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Articles by Robert MacDonald
Concerns over future of town halls and local traditions in big Lancashire shake-up
Questions about the future of town halls in Lancaster and Morecambe - and preserving local traditions - have been raised as the district faces a merger with Preston and the Ribble Valley Safeguarding Lancaster's city status and its mayor's role have also been highlighted and a council boss says he understands the need to preserve 'local things that people hold dear'.
'Skelmersdale people are under-represented and frustrated - we need a town council' says Reform councillor
A Reform councillor is calling for people in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk to have their own dedicated town councils, as the whole of Lancashire faces a major shake-up. Aaron Body, elected to West Lancashire Council in May, says people in Skelmersdale are 'under-represented' and want change. In an emotional speech to borough councillors, he said he has campaigned for a Skelmersdale council for years.
Marks and Spencer food hall plan for 'resilient and vibrant' Colne
Marks & Spencer wants to build a food store on the edge of Colne , saying it will boost the town and create 70 jobs. M&S wants permission for a food hall at Silk Way Business Park, near the new Euro Garages service station, Boundary Mill and the M65 The other applicant involved is Monte Blackburn Ltd, the company owned by Blackburn's Issa brothers who have the Euro Garages chain. M&S says it needs 150 dedicated car parking spaces but other existing retail parks in Colne do not have enough spaces.
Call for new grass-roots town councils broadly welcomed ahead of big Lancashire shake-up
People in West Lancashire have broadly welcomed calls for new grass-roots town and parish councils to be formed, to give local communities a stronger voice in a big shake-up of Lancashire. Parks and playgrounds, youth clubs, mum-and-baby groups, transport and health needs could be supported or championed by new town councils, some people think. But they also say any new town councils should not waste money, if they charge a local tax.
Council house tenants 'need to be included' in talks ahead of big Lancashire shake-up
People living in council housing across the Lancaster and Morecambe district need to be involved in 'meaningful talks' about future arrangements and regeneration under a major shake-up of councils. That is the view of some Lancaster city councillors, as the area moves towards a merger with Preston and Ribble Valley councils in 2028.
'Deeply unpopular' plan for homes on village farmland is refused after hundreds object
A 'deeply unpopular' plan for new homes on farmland near a Lancashire village, which raised over 200 objections, has been refused. The application for 85 homes - including 25 affordable ones - at Balderstone in the Ribble Valley has been rejected by councillors, despite developers asking for extra time to look at late information sent to the council. Ribble Valley Council received 240 objections to the outline housing plan for land south of Causeway Farm at Longsight Road, Balderstone.
Word on the street in Morecambe about potential impact of big council changes
"How will Morecambe fare under a much bigger council?" People are worried about their town's future ahead of a major reorganisation of Lancashire councils. Some people told the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme they fear key decisions about planning and local services could be made without local input or knowledge after councils in Lancashire undergo a major reorganisation.
Controversial hill-side housing estate 'would have steeper paths than Clitheroe Castle or Pendle Hill'
A housing estate proposed for a Lancashire hill-side would have some steeper paths than Pendle Hill or Clitheroe Castle's base, councillors have claimed. People with prams, walking sticks, wheelchairs or cycles would struggle to get up or down the 80-homes estate proposed for Wilpshire, Ribble Valley councillors say. They also believe the land, east of Salesbury View, should never have been earmarked as suitable for homes.
Hundreds object to homes plan on farmland near Lancashire village 'with no local amenities'
A plan to build more than 80 homes on farmland near a Lancashire village has sparked hundreds of objections from people, with fears about extra pressures on services and the loss of green space. Developers want outline permission for up to 85 homes, including around one third affordable, on land south of Causeway Farm at Balderstone in the Ribble Valley. But 240 objections have been sent to Ribble Valley Council, which is handling the application.
Ormskirk Hospital decisions taken in Lancashire - not Merseyside - could be better for local needs
Transferring NHS decision-making powers about Ormskirk Hospital from Merseyside to Lancashire could protect its services and better-reflect local people's needs, some councillors believe. West Lancashire councillors have backed a motion from a new Reform councillor, calling for a review of Ormskirk Hospital governance arrangements amid a controversial plan to move children's A&E to Southport.
