Preston’s headlines in 2024: Month by month the biggest news stories

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Preston's headlines in 2024: Month by month the biggest news stories

Posted on - 31st December, 2024 - 12:00pm | Author - Ed Walker | Posted in - Preston News [2][3]

Some of the stories and events which shaped the city in 2024

As we prepare for 2024 to come to a close then here's what made the headlines in and around Preston during the past 12 months. Our month-by-month guide takes you through the stories which got you reading this year.

January: Dylan Crossey inquest finally takes place, Market door frustration and new Aldi

It turned into a long wait for Market traders after a crash last Christmas saw broken glass strewn across the Earl Street entrance [5] to the market hall.

And there was frustration as it was to be many months before it was repaired. Aldi was in the headlines as the closure of the city's Corporation Street supermarket was confirmed, along with the discount supermarket chain confirming [6] a new Docks outlet would be open. The Spud Bros continued their ascent to dominance of TikTok as influencers began to join the queues [7] on the Flag Market for the jacket potato sensations.

And in the wake of the Post Office Scandal being on TV screens with Mr Bates v The Post Office we revisited the story of Broughton subpostmistress Jacqueline McDonald [8]. An inquest was also finally held into the death of teenager Dylan Crossey [9] who was hit by a car in Whitestake. Dylan died in 2016 and his family have been fighting for many years for the inquest to be heard.

Dylan Crossey died while out on his bike Pic: Tracey Milligan

We also reported on serious injuries to a man from Goosnargh [10] who had been out for a run in early January when he was hit by a car.

Former pubs were also in the headlines, with The Shawes Arms going up for sale again [11] and a former city pub being turned into bedsits [12] due to no longer being financially viable as a pub. The former Charnock Hotel is said to be haunted.

February: Snail farm claims in Fishergate, Corporation Street bus gate mapped and new openings

Aldi remained in the headlines as the new store at the Docks opening dates was confirmed [13]. There was tragedy in Tarleton [14] as a man and 17-month-old girl died in a crash.

In London Road there was dramatic scenes, like something out of Line of Duty, as plain clothes police officers tackled a gunman to the ground [15]. Claims the former British Homes Stores building in the city centre was being used as a snail farm [16] deepened when we exclusively revealed pictures [17] appearing to show it being used in this way.

Boxes shown near an old counter in the former BHS store Pic: Blog Preston

And ahead of the controversial Corporation Street bus gate coming in we reported on the signage beginning to appear [18] and how the road layout was going to change as a result [19]. There were some new openings too, as The Milk Shed began operating near Longridge [20] for takeaway milkshakes and Loom Loft furniture store and bistro confirmed their opening date for the Docks [21].

March: Tragedy in Ingol, new look Old Tram Bridge and affordable homes estate

There were two shocking incidents involving children and the city's roads, as a four-year-old boy Jayden died [22] when he was hit by a bus while riding his bike in Ingol.

And a two-year-old boy had serious injuries after being hit by a car [23] in Fulwood. Out in Lea and Cottam and a new estate planned by Breck Homes, made up entirely of affordable homes [24], was recommended for planning approval. Work on the former Old Tram Bridge stepped closer, as the final designs were unveiled [25] for how the replacement bridge would look.

Designs released for the new bridge over the Ribble

And city centre bar All Hopes No Promises announced it was closing its Guildhall Street site [26].

While there was YouTuber exploring action as a route of the former Lancaster Canal [27] was traced through the city centre.

April: Tributes to Catterall biker death, future of Fishergate Shopping Centre and Radio 2 confirms coming to Moor Park

A huge recruitment drive from HMRC in the city - with 140 new jobs [28] - caught a lot of people's attention. There were huge delays across the city as very sadly a woman lost her life on the M6 [29] after falling from a bridge near Preston. And tributes were paid to a Garstang teenager, Ellis Gibbs, who died in a crash on the A6 at Catterall [30].

