Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

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

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

A teenager has appeared in court after his girlfriend was left with life-changing injuries caused by his dangerous riding of an e-scooter.

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

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

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

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

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

The co-founder of Lytham Festival is calling for extra late-night rail services after next year’s closing show.

Fourteen people have been arrested and drugs and weapons seized following a major police operation targeting county lines drug dealing and the criminal exploitation of young people in Blackpool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police are appealing for help to find 37-year-old Stephen Pennington from Blackburn.

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

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

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

Residents and visitors to Fylde’s beautiful coastline can look forward to cleaner bathing waters following a landmark agreement between Fylde Council and United Utilities that will see major new infrastructure installed near Lytham Pumping Station.

A Blackpool resident is calling for more disabled parking spaces after figures revealed there are just 96 bays for over 10,000 Blue Badge-holders in the town. 

A community centre amenity in Poulton is set to radically improve thanks to an additional funding of £95,000.

A Blackpool man has been given a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

A yellow Met Office warning has come into force until early Sunday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A veteran Blackpool taxi driver says more could be done to keep out of town Uber drivers out of town and protect home-grown operators.

Some big star names, a modern screening of a world famous silent film and the creation of a new mural – it’s all happening at Fleetwood’s Marine Hall this year as the iconic venue celebrates its 90th anniversary.

TV royalty Ant and Dec’s wax figures have returned to Madame Tussauds Blackpool after a transformation.

A remarkable piece of Blackpool’s transport heritage has been discovered on the edge of Blackpool’s Grade II listed Stanley Park.

The days of notepads and pens are a thing of the past for Lancashire’s police officers – these days they have an array of state-of the technology at their disposal to make to make evidence gathering quicker and more accurate.

Police have renewed appeals for help as they investigate the circumstances which led to the death of a man found unresponsive in Little Plumpton.

The operators of the Fleetwood landfill site at the centre of thousands of complaints over stinking emissions say the site is playing ‘only a small role’ in the overall odour profile of the area.

The family of a teenage boy who died after getting into difficulty on the River Wyre in Garstang have paid a loving tribute to him.

A man has been jailed for five years after killing a football fan in Blackpool.

A man has been jailed for life after murdering his friend in his Blackpool home, before stealing his property.

A man has today been found guilty of murder, after stabbing a man to death in Blackpool, before stealing items from his home.

People in Blackpool affected by addiction can now get help at a safe and dedicated space offering holistic support.

Ambitious plans to revitalise Fleetwood are still in the pipeline despite missing out on a vital share of £1.5 billion of Government funding.

Construction has begun on a new office building for Ministry of Defence civil servants as part of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway redevelopment.

A teenager has died after getting into difficulty in the river near Garstang.

A former Blackpool woman has co-produced a documentary film which charts the rise of the resort’s drag and LGBTQ+ scene and it is to be screened in the town next month.

A registered sex offender has been sent to prison for possession of a 'paedophile manual' and breaching notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

A leading Blackpool hotelier says problems with the over supply of holiday bed spaces in the town is being made worse by the council’s promotion of big new hotel brands in the town.

The owner of a farm which her family have worked on for over a century has blasted the council, claiming they are trying to ‘persuade’ her to sell up her land to make way for a huge development.

The famous heritage trams will return to Blackpool promenade this autumn.

A number of beaches around Blackpool and the Fylde coast have been recognised for their quality with national awards.

A transport advisor on disability issues has raised concerns after hearing that services to London from Blackpool are to be reduced to just one train a day by operator Avanti.

Blackpool Council is looking to press ahead with proposals to use compulsory purchase powers ‘as a last resort’ in its efforts to tackle poor housing and deprivation in the resort.

Blackpool Neighbourhood Police and Task Force teams joined forces with partners to crack down on crime in Blackpool town centre.

A number of roads had to be closed in Blackpool, after a man escaped from police and climbed onto the roof of a building in the town centre.

A woman has been charged with attempting to abduct a baby in Blackpool town centre.

A man has been found guilty of killing a football fan in Blackpool. 

Blackpool is preparing a series of events as the town joins the rest of the nation to celebrate the anniversary of VE Day next week.

