Shelagh Parkinson Latest News | Blackpool Gazette

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Shelagh Parkinson

Local Democracy Reporter Blackpool

As one of Lancashire's local democracy reporters, I cover the organisations whose decisions affect everyday life in the area.

Follow me for stories about planning, health, transport - and how your money is spent.

I report on the latest news and developments at Blackpool Borough Council and the local NHS.

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South Pier in Blackpool

Plans revealed for new rides on Blackpool Promenade

Grants have been received to support bus services

Millions of pounds to be spent supporting bus services in Blackpool

Tilly Oldhams, Olivia Doherty, Ella Humphries, Genna Burns and Evie Whitham who are part of the young women’s coastal social action group in Blackpool

Fylde youngsters have their voices heard at Westminster

The site at 186 Promenade in Blackpool

Plans could see 'eyesore' building on Blackpool Promenade transformed

One of the three trees in the new car park

I think new car park is a 'tarmac desert' says councillor

Ground being broken to begin work on a new passenger terminal at Blackpool Airport

Excitement as work begins on much anticipated new airport terminal

The Boltonia Hotel

Booze ban lifted at Blackpool hotel despite police objections

Members of Blackpool Boys and Girls Club visiting Parliament for the launch of their My Colourful Spaces

Youngsters see their work on display in the heart of government

The site of the new holiday flats above Saoko on Clifton Street

Plans agreed to transform space over town centre cocktail bar

Andrew Ellis from Amazing Graze in Blackpool who has died

Fundraiser launched to honour well-known local charity worker

Coun Julie Sloman (left) with Andy Lee at the newly resurfaced road at Tee Time Golf

Blackpool golf centre can now boast an improved drive - to the course!

Blackpool Council has agreed to waive its road closure fees for residents planning to mark VE Day with a street party.

Council waives fees to help communities celebrate VE Day anniversary

The team from Norbreck Academy in Blackpool will represent the North of England at Wembley

Footballers secure Wembley match ahead of League One Play Off finals

Artist's impression of the scheme to prevent erosion at Anchorsholme Beach

Massive scheme to protect Blackpool beach moving closer to starting

The Keep Blackpool Tidy campaign has been relaunched for 2025 (

Keep Blackpool Tidy pledge for cleaner streets in litter battle

Labour says it is recruiting more GPs

More GPs will end the 8am scramble for GP's appointment says Labour

The 2024 Blackpool Airshow. The Red Arrows.

Huge update over future of Blackpool Air Show
A company which has managed air shows around the world has been chosen to take charge of Blackpool Air Show now in its 115th year.
Shelagh Parkinson

South Shore Service Station on Yeadon Way, Blackpool

Esso Petrol Station wins shop battle despite 'boy racer' concerns

Tramtown in Blackpool is getting ready to re-open

'Last chance to save the trams' warning as Tramtown museum to re-open

The former Leonard Dews site in Blackpool

Site of former luxury store in Blackpool set for a new lease of life

Volunteer co-ordinator Lynda Watson and Coun Paul Wilshaw at Cavendish Park

National Lottery grant will pay for new sporting facilities at park

The site of the former Virginia Cottage

Bungalows plan agreed alongside Blackpool housing development

the site of the nine new homes on School Road

New homes plan for site next to road widening scheme

Artist's impression of the proposed holiday apartments development

New apart-hotel gets go ahead and will bring empty building into use

Aerial view of the proposed multiversity

Final go ahead for £65m Multiversity and new public plaza

Changes are being made to commercial waste collections

Changes are being made to the way you dispose of your rubbish

Artist’s impression of the proposed new office block on Talbot Road, Blackpool | Blackpool Council

Agreements will pave way for £45m new office block in Blackpool

Selective licensing will apply to the inner areas of Blackpool

Tougher powers launched in Blackpool to drive up housing standards
A scheme to tackle poor housing conditions in inner Blackpool has been launched with landlords facing fines of up to £30,000 if they fail to comply with the rules.
Shelagh Parkinson

Family hubs are helping prevent children from going into care

Blackpool no longer 'worst' when it comes to number of kids in care

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb says he will vote against welfare cuts

Blackpool MP Chris Webb vows to vote against government welfare cuts

Images like this painting will be part of the Wartime Blackpool exhibition at Showtown

Fascinating Wartime Blackpool exhibition to open at Showtown museum

Changes are being made to maternity care in Blackpool

Here's how maternity services in Blackpool are changing for the better

ANDY HOLDEN, Cat-tharsis, 2021/2022 film still, Courtesy and copyright © the artist

Two hundred cats at Grundy Art Gallery as hobby exhibition launches

Artist's impression of the proposed holiday apartments development

Planners to rule on scheme for new Blackpool town centre apart-hotel

Forshaw’s Hotel

Plans approved for Blackpool hotel which already boasts Turtle Bay

The flats would be above the Albert and The Lion pub

Proposals for new homes above Wetherspoons pub given the go ahead

The proposed site of the new Wendy's on Blackpool Promenade

Wendy's fast food chain submits plans to council for new restaurant

Pupils with the new road safety signs outside Mereside Academy in Blackpool

Tougher road safety measures introduced at school gates

A solar farm could be built on Fylde countryside

Solar farm plan could provide renewable energy for thousands of homes

Andrew Ellis from Amazing Graze in Blackpool who has died

Amazing Graze homeless charity mourns loss of soup kitchen stalwart

A new developer is being sought for the Central Car Park site in Blackpool

New investors sought for Blackpool Central at global property event

The site of the former Virginia Cottage

Housing plans set for go ahead with access through popular estate

Jobseekers at the Blackpool Jobs Fair

Claimant figures rise with more young people out of work

An artists impression of how the Multiversity in Blackpool will look

Final designs for £65m Multiversity before planners

B&FC’s Executive Team outside Bispham campus reception today (March 20, 2025) with a group learners who have just won TLC Skills Competitions, plus three of our employer partners: Chris Fleet (Air Frame Design), Dane Hyland (Flyde ARC) and Emma Guthrie (Addison Project).

Blackpool and The Fylde College praised in latest Ofsted report

A similar hub to those proposed for Blackpool

Developers lose planning battle with council for town centre hubs

From left Will Panter, Sam Bell Docherty and James Panter from House of Wingz with one of the painted benches in Waterloo Road in Blackpool

How talented artists are brightening up this area of Blackpool

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