Blackpool News

26/07/2024

George's killer admitted manslaughter and is due for sentencing.

We would like to tell you about George Fenlon, a barman from Blackpool.

He was 23, had his whole life ahead of him, and was thrilled at the thought of becoming a dad.

But in August last year, George (pictured) was attacked outside a nightclub in Blackpool and suffered serious head injuries.

The attack left him in the coma and last November, his partner gave birth to their baby daughter Clara Georgia.

Little Clara was placed in the nook of George's arm in his hospital bed, tender moments spent together.

George didn't get the chance to be a dad to Clara, with him passing away from his injuries two weeks after his daughter was born.

At Preston Crown Court today, Rhys Jones appeared for sentence after pleading guilty last month to George's manslaughter.

Jones, 27, from Cannock, Staffordshire, who had been in Blackpool as a holidaymaker, was jailed for 10 years and two months.

In a Victim Personal statement, George's partner Bethany Turner told of how she chose to bring forward Clara's birth to give her the chance to spend time with her daddy.

Bethany said: "The majority of my pregnancy was bittersweet. On 8th November I had a midwife appointment. By this time, we knew there was nothing more that could be done for George.

“After lots of conversations and consideration, I decided the only thing I could do was to ask if I could have an emergency C-section.

“At least this way, in some way our little girl could have some sort of memories to look back upon in later years. Some tangible connection between her and her Daddy.

“On 8th November, Clara was born, and I gave her the middle name Georgia after her Daddy.

“Within just four hours of her coming into the world she was able to meet her Daddy. She laid under his arm for a little while, so content and peacefully, she fitted perfectly in the nook of his arm.

“Two weeks was all the time Clara got with her Daddy, two weeks which were spent getting as many pictures and keepsakes as we all could so that Clara would always know how much her Daddy loved her.

“On 22nd November my world fell apart, my heart smashed into a million pieces, and my daughter’s life changed before it had really begun.

"Clara will never know the love of her Daddy, never have a hug in her Daddy’s arms."

Full story read here: https://orlo.uk/11dIj

24/07/2024

Police reveal the tragic Peter street House fire is not being treated as suspicious.

Last week we told you about a fire in Blackpool which resulted in two people tragically losing their lives and we just wanted to give you the latest update.

​Following a comprehensive investigation by officers from our Force Major Investigation Team, working alongside our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and other experts, we can now confirm that the fire is not being treated as suspicious. We will pass on a file to HM Coroner in due course.

We know that there has been speculation around potential third party involvement and hope this update puts an end to any uncertainty.

Our officers were called to Peter Street in Blackpool at 2.39am last Wednesday following reports of a fire with people reported to be inside the property.

There was a significant emergency response involving officers and our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Tragically, 24-year-old Danielle Bamber was found deceased at the scene.

Joshua Pearson, 28, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was sadly later pronounced deceased.

The couple lived at the address along with their two children aged six years and 21 months.

The six-year-old was taken to hospital after the fire but thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries and has since been discharged.

The 21-month-old remains in hospital in a poorly condition.

DCI John McNamara, from our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “First and foremost my thoughts remain with Danielle and Joshua’s loved ones at this distressing time, particularly their two children.

“This has been a harrowing investigation which I know has had a profound impact for everyone involved. Nonetheless, they have worked diligently and professionally to understand how this devastating blaze occurred.

“We are now satisfied that this is not a criminal investigation and are in the process of preparing a file for HM Coroner.”

In a tribute Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.”

​Danielle’s family said: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle our daughter and her family.

“Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace and refrain from any further speculation on social media and to refrain from posting further pictures of Danielle and her family. Please respect our wishes at our time.”

23/07/2024

Fleetwood boating lake appears to be swimming in poo…
An inlet pipe from the sea was letting sea water fill the boating lake today and a local grandparent had taken her grandkids crabbing.
The floaters had amassed at the opposite end of the lake but there were plenty of poo pebbles floating around.
The issue has been reported to Wyre Borough Council

23/07/2024

Slight issue on the Marton Circle Roundabout off the M55 - looks like a road traffic collision.

22/07/2024

Are you aware of the Fungus Among Us?
Ringworm is more common than you think.
We've recently been speaking to a local who suspects he contracted ringworm from a barber's shop.
Most industries that could encounter ringworm are aware of how to spot and combat it - but just to be safe we're writing a full article about ringworm to be published on our website later this week.

If you have mark’s like this on your skin it’s most likely ringworm so DO NOT TRAIN as you will spread it, I understand you want to train but you are putting everyone else at risk by doing so.

I disinfect the mats every night and disinfect the entire gym weekly with the fogger but everyone needs to do their part, be vigilant and get checked and DO NOT RETURN until it is COMPLETELY clear!

