Central Radio News

Police are appealing for information after an attempted robbery in Blackpool.

A multi-agency operation to help ensure taxis on roads in Blackburn with Darwen are safe has taken place.

A dangerous sexual predator has been jailed for 15 years after sexually assaulting three children and raping a man in Burnley.

Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back and coming to Blackpool.

Blackpool is preparing to bid a fond farewell to another hugely successful tourism season with a free family celebration on New Year’s Eve.

Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses, dashcam and CCTV footage after a collision in Whittle-le-Woods which left two pedestrians with serious injuries, one being potentially life changing.

Yesterday afternoon the body of a man was found in a field on Dean Brook, near to Horrobin Lane, Rivington and he has yet to be identified.

Last week, ten premises across Blackpool were visited by a 15-year-old girl who attempted to buy e-cigarettes containing nicotine, not one asked her for proof of age.

A pensioner told by doctors not to drive because his eyesight was so bad has been jailed after he knocked down and killed a pedestrian.

Rail operator Northern report a dramatic decrease in dangerous attacks on trains which is down almost 90% in the last 12 months with the number of recorded incidents at just eight.

Nearly 1,700 Santas turned Blackpool’s promenade into a sea of red at this year’s Blackpool Santa Dash.

The opening date for the A585 bypass in Wyre has been revealed.

Lancashire Constabulary, together with Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden and Lancashire's Combatting Drugs Partnerships are launching a new campaign urging drug drivers to 'get help or get caught'.

The Blackburn Festival of Light has been cancelled due to funding issues, and replaced with a smaller event.

After sixty years of providing Blackpool with entertainment and fun, Harts Amusements will change ownership in January.

SEA LIFE Blackpool and Girlguiding North West England are teaming up to launch a new ocean conservation badge.

Plans have been given the go ahead to start work on renovating Stanley Buildings, one of Blackpool's historic locally listed buildings.

An iconic building with an illustrious naval past looks set to be sold on the open market with a guide price of £50K.

A man who groomed and raped an 11-year-old girl has been jailed for a decade following an investigation.

£65m new town centre development could happen if planning is approved.

The resorts brand new flagship hotel, which is part of the £34m town centre development, has started to take reservations.

Seven men and a woman have been convicted following our investigation in East Lancashire into a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Applications are now open to get your free water butt if you live in a Blackpool Council area.

James, Hozier and Madness will join The Courteeners as headliners for the 2024 Lytham Festival.

There are a number of Christmas Lights Switch On events across the Fylde coast, Central and East Lancashire.

A cannabis farm was dismantled earlier this week after officers received a report of a disturbance at an address in Nelson.

Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted.

Police are appealing for witnesses and phone footage after a football fan was injured during the Blackburn Rovers v Preston North End derby at Ewood Park earlier this month.

Colne’s Christmas Light Switch On returns this Saturday to kick start the festivities in the town.

For the third year running Fleetwood is turning festive and once again hosting a weekend of Christmas celebration and cheer.

The Government announcement of the potential for an historic devolution deal for Lancashire has been heralded as 'amazing news' for the county. 

Construction has started on a high-quality professional and community cricket facility in central Lancashire, which will be the first of its kind.

The BBC's flagship show Top Gear won't return "for the foreseeable future" after presenter Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff was hurt in a crash while filming last year.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire has published the Independent External Review of Lancashire Constabulary’s Operational Response to the widely publicised missing person Nicola Bulley.

Courteeners will head to Lytham Festival in 2024 for their one and only North of England show of the summer.

Blackpool Council and the Frasers Group have confirmed that a new department store will open in the Houndshill Shopping Centre this week.

Following a bid submitted in June 2022, Chorley Council has been successful in securing £20m from the Government's Levelling Up fund (third round) for the regeneration of Chorley Town Centre.

A man who tricked vulnerable women into his car before driving them to secluded locations and raping them has admitted his crimes.

A man has admitted to murdering Edward Forrester in Blackpool.

