Blog Preston

Independent Preston politicians condemn Your Party as ‘dreadful waste of fantastic opportunity’

Paul Faulkner — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

A group of independent Preston politicians has severed ties with the new socialist party co-founded by Jeremy Corbyn – with one of them branding it “a dreadful waste of a fantastic opportunity”.

The trio – who operate under the ‘Preston Independents’ banner and sit as part of the main opposition group on Lancashire County Council – signed up to join Your Party shortly after it was formed by the ex-Labour leader and fellow former Labour MP Zarah Sultana last summer.

They briefly considered fully subsuming themselves into the new party once it was formally established, but the broader Preston Independents collective – which has around 55 active members in the city – later settled on retaining their local identity and autonomy, while allowing individuals within the grouping to choose whether to also hold Your Party membership. That decision followed a fractious launch for the new party – and repeated fallings-out between Corbyn and Sultana.

Now, however, the three independents elected to County Hall to represent various parts of Preston have walked away from the fledgling left-wing movement altogether.

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County Cllr Michael Lavalette (Preston Central East) said he followed his colleagues – County Cllrs Yousuf Motala (Preston City) and Almas Razakazi (Preston South East) – out of the door when it became obvious that a divide between the Corbyn and Sultana wings of the party had been baked into its operation after Mr. Corbyn’s supporters won a majority on the Your Party leadership committee.

He said a vote earlier this month that undermined a previous resolution to permit “dual membership” of Your Party and some other political organisations was the final straw.

“At that point, I thought this is just a waste of time – [there is so much] faction fighting.

“[After the leadership committee election], there could have been some focus put on how we were going to work together and move forward,

“[But] I think Your Party is finished, really – and it’s a dreadful waste of a fantastic opportunity. I really like Jeremy [and] Zara, but, politically, they have tarnished their image. To squander that [chance] is terrible.

“I don’t know if it’s because they live in the Westminster bubble, but if anyone is mildly critical, they just don’t take it well – and that’s not how the real world works. We all make mistakes [and] we all disagree with each other, “ County Cllr Lavalette told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

It had appeared that Lancashire could prove fertile ground for Your Party when it first emerged last year. Jeremy Corbyn came to Preston and Blackburn for two packed-out rallies in August, which County Cllr Lavalette was at the forefront of helping to organise as part of an effort to build a strong Lancashire base for the movement.

As the LDRS revealed at the time, conversations were also held with various independent councillors across Lancashire about the possibility of them joining Your Party.

However, of the seven independents that form the Progressive Lancashire main opposition group on Lancashire County Council – which is an alliance with the Green Party – only the subset of indies from Preston ever signed up. The wider opposition group’s leader, Azhar Ali – himself a former Labour member – said in September he would “wait and see” what “the direction of travel” was for Your Party before making any decision.

Around 800,000 people registered for the party’s mailing list after its arrival on the political scene was heralded – but its actual membership as of December 2025 stood at 55,000.

The LDRS approached Your Party for comment on the departure of the Preston Independents and the issues raised, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

On its website, Your Party describes itself as a “national movement for change”, adding: “It’s time for a new kind of political party. One that is rooted in our communities, trade unions and social movements. One that builds power in all regions and nations. One that belongs to you.”

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Investigation into Martin’s Funeral Directors to focus solely on financial irregularities

Luke Beardsworth — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:07:40 +0000

An investigation into a funeral directors in Preston will focus on potential financial irregularities, police have said.

Police were contacted in relation to concerns about the practices at Martin’s Funeral Directors and on Tuesday morning (28 April) carried out raids at their sites at Tulketh Brow in Ashton-on-Ribble and Preston Road in Longridge, along with a residential property at The Friars in Fulwood.

Thorough searches have been conducted, along with a public health inspectors, and police said they have found no reason to continue to investigate the way the business treats or stores peoples’ loved ones.

Two people, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s, both from Preston, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and are currently in custody.

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The investigation will now focus on ‘potential financial irregularities’.

A spokesperson for police said: “Officers have carried out thorough searches of the addresses, accompanied by a public health inspector, and we have not found anything untoward in respect of the treatment or storage of peoples’ loved ones.

“Our investigation is continuing but is focussed solely on potential financial irregularities relating to the business. Our ongoing enquiries will not impact on the business continuing to provide funeral services at this time.

“Two people, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s, both from Preston, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and are currently in custody.

“We appreciate that reading about this may cause concern, but we wanted to provide some context and reassure you about the nature of our investigation.