Proposals for the future of the Fishergate Shopping Centre began to emerge [31] for what will be known as the city's Station Quarter. And we were down at Moor Park and Deepdale as it was confirmed Preston would be hosting this year's BBC Radio 2 In The Park festival [32].

Some of the Prestonians with Richie in Deepdale during the live broadcast Pic: Blog Preston

May: Corporation Street bus gate bedlam, Lib Dems surge in local elections and Caribbean Carnival's 50th year

Staying with BBC Radio 2 In The Park and there was confirmation on who would be headlining [33] and playing as the ticket details were also confirmed, with 30 per cent allocated for those in and around Preston. The Corporation Street bus gate faced criticism from a nearby family-run firm [34] as it began its shambolic opening stint of operating - with Preston Bus diverting services away from the new bus gate [35] despite it due to improve services.

We were down at the Guild Hall for the city's local elections [36], as the Lib Dems saw a surge and troubling times for Labour over the Ashton Park Sports Hub (which was later shelved). The city's Caribbean Carnival returned for a 50th year, but there was controversy after the route for the parade was shortened [37] at the last minute and missed out Friargate and parts of the city centre.

A troupe dance though the rain at Preston Carnival's 50th anniversary parade in 2024 Pic: Iain Jack

June: Dave Day tributes on the M6, Fulwood 'bomb' and new bus gate physically enforced by council staff

Following the death of Hairy Biker Dave Myers there were emotional scenes as a bike ride [38] in his honour saw thousands of people turn out on bridges on the M6 at Preston [39] to pay their respects as the bikers headed for 'Dave Day' in Cumbria.

Dave Day banners and crowds on bridges across the M6 from Leyland to Broughton

There were dramatic scenes in Watling Street Road in mid-June as dozens of houses were evacuated after two 'grenade-type' devices [40] were found and controlled explosions took place in Fulwood. Tulketh Tap Room's troubles began as a landlord seized back the building in Ashton-on-Ribble [41] which would find itself repeatedly in trouble with licensing chiefs.

Corporation Street could continued to be in the spotlight as councillors and businesses lined up to brand the new bus gate a 'farce'[42] - as council staff were put physically on the street to enforce the new traffic rules.

July: Preston stays Labour in general election, Bhailok's regeneration row and Warehouse old-age clubbing

Preston went to the polls in a general election, with Labour retaining the seat and Sir Mark Hendrick re-elected [43] but independent pro-Gaza candidate Michael Lavalette finishing second. Local multi-millionaire businessman Yousuf Bhailok stood as an independent [44] and polled so few votes he lost his deposit. We had all the coverage overnight from the city's election count [45] but also results in Wyre & Lancaster, Ribble Valley and South Ribble too.

Sir Mark Hendrick during the city's election hustings debate organised by Blog Preston, Lancashire Post and Lancashire Lead Pic: National World

Comments by Mr Bhailok during the campaign prompted a furious response from Town Hall chiefs [46] over the city's regeneration plans.

A crash in Samlesbury claimed the life of a 77-year-old motorcyclist [47], as it emerged police had not been informed of the crash at the time. Preston nightlife institution The Warehouse announced it was introducing over-30s only daytime clubbing [48] events.

August: The end for Lathams, transformer draws crowds and Preston's peaceful defiance

Each month could feature events on the M6 near Preston as the city saw major crashes trigger gridlock across its road network, one in late August saw seven people injured and beer cans spilled [49] across the motorway in a closure which lasted for more than 12-hours. A Preston institution, Lathams bakery, announced it was going into liquidation [50].

It has since reopened trading under a new name. And the SpudBros queue was in shock after a young boy was knocked to the floor [51] by masked youths on a scrambler bike ridden across the Flag Market. Crowds came out as a huge electricity transformed made its way [52] from the Docks to Penwortham.

The transformer being lifted from the River Trader Pic: Lee Worthington

There was a small-scale clash on the city's Flag Market [53] as demonstrations swept the country [54], but a proposed far-right demonstration and march in Church Street failed to materialise - instead a show of unity was made by faith groups and individuals from across the city [55].