22/07/2024

Due to a road traffic collision - the M6 is currently closed from J33 - J32
Lancs police just announced.
*MOTORWAY CLOSED*
The M6 J32-J33 is closed in both directions due to a road traffic collision. We anticipate this will be closed for some time. Please avoid the area and use an alternative route where possible. We’ll provide an update once cleared and thank you in advance for your patience.

21/07/2024

The airbus H160 helicopter has just made a flight around the fylde coast.
This aircraft is billed as the worlds most expensive helicopter and has been in for works at an aircraft engineering hangar in Blackpool’s airport. The helicopter is believed to begin at prices around the $14 million dollar mark depending on optional extras

20/07/2024

Six fire engines have attended a small fire at the former police station site on Bonney Street in Blackpool. A hose reel was used to extinguish a small fire in one of the former court areas and crews are now checking the remainder of the complex to ensure there are no further areas alight..

19/07/2024

Blackpool police are currently attending to an incident on Albert Road in the resort
No further details at present

19/07/2024

Blackpool council have revealed details about project amber which aims to improve the longevity of road surfaces across blackpool.
Today they wrote

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹 🚗
With over 300 miles of roads across the town, the highways team are always working hard to keep these maintained. From pothole repairs and minor patch works to major road improvement works, our team are busy providing safer, smoother journeys for local residents.

We recently visited Blackpool Old Road as part of our Project Amber scheme which aims to repair the roads using longer-lasting methods. This means lower repair costs and less disruption on the roads!

𝑾𝒆’𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔.

Keep up to date with ongoing works across the town ⤑ http://blackpool.gov.uk/BetterRoads

19/07/2024

Claims made by a Tory - Blackpool Councillor Paul Galley that Blackpool could miss out on "levelling up" cash appear to be unfounded.
Local Labour MP Chris webb provided this statement to the press today : -

"Against the odds, Blackpool Council did a fantastic job of making the most of the last Government’s Levelling Up Agenda – securing money to support the town’s regeneration agenda. But ultimately Levelling Up was flawed. It created a Hunger Games-style competition that pitted communities against one another while ministers with no knowledge of these areas picked winners and losers.

In March the Public Accounts Committee found only 10% of Levelling Up funding, which promised to reduce inequality, had been allocated and spent. There were no compelling examples of where it had delivered, and there was a worrying lack of transparency in the whole process.
The Labour government has scrapped this Tory gimmick but it has not scrapped any plans to invest in Blackpool. The £90m committed by Homes England will be honoured.

Labour has a genuine commitment to improving the regions by putting communities in charge. A new Take Back Control Act will hand regions devolved power over transport, skills, energy, and planning, so we can rejuvenate our high streets and generate growth for Blackpool. I will be working to achieve a maximum devolution deal with a metro mayor for Lancashire so that Blackpool gets the most out of Labour’s plans.

During my by-election campaign I brought Keir Starmer to South Shore and he saw first-hand how badly investment is needed. He made a commitment to ensure our communities get the investment they deserve and I will be holding him to his word.

For the first time in a long time Blackpool has an MP who will put constituent’s lives first and deliver real and lasting change"

19/07/2024

Mind the "Drunk" Seagulls...
Gulls gorging themselves on flying ants might appear intoxicated or may be struggling to fly properly following "Flying Ant Day"
Many residents in Bispham yesterday reported millions of flying ants causing a nuisance in the area - swarms of excitable noisy seagulls took to the air for a flying treat.
Back in 2020 many news outlets reported that Scientists have suggested the ants produce an acid that gets the birds "slightly" drunk - and - an RSPB gull expert has said gulls are 'mad for them' and gobble them up like 'M&Ms', which can cause them to be even more excitable than usual.

19/07/2024

Payment terminals for card transactions appear to be offline for many providers. The term Global IT is currently trending on twitter.
Many commenters explaining that a failed update by software that operates on windows computers called CrowdStrike has caused the issue. Some explaining a manual reset will be required to put systems right.
We've had info from local businesses some - part of national chains - explaining that some payment providers are not able to process card transactions since early this morning.
We've also seen reports that some normal computer services have been affected in businesses such as doctors dentists and other businesses with globally integrated systems.

19/07/2024

Blackpool Transport announce info about tram sunday services into fleetwood this weekend.
Hi everyone! We've got some important updates for our tram service on Sunday 21st July:
- It's Tram Sunday! This means our trams will be terminating at Fisherman's Walk.
- All tram services on Sunday will run via North Station.
- Starting Sunday, the 23:15 service from Starr Gate to Fleetwood is back! This means you might see some of our team out changing the timetables from tomorrow.