A pensioner has died following a collision in Lytham over the weekend.

A man has been jailed after approaching schoolgirls and making sexualised comments in Blackpool, in 2023.

Reform UK is set to take control of Lancashire County Council following the local elections.

A tribute has been paid to a man who ‘had his whole life ahead of him’, who died in a collision in St Annes last week.

A man who mowed down and seriously injured a pedestrian on Blackpool prom has been jailed.

On Friday, the historic setting of Lancaster Castle will host a prestigious Honours ceremony.

Two arrests have been made following a drugs raid on a property in Fleetwood.

Bosses at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens say the performance of the Only Fools & Horses musical will continue after the opening night was abandoned following a medical incident.

Planners have run the rule over proposals to demolish three old dockside buildings in Fleetwood – but the possibility of roosting bats have had to be taken into consideration.

The renovation of Stanley Buildings in Blackpool town centre is nearing completion, transforming previously disused space into a contemporary business centre to be named ‘The Robinson’.

Work to enhance the ecological health of Liggard Brook in Lytham will commence next week.

A 17-year-old was arrested after a 135mph pursuit along the M6 and M65.

A man has been jailed for assaulting a woman in Blackpool. 

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died following a collision in Lytham last night.

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack that destroyed a derelict church building in Thornton.

To help residents make informed choices when getting a tattoo, Blackpool Council introduced their Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme.  

Proposals have been revealed to install two new fairground rides on Blackpool Promenade.

More than £4m of funding is set to be spent on improving bus services in Blackpool including upgrading shelters.

Blackpool businesses can continue to receive free support thanks to an extension of existing funding.  

A new town centre car park has been branded a ‘tarmac desert’ by a councillor who had called for the space to be transformed into a green space instead.

Work has begun to build a new passenger handling terminal at Blackpool Airport as the Squires Gate hub continues with its expansion plans.

A new Community Beach Hub has opened on St Annes Beach.

Residents in Thornton are being asked to have their say about how to improve a public open space.

There were angry exchanges at a Wyre Council’s full council meeting last night as emotions ran high during a discussion over the noxious, stinking landfill site which has been plaguing communities for over a year.

Protesters against the Fleetwood landfill site at the centre of noxious emissions across the area are to hold another demonstration – in the chamber of Wyre Council.

Residents are being urged to make a pledge not to drop litter as Blackpool bids to keep its streets clean this summer.

Plans to demolish dilapidated old fish-processing buildings on Fleetwood Docks will first have to wait to see if bats are present.

Ambitious plans to bring one of Poulton’s most distinctive buildings back to life have now been lodged with planners at Wyre.

As families head to the coast to enjoy the Easter school break, the RNLI has revealed the results of a survey which shows large gaps in tidal knowledge.

A company which has managed air shows around the world has been chosen to take charge of Blackpool Air Show now in its 115th year.

A controversial housing scheme in Thornton has been approved by Wyre’s planning committee – pending a key agreement.

Ambitious plans to build a new M&S store at Norcross have created much interest – but concerns have been expressed this week about its effect on local trade as well as nearby roads.

The site of what was one of Blackpool’s most luxurious stores in its heyday is set for a new lease of life after proposals to transform the building were given the go ahead.

Blackpool’s Tramtown museum is gearing up to re-open to visitors this Easter in a move which will help preserve the town’s famous fleet of heritage trams for the future.

Recently, police renewed appeals for information in the hope of solving the mystery surrounding the tragic death of a newborn baby boy in Kirkham more than 13 years ago. 

Detailed plans for Blackpool’s £65m Multiversity education campus have got the go ahead after the council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the proposals.

Fylde Council has announced a new opportunity for developers and operators to bring the rapidly growing sport of padel tennis to Fairhaven Lake and Gardens.

Trees are being planted in urban spaces across Blackpool thanks to a £1.8m fund.

The government has refused to back a bid by Wyre Council to prevent any more new homes being given the go-ahead in an area with heightened levels of a cancer-causing chemical.

A new exhibition highlighting Blackpool’s crucial role in sustaining national morale during the Second World War is set to open at the resort’s Showtown museum.