September: Radio 2 In The Park takes over Moor Park, tragedy in Chain Caul Way and Longridge house explosion

We've all just about dried out now from BBC Radio 2 In The Park as Moor Park [56] basked in balmy conditions on the Friday and Saturday [57] before the rain came on Sunday [58].

Preston was firmly in the national spotlight during the three-day festival and we had every moment covered [59].

The main stage at BBC Radio 2 in the Park. Pic: Michael Porter Photography

Very sadly the body of a man, in his 30s [60], was found in Moor Park during the weekend at woodland close to the festival site. There was also tragedy at the Docks as two young men died in a crash [61] - with one of them having being featured in the BBC series Field of Dreams [62].

And a man sadly died in a gas explosion [63] in Longridge which left a house destroyed and dozens of homes evacuated [64]. Ofsted stepped in to temporarily close a nursery in Fulwood [65] after it was found to be failing on multiple areas.

October: Preston gridlocked (again), a shocking hit and run in Bamber Bridge and Animate makes progress

The latest gridlock on the M6, which caused one of the single-worst traffic days in living memory in Preston [66], turned out to stem back to a crash involving one of the city's richest people [67]. And in Bamber Bridge there was a shocking incident where a pregnant young woman was struck during a hit and run in Station Road [68].

Her unborn son died in hospital. An attempted ram-raid at a jewellers in Fishergate saw a city man hailed a hero after he stared down the van driver [69]. The upcoming Animate cinema and leisure complex makes progress as the city council reveal there's just one unit left to be let within it [70].

And there's a lot of interest in the leaning building of Cannon Street [71]....

The leaning building of Cannon Street Pic: Blog Preston

November: A city in flames, lorry driver dies in M6 pile-up and rebirth of The Stanley

Two major fires lit the city centre in the space of a week - with the former St Joseph's Orphanage [72] and then buildings in Church Street both going up in flames [73]. The former orphanage site fire has meant Mount Street has been closed off since [74] and demolition work in Church Street [75] saw two badly damaged buildings taken down as a result of fire damage.

The fire at its height in Church Street during Tuesday evening Pic: @samstermoss

There was tragedy on the M6 between Junction 33 and Junction 32 as a lorry driver died [76] in a ten-vehicle crash, which caused significant delays across the city as the motorway stayed shut for 24-hours. And there was a warning from police about drivers who ignored lane closures [77] in the aftermath of the crash.

We had reported extensively on the issues facing what was The Stanley Arms throughout the course of the year, in November it was taken on by a new landlord [78] and re-opened as Stanley &Co [79]. And there were dramatic scenes on a weeknight as a security training exercise saw special forces rappelling [80] onto the roof of County Hall.

December: New hospital site confirmed, deaths on the roads and a new name for university

After many years of speculation, it was confirmed the preferred site for a new hospital for Preston is out on the motorway junction at Cuerden [81]. But Preston's MP Mark Hendrick is among those who are not keen on the new location [82].

Royal Preston Hospital

There was a terrible set of events on the city's roads during Storm Darragh.

Paul Fiddler, 41, died when a tree fell onto the van he was driving [83] on the Longton Bypass at the time. A day later and an 18-year-old biker, Patrick Sawicki, died in a crash at the Docks [84]. A 70-year-old woman died on the M6 during a concern for welfare incident [85] and earlier in December a man in his 40s died in a hit and run in Fylde Road [86].

Preston's university confirmed it would be changing its name, after government university chiefs gave the nod for the University of Central Lancashire to become the University of Lancashire [87]. And that's a wrap on 2024, there's been plenty more stories besides - more than 3,500 - our full archive is searchable and we always welcome story tip-offs too, [email protected][88] is where to send everything. Many thanks for reading and we'll see you in 2025!

