The Wyre Times

18/07/2025

£100,000 worth of illegal ci******es and vapes seized in Preston as part of the Prosper Partnership

Around £100,000 worth of illegal ci******es and vapes have been seized as part of a joint operation in Preston to tackle serious and organised crime.

Officers from the Prosper Partnership and Preston Neighbourhood Policing team joined forces with Lancashire Trading Standards and HM Revenue and Customs to visit five storage units around the Ribbleton and Deepdale areas of the city.

In one of the units, illegal vapes worth around £5,000 were discovered and seized by officers. In another, 171,000 packs of illegal ci******es were seized, which, if sold as genuine, would be worth around £100,000.

This activity has been conducted as part of the Clear, Hold, Build framework, known locally as the Prosper Partnership, which works to tackle criminal activity in local communities.

Inspector Dave Byrne said: “This has been a really successful operation and I’m pleased to see that these items – which can contain harmful chemicals - have been taken off the streets and are no longer at risk of getting into the hands of children.

“We have unfortunately seen cases where people have become very unwell, sometimes even hospitalised, due to the use of illegal vapes so, as part of the Prosper Partnership, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure they are not able to cause harm.”

Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment, and Communities at Lancashire County Council said: "Our Trading Standards team joined forces with officers from the police and HM Revenue and Customs to seize illegal vapes and ci******es worth more than £100,000.

"It is very important that we take the strongest possible action against firms who put the health of Lancashire's residents at risk. If firms do not satisfy UK labelling requirements, we cannot be sure that products that they are selling have been tested, or are safe.

"Anyone who has concerns about the sale of vapes or to***co products can report them to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133."

16/07/2025

TOP PARKS

Five parks in Wyre awarded the coveted Green Flag Award and officially recognised as some of the country’s best parks

Today, Wyre Council is celebrating after receiving five Green Flag Awards for Poulton's Vicarage Park and Hawthorne Park, Wyre Estuary Country Park in Thornton and Memorial Park and The Mount in Fleetwood.

These sites are five of the 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The news that these parks have met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

Councillor Simon Bridge, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces at Wyre Council, comments: “Wyre continues to shine through its outstanding parks and open spaces and receiving five Green Flag Awards again is a truly remarkable achievement. These awards are a reflection of the year-round dedication of our staff and the incredible efforts of our volunteers, who work with care to create welcoming, well-maintained places for everyone to enjoy.

"Spending time in nature is vital for our wellbeing, it helps reduce stress, encourages physical activity and brings people together. Our green spaces are more than just beautiful landscapes, they are essential for healthier, happier communities. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved."

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

“Quality parks and green spaces make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, these parks and open spaces are vital for communities in Wyre to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

15/07/2025

WHAT’$ your favourite snack? Food and snacks are a regular topic for discussion at the random meetings of the Knott End Happy to Chat group at the slipway.

The Big Fella and The Knitting Angel both love Chorley Cakes. Bella’s Dad loves licorice, The Snicket goes for custard tarts.

Me no contest. A good Eccles cake, filled to overflowing with succulent currents. What’s your favourite nibble ?

15/07/2025

HERE’S THE NEWS … from the BBC

MOTD Star Gary Lineker retained his place as top earner for another year
Gary Lineker – £1.35million
Zoe Ball – £515,000 – cut from £950,000
Alan Shearer – £440,000 – up from £380,000
Greg James – £425,000 – up from £415,000
Fiona Bruce – £410,000 – up from £405,000 AND Nick Robinson – £410,000 – up from £345,000
Stephen Nolan – £405,000
Laura Kuenssberg – £395,000 – up from £325,000
Vernon Kay – £390,000 – up from £320,000
Justin Webb – £365,000 – up from £320,000
Naga Munchetty – £355,000 – up from £345,000

Gary Lineker has topped the list of highest earners for another year
He was followed by Zoe Ball, who remains second best-paid at the Beeb despite her dramatic pay cut
More than two thirds of the broadcaster’s top 20 earners received pay rises
BBC Breakfast star Naga Munchetty received a boost to her pay, but co-host Charlie Stayt’s salary stayed the same
Disgraced presenter Huw Edwards did not feature on the list after his exit from the broadcaster
Meanwhile the number of people paying for a TV licence fell by around 300,000 last year – almost two per cent in all
Other top earners include Alan Shearer on £440k, Greg James on £425k and Fiona Bruce on £410k – all three receiving pay rises.
But a pay row could brew on scandal-hit BBC Breakfast as under-fire host Naga Munchetty received a £10k boost to £355k whilst co-host Charlie Stayt remained stuck in the £190k bracket.
It comes amid a bullying row on the flagship news programme, with director Richard Frediani under investigation.
Nearly 70 per cent of the BBC’s top 20 earners received pay rises.
Some 56 per cent of the rich list are from the Corporation’s news teams.
Elsewhere, other big names include Radio 2’s Vernon Kay on £390k and Scott Mills on £355k.
Dominating the newsroom are Radio 4’s Nick Robinson on £410k, Laura Kuessenberg on £395k and Clive Nyrie’s £335k.
In sport, Mark Chapman has seen a £65k increase to £325k after taking on more duties after Gary’s departure.
One of the Beeb’s former highest-earners, Huw Edwards, does not feature in 24/25’s pay disclose list after he left in April 2024 amid an explicit image scandal.