Hopes to modernise Lancaster museum and widen its impact with £5m lottery bid
A much-loved Lancaster museum could be revamped with wider content from across the district and better experiences for visitors, if a £5m heritage lottery bid is successful. Staff at Lancaster City Museum, which includes the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum, are working on a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid to upgrade the site, which dates back to the 1780s and was Lancaster's original town hall. The museum is seen as out-dated in parts and suffers problems including damp.
Robert Lewandowski Stars in CHERY's New Brand TVC, Bringing "For Family" to Life
, -- On July 18, CHERY Brand launched its new brand TVC worldwide, featuring Robert Lewandowski, CHERY Brand Global Ambassador and one of football's most iconic No. 9s. Told through a daughter's perspective and voiceover, the film presents Lewandowski as a champion in the spotlight and as a father, a husband, and a guardian at home.
Building an 80-homes estate in this scattered Lancashire village would completely change its nature
People living in West Lancashire have raised concerns about a plan for an 80-homes estate in a rural village and its potential impact on farmland, local services and road safety. Their worries were raised at a public meeting called about a plan by Alston Properties to build 80 homes on land off Ring O' Bells Lane, Lathom. The site has been associated with a nursery in the past and is next to the A5209 road linking Burscough , Newburgh, Parbold and the M6 .
Rawtenstall businesses stress need to avoid major disruption as street works due to begin
Businesses in a Lancashire town have emphasised the need to avoid significant disruption when a programme of street works begins later this summer. Rawtenstall's Bank Street area is to have widened pavements, new parking and loading bays, crossings and other features, in a bid to make it more accessible and vibrant. And one-way traffic will be introduced. Lancashire County Council is behind the scheme, working with contractors Casey.
Drink, drugs and men's mental health need attention in £20m Skelmersdale project
People with drink, drugs and depression problems – especially men – need to be helped in a new £20m Lancashire regeneration project, a community centre leader believes. Amanda-Jane Hardwick of the Evermoor Hub in the Digmoor area of Skelmersdale says health problems and grief around local tragic deaths – including the murder of a teenage boy and people taking their own lives – are blighting many lives in a ‘ripple effect'.
'Drink, drugs and men's mental health need attention in £20m Skelmersdale project'
People with drink, drugs and depression problems – especially men – need to be helped in a new £20m Lancashire regeneration project, a community centre leader believes. Amanda-Jane Hardwick of the Evermoor Hub in the Digmoor area of Skelmersdale says health problems and grief around local tragic deaths – including the murder of a teenage boy and people taking their own lives – are blighting many lives in a 'ripple effect'.
Reaction and next steps as big Lancashire council shake-up is announced
Councillors across Lancashire have mainly welcomed a government plan to create four brand-new authorities in 2028. But some fear services, council housing, local decision-making and democratic representation could suffer. The government is to create four new unitary councils for Lancashire , replacing all 15 existing councils. Its aim is to make services and councils more efficient and create a simpler system for residents, businesses and councillors.
200 homes plan sparks fears over loss of Lancashire market town's character and farmland
A plan for 200 homes in Clitheroe will spoil the market town's rural character and increase pressure on local roads, doctors and schools, objectors fear. There are also worries that too many new houses are being built around Clitheroe , meaning the loss of important farmland. However, developers behind the plan for land north of Pendle Road, near the A59, say it be well-designed with much-needed new homes include affordable ones.
200 homes plan sparks fears over loss of Lancashire market town's character and farmland
A plan for 200 homes in Clitheroe will spoil the market town's rural character and increase pressure on local roads, doctors and schools, objectors fear. There are also worries that too many new houses are being built around Clitheroe, meaning the loss of important farmland. However, developers behind the plan for land north of Pendle Road, near the A59, say it be well-designed with much-needed new homes include affordable ones.
Developer's new housing plan for farmland near ancient Morecambe barrow
A developer has submitted a new plan for more than 100 homes on farmland near an ancient monument between Morecambe and Lancaster Oakmere Homes wants to build 110 houses on land near Torrisholme Barrow. The new plan comes after a previous, bigger application by Oakmere for 129 houses was rejected by Lancaster City Council and a national inspector, with concerns including the visual impact.