“If you do have any information or concerns, you can call us on 101 quoting log 0212 of April 28th.”

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Overnight closures at Grimsargh Bridge now start on Wednesday

Ed Walker — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:37:06 +0000

Overnight closures at Preston Road in Grimsargh are to now begin on Wednesday, not Thursday, this week.

Lancashire County Council has issued another update within 24-hours of changing the date of the planned overnight closure of Skew Bridge at Grimsargh.

The scheme, which is running six months behind schedule, had been due to see the route between Preston and Longridge shut off from Monday 27 April.

However on Monday the county council confirmed the overnight closures would be starting Thursday (30 April) and not running over the Bank Holiday weekend.

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But this afternoon they confirmed to Blog Preston the closures will instead start on Wednesday (29 April).

And no overnight closures will run over the Bank Holiday weekend, including from Friday (1 May) into Saturday (2 May) as had been originally planned for the £2.2million scheme which is part of the county council’s bus improvement scheme.

The works are to put the final parts of the bridge in place, resurfacing work and also putting a new mini roundabout in place at the junction with Ribblesdale Drive.

When is Skew Bridge closing?

Overnight closures, from 10pm to 5.45am, take place on Wednesday (29 April), Thursday (30 April), Tuesday 5 May, Wednesday 6 May, Thursday 7 May and Friday 8 May.

Why has it changed, yet again?

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “Following a revised schedule, we are undertaking a reduced number of overnight closures to complete resurfacing and lining works at Grimsargh Skew Bridge, with no overnight closure now planned for Friday 1 May, ahead of the May bank holiday weekend.

“Traffic management will remain in place while work continues during the day.

“We recognise this is disruptive for residents and road users, and the programme has been revised to minimise overnight closures as this final stage of the scheme is completed.

“The road is due to reopen to normal traffic on Saturday 9 May, after which no further traffic management will be required.”

How are buses being affected?

The early and late services for the 1 Stagecoach bus service are go via Broughton instead.

Services departing Longridge Post Office from 21.54 onwards will divert via the A6 (Garstang Road) and Whittingham Lane.

From Preston Bus Station, from the 9.55pm departure onwards there will be two vehicles used for each departure, one vehicle will follow the diversion route via the A6 and Whittingham Lane, terminating at Longridge. The second vehicle will follow the usual route through Ribbleton to Red Scar, terminating at the Crematorium stop, before returning to Preston Bus Station to help passengers travelling to and from the industrial estate. Please take care to make sure you get on the correct bus.

The early morning 05.05am departure from Preston Bus Station will follow the diversion route, terminating at Longridge. It will not serve Ribbleton or Red Scar.

What’s the diversion route?

Motorists are being sent via Whittingham Lane and Broughton and Goosnargh – with some local traffic able to use Haighton Green Lane.

Pedestrian access across the bridge is being maintained during the works but there may be some short footpath diversions during bits of work.

When do the temporary traffic lights go?

The county council said they are hoping the new, widened, Skew Bridge will be open to traffic on Saturday 9 May and no traffic lights are to be in place at that point.

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The temporary traffic lights were due to be needed for six weeks of the scheme, but have ended up being used for six months on and off in total causing regular delays and gridlock in Grimsargh.

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Emergency gas repairs see major Preston city centre delays

Ed Walker — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:07:04 +0000

Motorists and bus passengers found themselves in a jam on Monday evening as a cut-through route in the city centre was closed.

Grimshaw Street has been closed off at the Church Street end by Cadent after reports of a smell of gas.

Engineers have uncovered a gas leak and traffic management is also putting Church Street down to one lane on the stretch near Derby Street and Action Records.

Grimshaw Street is currently closed for the gas works Pic: Blog Preston

On Monday evening drivers reported long delays trying to get off the Bus Station car park and into Church Row as traffic became backed up by the road closure and lane closure.

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Drivers trying to find alternative routes also blocked up Market Street by the Old Post Office building with queues going around Earl Street and Lancaster Road where the Amounderness House works are taking place – this is despite Market Street and Cheapside showing as being closed from April 20 for roadworks by Lancashire County Council.

Delays in Market Place Pic: Adam Boushear

Cadent’s customer operations are manager, Colin Baker, said: “We responded to an emergency incident last night, after a public report of a smell of gas in the area.

“We have found a leak on a gas main which is under the road.

“Our immediate priority was to make everything safe and keep an uninterrupted supply of gas to local homes and buildings – which we have done.