15/07/2025

BRIGHT LIGHTS PROMISED…

2026

Marine Hall, Fleetwood is set to roll out the red carpet as it launches the CineWyre Film Festival—a four-day celebration of international cinema.

From February 26 to March 1, 2026, audiences will be among the first to experience award-winning stories and fresh content from filmmakers around the world. This debut festival promises to be dynamic and inclusive, spotlighting diverse voices and bold visions, while also offering local filmmakers in Wyre the chance to see their work on the big screen.

The CineWyre Film Festival will transform the historic Marine Hall into a vibrant hub of film culture. Attendees can look forward to immersive screenings, live Q&A sessions, interactive workshops, and networking events that bring together emerging talent and industry veterans alike.

The festival features four distinct strands:
Family Friendly
Documentary
LGBTQ+
Horror/Thriller

Each category will showcase new work, with awards presented for Best Film in each strand, alongside accolades for Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and more.

Councillor Lynne Bowen Leisure, Health & Community Engagement Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council says,
“What a wonderful event to come to Marine Hall, we are all excited to have something like this for our community to participate in and enjoy.”

Festival Director Ed Greenberg shared: “CineWyre is about more than just watching films—it’s about building a community of storytellers and film lovers. Marine Hall offers the perfect setting to celebrate the power of cinema in all its forms.”

Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway, with early deadlines running through summer 2025. Selected filmmakers will receive promotional support, including social media spotlights and industry recognition.

Submit your entry: filmfreeway.com/CineWyre

More information: cwfilmfest.com

Contact: Marine Hall Box Office at 01253 887693 or email [email protected]

Cine-Wyre Film Festival showcases global cinematic talent across four days, featuring Family Friendly, Documentary, LGBTQ+, and Horror/Thriller genres. From the Lytham International Film Festival team.

15/07/2025

Poo Patrol Update.

Last week was a busy one for our little team.

On Monday morning we were on Radio Lancashire with Graham Liver.

We patrolled Prince Phillip Walk and the Esplanade daily, and collected 107 piles of 💩.

(This takes the total collected over the last 5 1/2 months to a disgusting 2042 💩!)

On Saturday we joined the Gala procession, supported by Wyre Council Enforcement officer Jon Wardale, and were delighted to be awarded 3rd prize in the best fancy dress category 🎊🎉.

Our thanks goes to everyone who has supported us, including Wyre Borough council, Preesall town council, Collette Rushforth, Jane Mary Wilcox, Tessa Corrigan ( Knott-End Pet shop) Natalie Holt , Kathleen Dawson and members of our amazing community.

Together we can do this 😉

— with Bobby Foster-Nicholson and 7 others.

15/07/2025

YOU CAN KEEP YOUR ANGEL OF THE NORTH … and your Gormley statues. Members of the informal Knott End Chatty Bench group are content with our very own tribute to the artist LS Lowry …

14/07/2025

🚊Tram Sunday 🚊
Could we kindly ask our customers to have the correct fare available if possible on Sunday for our busiest day of the year?

This allows us to get as many passengers across as possible whilst the tide allows. The ferry will sail as soon as we have the maximum passengers on board. We will be operating more runs consistently than the usual every half hour to ensure we get everybody across.

20th Sun 0745 - 1015 STOP DUE TO LOW TIDE 1715 - 1745

- To contact the vessel direct please call/text 07793270934.
- If you are on the Knott End slipway please walk down the slipway when you see the vessel sailing from Fleetwood ready to board.
- Cash preferred for speed but card is now accepted!
- We do not offer return tickets.
Passenger Fares (each way):
Passengers(including OAPs, Adults and children): £2.50
Babies: £1.50
Bikes: £0.50p
Dogs: £0.50p

13/07/2025

SEASIDE DRAMAS
By Ken Bennett
At around 1.30am this morning (Sunday 13 July), HM Coastguard received reports of a small vessel sinking off Morecambe Promenade.

Morecambe Coastguard Rescue Team, RNLI Morecambe lifeboat and an HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter were sent, and casualties were rescued from the water by lifeboat while the helicopter provided support overhead. The casualties were taken to hospital for onwards medical care by North West Ambulance Service.

And ataround 7.18pm last night (Saturday 12 July), HM Coastguard responded to a request from Lancashire Police to support in the search of a missing child at Blackpool. The child was located safe and well and put back into the care of their parent.

And 4.45pm yesterday (Saturday 12 July), Coastguard Rescue Teams from Fleetwood and Lythan St Annes were sent to two casualties suspected to have ingested water at Coral Island, Blackpool. Both casualties were assessed by North West Ambulance Service but declined further assistance.

And earlier, 2.54pm yesterday (Saturday 12 July), HM Coastguard was made aware of two missing children at Blackpool Beach. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Fleetwood and Lytham St Annes were sent, and the casualties were located safe and well.

13/07/2025

A SMILE TO BRIGHTEN ALL OUR DAYS . . .

13/07/2025

Nasty anonymous posts? Not here. No ID, no post. And no anonymous responses. The Wyre Times. That’s a fact.

12/07/2025

Civic Sunday
Tony johnson writes :: Good evening. It looks like being another warm one again tomorrow, for those who are coming to join Elaine and myself at Civic Sunday please dress for the weather, sod formality be comfortable. 10.30 am St Oswald's.