The Wyre Times (2025)

10/10/2025

SUCCESSFUL POLICE WRAP UP

Lancashire Constabulary’s West Division (which includes Wyre, Fylde, Blackpool and Lancaster boroughs) has successfully wrapped up its Safer Streets Summer campaign, a national initiative focusing on reducing town centre criminality, street crime and anti-social behaviour.

Running between 30th June and 30th September, the initiative, which involved officers and partner agencies, included high visibility patrols and community engagement events aimed at creating safer, more vibrant communities and boosting public confidence.

Here is what was undertaken across West Division:

222 arrests made.

1,440 stop checks carried out.

406 stop searches conducted.

379 community engagement events attended.

234 days of action implemented.

326 joint partner patrols completed.

3,070 stakeholder visits conducted.

469 Lancashire Talking sign-ups secured.

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Martin Wyatt said:

“It is brilliant to see all the work being carried out daily by Neighbourhood Policing Teams across West Division, alongside our partner agencies. Through a proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, crime prevention and engagement we have been able to make a real impact.

“Crime prevention is not just enforcement activity. It is about positive engagement with our communities and partner agencies: local residents, businesses, Councils, education, charities and many more. These strong working relationships and genuine partnerships are the foundation of effective policing. When we listen, collaborate, and build trust together, we create safer, more resilient neighbourhoods for everyone.

“Although Safer Streets Summer is over, my message to residents and especially potential offenders is this: we will not stop working to stamp out crime and keep Lancashire a safe place to live, work and visit. Using our already established operations such as Centurion, Vulture and Warrior, we will continue to robustly tackle anti-social behaviour, retail crime and all other criminal activity.”

If you would like to keep up to date with work being carried out by Lancashire Police in your area, and have your say on priority issues, sign up to In The Know to take the Lancashire Talking Survey: https://www.stayintheknow.co.uk/

09/10/2025

HORRIFIC E-SCOOTER CRASH RIDER SENTENCED

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

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Preston Magistrates Court today (9th October) for sentencing.

To give you some more details about the case, just after midnight on 23rd February 2025, we were called to Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, following reports an e-scooter had collided with an unidentified vehicle.

The rider of the e-scooter was not seriously injured. He tested positive at the scene for having cannabis in his system and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, while our investigation into the collision continued.

Those enquiries found that the e-scooter was not road legal, it had no lights illuminated even though it was the middle of the night, was uninsured and the teenage rider had no licence that would allow him to ride such a vehicle.

CCTV enquiries found that just seconds before the collision, the teenage rider had ignored and gone through a traffic light that had already been on red for around five seconds. The unidentified vehicle had approached the junction from Hornby Road, going through a green light at the expected speed.

However, the teenage rider failed to react to the unidentified car – only making an attempt to avoid when it was too late and after his female passenger had let out a scream.

The collision caused both the rider and his passenger to be thrown over the bonnet and roof of the unidentified vehicle, with the victim colliding into metal railings fixed to the pedestrian crossing island.

The female passenger suffered a significant and life-changing head injury, the impact of which is covered by her mother in the statement to the court.

She wrote: “I am providing this statement as my daughter remains in Royal Preston hospital, some eight months after the collision. She has missed a massive part of growing up, gaining independence and life skills required for adulthood. The injuries she sustained have left her both physically and mentally scarred. Although she is coming to the end of her hospital treatment the incident has had life long lasting effects.

“My daughter has the physical scarring on her head where her hair won't grow back to cover them so she will have a visual reminder of the ordeal she has been through every time she looks in the mirror. As a result of the brain injury my daughter suffers with excruciating migraines and headaches which leave her bedridden. This is currently a daily occurrence, and she spends a lot of her days sleeping to get away from the pain. My daughter has scarring on one of her legs from further injuries sustained during the collision. My daughter cannot walk for long periods of time, sometimes requiring wheelchairs and staff at the hospital to assist her. However, this is a massive improvement from where she was eight months ago where we didn’t know if she would live, let alone walk again. My daughter’s grit and determination to get back to a point where she can walk for very short periods has been incredible and is why she has progressed so far.

“Mentally my daughter still isn't in the place she was at prior to the incident. My daughter does not present as the 16-year-old girl she was prior to the collision. She has regressed back a few years with her mental age and she has become more and more frustrated that she is still in hospital, still not well enough to be released and still not understanding of what happened, what went on and fully how she came to be in the position she is.”