Could this be the longest overdue book to be returned back to a local library… 45 years late!

Central Radio is delighted to announce we’re hosting the 2023 Chorley Christmas Light Switch On this weekend! (November 19).

Blackpool’s newest entertainment experience has officially opened its doors.

The holiday season is approaching, and the city of Preston is gearing up to celebrate in style.

Construction has started on a high-quality professional and community cricket facility in central Lancashire, which will be the first of its kind.

Four people have been found guilty of killing John Hutchinson in Blackpool in a revenge attack.

Ofcom has fined Royal Mail £5.6m for failing to meet its First and Second Class delivery targets in the 2022/23 financial year.

Officers from East Lancashire have conducted an underage sales operation as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week of action to tackle knife crime.

An Accrington man has been jailed for sexually abusing two children.

A new 3G pitch at Stanley Park in Blackpool has been officially opened.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Blackpool seafront with the countdown underway for the return of a spectacular outdoor festive village.

Police are appealing for information after a collision in Blackpool left a cyclist with serious injuries.

Members of an organised criminal group who ‘taxed’ rival gangs by stealing their cannabis grows have been jailed for more than 90 years.

Businesses in Burnley and Padiham can access a range of new funded business support services after Burnley Council announced a partnership with Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.

The retail offer at Blackpool’s Abingdon Street Market has officially opened.

Police have charged four men with murder following the death of a man in Nelson.

A man’s been arrested after cash and drugs were found in a car on the M61 near Chorley.

Cannabis with an estimated street value of £150,000 has been discovered at a property in Fleetwood.

Tongues will be wagging in Burnley this weekend when a research team from Lancaster University examine the difference between a Burnley and Blackburn accent – both very different according to the people who live there!

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a man died after falling from a bridge on the M6.

A Major Incident Level 2 has been declared by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals after a flood at part of Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Sixty firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a cheesemakers in Longridge.

A ferocious fire that melted metal at a waste facility near Preston at the weekend was caused by a rechargeable battery.

A drink driver has been arrested after falling asleep at wheel on the M6 near Charnock Richard.

£15,000 worth of drugs was found after vehicle was stopped in Fleetwood.

An outdoor skating rink will return to Blackpool promenade in November, as part of the Christmas By The Sea village.

A man has today been jailed at Preston Crown Court for nine years and four months for causing the death of 32-year-old Lisa Birtwistle by dangerous driving in Poulton.

A family has paid tribute to a man who died following a collision in Knott End.

Here’s some places where you can find bonfire events and fireworks displays locally and a little further afield this year.

A unanimous decision to grant planning approval has unlocked the next phase of development at Ribby Hall Village.

A man has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison for the murder of a 22-year-old man in Blackpool.

Police have given more detail about some incidents which occurred last night following the Fleetwood v Blackpool match.

It is 20 years since Blackpool teenager Charlene Downes disappeared and the search to find out what happened to her continues.

The leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, has welcomed news that the Government is asking train companies to withdraw proposals to close hundreds of ticket offices including ones in Preston, Accrington and Burnley.

Colne’s Christmas Light Switch On returns on Saturday 25th November to kick start the festivities in the town.

Blackpool is to bring back discounted parking over several weeks in the run-up to Christmas to encourage people to enjoy a spectacular line-up of festive entertainment.

Bonny Barrow was a much-loved bubbly 15-year-oldschoolgirl had her whole life ahead of her – she loved singing and dancing and making TikTok videos, just like any other teenage girl.

A man has admitted to murdering Fiona Robinson in Chorley.

An organised crime group who used encrypted phones and set up a fake healthcare company so they could run their drug-dealing empire during the Covid pandemic have been jailed for more than 70 years.

The highly anticipated opening of the retail offer at Abingdon Street Market in Blackpool is edging closer with the announcement of their opening date.

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a motorcyclist was left seriously injured following a collision in Knott End.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given high praise to some of Lancashire's finest floral displays at local train stations.