Developer's new housing plan for farmland near ancient Morecambe barrow
A developer has submitted a new plan for more than 100 homes on farmland near an ancient monument between Morecambe and Lancaster. Oakmere Homes wants to build 110 houses on land near Torrisholme Barrow. The new plan comes after a previous, bigger application by Oakmere for 129 houses was rejected by Lancaster City Council and a national inspector, with concerns including the visual impact.
Waterfoot pagoda events space divides opinion
People living in a Lancashire town are divided over a pagoda-style event space that has sparked controversy. Around 1,400 people have signed a petition calling for the structure in Waterfoot, Rossendale , to be moved. Critics say it takes-up important car parking spaces, hinders customers visiting businesses and has no planning permission. But supporters say Waterfoot needs the space and that events play an important role in regeneration.
Waterfoot pagoda events space divides opinion
People living in a Lancashire town are divided over a pagoda-style event space that has sparked controversy. Around 1,400 people have signed a petition calling for the structure in Waterfoot, Rossendale, to be moved. Critics say it takes-up important car parking spaces, hinders customers visiting businesses and has no planning permission. But supporters say Waterfoot needs the space and that events play an important role in regeneration.
Under-fire bar bosses say cutting late-night music hours would close the business
Bosses at a Lancashire bar accused of failing to tackle music disturbance and bad customer behaviour say it could close if late-night hours for DJs and live acts are cut. Jabber Khan and Naseem Khan of The Aviary, in Whalley, say they have spent thousands on new sound-control equipment and insulation to cut the noise impact on neighbours.
Calls for Waterfoot's controversial £55,000 pagoda to be moved amid questions
People in a Lancashire town are calling for a controversial pagoda-style events space, said to have cost £55,000, to be moved. Critics say the red-roofed structure in a Waterfoot town centre car park is hampering customers trying to visit local businesses, has no planning permission and impacts on elderly residents nearby. The pagoda - also described as a pergola - has been used to test different events and to help create a new Waterfoot 'town square' in a car park behind Burnley Road East.
Village homes plan sparks 100 objections amid wider fears of pressures on farmland
A plan for new homes in a West Lancashire village has sparked 100 objections - amidst wider concerns about house-building pressures on farmland. The application is for 80 homes on land off Ring O' Bells Lane at Lathom, next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The site has been associated with a nursery over the years. Developers say the housing plan is acceptable but objectors' worries include the potential impact on local health services, schools, roads and wildlife.
The Lancashire town closing roads so children are able to play out in the street
A new 'play street' scheme restricting traffic in part of a Lancashire town for short periods will boost both children's and adults' lives in many ways, supporters say. Youngsters and parents in Belgrave Road, Colne , are holding weekly play street sessions, closing the road to through-traffic for three hours, to let children play safely outside. Locals in cars can still get access, marshalled by volunteers.
'Reaching agreement on town swimming pools is still possible' despite closure plan row
Skelmersdale could still get a brand-new swimming pool if agreement can be reached despite a major public row last year, a leading councillor believes. Mark Anderson, the new Labour opposition leader at West Lancashire Council, says finding local agreement for a new Skelmersdale pool will be among among his priorities ahead of a major council shake-up expected in 2028. And a pool in Ormskirk could get an upgrade too.
Pendle witches land development fears spark objections from campaigners
A plan for 77 homes on historic parkland in a Lancashire village has sparked fears of over-development with claims that 700 homes will be built there in future. There are also fears that development would harm the site's historic importance including links to a listed hall and the Pendle Witches. Seventy-seven houses are proposed for the land in the Ribble Valley village of Read. The site is known as Hammond Ground, north of Whalley Road, and associated with Read Hall.
Pendle councillor hits out at 'nepotism' claims over father's committee role
A leading Pendle councillor has rejected 'nepotism' accusations regarding her father rejoining an area committee, despite losing his borough council seat in May. Lola Whipp, the new deputy leader of Pendle Council, says recent social media accusations of 'nepotism' - giving family members unfair influence - are 'ridiculous', regarding David Whipp's return to the West Craven area committee.
