Lancashire Times

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The Government Has Moved Power North. Now Britain's High Streets Need Better Local Intelligence

Image by Narcis Ciocan from Pixabay

Devolution has just gained a scoreboard.

P.ublished 14th August 2026

Fifth Heatwave Set To Increase Water Demand As Yorkshire Water Urges Using Water Wisely

Scout Dike Reservoir summer 2026 Photo: Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water is reminding customers to use water wisely as the UK’s fifth heatwave of the year arrives, with temperatures in the region set to reach more than 30 degrees. Yorkshire Water is preparing for the increased demand expected during the latest heatwave.

P.ublished 14th August 2026

Vet Issues Urgent Warning To Dog Owners After Toxic Giant Hogweed Discovered In Preston

Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay

Following reports of giant hogweed being found in Preston, dog owners are being urged to learn how to recognise the dangerous plant and know what to do if their pet comes into contact with it.

P.ublished 13th August 2026

Armexis Urges Swift Action To Keep The UK Safe

ARMEXIS team with unmanned ground vehicles

ARMEXIS, the Harrogate-based armoured vehicle designer and manufacturer, has called for the UK to move swiftly beyond spending announcements and to rebuild its defence manufacturing capacity to keep the country safe.

P.ublished 13th August 2026

Alison Brooks Architects To Lead £30m Restoration Of Gisburne Park Estate

Grade I-listed Ribble Valley hall set for hotel, members' club and wellness centre, with planning applications expected in November Alison Brooks Architects has been appointed to lead a £30 million redevelopment of Gisburne Park, a 1,000-acre estate near the Ribble Valley, converting the historic house into a members' club, boutique hotel and wellness centre.

P.ublished 12th August 2026

Aldi Urgesshoppers To Donate These Everyday Items To Help Local Foodbanks This Summer

Foodbanks are calling for donations of everyday essentials this summer as families face extra pressure during the school holidays. To help shoppers support their local communities, supermarket Aldi has revealed the products charities say are needed most, making it easier for customers to donate while doing their weekly shop.

P.ublished 12th August 2026

Property Expert Warns Affordability Remains Biggest Obstacle As "Cautious Optimism Returns To UK Housing Market".

A property expert says improving confidence is encouraging buyers back into the market, but affordability remains the biggest barrier to a sustained recovery. Jonathan Rolande believes the UK housing market is showing signs of stabilising after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

P.ublished 12th August 2026

Almost A Fifth Of Britons Have No Clear Long-Term Financial Priority

Almost a fifth (18 per cent) of UK adults do not have or cannot identify a long-term financial goal, new research from Scottish Friendly has found. Nearly one in five people surveyed told the mutual they did not know what they wanted their finances to achieve over the next five years or more, according to its latest Family Finance Tracker research.

P.ublished 11th August 2026

Britain Spends More On Planning Applications Than Japan Spends On Extending High-Speed Railways Through Earthquake-prone Mountains

Image: Enes Beydilli on Pexels

New research from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) reveals the true scale of Britain's infrastructure crisis, showing that the UK pays several times more than its European and Asian peers to build major transport infrastructure, and waits far longer for it to open.

P.ublished 10th August 2026

Young People Given A Break Into Veterinary Careers In Lancashire Project

Veterinary Summer Schoo

A pioneering summer school aimed at breaking down barriers for young people aspiring to become vets is taking place this week (starting 3rd August) in Preston, backed by one of the country's largest veterinary firms.

P.ublished 6th August 2026

Younger Savers Turning Back On ‘Outdated’ Rainy Day Savings Approach, Research From LHV Bank Reveals

Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay

Younger savers increasingly feel the concept of ‘saving for a rainy day’ is outdated, and are focusing their efforts on saving for specific goals, new research from LHV Bank has revealed. The survey of more than 2,000 savers found 44% of respondents aged 18-24 felt the idea of rainy day savings was outdated.

P.ublished 5th August 2026

Waspi Campaigners “Absolutely Determined” In Fight For Justice As Calls For Talks With New PM Grow

Picture courtesy of WASPI

Campaigners have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, urging them to meet for talks on compensating millions of WASPI women. In a letter sent today, WASPI chief Angela Madden presses the new Labour leadership to urgently meet with campaigners to ensure 1950s-born women receive “fair redress”.

P.ublished 4th August 2026

Mothers’ Union Members From Lancashire Celebrate 150 Years

This coming weekend members of Blackburn Diocese Mothers’ Union from across Lancashire are holding an all-age local celebration and a special service - all to mark the 150th anniversary of the worldwide organisation.

