danny Matthews, will be taking the stage as the host for this year's Adlington Carnival.

New plans to improve journeys on the A582 in South Ribble and provide better provisions for buses, walking and cycling are on the agenda.

The final design has been unveiled for a new structure that will replace the former Old Tram Bridge over the River Ribble linking Preston city centre and South Ribble.  

Egg Rolling, an iconic Easter tradition spanning more than 150 years, is once again scheduled to take place at Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston.

The theme for Empty Homes Week 2024 is ‘Powers in Action’, demonstrating the powers local authorities have to bring empty properties back into use.

Police have made two arrests after a vehicle was stopped on the M6 at Charnock Richard.

Police have issued an update after a girl claimed she was sexually assaulted in Chorley.

Thousands of students across Preston are being visited this week by the No More Knives Tour, provided by The Message Trust. 

Two people have been charged following a substantial cannabis seizure.

Plans for an historic devolution deal to bring extra powers and money to Lancashire have received support in a public consultation.

A bid to install a 40-metre high phone mast close to the summit of Beacon Fell has been rejected.

Chorley Council has been working with Barclays, who previously operated from premises on Market Street, to ensure a presence and continuation of their face-to-face services remains in Chorley town centre.

A two year old boy has suffered serious injuries following a road traffic collision in Fulwood.

Council Tax is rising for people living in South Ribble.

Preston City Council has unveiled its programme of events for 2024.

The Jubilee Gardens extra care project in South Ribble is set to deliver numerous benefits to the wider community, including job creation and employment and skills training to the tune of £6.6m.

Police have arrested a man following the discovery of a substantial cannabis grow in Chorley.

A man has been arrested after a suspected firearms discharge in Preston.

A man has suffered a serious injury after being hit by a tractor in Penwortham.

In November, Preston City Council put a call out for experienced partners to deliver a range of skills development programmes to support local people as part of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme.

Lancashire County Council will raise council tax by the maximum permitted amount of almost 5%.

Sacha Hatchett is set to become the new Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary.

Lancashire Police have charged four men after vehicles were broken into at Rivington Services on the M61.

Chorley entrepreneur, Gemma Connolly, who’s created a unique brand of edible greeting cards for dogs, Scoff Paper, has secured major backing from BBC Dragons’ Den’s Sara Davies to allow her business to take full advantage of the growing pet treat market.

The NHS in Lancashire is bracing itself for more industrial action, with junior doctors set to strike this weekend.

In November, Preston City Council put a call out for experienced partners to deliver a range of skills development programmes to support local people as part of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme.

Preparations for a new bus-only street in Preston city centre are underway, with signage now being installed ahead it coming into force later this year.

A ‘sophisticated cannabis farm’ has been found during a raid at a property in Chorley.

Over the weekend, Police Licensing, Preston City Council Licensing and Lancashire County Council Trading Standards conducted alcohol and tobacco test purchasing across Broadgate, City Centre and Ribbleton.

Preston City Council is getting behind new organisation Preston Volunteers with £260,000 funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

More than 350 school children from Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s Chorley constituency travelled to London to discover more about his other role – as Speaker of the House of Commons.

Three people have been arrested for drug offences in Preston.

Bosses at Chorley Football Club have announced a surprise collaboration with pop stars, Boyzone.

A yellow Cold-Health Alert is being issued across the whole of Lancashire.

The refurbishment of The Harris has taken another step forward with the appointment of a fit-out team that will help cement the Museum’s position as one of the region’s leading visitor attractions and a contemporary cultural hub.

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

People will have a shorter wait for their bus, and be able to travel later into the evening, thanks to recent improvements to a number of services.

A 16-year-old has been arrested and charged after a large knife, which police say is capable of causing fatal injures, was found in Preston.

A man has been jailed for six years after our a car was stopped on the M6 near Garstang containing six hundred thousand pounds worth of heroin.

A consultation is underway on a proposed new name for University of Central Lancashire.

The Apprentice returns with 18 brand new candidates battling it out for Lord Sugar's £250,000 investment and mentorship, including an entrepreneur from Chorley.

Chorley Council, in partnership with Lancashire Police are encouraging venues to "Get SAVI". The Council in conjunction with Lancashire Police are the first to work together on the Licensing SAVI initiative.

Residents in Preston are being invited to have their say on proposals to expand Archbishop Temple Church of England High School.

A man was arrested after a vehicle travelled the wrong way on the M55.