“As her mum it has been positive to see her setting herself some goals going forward. My daughter has missed her GCSEs due to being in hospital and she is determined to get back into some form of education. She has ambitions of driving, socialising and being able to look after herself without the aid and support of carers and family members. As positive as this is, I can't help think that this is a long, long way off. Although my daughter recovery has come on leaps and bounds there is still a lot that she cannot do unaided or unsupported.”

She continued: “For myself and my family this period has continued to be traumatic and draining. Every day has been emotional. Whether it's the constant travel to hospital appointments and visits, meetings with social services, police and doctors it has been never-ending, and the worry of what life holds for my daughter in the future won't go away.”

“However, we find ourselves in this position because of a collision that should easily have been avoided if the rider had not been on that scooter with my daughter. I just wish that that night had never happened for all involved, but mainly my daughter. She is the one that is going to have to live with the physical and mental scars, and the lack of understanding about what happened for the rest of her life.”

Following enquiries, we charged the rider with causing serious Injury by dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance. He pleaded guilty to all the offences when he appeared at Preston Magistrates Court earlier this year.

He returned to the same court today where he was given a 12-month Youth Offender Panel referral order and banned from driving for 18 months.

Det Sgt Dan Gunn, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “As a result of this collision a teenage girl has been left with life-changing physical and mental injuries, and my thoughts are very much with her and her loved ones.

“The illegal use of e-scooters is often in the news. However, there will be very few cases out there which so powerfully rand emotively reflect the devastation that the illegal and reckless use of e-scooters can have. This case should act as a timely reminder to anyone about the importance of ensuring that you and your e-scooter are fit and safe to be on the road.

“No sentence handed down to the rider of the e-scooter will ever make up for the devastation he has caused to the life of his victim, as eloquently summarised by her mother. However, he will have to live with the consequences of the decisions he made on 23rd February 2025 for the remainder of his life.”

09/10/2025

JAILED FOR ASSAULTING HOSPITAL STAFF

Hospital staff should be able to do their jobs safely, without being subjected to violence and threats.

That is why Andrew Burrows is now serving a prison sentence having appeared in court this week for assaulting staff while a patient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Burrows was being treated in the A&E department on the afternoon of 19th April this year when he turned violent.

He hit a nurse in the face after she tried to take some pills off Burrows which he had emptied on to a bed.

Burrows then assaulted a member of the hospital’s security team who had been called to the department, punching him in the face causing an injury to his eye socket and nose.

He was on bail at the time, having assaulted three people at an address in Tudor Place, Blackpool a few weeks earlier.

Those assaults stemmed from the loss of a mobile phone, with his three female victims needing hospital treatment.

Burrows, 26, formerly of Clifton Drive, Blackpool, and now of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at Preston Crown on Monday (6th October) having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to inflicting grievous bodily harm, assault of an emergency worker, assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

He was jailed for a total of three-and-a-half years and made subject of restraining orders in relation to the three victims of the Tudor Place assaults.

Det Con Rick Nicol of Blackpool CID, said: “Andrew Burrows’ behaviour towards NHS staff was nothing short of appalling. They should never have to be subjected to such violence when treating patients whom they are caring for.

“In the earlier incident, Burrows subjected his victims to an excessive, violent and prolonged attack. This resulted in their hospital treatment for injuries sustained. The victims of this case have suffered a great deal of distress, fear and trauma in relation to the assaults.

“His offending is of serious concern, and I hope that the custodial sentence he received offers the victims some reassurance and comfort whilst they recover.”

09/10/2025

:: Woman jailed after attempted abduction in Blackpool

Nicolette Goldrick was arrested after attempting to abduct a baby girl in Blackpool.

Goldrick was jailed at Preston Crown Court earlier this week.

Saturday 10th May was a sunny day, the 7-month-old girl was in her pram in Blackpool, with her parents close by when Goldrick walked up to the pram wearing sunglasses and a medical-type face mase, removed the brake, and attempted to walk off.

The baby’s parents, and passers-by intervened, and thankfully the baby did not come to any harm.

Goldrick walked away from the scene, and a report was made to the police.

Goldrick proceeded to return to the scene, hours later, whilst enquires to locate her were ongoing, and quickly left again when the baby’s parents recognised her.

Following those enquiries, Goldrick was located and arrested on suspicion of kidnap. It was then that she spat at police officers and was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Goldrick, 51, of Marton Drive, Blackpool, was charged with attempted abduction and common assault.

She pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced to twelve months in prison and handed a five year restraining order at Preston Crown Court.

In a Victim Personal Statement, the baby’s mum said: “When it was happening, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what was happening under my nose, in front of my eyes and all I could think about was getting my baby back from her.”