A Blackpool based minibus company is celebrating 10 years in business by lighting up the tower in their company colours and says ‘thanks’ to its customers… well, most of its customers.

A pyrotechnics team from India have been crowned champions of Blackpool’s annual World Fireworks competition after staging their country’s first ever display in the UK.

New images show the first completed rooms inside the Blackpool Holiday Inn hotel.

Central Radio North West is expanding its coverage with the launch of more digital radio services into neighbouring towns Blackburn & Burnley in East Lancashire.

The award-winning Lightpool Festival is back, lighting up the night for nine evenings from Friday 20 October to Saturday 28 October.

Police would like to speak to a man in relation to four residential burglaries, all of which occurred on the same day in the Fylde and Wyre areas.

Blackpool’s Sandcastle Waterpark has received a Visit England Gold Award.

Italy will conclude the 2023 World Fireworks Championship in Blackpool this weekend.

A moped rider has suffered ‘life changing’ injuries following a collision with a vehicle in Lostock Hall.

Last weekend, as part of Operation Centurion, Preston Police teamed up with partner agencies to continue to safeguard vulnerable young people and challenge anti-social behaviour.

A post mortem has concluded there are no suspicious circumstances following the death of a woman in Blackpool.

Leyland is one of eight hotspot areas in Lancashire to receive funding for extra patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Blackpool’s Multiversity campus development is set to take another step forward.

Police are looking for witnesses who saw a teenage girl in a distressed state in Leyland last Thursday (October 5th).

Tim Burton, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s “biggest fan”, made a surprise return to his favourite amusement park yesterday just in time for Halloween.

Illegal tobacco products including cigarettes and vapes which, if sold as genuine, would be worth around £12,000, have been seized as part of Operation Centurion.  

Police have charged a man with murder following the death of a man in Blackpool.

A man has been charged with the manslaughter of Anthony Harley in Blackpool.

A Blackpool nurse and a healthcare worker have been found guilty of unlawfully drugging patients - amid allegations they did so for their own amusement and an easy life.

Blackpool is proud to support Black History Month.

Residents are celebrating moving into their new homes at Grange Park estate in Blackpool as part of phase one of the £20m social housing scheme that will ultimately provide 131 new homes.

Lancashire Police are asking for your help after a man was found unconscious in a Preston car park on Saturday night.

A family have paid an emotional tribute to a ‘champion of people less fortunate’.

Six people have been arrested after a number of warrants took place in Fleetwood.

Members of a county lines drugs gang who ran heroin and crack into Blackpool have been jailed for more than 20 years.

Police are appealing for information following a collision in Chorley in which a woman died and a second woman was seriously injured.

A Blackpool man is due in court again tomorrow charged with murder.

Switzerland are the next nation to compete in this year’s World Fireworks Championship in Blackpool this weekend.

Wyre Council has issued a fresh update on the potential development at Bourne Hill in Thornton.

Lancashire’s highways teams are preparing in the run up to Storm Agnes.

Two men from Thornton have been charged following a significant drugs seizure.

The plans submitted to Blackpool and Fylde Councils could see the first new developments at the airport in over 15 years.

Police have launched a murder investigation after the death of a woman in Blackpool.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is ending its 2023 summer season on a high after scooping eight UK Theme Park Awards.

The very popular Blackpool seasonal attraction for Christmas will return for another fun packed year leading up to Christmas and then New Year.

Police arrested a man after power tools and frozen meats were stolen from a property in Preston on Thursday morning.

A team of archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Roman and Iron Age occupation at site near Blackpool.

Following a successful visit earlier in the year, the popular International Market will be returning to Preston Flag Market for three days of delicious food, drinks and crafts from across the world.

A man has died following a collision in Lytham.

A man has died after being involved in a collision with a bus in Blackpool over the weekend.

Avanti has been awarded a long-term contract to operate the West Coast Main Line.