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References

^ Blog Preston (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Posts by Ed Walker (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Preston News (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Ten times Preston was lovely in 2024 (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ broken glass strewn across the Earl Street entrance (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ with the discount supermarket chain confirming (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ TikTok as influencers began to join the queues (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ revisited the story of Broughton subpostmistress Jacqueline McDonald (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ death of teenager Dylan Crossey (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ serious injuries to a man from Goosnargh (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ The Shawes Arms going up for sale again (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ being turned into bedsits (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ new store at the Docks opening dates was confirmed (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ tragedy in Tarleton (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ as plain clothes police officers tackled a gunman to the ground (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ being used as a snail farm (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ we exclusively revealed pictures (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ we reported on the signage beginning to appear (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ how the road layout was going to change as a result (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ The Milk Shed began operating near Longridge (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Loom Loft furniture store and bistro confirmed their opening date for the Docks (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ four-year-old boy Jayden died (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ wo-year-old boy had serious injuries after being hit by a car (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ made up entirely of affordable homes (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ final designs were unveiled (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ announced it was closing its Guildhall Street site (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ YouTuber exploring action as a route of the former Lancaster Canal (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ with 140 new jobs (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ very sadly a woman lost her life on the M6 (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ who died in a crash on the A6 at Catterall (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ began to emerge (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ confirmed Preston would be hosting this year's BBC Radio 2 In The Park festival (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ confirmation on who would be headlining (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ faced criticism from a nearby family-run firm (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Preston Bus diverting services away from the new bus gate (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ down at the Guild Hall for the city's local elections (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ controversy after the route for the parade was shortened (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ emotional scenes as a bike ride (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ saw thousands of people turn out on bridges on the M6 at Preston (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ dozens of houses were evacuated after two 'grenade-type' devices (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ landlord seized back the building in Ashton-on-Ribble (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ lined up to brand the new bus gate a 'farce' (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Sir Mark Hendrick re-elected (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Yousuf Bhailok stood as an independent (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ coverage overnight from the city's election count (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ furious response from Town Hall chiefs (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ claimed the life of a 77-year-old motorcyclist (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ introducing over-30s only daytime clubbing (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ seven people injured and beer cans spilled (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ announced it was going into liquidation (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ young boy was knocked to the floor (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ huge electricity transformed made its way (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ small-scale clash on the city's Flag Market (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ demonstrations swept the country (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ instead a show of unity was made by faith groups and individuals from across the city (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ BBC Radio 2 In The Park as Moor Park (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Saturday (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ rain came on Sunday (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ we had every moment covered (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ body of a man, in his 30s (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ two young men died in a crash (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ featured in the BBC series Field of Dreams (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ man sadly died in a gas explosion (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ house destroyed and dozens of homes evacuated (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ temporarily close a nursery in Fulwood (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ single-worst traffic days in living memory in Preston (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ crash involving one of the city's richest people (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ pregnant young woman was struck during a hit and run in Station Road (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ city man hailed a hero after he stared down the van driver (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ there's just one unit left to be let within it (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ leaning building of Cannon Street (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ former St Joseph's Orphanage (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Church Street both going up in flames (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ meant Mount Street has been closed off since (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ demolition work in Church Street (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ lorry driver died (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ warning from police about drivers who ignored lane closures (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ taken on by a new landlord (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ re-opened as Stanley &Co (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ security training exercise saw special forces rappelling (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ on the motorway junction at Cuerden (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ among those who are not keen on the new location (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ died when a tree fell onto the van he was driving (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Patrick Sawicki, died in a crash at the Docks (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ died on the M6 during a concern for welfare incident (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ died in a hit and run in Fylde Road (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ University of Central Lancashire to become the University of Lancashire (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ [email protected] (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ join our WhatsApp channel (whatsapp.com)
^ subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter (eepurl.com)
^ See the latest Preston news and headlines (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ comments powered by Disqus. (disqus.com)
^ Local BlogPreston photos (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Advertise on BlogPreston (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
^ Advertise on BlogPreston (www.blogpreston.co.uk)
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^ Ed Walker - Journalist, blogger and hyperlocal site founder (edwalkerjournalist.wordpress.com)
^ Preston based website design & development (3manfactory.co.uk)
^ Preston based hosting (clook.net)
^ IPSO link (www.ipso.co.uk)