She continued: “Are people right when they say that I should have beat her to a pulp? Believe me, until you are in that situation you will never know.

“Then she returned hours later for another go. My heart was in my mouth. I wanted to react, but I knew that waiting for the police was the right thing to do.

“I suffered a lot of abuse on social media as people didn’t know the truth which only added more to my upset and hurt.”

Speaking of the effect the incident has had on their family, she said: “This thing has ruined our lives in an unspeakable way.

“She’s ruined our daughter’s life because my daughter will suffer in later life due to restrictions that I now place on her to protect her because we have been traumatised by what’s happened.

“Nicolette Goldrick is not only a danger to the public in general but a serious danger to children generally.”

DC Ian Peachy, of Blackpool CID said: “Nicolette Goldrick saw an innocent baby sat in her pram that day and brazenly walked up and tried to take her from her parents, in what must have been a terrifying moment for them.

“They have shown real strength throughout the proceedings, and you will have heard in the baby’s mum’s victim personal statement how much of an effect this has had on their lives.

“She then left the scene, and attempted to evade our officers, before spitting in their face upon arrest. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our county.

“It’s not for me to comment on the sentence passed, but I do hope that the baby’s family can now begin to move forward in their lives knowing Goldrick has been brought to justice.”

07/10/2025

SEARCH BEGINS FOR YOUNG HEROES

Lancashire Constabulary, in partnership with the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), and the University of Lancashire, has officially launched the search for the county’s most inspiring young people as part of the 2026 Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Do you know a young person aged 19 or under who has gone above and beyond to help others, support a local cause, or make a positive impact in their community? This is your chance to help them gain the recognition they deserve.

The award celebrates exceptional acts of kindness, bravery, and community spirit shown by young people across Lancashire. Whether it’s supporting a neighbour, volunteering for a local organisation, or leading a community initiative, we want to hear their story.

Nominations are now open and will be accepted until Friday 9th January 2026. A panel of judges, including the High Sheriff of Lancashire, representatives from LANPAC, Lancashire Constabulary, and the University of Lancashire, will select the winner and runners-up.

The winner will receive £300, a trophy, and a certificate presented by the High Sheriff and Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary Sacha Hatchett. Two runners-up will each receive £100 and a certificate in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett said: “It’s truly inspiring to learn about the incredible young people across Lancashire who are making a real difference in their communities. Their selflessness and dedication are having a powerful and positive impact on those around them, and we really appreciate their generosity and compassion.

“The Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year Award offers a wonderful chance to highlight and celebrate these remarkable individuals. If you know a young person who has gone above and beyond for their community, I strongly encourage you to put them forward for a nomination.”

James Carter DL, High Sheriff of Lancashire, said: “For a number of years I have supported and worked with the Youth Zone movement, in particular Inspire (Chorley Youth Zone), to help and encourage young people realise their potential. There have been some outstanding examples of young people achieving great things often from a poor start in life. It is important that we celebrate success, and the Young Citizen Awards is a fantastic way to do this. It means so much to those who participate and especially the winners”

Professor Graham Baldwin DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lancashire, said: “I’d recommend anybody who knows of an amazing young person in Lancashire to nominate them for these prestigious awards, to recognise their kindness, generosity or bravery, often in the face of adversity. I’m proud that the University supports the High Sheriff of Lancashire and the Constabulary in celebrating our county’s young people in going the extra mile where it’s needed most.”

Approval of a parent or guardian is needed for the nomination, subsequent publicity and any future events involving the finalists.

Nomination forms can be completed online at lanpac.co.uk/nomination
For more information contact Al Yusuf or Mia Threlfall from LANPAC on 01772 412796.

06/10/2025

FERRY SAILINGS October
🎃👻🧙‍♀️ October Sailing Times 🧙‍♀️👻🎃

Weds 1st. 0745 - 1015 STOP 1445 - 1745
Thus 2nd. 0745 - 1145 STOP 1645 - 1745
Fri 3rd. 0745 - 1245
Sat 4th. No Ferry due to storm
Sun 5th. 0745 - 1345
Mon 6th. 0815 - 1415
Tues 7th. 0915 - 1445
Weds 8th. 0945 - 1545
Thurs 9th. 1015 - 1615
Fri 10th. 1115 - 1715
Sat 11th. 1145 - 1745
Sun 12th. 1215 - 1745
Mon 13th. 1315 - 1745
Tues 14th. 0745 - 0815 STOP 1415 - 1745
Weds 15th. 0745 - 1015 STOP 1545 - 1745
Thurs 16th. 0745 - 1145 STOP 1715 - 1745
Fri 17th. 0745 - 1245
Sat 18th. 0745 - 1315
Sun 19th. 0815 - 1345
Mon 20th. 0845 - 1415
Tues 21st. 0915 - 1515
Weds 22nd. 0945 - 1545
Thurs 23rd. 1015 - 1615
Fri 24th. 1045 - 1645
Sat 25th. 1115 - 1715

❄️Winter Sailing Program❄️
From the 26th October the ferry will begin its winter service. The Wyre Rose will sail every hour at 45 min past the hour. As opposed to every half hour. This will be from 07.45 unti 17.45. Tide and Weather depending.