“Work is now under way to repair the gas main. This will involve temporary road closures but I am sure people understand this is to ensure everyone’s safety, both my team working there and members of the public.

“Incidents like these are an important reminder to act quickly if you smell gas – call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999*, day or night. It is a good idea to save the number into your phone now so it is there if you should need it.”

Church Street emergency gas works Pic: Blog Preston

The repairs are listed as ongoing until Wednesday 6 May but may be completed sooner.

Blog Preston has contacted Lancashire County Council for clarity and comment regarding the situation in Market Place.

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‘We’re not trying to blend in’ operator of Patty Shack and Todo Tacos on coming to Preston

Ed Walker — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

A street food kiosk at a popular Liverpool food hall is expanding into Preston.

Blog Preston revealed last week two of the new food kiosks at the Mad Giant Food Hall will be Patty Shack and Todo Tacos.

Currently operating at Blackstock Market in Liverpool, this will be Owen and teams second venture.

He told Blog Preston: “Preston felt like the right place for us to go bigger with what we do. We’re bringing two concepts into The Mad Giant and focusing on food that’s as much about the experience as it is the taste.”

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Patty Shack isn’t just burgers and with a nod to the success of Different Gravy who departed in December to head to Manchester, the team are planning some gravy dunking. They also threw shade on fellow Animate tenant Taco Bell with their Todo Tacos kiosk.

Owen said: “We’re talking gravy-dunked burgers, spice bag curry pours over crispy chicken, taco cheese pulls made fresh to order not pre-made, not frozen (like a certain Mexican competitor a few doors down) and bright, over-the-top dirty sprites you won’t find anywhere else locally. Everything is designed to be bold, visual, and worth sharing.

“It’s not just about the food either it’s the atmosphere. Good music, energy in the room, and a space where people come to hang out, not just eat and leave. We’ll also be leaning into desserts and specials that push that same idea of indulgence and theatre.

“We’re not trying to blend in we want to give people a real reason to come to The Mad Giant and stay there.”

Food at Patty Shack and Todo Tacos

Mad Giant has endured a choppy start to life within Animate, having to push back the opening due to further construction work needed, and then losing all the original food vendors by April. After a short closure it has re-opened with half the food vendors up and running and a Sri Lankan curry expected to follow soon.

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Two arrested as police raid properties investigating Martin’s Funeral Directors in Preston and Longridge

Luke Beardsworth — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:45:00 +0000

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences after police raided two funeral homes.

Police raided two Martin’s Funeral Directors offices – at Tulketh Brow in Ashton-on-Ribble and Stonebridge Parade in Longridge – on Tuesday morning (28 April).

They were also at an address on The Friars in Fulwood which is linked to the raids. Police say the raids come after they were contacted in relation to concerns about the practices at the funeral directors.

Two people, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s, both from Preston, have been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and are currently in custody, police said.

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A spokesperson for police said: “We appreciate that reading about this may cause concern but while enquiries remain at this early stage it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”

If anyone has any information or concerns, they can call police on 101 quoting log 0212 of April 28th.

Martin’s funeral directors in Ashton-on-Ribble Pic: Blog Preston

Police at Martin’s Funeral Directors in Tulketh Brow Pic: Blog Preston

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The Roebuck in Bilsborrow closed permanently by operator Greene King

Luke Beardsworth — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:43:26 +0000

A decades-old country pub in rural Preston has closed its door permanently just over a month after its group operator launched a consultation into its future.

The Roebuck on Garstang Road in Bilsborrow, was part of Greene King’s Chef & Brewer brand but the operator told Blog Preston in March that it was considering the closure of the site.

At the time, Greene King said that staff were being offered employment at their nearby sites. Despite that, they said that no decision had been made on the future of the site.

But The Roebuck closed for ‘the last time’ on Saturday (25 April).

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A statement issued by staff at the pub said: “We are incredibly sad to announce that on Saturday the Roebuck in Bilsborrow closed its doors for the last time.

“We never imagined having to say goodbye to Bilsborrow and for this chapter to end. The Roebuck has become a place to make memories, friends and build a community that will be massively missed.

“We would like to thank each and every customer over the years for their support and sharing special moments with us. Every guests loyalty and kindness means the world to us. We have had the absolute privilege to work alongside each other and be a smashing team and I wish each of them an amazing future.

“This is an incredibly difficult goodbye, However we are taking this as an opportunity to go onto bigger and better things for each of us.”