Wind turbine plan ‘would further harm the moors and increase flood risks for valley towns'
Building an extra wind turbine on peat moorland near existing wind-farms could increase flood risks for valley towns below, which have previously seen ‘catastrophic' floods, it is feared. Bacup , Todmorden and Hebden Bridge could be at risk from building an extra turbine at Henbury Hill, Reaps Moss, near Bacup, in combination with other existing moorland wind schemes on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border, an objector says.
Eden Project Morecambe builders say region's small businesses and young people will benefit too
The company awarded the main contract to build the Eden Project in Morecambe says they will ensure there are opportubities for smaller firms and young people during the build. VINCI Construction is to create the Eden attraction on Morecambe's seafront, where a ground-breaking ceremony was held this week marking the first phase of garden work starting this summer.
Eden Project Morecambe builders say region's small businesses and young people will benefit too
The company awarded the main contract to build the Eden Project in Morecambe says they will ensure there are opportubities for smaller firms and young people during the build. VINCI Construction is to create the Eden attraction on Morecambe's seafront, where a ground-breaking ceremony was held this week marking the first phase of garden work starting this summer.
The 'disgrace' splitting Morecambe in half as £20m regeneration begins
It used to be known as Morecambe's 'best end'. And locals in the seaside town's historic West End have highlighted what they see as the area's strengths and weaknesses as a new £20m regeneration scheme gets under way. Tackling empty shops and flats - and forcing property owners to fix buildings - are key challenges, residents say. Fly-tipping, litter and the need for more children's amenities are also often mentioned.
'I'm so proud to be building Eden Project now after leaving Morecambe years ago with a heavy heart'
A Morecambe man is proud to be playing a key role in building the new Eden Project after leaving his hometown years ago 'with a heavy heart'. Dewey Lord, 32, is the senior project manager for the Morecambe attraction and took part in the Eden Project's 'ground-breaking' ceremony on the town's promenade on Wednesday evening. He recalled leaving Morecambe 'in decline' when he was younger but feeling a new sense of hope for the area, with the Eden Project contributing to its future regeneration.
Lancashire councils closest to the people locked out of conference despite huge changes
Lancashire councils which are ‘closest to communities' are being excluded from talks about important issues, a top officer fears. Rob Huntington, chief executive of Rossendale council, has blasted Westminster civil servants for not allowing district council bosses at a regional leadership conference. District or boroughs run services including planning, bin collections, housing, regeneration and leisure centres.
Controversial village homes plan passed despite hundreds of objections and traffic jam 'dread'
A controversial plan for new homes in a 'congested' village near Lancaster has been approved, despite nearly 300 objections. Outline planning permission for up to 93 houses on farmland at Highland Brow, Galgate has been granted. There were 299 objections received in relation to the scheme from Wainhomes (North West) with traffic congestion and pressure on sewers among people's concerns.
Earby urged to re-bid for share of £1.5m community cash after 'rule-bending' row
A Lancashire town has been urged to re-bid for a share of £1.5m for community projects, after a row over 'rule-bending' prompted an MP to step in. Pendle councillors say Earby Town Council must clarify what it wants and act soon for a share of the government's Pride in Place Impact Fund. Around £34,000 is currently unspent from the first phase and Pendle Council expects more government cash soon.
Colne's conservation area process is re-started after being controversially paused
Moves to create a conservation area restricting development in part of a Lancashire town has been re-started, three months after they were controversially paused. Pendle Council's executive has recommenced work towards creating a conservation area in Colne 's Keighley Road district. The council will formally write to all households in the area and to the Government to progress the scheme. The conservation area project first began in 2024.
‘Loss of local power to decide major housing plans is an attack on democracy’
The loss of power at a Lancashire council to decide major housing plans is an 'attack on democracy', critics claim. Rossendale councillors have blasted a 'designation notice' by the government, meaning developers can now submit housing applications directly to national planning inspectors rather than the borough, if they wish. It came after figures suggested Rossendale Council had the highest rate of planning appeals granted by national inspectors between 2023 and 2025.