P.ublished 4th August 2026

YouGov/Cebr: Consumer Confidence Index: Perceptions Of Household Finances Improve

Overall consumer confidence saw incremental movement in July 2026, according to the latest data from YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). The index rose from 105.3 to 105.5 (+0.2). Any score greater than 100 indicates positive sentiment, while a score of less than 100 indicates negative sentiment.

P.ublished 3rd August 2026

Britain's Housing Crisis "Entirely Self-Inflicted" Warns Economist

A new briefing from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Buildings: In defence of ‘stupid growth, is written by Kristian Niemietz, the IEA's Editorial Director, and forms part of a forthcoming IEA book, The Great Stagnation: Why Britain Stopped Growing, which brings together contributions from multiple authors, each examining a different explanation for Britain's growth malais…

P.ublished 3rd August 2026

The Worlds Finest Civilian And Military Aircraft Come To Blackpool

It’s just one week to go until the skies above Blackpool are filled with spectacular aerial displays from some of the world’s finest military and civilian aircraft. The Blackpool Air Show takes place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, and the full flying programme has now been revealed. Crowds will be treated to a display by a MiG-17.

P.ublished 1st August 2026

Switch On Star Revealed

Liz Coggins
Features Editor

BBC Radio 2’s Paddy McGuinness is set to light up Blackpool’s biggest night of the year on Friday 4 September. Beloved 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 on Friday 4 September 2026.

P.ublished 1st August 2026

Prime Minister – If You Care About Rough Sleepers, Focus On 5 Things

Louise Reed in Leeds Photo: Danny Thompson Photography

Focus4Hope’s CEO and founder Louise Reed works with West Yorkshire’s most vulnerable people, including those who are homeless. Here’s her message for Andy Burnham. 1. Prevent homelessness – don’t just react to it. The fallout that follows homelessness, including addiction, plummeting mental health and exploitation, is far more costly in human and financial terms than prevention.

P.ublished 31st July 2026

Northwest Bakery Wins Four National Accolades At Great Taste Awards

Aidan Monks & Catherine Connor, Lovingly Artisan Photo: Jenny Jones Photography

Four wins and two of them the coveted two-star kind — Altrincham-based Lovingly Artisan Bakery has enjoyed one of its finest showings yet at this year's Great Taste Awards. The Guild of Fine Food has revealed its 2026 winners, with the Northwest bakery — which operates across Altrincham, Manchester and Kendal in the Lake District — picking up two two-star awards and two one-star awards.

P.ublished 30th July 2026

Wigan Grandfather's Sight Saved By "Life-Changing" Eye Test After Sudden Vision Loss

(L-R)Irem Ahmed, optometrist, Edwin Causey, Customer and Angela Higson, senior optical assistant

A 78-year-old Wigan man is urging others to act fast on sudden eyesight changes after a routine trip to his local optician uncovered a serious, life-threatening condition. Edwin Causey, of Warrington Road, Wigan, woke on Saturday, June 27, to find he had completely lost the vision in his right eye.

P.ublished 29th July 2026

CrossCountry Launches Industry-First Digital Priority Seating Card To Support Accessible Travel

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has launched an industry-first digital Priority Seating Card, making it easier for customers who need additional support to discreetly communicate that they require a priority seat onboard.

P.ublished 28th July 2026

Burnham Urged To Tackle £125 Billion A Year NEET Crisis With Revolution In Vocational Education

Andy Burnham has been urged to make rewiring Britain’s faltering education system a key priority of his government.

P.ublished 27th July 2026

St John Ambulance Launches Nationwide Hunt For Most Inspirational Lifesaver At Work

St John Ambulance has launched the inaugural Lifesavers at Work Awards. A nationwide hunt is under way for the UK’s most inspirational workplace heroes; people who have used first aid skills to save a life, or support someone in a medical emergency, while at work.

P.ublished 25th July 2026

Traffic Cops Numbers Continue To Fall As More Than Half Of Drivers Say Careless Driving Won't Be Caught – The AA

Latest policing figures show further reduction in Roads Traffic Units. 55% of drivers think middle lane hoggers and tailgaters get away with it. More than eight out of 10 say more traffic police would make communities safer. “The public wants to see a proper visible presence on our roads, not just an assumption that a camera will deal with it” says AA’s head of roads policy

P.ublished 24th July 2026

YouGov: Nearly Three In Ten Britons (28%) Don’t Do Any Financial Planning

New YouGov research reveals that nearly three in ten members of the British public (28%) say they are not planning ahead financially. Of the rest, a fifth plan less than one year ahead (21%) and the same proportion plan 1-3 years ahead (21%). Some 12% plan 3-5 years ahead, but only a quarter (25%) plan more than five years ahead.