A spokesperson for Greene King said: “Following a period of team member consultation, we can confirm that the Roebuck has now closed. We are grateful to everyone who has supported the Roebuck over the years, and we look forward to welcoming them into our other pubs in the local area soon.”

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Shoplifter back in jail after breaching criminal behaviour order

Luke Beardsworth — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:42:03 +0000

A shoplifter from Leyland has been recalled to prison after a breaching a Criminal Behaviour Oder (CBO) preventing him from entering certain shops in Lancashire.

Andrew Ritchie was arrested on Friday (24 April) and charged with two counts of theft from a shop and breach of a CBO.

This came after over £300 worth of products were stolen from The Range and B&M last month.

In March 2025, Ritchie, 31, of Meadowcroft Road, Leyland was issued with a CBO which prevents him from entering the a number of locations until 5th March 2027.

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These include; any Tesco, Tesco Extra or Tesco Express store in Lancashire, any Morrisons, Morrisons Daily or Morrison Local in Lancashire, any Aldi store in Lancashire and any Range store in Lancashire

PC Golding from Lancashire Constabulary said: “Criminal Behaviour Orders are there to protect businesses and their staff, and breaching them will result in swift and decisive action.

“Through Operation Vulture, we are targeting prolific offenders and will continue to work closely with retailers to reduce theft, protect workers, and hold those responsible to account.”

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Costa Coffee opens as Friargate side of St George’s Shopping Centre shows signs of life

Ed Walker — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:39:14 +0000

A new Costa Coffee has opened in Preston city centre as life begins to spring back into the Friargate side of the St George’s Shopping Centre.

The coffee chain has opened its new store in the former Patisserie Valerie unit which is inside the shopping centre but also faces out onto a stretch of Friargate which has become synonymous with empty shops in the city.

And in a boost to the shopping centre Costa has confirmed any plans to close in the rotunda area have been shelved.

A spokesperson for Costa told Blog Preston: “We’re excited to have opened our new Costa Coffee store, which is owned and operated by one of our franchise partners, at St George’s Shopping Centre.

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“The opening has created up to 10 new local job opportunities, and our talented team of baristas look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy their favourite handcrafted coffee in a comfortable, modern setting.”

They also confirmed the rotunda area café in St George’s will not close after in December we reported it was due to relocate into the new unit.

Costa Coffee kiosk in St George’s rotunda Pic: Blog Preston

Last year our Blog Foxton young reporters reported on the demise of the stretch of Friargate – known as Friargate South – with dozens of empty shops and units particularly on the front of the St George’s centre.

Plans to revamp the street scene along the stretch from the Flag Market to Ringway are due to begin soon, say the city council, and in recent weeks Bonmarche has announced it will re-open in its former unit fronting onto Friargate and the Lancashire Post reported this morning how Peacock’s is planning to open in the former Select store on the Friargate side.

Costa Coffee in St George’s Shopping Centre Pic: Blog Preston

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Local MP organises public meeting to discuss future of Longridge Community Hospital

Ben Briggs — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis will hold a public meeting with health bosses and residents to discuss the future of Longridge Community Hospital.

Maya, who has met regularly with Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) since inpatient services closed last year, has also organised a petition calling for services to be protected for the community.

The meeting, on Thursday, 7 May, which has been organised with the Help Save Longridge Community Hospital campaign group, will enable residents to hear from ICB bosses about the temporary relocation of the inpatient ward and the long-term future of the hospital.

Maya said: “There’s anger among the Longridge community about the lack of communication since inpatient services temporarily closed, with the lack of transparency fuelling concerns over what level of service provision people can expect in the future.

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“I’ve continued to meet with the ICB throughout this process and I’ve met with campaigners who remain devoted in their efforts. What’s clear is that both groups need to come together to discuss the situation to better understand how the land lies and the steps needed to restore some services in Longridge, however that may look.

“I’m pleased that representatives of the ICB have agreed to attend a public meeting and that residents will get a chance to voice their questions following this period of uncertainty.”

A petition on Maya’s website calls on the ICB to commit to a full reopening of the hospital to provide health services to benefit the community.

As we recently reported, the Help Save Longridge Community Hospital campaign group will protest outside the unit, off Derby Road, Longridge, at midday on Saturday, 9 May.

Residents can register to attend the 7 May meeting at Longridge Civic Hall by visiting: https://forms.gle/x3kp8vsXhHZZCQHU7.

The petition is available at: https://www.mayaellis.co.uk/home/longridgehospitalpetition/

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