A long wait with many nay-sayers – but the start of Eden Project work is good news
It's a game-changing project that's been years in the making. And on the streets of Morecambe , there's no shortage of enthusiasm for the arrival of the £100 million Eden Project with building work finally set to begin next week. The Eden Project is holding a ‘ground-breaking' ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, to mark what bosses say will be the start of construction work on the promenade site.
Bar accused of allowing ‘insufferable, stunningly loud' music disturbance to neighbours faces review
Bosses of a Lancashire bar accused of allowing ‘insufferable, stunningly loud' music disturbance to local residents face a licensing review. Council officers measured the volume of music around The Aviary, in Whalley, and in nearby homes and found it breached the levels allowed. They say managers are failing to prevent nuisance to the public. Over the past five years, The Aviary on Queen Street has been the focus of complaints by some residents.
Rossendale council put into special measures for ‘failing to deliver enough homes'
Rossendale Council has been put into special measures by the government for ‘failing to build enough homes'. The Labour-run authority has been handed a ‘designation notice' for under-performance linked to planning appeals, meaning developers can now chose to submit applications directly to national planning inspectors, if they wish.
Rossendale council put into special measures for ‘failing to deliver enough homes’
Rossendale Council has been put into special measures by the government for 'failing to build enough homes'. The Labour-run authority has been handed a 'designation notice' for under-performance linked to planning appeals, meaning developers can now chose to submit applications directly to national planning inspectors, if they wish.
Windfarm developer's apology as wrong email address given to public for comments
The developer behind a huge moorland wind farm project has apologised after giving the public the wrong email contact details to have their say on the controversial project. Calder Energy Park says it has received more than 1,000 submissions about its plans for 34 wind turbines on the Lancashire and Yorkshire border. But some emails sent by the public before June 5 may not have been received because they went to the wrong email address.
Eden Project Morecambe ground-breaking ceremony 'will be history in the making'
The Eden Project is hosting a ‘ground-breaking' ceremony to mark the start of construction work at its Morecambe site and a public event explaining its next steps. Bosses say June 24 will mark the beginning of the construction phase on site. The new, approved design for the £100m attraction features two main shell-shaped domes and gardens – rather than four domes in the original plan. The design had to be reduced because of rising costs and other factors.
Eden Project Morecambe ground-breaking ceremony ‘will be history in the making’
The Eden Project is hosting a 'ground-breaking' ceremony to mark the start of construction work at its Morecambe site and a public event explaining its next steps. Bosses say June 24 will mark the beginning of the construction phase on site. The new, approved design for the £100m attraction features two main shell-shaped domes and gardens – rather than four domes in the original plan.
Homes plan rejected over fears of ‘daisy chain' developments destroying character of separate villages
A plan for new homes on Lancashire farmland has been refused, after people feared it could spark a ‘daisy chain' of developments and destroy the character of individual villages. The 28 homes-plan for Earby Road, Salterforth, prompted dozens of objections and has been rejected by Pendle councillors. Applethwaite Ltd, of Preston , wanted permission for new houses, landscaping, infrastructure and altered access at a field numbered 0087 on Earby Road, Salterforth.
Moving M&S from Ormskirk to Burscough will especially affect older people
Locals fear a Lancashire town could suffer if Marks and Spencer closes a food store to open a bigger outlet in a nearby town. Ormskirk residents, town centre workers and visitors say they are worried about plans to open a big M&S food hall at Ringtail Retail Park in Burscough and close its existing, smaller food hall in Ormskirk. M&S says the Burscough site would be three times the size of its Ormskirk town centre shop.
Charge utility firms £2,500 a day for roadworks to end misery for drivers and businesses
Utility firms and contractors responsible for over-running, disruptive work on roads should be charged £2,500 a day using new powers. That is the view of Pendle councillors, who want new powers for councils put into practice, for speedier delivery, better coordination and more off-peak working on key roads. Underground utility works, lane closures and traffic delays have sparked complaints across Lancashire over recent months.
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