18/07/2024

Coastguard helicopter spotted heading toward south shore area

18/07/2024

Blackpool police have released further information about a house fire which has claimed the lives of 2 local parents leaving 2 children in hospital.
The police just announced : -
We told you yesterday about the fire in Blackpool in which two people sadly lost their lives and we wanted to let you know the latest.
Our officers were called to Peter Street in Blackpool at 2.39am on Wednesday morning following reports of a fire with people reported to be inside the property.
There was a significant emergency response involving officers and our colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Tragically, a woman in her 20s was found deceased at the scene. A man in his 20s was later pronounced deceased at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
We are now in a position to name the man who was Joshua Pearson, 28.
While the woman has not yet been formally identified we believe her to be Danielle Bamber, 24.
In a tribute Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, that will be sorely missed, who adored his girlfriend and children.”
Danielle’s family said: “We as a family are devastated by what has happened to Danielle our daughter and her family.
“Please allow us respect as a family to grieve in peace and refrain from any further speculation on social media and to refrain from posting further pictures of Danielle and her family. Please respect our wishes at our time.”
The couple lived at the address along with their two children aged six years and 20 months. The six-year-old was taken to hospital after the fire but thankfully did not sustain any serious injuries. The 20-month-old remains in hospital in a poorly condition.
Our thoughts are with the family’s loved ones at this devastating time.
Work is ongoing with our colleagues from the fire service to establish the exact cause of the fire and we are keeping an open mind but so far, we have found no evidence that it was started deliberately.
We would again ask that that people avoid unhelpful and upsetting speculation which is adding to the family’s distress.
Chief Supt Mike Gladwin, our West Divisional Commander, said: “My thoughts today are with those impacted by this tragic event. This is an absolutely heartbreaking incident which has resulted in two people losing their lives, and two young children losing their parents. One of those young people remains very poorly in hospital.
“Our work to try and understand exactly what has happened to cause this devastating fire is ongoing and when we are in a position to give further updates we will do so, but as I’m sure people will appreciate this may take some time.
“I know news of this incident will have deeply affected people in the local area and further afield and I would like to thank the community for their support and understanding.”
We are continuing to appeal for information and anyone who can help should call us on 101 or report it via our website. Quote log 97 of 17th July 2024.

18/07/2024

Follow up info has been released following a flurry of activity on the promenade late last night.
Yesterday evening, the Blackpool RNLI volunteers all turned in for their usual Wednesday evening training, after which the boats were all left ready for immediate deployment. The first pager alert went at 11.15pm for a concern for safety of a person near to South Pier. As the crew assembled and prepared to launch. this was resolved by community colleagues with Blackpool Police and the Coastguard volunteers. At that time a second call came in for a person in the sea near Central Pier. Volunteer crew launched D class Phyllis Rowan at 11.50pm recovered a person from the sea near South Pier, handing the casualty to the care of the Police and North West Ambulance Service.
Following this, HM Coastguard requested a third tasking for a shoreline search South to North Pier on a further concern for safety. The D class volunteer crew undertook this search, eventually being stood down with the matter resolved by Blackpool Police.
Having left the Lifeboat Station in the early hours, a further page was made for a person in the sea near North Pier at 6.22am. Volunteer crew made to the Lifeboat Station and made ready to launch when it became apparent the person had been assisted to shore by members of the public.

18/07/2024

Locals who would consider donating old school uniforms can do so at collection points across the fylde coast organised by new local charity Fylde Coast Kids Foundation

🚨 The holidays are nearly here!
DON’T throw the uniform away just yet 👀
We’ve launched the Fylde Coasts biggest uniform drive to ensure families can reuse uniform and children all have school clothing for the start of the new term 🙏🏼
All unsoiled and undamaged clothing accepted as a donation and will be distributed to the families in need. We have already had an incredible response to this so don’t forget ⬇️

Collections will be July 27th across the Fylde Coast please message or comment to arrange or head to the website and pop a message/email 🙏🏼

Alternatively you can donate by drop off to one of the below businesses who are our drop off points for each location ✅

Headstart Salon Chatsworth Fleetwood
Gary Warburton mercedes-benz specialist Fleetwood Town Centre
The Dickens Inn Cleveleys
The Coffee Barn Cleveleys
Dapper Flooring Bispham
Self Storage North West Bispham
Shickers Tavern Blackpool Town Centre
Ashton Signs Harrowside South Shore

This uniform drive has never been more important, We’re seeing so many families feeling the strain this year!

