Latest news with #WyreCouncil
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wyre Council promises to pursue Fleetwood seafront revamp plans
A council has promised to pursue its "ambitious" plans to revitalise its seafront despite missing out on a share of £1.5bn of government Fleetwood scheme would include redeveloping the Marine Hall to include a restaurant, offices and event spaces, to create a better connection between the waterfront and town centre, and refurbishing Fleetwood Leisure Council said it was continuing to work with external specialists to develop a business case for other funding for the leader Michael Vincent said: "We want Fleetwood to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, work and visit." 'Glamping pods' A £16m refurbishment of Fleetwood Leisure Centre is planned to upgrade the existing sports and pool facilities and rebrand as a health and wellness promenade would be reconfigured and the Lancashire town's beach huts would be refurbished to provide standalone "glamping pods" to "tap into the staycation market"."The town has a fascinating history, a dramatic coastline and stunning heritage assets such as the art-deco Marine Hall theatre which has stood proud for almost 90 years," said Mr added: "We are committed to building upon that and attracting investment and funding in the future to support the town to reach its full potential. "The regeneration plans are a real blueprint for success."Councillor Peter Le Marinel, planning policy and economic development portfolio holder, said Wyre Council remained committed to attracting investment to enhance the town's existing said the council had appointed design and engineering consultants Aecadis to develop business cases for four projects outlined in its masterplan. 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
BBC News
19-05-2025
- BBC News
Teen dies after getting into difficulty in River Wyre at Garstang
A teenage boy has died after getting into difficulty in the River Wyre near Garstang Cricket Club. Lancashire Police said the incident happened in a section of the river at about 14:30 BST on Saturday.A spokesman said: "Our officers quickly attended and found that a teenage boy was being given CPR by members of the public on the riverbank."He was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition but despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he very sadly died yesterday." A local eyewitness Nick Hill told the BBC: "The area was quickly cordoned off and I saw a police officer interviewing a tearful young girl among a group of backpackers."That part of the Wyre is regarded by the Environment Agency as dangerous with several warning signs. It is a few yards beyond the flood control gate, a small area of invitingly calm water before a series of weirs." The retired journalist added that previously he had seen "young boys leaping in from a high vantage point despite the obvious hazard". The Environment Agency and Wyre Council have been contacted for a 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.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Seaside town voted one of the 'worst in the UK' set for major £16m upgrade
A bold new plan to transform a Lancashire town has been given the green light by Wyre Council, with hopes that a £16 million revamp will breathe new life into the seaside spot. Under the proposals, Fleetwood's waterfront will see upgrades to a historic theatre, modern leisure facilities, and improved links between the promenade and town centre. Just 25 minutes from Blackpool, Fleetwood has long attracted holidaymakers with its low prices - including hotel stays that average around £73 a night - and old-school seaside charm. But last year, it landed in ninth place on Which? Travel's roundup of the worst seaside towns in the UK, with a score of just 51 per cent. The low rating came down to limited tourist attractions and shopping options, something the council hopes this revamp will help change. The proposed plans include a major overhaul of the town's iconic Marine Hall and the local leisure centre, aiming to bring new life to the promenade and give both locals and visitors more to enjoy. There are hopes the Marine Hall - an art deco gem that's stood proud by the sea for nearly 90 years - will be turned into a flexible new space with a theatre, restaurant, offices, and room for events. Councillors also aspire to redesign the promenade itself to better link the seafront to the town centre, making it easier for visitors to explore everything Fleetwood has to offer. Even the colourful beach huts are being considered for a makeover - with hopes they'll be transformed into glamping pods, perfect for staycationers looking for a coastal getaway. There are also plans to give the nearby leisure centre a fresh look, with improved pool and sports facilities and a brand-new climbing wall. Once finished, it's anticipated it will be relaunched as a modern health and wellness hub, fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. Now with an estimated population of 26,840, Fleetwood first began recording settlers as early as the second century. Historians believe it may have once been a Roman port, with traces of an Iron Age settlement found nearby. It was officially named in the 1500s after Thomas Fleetwood, and later developed in the 1830s by his descendant Peter Hesketh, who turned it into the first planned town of the Victorian era. The town still proudly boasts three lighthouses - more than any other town in the UK - and its historic market, which opened in 1840, is still going strong. Though its pier was lost to a fire in 2008, attractions like the Model Yacht Pond and golf course keep visitors coming back. As reported by the Sun, local councillor Michael Vincent said of the proposed plans: 'We want Fleetwood to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, work, and visit. 'The town has a fascinating history, a dramatic coastline, and stunning heritage assets such as the art-deco Marine Hall theatre, which has stood proud for almost 90 years. 'We are committed to building upon that and attracting investment and funding in the future to support the town to reach its full potential.' It comes as a new study has revealed the UK's most walkable city and it's good news for Brits who like a day out at the seaside.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- BBC News
Garstang Walking Festival returns for 21st year
A walking festival which features 40 walks over 11 days is set to Garstang Walking Festival, taking place from 3 to 11 May, is in its 21st year with walks taking place around Garstang, rural Wyre, the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe festival includes a diverse range of guided walks suitable for all ages and abilities, including dog-friendly walks, heritage rambles and tramper Winstanley, assistant director of environment at Wyre Council, said: "We hope everyone who participates has a fantastic time and shares their experiences, helping the festival continue to grow and thrive each year". Highlights from the festival include:The three-day Wyre Way challenge from Abbeystead to Knott EndFleetwood's jewel of the bay walk - exploring stories of the town's heritage and peopleThe Great Eccleston to St Michael's walk - a circular route along the banks of the River WyreLapwings and hares tramper trek from Claughton-on-Brock 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.
