One pint policy, Big anniversary, 'inadequate' £20m and the Lyon of Lancashire
The Lancashire Lead - June 2, 2024
Well the General Election campaign is well and truly up and running now. As the main parties’ finalise their candidate selection, there’s no shortage of controversy at national level. Here in Lancashire, we finally have an answer to who Labour will field in Hyndburn, with ex-MP Graham Jones out of the picture and Blackpool councillor Sarah Smith chosen in his place.
Another for which we now have an answer is who the Conservatives will field to replace Mark Menzies in Fylde. Menzies had been chosen for re-selection before becoming the party’s latest scandal and recently disposed Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden has been confirmed as the new candidate.
Among those still standing, two have caught attention for very different reasons. First, Darwen and Rossendale MP Sir Jake Berry decided to share a video of him discussing the Tories’ National Service proposals “in one pint”.
The bizarre clip doesn’t involve him explaining the concept in the time it takes to drink a pint, but instead has him talk about it and then one edit later he downs most of a pint. I can only assume he think it looks cool?
Elsewhere, South Ribble’s Katherine Fletcher was left facing something altogether more troubling when someone posted an faeces-filled envelope through the letterbox of her constituency office. As Fletcher pointed out, not only is this dreadful behaviour but it also meant a volunteer was left to discover to dirty delivery. Lancashire Constabulary is now investigating the matter.
“This was a disgusting attempt to stop me campaigning through intimidation and also an attack on the very democracy I am proud to stand for in South Ribble.”
Katherine Fletcher
The election promises are starting to come through and in a surprise move, the Conservatives have pledged to award £20m to 30 areas including Preston, Fleetwood and Skelmersdale. The promise has blasted as reckless and unfunded by Labour and, if I can offer my own input, it will take an awful lot more than to convince West Lancashire to turn Blue.
Among those to pour scorn on the idea was Preston City Council leader Cllr Matthew Brown. Writing on X/Twitter, he said: “Would have been nice to have been told #Preston will get this extra £20m! Towns Fund and Levelling Up capital projects are inflexible and now affected by inflation though we make the most of them. Doesn't aim to reverse austerity or empower local government. Totally inadequate.”
Here at The Lead, things have continued to grow with the launch of another newsletter, this time Warrington with a piece from me on a landmark many Lancastrians will be familiar with. For Hyndburn, Liam Milton has explored the rising problem of people sleeping rough in Oswaldtwistle’s woodlands.
Over on the coast, the campaign to save Blackpool Rock continues, while there’s also an update on Chris Webb’s efforts to stop the negative impact of Uber, and Michael Holmes has a fascinating read on the photographers focusing on Blackpool - it’s another example of the kind of writing you’ll struggle to find anywhere else.
🚨 Police officers who made and shared footage of a dead man have been called “a disgrace to humanity” by the man’s mother (Lancashire Post). ↪️ With a warning on how truly horrid the discussions were, Rachel Smith has more detail on the content of those messages here (LancsLive).
🦺 Ribble Valley Council is launching High Court action to force the rebuilding of the Punch Bowl Inn after it was illegally demolished (Lancashire Telegraph).
👃 For months, complaints have been made about the stench coming from the Transwaste landfill in Fleetwood. Now calls are being made for its licence to be stripped (LancsLive).
🎣 The only fisherwoman in the UK fully licensed to use an ancient netting practice has spoken about her love for the dangers of fishing on the Lune (Beyond Radio)
👷 Plans have been unveiled for a £45m office development which could bring 1,000 jobs to Blackpool town centre (Blackpool Gazette).
🧑⚖️ The family of a Helmshore dancer who died in the USA as a result of an allergic reaction has begun legal action in relation to her death (Lancashire Telegraph).
🥊 The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will take place days before Christmas and will again be held in Saudi Arabia (Guardian).
🚌 Days after a city centre road became bus-only, a bus company was forced to divert vehicles away from it due to congestion (Blog Preston). ↪️ As a result, the camera controlled ‘bus gate’ was turned into a literal gate patrolled by council workers (Blog Preston).
🏚️ Blackpool Council has denied failing a conservation area where buildings have fallen into states of ruin (Blackpool Gazette).
🗳️ A independent councillor General Election candidate in Blackburn claims he has faced bullying in attempts to get him to stand down (Lancashire Telegraph).
In Wednesday’s edition, I discussed how the General Election had brought Lancashire’s devolution plans to a halt, with no time to pass the required legislation.
Since then, the leaders of Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool Council have issued a joint statement insisting they remain committed to securing a deal and that the agreed one provides a “foundation for additional deals in future”.
“We believe the transfer of powers from central government to Lancashire is in the best interests of residents and businesses. We strongly believe the voice of businesses in Lancashire is crucial in making sure our devolution deal focuses on the right issues.
“As Leaders we are committing to establishing a new board of Lancashire business leaders, representing the wider range of sectors and places across the county.
“One of their first tasks will be to help set Lancashire's economic strategy, ensuring investment in infrastructure, skills and business support is targeted in a way that supports our wider ambitions.
Cllr Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council
Thirty years ago, the biggest and steepest roller coaster in the world opened right here in Blackpool. Known then as the Pepsi Max Big One, it was described at its official opening as the “most significant structure in Blackpool since the Tower was built a century ago” and it’s been attracting thrill-seekers ever since.
Even with a staggering 235ft height, it was overtaken as the world’s tallest in 1996 and as the country’s biggest in March - though bosses have taken that in good spirits.
But with a top speed of 85mph and an almost permanently windy location, it remains a pretty terrifying proposition and one I confess I have not yet taken on. Maybe it’s time to put that right?
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It’s been nice to see the ride getting attention on the May 28 anniversary and this LancsLive piece from Nostalgia writer Lee Grimsditch contained some excellent details (not least the odd presence of the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the official opening). The Blackpool Gazette also ran the story of a couple who returned to recreate a wedding photo atop the ride on their 25th anniversary.
As well as this, May 28 also marks the anniversary of the death of another true Lancashire icon. It was on that date in 1984 when Eric Morecambe died in hospital, hours after suffering a heart attack on stage at a charity show.
It’s not hyperbole to suggest Eric was one of the UK’s most beloved figures and his 1977 Christmas special with partner Ernie Wise remains the most watched comedy programme in British television history. The Lancaster Guardian this week took a look at the life and legacy of the comedy legend.
It’s not my recommendations being showcased this week but instead one from Chris Moss who has discovered the culinary hotspot of the Ribble Valley. Writing for the Independent, espoused the glory of venues here and elsewhere in Lancashire, including Eight at Gazegill, Northcote, Moor Hall and others.
“Lancashire is a special place. Over the years it’s grown as a destination and that’s translated into even more quality and creativity coming out of the kitchens.”
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at Northcote
Once again, we finish on some What’s On stories from the week but first let me thank you for taking the time to read today’s edition. If you liked it, subscribe to receive future issues and please share it so others can discover it too.
'Massive' four day international food and craft market coming to Morecambe
Lytham's Lowther Pavilion to receive £250k grant for expansion project
BBC Radio 2 In The Park line up and tickets timeline confirmed
Date set for historical first passenger journey on £23m new Blackpool tramway
Oswaldtwistle gastro pub crowned one of the best places to eat in all UK
Preston pub with 'well-kept real ales' crowned Lancashire Pub of the Year by CAMRA
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