Please ensure to share and spread the word 🙏🏼

18/07/2024

The Grange Park Olympics
At the grange Blackpool have announced details about a family event taking place on The 25th July
Today they wrote :
We are teaming up with The Boathouse Youth and Blackpool FC Community Trust to bring to you the Grange Park Olympics 🏃🏽‍♀️!
This one off family friendly event, guaranteed to be lots of fun🤩, use lots of your energy 💪🏼 and make you sweat 😰 is one not to be missed!
We're talking running races, including the classic egg and spoon 🥚🥄, javelin, long jump and even a warm up and cool down all hosted and delivered by our incredibly talented teams! What's even better is if you join in and participate - We'll throw in a free lunch 🤩!
This is a family event, and we encourage all members of the family to get involved (we already know so many of you so will be keeping an extra eye on the sign up lists to ensure your all there 👀)
The event takes place on Thursday 25th July, Boundary Playing Field, 10am Registration (fingers crossed for nice weather 🤞🏼☀️)
So, if you want to be involved in the action and become the first Grange Park Olympic Champion 🏆 all you need to do is pop into and chat to Mike / Ellen / Ana or Speak with any of the amazing The Boathouse Youth team.
We are so excited, and we hope you will be too!
Bring on the games ❤️ 💙 💚

18/07/2024

Go Blackpool!
Hounds Hill Shopping centre have announced a new APP for Blackpool shoppers!
Uncover the very BEST of Blackpool with the brand-new FREE GO Blackpool app. From discounts and offers to the latest events and news, this is your guide to everything Blackpool has
to offer. With GO Blackpool, you can enjoy fantastic discounts on attractions, shopping, food and drink. Stay in the loop with the latest local news and updates, and never miss out on the exciting events happening around town.
Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, planning your perfect day in Blackpool has never been easier. Discover hidden gems and new places that make Blackpool unique. For businesses, the GO Blackpool app provides an excellent opportunity to reach more customers and boost sales using our innovative marketing tools. Promote your services directly to the community and make a lasting impact. Download it now. It’s FREE for visitors, residents and businesses.
Just search “Go Blackpool” in your app store. Don’t miss out-unlock even more of Blackpool today!

18/07/2024

A large police presence was seen at a car park on Church Street at 00:30 last night.
6 Officers were seen restraining a male on the ground whilst more officers stood close by, the male appeared to be handcuffed with legs strapped together - One officer was carefully holding the males head off the ground appearing to keep it straight with the male's back.
A NWAS fast response medic arrived on scene and assessed the male. A second fast response medic also arrived followed shortly thereafter by an ambulance. The male was loaded onto a trolley and into the ambulance.
Updates when available.

18/07/2024

Volunteers from the RNLI, a large search team from the Local Coastguard and the Police were seen conducting a waterline search for a missing female at midnight last night.
The lifeboat deployed to conduct a search of the water between south and north pier.
Lifeboat crews returned to base following their search and a large force of coastguard set out to search the shoreline and promenade.
No further updates available.

17/07/2024

National police air service helicopter has been spotted above the Mereside area of Blackpool.
The chopper has now moved off from the area following the route of the M55

17/07/2024

Information about a devastating house fire on Peter street has just emerged.
More on the story from The Lead.

A woman in her 20s was found dead at the scene and a man was pronounced dead at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

17/07/2024

Fresh double yellows for a notorious stretch of the prom affected by nuisance parking.
Will this be enough to deter visitors from abandoning their vehicles on both sides?
Should there be enforcement cameras to issue fines automatically for anyone parking in this area?

17/07/2024

MORE roadworks planned for July...
Blackpool Council have relased this info about planned repairs to ansdell road.
🚧 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 - 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 🚧
We'll be carrying out extensive resurfacing works on Ansdell Road from Monday 22 July 2024 for approx. 3 weeks, weather dependent.
The works will be split into two phases. The first phase will take place on the Northbound side and is expected to be completed by Tuesday 30 July. Works will then switch to the Southbound side of the road.
𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘:
🚗 From Monday 22 July the Northbound side of the road and access to/from side roads on that side will be closed to traffic.
🚗 Traffic will still be able to travel Southbound, from Bloomfield Road towards Waterloo Road as shown on the map.
🚗 Businesses will be open as usual and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Thank you in advance for your patience while we make Blackpool better.
The works are part of our Project Amber scheme - repairing the roads in a faster way using longer-lasting materials. This means less disruption, lower repair costs and a better journey for local residents.

17/07/2024

Police and firefighters are still on scene at the location of a fire which broke out around 2:30am in a property on Peter Street in Blackpool.
A cordon remains in place in front of and to the rear of the property.

16/07/2024

2 air ambulances were spotted in fields near a caravan site on New Road in Thornton earlier this afternoon.
A further ambulance could be seen on the caravan park itself.
No further details at present.

16/07/2024

Gareth Southgate has announced plans to step down as England Manager. The 53 year old has been in the position for almost 8 years and has lead the England team to 2 tournament finals seeing England win 61 of the 102 matches he's been in charge for.