Lancashire Constabulary have increased the number of officers who will take responsibility for local policing in Preston city centre.

India will be the first nation to compete in this year’s World Fireworks Championship in Blackpool this weekend.

Construction of the M55 to Heyhouses Link Road is making good progress, however a number of issues over recent months mean it is now scheduled to open in spring 2024.

Blackpool Tower has been named one of the best British seaside places and experiences.

It is believed that RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) is present in the roof panels of the Grand Hall and Charter Theatre within the Guild Hall.

Prison sentences totalling 132 years have been handed down to a drugs supply gang which operated in Preston and Chorley.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool has unveiled a brand-new look for its Sir Mo Farah CBE wax figure - to mark the Olympic legend’s last competitive Great North Run race on Sunday (10th September).

Wyre Council is seeking your views on a number of exciting proposals to rejuvenate Fleetwood’s seafront as part of a consultation which is being launched to seek the public’s views on ideas to enhance some of Fleetwood’s key seafront facilities.

Fleetwood Market will be holding a free Summer Seaside Family Fun Day on Saturday 19 August and it’s set to be a scorcher of an event.

A dangerous teenager has been sentenced to nine years after a man was stabbed in the eye In Leyland.

Brian House Children’s Hospice – the charity behind Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool – has announced the date for the town’s first ever large-scale public art trail.

Encounter Festival is pleased to unveil the exceptional line up of performances that will take over Preston with creativity and performance during the weekend of Friday 15 until Sunday 17 September.

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor brought a sprinkling of stardust to Blackpool’s Golden Mile when she switched on the famous Blackpool Illuminations.

A man who caused a number of non-accidental injuries to a puppy, resulting in the dog’s death six days after buying him from a breeder, has been found guilty of animal cruelty by a jury.

The Illuminations Switch-On party is the biggest, brightest night in Blackpool’s calendar, and this year's celebration on September 1 promises to deliver an experience Blackpool has never seen before.

An Eastern white pelican that escaped from Blackpool Zoo has been found safe and well.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of heritage and culture.

Get on your bike and Ride The Lights! An exciting preview of Blackpool Illuminations is officially taking place on Tuesday (August 29).

Its official, Showtown: the museum of fun and entertainment has announced it will open its doors to the public in March 2024, bringing a world class interactive museum for all the family to Blackpool.

The popular 1940’s weekend is coming back to Lytham this weekend. Located on Lytham Green with an array of period vehicles, costumes, and entertainment.

There's tons to do in Blackpool this summer!

YMCA Kirkham Rural Splash is set to permanently close.

One of the UK’s best-loved music stars is to switch on the 2023 Blackpool Illuminations.

Here's a great value-for-money show to keep the children entertained this summer holiday.

Tennis courts in four parks across Blackpool have been officially reopened following investment.

This petrol station has been selling fuel cheaper than anyone else since it opened.

Get on your bike and Ride the Lights! - An Exciting Preview of Blackpool Illuminations.

Blackpool Council have pledged to do more to tackle potentially fraudulent use of the Blue Badge scheme.

Dr Arif Rajpura, Blackpool Council’s Director of Public Health has again raised concerns about vaping by young people and children following intensive research in Blackpool, while council teams work hard to tackle the issue.

New Changing Places facilities at Central Car Park in Fleetwood have been opened.

TV presenter Alison Hammond, has attended her first sitting with artists at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, as they start work on her new wax figure.

Fleetwood’s Festival of Transport – Tram Sunday – has been cancelled due to the forecast of poor weather.

Last week, as part of Operation Centurion, the force’s commitment to tackle anti-social behaviour, Preston Police carried out a test purchasing operation at pubs and bars in the City Centre.

A cannabis grow with over 200 plants has been discovered in Preston.

Household Support Grants are now available from Wyre Council for working families struggling with the cost of living.

Over 5,000 sq ft of retail space has been released as part of Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway development.

Young Blackpool residents are benefiting from the construction work currently under way on Grange Park.