Sun 26th. 1045 - 1645
Mon 27th. 1045 - 1645
Tues 28th. 1145 - 1745
Weds 29th. 1245 - 1745
Thurs 30th. 0745 - 0845 STOP 1345 - 1745
Fri 31st. 0745 - 0945 STOP 1445 - 1745

Please note these times may be subject to change due to unpredictable circumstances such as weather and tides. Times will be updated as soon as confirmed that day.
Frequently Asked Questions ⁉️
- The vessel sails at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour from Fleetwood. If sailing from Knott End please be waiting on the slipway BEFORE 15/45 past the hour, so the vessel can see there are passengers to be collected.
- To contact the vessel direct please call/text 07793270934.
- If you are on the Knott End slipway please walk down the slipway when you see the vessel sailing from Fleetwood ready to board.
- Cash preferred for speed but card is now accepted!
- We do not offer return tickets.
Passenger Fares (each way):
Passengers(including OAPs, Adults and children): £2.50
Babies: £1.50
Bikes: £0.50p
Dogs: £0.50p
Launch Fares:
Jet Ski or Boat Launch: £10.00
Annual memberships for unlimited launches is £65 (April - April)

06/10/2025

HAVE YOUR SAY … a long read
Public opinion is being tested for the draft local transport plan, which aims for better public transport, stronger east-west connections, and improved infrastructure across the county between 2025 and 2045.

With a local transport plan, Lancashire County Combined Authority would have a framework for prioritising the allocation of transport funding across the authority and a key strategy to stimulate regional growth.

LCCA has worked in lockstep with Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council, and a range of consultants to publish the draft plan.

The consultation for the draft will end on 30 November. The final version of the LTP will then be submitted to the LCCA for approval in early 2026.

View the consulation here
The LTP has identified four key workstreams as a guide to maximising the scheme’s economic potential.

Connecting Lancashire

This aspect seeks to create the right transport foundations to enable business growth and attract investment across Lancashire.

The LCCA wants to reduce costs, attract talent, and spread innovation by enhancing public transport and wider regional links, particularly across the Central Belt between Blackpool and Burnley, a target route for improving occupational mobility.

An expansion of the Superbus corridors has been proposed alongside the enhancement of tram links along the Fylde coast, building on the success of the 2024 Blackpool North tramway extension.

Connecting Lancashire up to neighbouring regions, such as Ormskirk with the Liverpool City Region, and Chorley, Blackburn, Rossendale, and South Ribble with Greater Manchester to the south, is also a priority.

Physical improvements to the regional rail network by extending lines, doubling tracks, increasing platform lengths, and transforming stations into ‘quality gateways’ with improved public environments are also to be considered.

Transforming travel choices

This workstream seeks to provide the public with ‘genuine choices’ to address transport-related inequality surrounding opportunities for work, education, and services.

Maximising the value of the region’s existing assets underpins this core strategy, starting by unlocking funding for a modernised, comprehensive, and frequent integrated bus network.

This strategy could mean increasing the areas served by existing routes and improving journey planning tools for passenger convenience.

As for rail services, the LTP could mean altering the capacity and frequency of rail services, particularly focusing on peak times for tourists and on Saturdays.

Finally, improved and safe cycling and walking networks would be installed region-wide, and their use encouraged by safe cycle parking and better lighting.

Tourism could also be streamlined with dedicated coach services and reset interchanges across visitor hotspots in the region.

Safe and vibrant communities

The LTP proposes to create high-quality spaces and infrastructure to enhance health and wellbeing, tackle deprivation, and reduce social isolation.

This workstream would focus on traffic accident reduction, creating safe and welcoming streets, and improving the accessibility and affordability of local transport.

Increased CCTV, educational programmes, and speed limit enforcement could all be employed.

Future-ready networks

The final workflow seeks to transform Lancashire into a future-ready sub-region, integrating new technologies and innovative solutions to its transportation infrastructure for both efficiency and sustainability.