P.ublished 23rd July 2026

Remembering Former Anglican Bishop Of Lancaster, Stephen Pedley, Following His Death At 85

Pictured in more recent times is Rt Rev. Stephen Pedley, the former Anglican Bishop of Lancaster, who has died aged 85. Picture: Family handout

The former Anglican Bishop of Lancaster from 1998 to 2005, Rt Rev. Stephen Pedley, has died at the age of 85. Bishop Stephen was also Honorary Chaplain to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth between 1984 and 1998.  A priest's son, Stephen was born in Coventry in 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain and the subsequent bombing blitz of many British cities.

P.ublished 22nd July 2026

Women Overestimate How Difficult Investing Is – But A New Study Shows That Can Change In Just Seven Days

Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay

Millions of UK women believe investing is far harder than it really is — and that misconception, rather than any lack of money or opportunity, may be a key driver of Britain's £574bn gender investment gap, according to new research from trading platform eToro.

P.ublished 22nd July 2026

Healey Named Chancellor As Burnham Unveils Front Bench

Photo: Gov.uk

The Rt Hon John Healey has been confirmed as Chancellor of the Exchequer in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first major appointment, ending weeks of speculation and drawing swift reaction from business and rural groups over the direction of the new government's economic policy.

P.ublished 20th July 2026

CBI Urges New PM To Scale ‘Manchesterism’ Nationally

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has issued a "Roadmap for Growth" to incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, calling on the new administration to abandon political drift and partner with industry to drive national economic renewal.

P.ublished 20th July 2026

UK economy grows 0.1% in May as Middle East tensions cloud outlook

The UK economy grew by 0.1% in May, official figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown, with warm weather lifting retail sales even as renewed conflict in the Middle East threatens to disrupt global supply chains and dampen business confidence.

P.ublished 16th July 2026

End Of The Line For Fare Evaders: New Ticket Barrier Overhaul At Railway Stations Across England

New ticket gates for stations across England with £33 million to crack down on fare evasion and deliver a fairer railway Funding to tackle deliberate fare evasion to recover up to £400 million lost annually and reinvest in better journeys for passengers Passengers already seeing the benefits of a simpler and fairer ticketing system ahead of the creation of Great British Railways with expanded Pay As You Go and digital ticketing trials

P.ublished 16th July 2026

One In Four Parents Sacrificing Their Own Financial Future To Support Adult Children

Parents across the UK are increasingly risking their own financial resilience to support their adult children, according to new research from Aldermore Bank’s latest Savings Tracker¹, highlighting the growing financial pressure facing families across generations. The findings reveal that parents of adult children have given an average of £8,096 from their savings to provide financial support.

P.ublished 15th July 2026

Bank Bonuses Hit £25 Billion As TUC Says Hike In Bank Windfall Tax “Long Overdue

Photo: Markus Winkler on Pexels

New analysis from the TUC reveals bank bonuses have hit a post-crash record – as the union body calls for a hike in the bank windfall tax, which it says is “common sense and long overdue”. Ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech on Tuesday, the TUC is calling for an increase in the bank surcharge tax to permanently cut energy bills for the majority of households through a social tariff.

P.ublished 14th July 2026

Staycation Push Leads To 21.6 Million Driving In The First Week Of School Holidays, Warns AA

Photo: Milada Vigerova on Pexels

The summer getaway is expected to peak as schools break up in England and Wales, with one in five drivers considering a road trip of more than 100 miles between Friday 17 and Thursday 23 July, according to a new AA survey.

P.ublished 14th July 2026

Faith And Fun To The Fore At Joyful Centenary Conference

The scene in the chapel at Liverpool Hope during the packed first session of the conference

A joyful gathering of 350 clergy, lay leaders and headteachers from across The Church of England in Lancashire took place this week; marking the Diocese's centenary year with their 2026 conference: ‘Found by Jesus: In Luke and Acts’. The major four day event at Liverpool Hope University combined worship, Bible study, teaching, prayer and celebration.

P.ublished 13th July 2026

Temp Billings Rise At Strongest Rate In Two Years, But Permanent Placements Fall In June

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey revealed divergent hiring trends in June, as a fall in permanent staff appointments contrasted with a rise in temp billings. While there was a sharper reduction in permanent job openings, growth in temp vacancies slowed.

P.ublished 13th July 2026

Pentonbridge Inn Wins Fine Dining Award

The annual Cumbria Tourism Awards took place this week at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal. The black-tie evening brought together finalists, sponsors and industry guests for one of the biggest nights in Cumbria's hospitality calendar, celebrating the businesses setting the standard for the region's reputation for quality, creativity and service.

