Wyre Council reveals new £8m fund for high streets, flood prevention, and leisure facilities

The plan outlines a programme of investment and service delivery aimed at maintaining essential services while supporting future growth. Council leaders say the strategy focuses on key issues including support for vulnerable people, improved access to leisure and wellbeing services, and strengthening neighbourhoods.

With the plan having come into effect on 1 April, the authority said it will continue to work with partners, voluntary groups, community organisations and local businesses to deliver its objectives over the next two years.

As part of the approved 2026/27 budget, more than £8 million will be invested into projects that directly support:

• Funding to deliver the Cottam Hall Masterplan, enhancing sports pitches, parking and play areas
• Modernisation of the Waterfront Bar at Marine Hall, supporting culture, events and new income opportunities
• Development of a new education and visitor centre at Wyre Estuary Country Park
• Investment in flood prevention, drainage upgrades and coastal resilience
• Continued support for business growth, high‑street improvements and skills programmes
• Ongoing funding for community programmes such as Positive Future
• New digital display screens to improve communication across the borough

These objectives sit alongside other developments such as the Jubilee Gardens Masterplan, enhanced Coastal and Flood Resilience work, and exploring options for a strengthened Great Eccleston Local Centre.

Wyre Council also say that future targets come off the back of significant progress, including tourism generating over £433 million and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs in the area; improvements in Garstang, Poulton, and Fleetwood; the Beach Management Scheme protecting 11,000 homes, and reducing carbon emission by 51.2% since 2018/19.

‘We’ve achieve a huge amount’

Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council, said: “Developing our refreshed Council Plan and setting a balanced budget go hand in hand, they allow us to set out clear priorities and ensure we have the resources to deliver them.

“Despite the national financial pressures on local government, we are protecting core services while investing more than £8 million into projects that will strengthen our communities, improve our environment, support our local economy and enhance the places people rely on every day.”

“Over the last year we’ve achieved a huge amount together: national recognition for our health and wellbeing work, a growing visitor economy, major environmental improvements and strong community partnerships.

“We will also continue improving our parks, play areas and open spaces which residents told us are among their highest priorities, as part of our commitment to providing high‑quality places for everyone to enjoy.”

“There is a lot of exciting work ahead, and we remain committed to delivering excellent services every day while also preparing for the future. We will continue working with partners across Lancashire to ensure any future changes in local government are built around strong communities and support long-term economic growth.”

The Council Plan’s key priorities:

• People and Communities – supporting happier, healthier and safer lives for residents

• Growth and Prosperity – building a thriving local economy and vibrant town centres

• Place and Climate – creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable borough

• Innovative and Customer Focused – delivering excellent, modern public services

Wyre Council say the updated plan has been shaped by feedback from residents as part of the 2026/27 budget consultation. Responses highlighted strong support for protecting frontline services, particularly street cleaning, parks and open spaces.

Residents also identified flood and sea defences as a priority, alongside the importance of maintaining neighbourhood services. Leisure, health and community engagement services were also widely viewed as essential.

The council said there was broad backing for its four main priority areas, with the majority of respondents rating each as important. The plan and budget together set out how the council intends to balance financial pressures while continuing to invest in services and infrastructure across the borough.