Down in the dumps? These ones spark joy with order and peacocks
How typical that the Blair government was worried about losing office in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq (Britain told US that invading Iraq could cost Blair his premiership, papers reveal, 22 July). I wonder if they were so bothered about how many people would lose their lives.Norman MaitlandYork
For more than 30 years I have been blackberrying in the last week of August or the first week of September, when blackberries are generally at their most plentiful. This week, locally, at least a month earlier, there are easy pickings of ripe blackberries on some bushes.John BoalerCalne, Wiltshire
Israel claims its critics are 'disconnected from reality' (UK condemns Israel for depriving Palestinians of 'human dignity', 21 July). Is it not more the case that Israel is disconnected from morality?Austen LynchGarstang, Lancashire
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BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
New Cottam Parkway railway station faces funding shortfall
Only about half the funding needed to build a new railway station in suburban Lancashire is currently available for the long-planned Cottam Parkway in Preston was first mooted a decade ago to serve the rapidly-growing population of the north-west of the for land between Lea Road and Sidgreaves Lane, it would offer passengers journey times of five minutes into Preston city centre and 20 minutes to estimates in 2020 put a price tag of £24m on the new station and accompanying park and ride, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service has learned that the bill has since doubled to more than £55m. The Treasury announced last week that it was allocating £28.4m to Lancashire County Council (LCC) to deliver the scheme - located on the South Fylde line - subject to approval of a business case. It followed the completion of the Labour government's spending review, which was published last shortfall - driven at least in part by inflation - means the project is still stuck in the sidings. 'Situation is a mess' It is understood that the station is at an advanced stage of design and work could begin quickly if the funding could be found in councillor John Potter, who represents the Preston West division – within which the station would be built – said the situation was "a mess"."This just sounds like another [instance] where residents are expecting something, then a whole load of delays happen – and then the excuses seem to come forward," he said."So we need to get to the truth of which figure is right when it comes to the cost." Potter added: "We cannot allow North West Preston to just be homes and not have the infrastructure it requires."Funding was previously allocated for the Cottam Parkway project via the last government's Transforming Cities Fund back in was awarded £40m for a series of schemes, with £22.3m earmarked for the new suburban station, with a further £2.1m due to be contributed from the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal – the government-backed plan to deliver the infrastructure needed to facilitate the building of 17,000 new homes in the wider it is unclear whether – and how – the tranche of cash intended for the station was ultimately used, or even whether the money announced by the Treasury last week is a renouncement of any part of the Transforming Cities Fund has been approached for comment. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- The Guardian
Morecambe's future thrown into doubt after suspension from National League
Morecambe have been suspended from the National League with immediate effect as concern mounts regarding the future of the 105-year-old club. Jason Whittingham, Morecambe's controversial owner, had been given until noon on Monday to outline how the club would meet their financial obligations for the 2025-26 season after talks with the National League last week. However, shortly after the Monday deadline passed, it was announced that further sanctions had been taken against Morecambe at another meeting of the league's compliance and licensing committee. In a statement, the National League said the committee had 'reconvened this afternoon to debate the ongoing concerns surrounding Morecambe Football Club and its compliance with National League rules', adding: 'It was decided further sanctions must be imposed, with the club's membership to be suspended with immediate effect. 'The club will also remain under embargo ahead of the new season. Morecambe Football Club will also be removed from the National League Cup for the forthcoming season.' The committee will meet again on 20 August to consider whether Morecambe have satisfied its financial concerns and 'to decide the club's ability to retain membership in the competition'. That meeting is scheduled for after what would have been Morecambe's opening three games of the new season. Whittingham's Bond Group Investments have been involved in a contentious takeover saga over the past two years that has led to the resignation of Morecambe's board of directors, seen wages paid late and prospective owners, Panjab Warriors, threaten legal action. Panjab Warriors received EFL clearance to complete a takeover last month only for Whittingham to announce that a new buyer had come forward. Whittingham issued a long-awaited statement on the takeover on Sunday in which he claimed his company 'has continued to work with the consortium led by Jonny Cato in their efforts to acquire the majority shareholding' in Morecambe. He blamed negative media reports for giving the consortium 'cause for concern and pause' and claimed the Bond Group had been unable to contact Panjab Warriors over the past week. Morecambe were relegated from the EFL last season after 18 years. Lizzi Collinge, the Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said recently there was a 'very real risk' that the club would soon cease to exist.
The Guardian
7 days ago
- The Guardian
Down in the dumps? These ones spark joy with order and peacocks
My local dump, in Wandsworth, out-Kondos Marie Kondo in its organisational systems and obsessive tidiness – the whole dump process sparks joy (Why I absolutely love a visit to the dump, 24 July). But nothing beats my late Mum's dump in Clitheroe, run by Lancashire county council. It has peacocks! Compelling. Watching the peacocks strut the skips gave dignified beauty to our poignant task of the final house clearance. Sarah JacksonLondon How typical that the Blair government was worried about losing office in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq (Britain told US that invading Iraq could cost Blair his premiership, papers reveal, 22 July). I wonder if they were so bothered about how many people would lose their MaitlandYork For more than 30 years I have been blackberrying in the last week of August or the first week of September, when blackberries are generally at their most plentiful. This week, locally, at least a month earlier, there are easy pickings of ripe blackberries on some BoalerCalne, Wiltshire Israel claims its critics are 'disconnected from reality' (UK condemns Israel for depriving Palestinians of 'human dignity', 21 July). Is it not more the case that Israel is disconnected from morality?Austen LynchGarstang, Lancashire