P.ublished 10th July 2026

Opinion

What NATO's Latest Summit Reveals About The Alliance's Future

Professor Christoph Bluth, Professor of International Relations and Security at the University of Bradford, argues that NATO emerged from its recent summit militarily stronger but politically more fragile. In this expert analysis, he explores growing tensions over defence spending, Ukraine, Iran and US leadership, and assesses what this means for the future of the alliance.

P.ublished 10th July 2026

M&S Bank, American Express And Homeprotect Named Among June's Biggest Customer Satisfaction Risers

Smart Money People's newly launched "Smart Money Risers" index reveals which financial services brands are winning over customers, and why simplicity, speed and service are driving loyalty

P.ublished 10th July 2026

Food Leaders Urge Future Prime Minister To Back Plan To Strengthen Food System

As nominations open for the next Prime Minister, food supply chain leaders have written an open letter to candidates setting out a five-point plan for a more resilient and affordable food system.

P.ublished 9th July 2026

Deliveroo, Pho And Sheffield Hallam University Rethink Delivery Packaging

Deliveroo and Pho have joined forces with Sheffield Hallam University for the return of Deliveroo’s Sustainable Packaging Challenge for the third year. This follows the successful collaboration between the delivery platform and University with GAIL’s in last year’s competition, and the launch of the challenge in 2024.

P.ublished 8th July 2026

Theatres Trust Announces 20th Theatres At Risk Register With Good News For Two Theatres Set To Reopen

Abbeydale Picture House exterior Photo: Andy Gallacher

In its 50th anniversary year, Theatres Trust is marking the 20th year of the Theatres at Risk Register by highlighting both encouraging progress and continuing challenges for theatres across the UK.

P.ublished 7th July 2026

TUC Launches Major Skills Initiative To Tackle Britain's Training Crisis

Image by Dirk Wouters from Pixabay

The TUC has launched a new skills initiative bringing together unions, employers, and education providers to tackle Britain's deepening skills crisis. The union body says the crisis has been caused by years of underinvestment by government, falling investment by employers, a failure to listen to workers, and a skills system struggling to keep pace with rapid technological change.

P.ublished 6th July 2026

YouGov/cebr Consumer Confidence Index Shows Decline In Briton’s Perception Of House Prices

Overall index increased by +0.4. Retrospective (+1.5) and forward-looking (+2.6) household finance figures continue recovery. Perceptions of house prices worsened over the past 30 days (-3.2) and looking ahead to the next 12 months (-0.5). Business activity measures improved over June (+3.6), as did outlook (+1.2)

P.ublished 3rd July 2026

Women Bear Brunt Of Cost Pressures As Savings Take Back Seat, Study Finds

Women across Britain are significantly more anxious than men about meeting everyday living costs over the coming year, with new research warning that mounting financial pressure is forcing many to rely on borrowing and eating into long-term savings rather than building financial resilience for the future.

P.ublished 2nd July 2026

A Third Of People With ‘Red Flag’ Cancer Symptoms Don’t Contact GP

Figures show people with red flag symptoms put off going to the GP and face barriers in seeking help. Cancer Research UK and Tesco have partnered to encourage people to seek help for potential cancer symptoms and support early diagnosis Tesco pharmacists trained by Cancer Research UK available in-store to provide information and support to customers experiencing potential symptoms or concerned about cancer

P.ublished 1st July 2026

Northern Grassroots Football Pitches Baked "As Hard As Concrete" By Climate Change, Clubs Warn

Football clubs across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria say increasingly volatile weather is leaving pitches swinging between waterlogged winters and concrete-hard summers, driving up injuries and landing already stretched grassroots organisations with thousands of pounds in extra costs, a new investigation has found.

P.ublished 1st July 2026

Public Underestimate Daily Water Use By More Than 100 Litres, New Campaign Reveals

Only one in ten adults in England and Wales understand how much water they use each day, according to research released to mark the launch of a major new campaign aimed at changing the nation's relationship with water.

P.ublished 1st July 2026

Lancashire: New research reveals reading as secret weapon for sport, sleep and mental wellbeing

Adult reading - National Year Reading Photo: GLL

Whether you're training for a marathon, heading to the gym or playing five-a-side football, a good book could be one of the most powerful tools in your fitness kit.

P.ublished 30th June 2026

Business And Housing Leaders Give Cautious Welcome To Burnham's "Innovation Nation" Vision

Andrew Palmer
Group Editor

Andy Burnham Photo: Scottish Government

Andy Burnham used his first major speech since launching his bid for the Labour leadership to set out an "innovation nation" vision for Britain, built around deeper devolution, a championing of science and entrepreneurship, and a fundamental rethink of how young people are educated and trained.

P.ublished 29th June 2026

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