A Blackpool based drugs gang have been bought down – thanks to a ham sandwich.

Wyre Council has opened bookings for an exciting range of holiday clubs taking place this summer for children on benefits related free school meals.

Young charity supporter Bailey Wood has officially opened the doors to Blackpool’s latest charity shop.

The Environment Agency have today (Thursday 29 June) lifted the restrictions on bathing in waters along the Fylde coast.

Get ready to paint the beach as Blackpool Colour Run returns to Starr Gate next month.

Boasting 184 rooms over 7 floors and creating 50 new jobs, this hotel could be seen as a much needed development for Blackpool’s promenade.

You may hear some small changes to our name, to better reflect our forthcoming expansion into new areas of Lancashire later this year.

Fylde Council has been awarded funding to install new technology which will track and monitor shoppers and visitors.

In anticipation of this year’s Christmas Pantomime, Beauty and The Beast, Blackpool Pleasure Beach announces the names of local stars who will be wowing audiences this festive period.

A man has died following a serious collision involving an e-scooter in Blackpool yesterday.

Here’s everything you need to know about Lytham Festival 2023

A 25-year-old man has died following an assault in Lytham.

This year’s Hot Ice Show is set to be a passionate one!

United Utilities has continued to make good progress to return Fleetwood wastewater treatment works to full operation.

The full line up has been unveiled for the Blackpool Comedy Festival next month.

A man has been arrested after a serious assault in Lytham over the weekend.

Police are investigating after four people in Blackpool had an adverse reaction within a short time of one another after taking heroin.

A spectacular tribute to one of the world’s most iconic fighter aircraft will be unveiled in this year’s Blackpool Illuminations display.

A spectacular parade featuring the stars of the world’s favourite children’s TV channel is to be held in Blackpool to mark the start of this year’s Illuminations season.

A 29-year-old man has been jailed for 24 weeks following a British Transport Police investigation, after he produced a knife on board a train.

A pollution incident has occurred which is affecting some beaches across the Fylde Coast.

The annual Blackpool Cup football tournaments have been rated number one out of 65 similar events staged across Europe.

A man has been found guilty of attempting to murder a toddler in Blackpool.

Leonard Dews is one of the oldest jewellers in the North West of England and has been delighting its customers with original, high-quality jewellery and watches since 1877.

Two Blackpool-based companies have signed up as Presenting Partners of Elmer’s Big Parade Blackpool, which comes to town next spring.

Ministers are considering plans to stop newly qualified young drivers from giving lifts to friends in efforts to stop peer-pressure car crashes.

Lancashire police issue a stark message to those on M6 who ignored the matrix signs whilst they dealt with an incident.

A total of 368 knives have been recovered across Lancashire’s West Division as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week-long initiative to tackle knife crime.

Police are appealing for information following a serious injury collision in Larbreck.

The newly renovated Abingdon Street Market opens its doors for the first time this weekend.

The M55 will have overnight closures next week as part of the works to complete the Preston Western Distributor Road.

An award-winning police operation is returning to the Fylde coast for the third year.

Blackpool Football Club has confirmed the reappointment of Neil Critchley as Head Coach on a four-year deal.  

A woman has been jailed after she was convicted of killing a man in Blackpool.

Bingo lovers in Blackpool will be pleased to hear the opening date of the new Rigby Road site.

Preston carnival is the largest and longest-running cultural celebration in Preston outside of the Preston Guild, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Preston comes alive in May as the city dances to the rhythms of the Caribbean.

The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse Attraction has opened to the public on Blackpool’s famous promenade.

A cannabis farm has been discovered within a disused hotel premises in Blackpool Town Centre.

Dementia Action Week in Blackpool has taken residents on a trip down memory lane as support teams work to highlight the local help available to people who are living with dementia.

Police seize large amount of cash and power tools suspected to be used in cash machine thefts following car search.

The opening date of one of the main arterial routes to Thornton and Fleetwood will be delayed according to National Highways.