To be supported by a data-driven approach to improve reliability, support economic growth, and lay the groundwork for future changes, the LTP could include the future use of drones and autonomous vehicles for this purpose.

The LTP highlights the potential of drones in a future transport world and suggests that the LCCA could work alongside neighbouring aerospace industry partners, including BAE Systems. The LTP suggests the region could become a pioneer in drone research and future civilian transport capabilities.

Other technologies, such as traffic management, solar power, and the use of autonomous vehicles, are also proposed in the plan.

Finally, the LTP suggests the region should encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, particularly by improving access to charging points across the region.

BOOK NOW: Sustainability in Practice 2025
Cllr Phil Riley, transport lead for Lancashire County Combined Authority, said: “Good quality transport directly improves life chances.

“For too long, people in Lancashire have been held back by slow journeys and unreliable services and the impact that these have on everyday life.

“We want people to give us their views on the draft plan, to help us shape the future decisions on transport in Lancashire.

“We need to take the opportunity presented by the Combined Authority to make the case for big investments to improve transport options in Lancashire.”

Once the LTP is finalised, an overarching implementation plan will set out the priorities for strategic investment and funding allocations.

The delivery of the plan would be supported by a multi-year funding settlement secured for the region from the government, which the combined authority states would be essential for the wider strategy.

05/10/2025

APPEAL: Searches continue for missing man in Preston

The man pictured below is 77-year-old George Norwell, he is missing, and we are extremely worried about him.

George was last seen in the Swift Close area of Whittle-le-Woods at 9.30am yesterday (4th October).

We, along with George’s family, are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

We suspect George drove his blue Ford Focus to the Boulevard area of Preston at around 10.30am. The car was later found by a member of the public, close to the River Ribble, however George wasn’t in it.

George is 5ft 9, slim and has white hair. He was last seen wearing a maroon tartan padded jacket with fleece lining, a maroon t-shirt and dark pants. He was carrying a cream square shoulder bag with dark brown buckles.

We are working with our partners at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coast Guard to locate George and you may have seen an increased emergency service presence in the area.

We want to stress that we are keeping an open mind in relation to George’s potential whereabouts and that is why we are asking for anyone who sees him to call 999 straight away.

George’s family are being kept updated.

Anyone with information about George’s whereabouts or saw him yesterday, particularly if that was in the Boulevard area, is asked to call 101 and quote log 1280 of 4th October 2025.

05/10/2025

MISSING PERSON ALERT //On 5 October at approximately 12:30am, HM Coastguard was alerted to reports from Lancashire Police and Fire and Rescue Service regarding a missing person in the River Ribble.

Coastguard Rescue Teams from Lytham St Annes and Southport were tasked, alongside a Coastguard helicopter and an RNLI inshore lifeboat from Lytham.

Despite an extensive search of the area, nothing was found. The operation was subsequently stood down, pending further information.

03/10/2025

THERE WAS A RAW WARMTH AGAINST THE RAVAGED SKY when Storm Amy made landfall… the tangled air heaved and danced and the heady gusts bounced, tugging and pushing. Not a night for the Happy to Chat Club to gather on the slipway. Stay safe.

03/10/2025

RIP …Family of Melvin Cravitz pay tribute to ‘kind and caring man’

Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, tributes have been paid to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz who sadly died during yesterday’s (Thursday 2 October 2025) incident at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.

Melvin, from Crumpsall, was the security guard who worked at the synagogue at the time of incident who courageously stopped the attacker from entering the building.

His family are being supported by specialist officers at this time.

In a tribute provided by the family, they said: “Melvin would do anything to help anyone. He was so kind, caring and always wanted to chat and get to know people.

“He was devoted to his wife, family and loved his food. He will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends and community.

“We ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with this shocking loss.”

Melvin’s family have asked for privacy while they grieve for their loss.

03/10/2025

WARNING …
I have been talking to the quiet heroes who guard our coast . . .

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson told me: "During Storm Amy please take extra care by the coast in affected areas. Strong winds and heavy rain can create dangerous conditions by the shore and at sea.

"Our advice is to steer well clear of large waves and cliff edges, and to watch out for flying debris. Follow your local safety advice and consider staying at home when the conditions are bad at the coast. Please don't put yourself in danger for a selfie - it's just not worth the risk.

"As always, HM Coastguard stands ready to assist 24/7 with rescue teams available to be sent including HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopters, lifeboats and Coastguard Rescue Teams. In an emergency at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more information on staying safe by the coast in storm conditions, visit

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