The Grade II listed building on Dicconson Terrace has been a fixture of Lytham life since 1928, when it opened with its seawater baths, sprung-floored ballroom, “Little Theatre” and café. Today, alongside the library, it remains a vibrant hub for talks, fairs, classes and community events, run by Lytham Town Trust under a long lease from Fylde Council.

The Trust, a registered charity, has invested over £400,000 into repairs and improvements over the past decade, and is currently investing a further £500,000 in repointing the building and upgrading its rear car park. With a £100,000 roof replacement also on the horizon, the Trust asked the council to transfer the freehold rather than contribute to costs – an offer that would see it cover all reasonable legal and surveyor fees itself.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Lytham Town Trust has been an outstanding custodian of this special building for years, and residents can see that in every corner of it. Supporting their long-term stewardship is the right thing to do for the community and for the building’s future.”

Committee members have agreed to proceed subject to a full disposal plan, valuation and legal due diligence, with a further report expected once that work is complete.

From sunset strolls along Promenade Gardens to butterfly hunts at Fairhaven Lake, the events gave people of all ages the chance to get closer to nature and uncover the hidden wildlife on their doorstep.

One of the summer’s highlights was the Nocturnal Neighbours bats and moths walk, which took residents out after dark along Green Drive to spot some of Fylde’s less visible creatures in action, while learning more about the habitats our rangers work hard to protect. Younger nature-lovers were kept just as busy, with sessions including Little Critters & Pond Dippers in Ashton Gardens, a Sand and Games Day on St Annes beach, and a Superworm-themed adventure at Green Drive, alongside favourites like Code & Compass and Wild Skills at Fairhaven Lake.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “It’s been brilliant to see so many families and residents getting outdoors and connecting with nature this summer. Our Ranger Service does an amazing job of bringing our green spaces to life, and this incredible turnout shows just how much our community values these wild spaces on their doorstep.”

With the autumn calendar already taking shape, residents can look forward to even more opportunities to explore Fylde’s parks, gardens and coastline in the months ahead, with foraging walks, bulb planting and spooky seasonal crafts all on the cards. Keep an eye on the Fylde Ranger Service Facebook page for dates and details as they’re announced.

The decision comprises the Examining Authority’s report, the Secretary of State’s decision letter, and the Development Consent Order with conditions. This is a substantial volume of material, and the Council will need time to examine it fully.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “We are deeply disappointed by today’s decision. It will come as a blow to the many residents, community groups and parish councils who have opposed this cabling corridor from the outset and who have worked tirelessly to defend Fylde’s countryside.

“Fylde Council has consistently raised legitimate concerns throughout the examination process, and we share the frustration and dismay felt across our communities.

“Officers will now undertake a detailed review of the decision and all supporting documents. We have already instructed Counsel and will be taking legal advice on the implications of the decision and the options available to us.”

Given the complexity of the material and the need to consider legal advice, the Council will make no further comment at this time.

Building on strong interest in a padel tennis opportunity earlier this year, the Council has developed an expanded concession that invites operators to come forward and deliver a complete tennis and padel offering at the prime Fairhaven site. The new opportunity includes two to three padel courts alongside the site’s two existing full-size tennis courts, giving one operator the chance to bring the whole lakeside facility to life as a single, fantastic destination for racket sports.

Padel and tennis both have something for everyone. Fast-paced and sociable, they appeal to players of all ages and abilities, making this a brilliant fit for Fairhaven’s reputation as a destination for families, visitors and active residents alike. Bringing high-quality, well-run facilities to the site would be a fantastic boost to Fylde’s leisure offer and the Council’s wider ambitions around health, wellbeing and outdoor recreation.

The tender will run through a fully open, competitive and transparent process, with clear evaluation criteria for all bidders.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism and Leisure, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to bring padel and tennis together in one place at Fairhaven. We want to see innovative, ambitious operators come forward with proposals that make the most of this wonderful location, delivering a modern, vibrant sports facility that residents and visitors will genuinely love.”

The tender is live from 5pm on Thursday 10 September. Interested operators can download the tender documentation chest (reference DN825563) and register here. All tenders should be submitted by 12pm on Monday 12 October.

Please note that once advertised for audit purposes all tender related correspondence must take place via the chest portal messaging service at www.the-chest.org.uk. If you experience any technical difficulties or queries relating to the ProContract e-sourcing solution, please contact the Proactis helpdesk.

Fylde Council purchased the Former Girls’ Charity School at 52-64 Poulton Street in March 2022 and has overseen a programme of restoration work, led by Project Architects DC&MG Associates, to preserve the building’s historic character and original architectural features.

Dating from 1860, the property originally served as a Girls’ Charity School before becoming a community hall and later a Lloyds/TSB Bank. After the bank closed, the building sat vacant for several years before the Council secured its future as part of the Kirkham Futures regeneration programme.

The soft opening gave local residents an early chance to visit the venue ahead of the official launch, with positive feedback from the first customers through the doors. The new tenant, 1860, is already creating local jobs and bringing fresh footfall to Kirkham’s high street.

Leader of Fylde Council, Councillor Karen Buckley, said: “Fylde Council stepped in to rescue this much‑loved Grade II landmark before it slipped into irreversible decline. Seeing it restored, reopened, and full of life again is exactly what we hoped for. This building is part of Kirkham’s story, and now, thanks to the regeneration programme, it has a future as well as a past. The reaction to 1860’s soft opening proves how important this investment has been for the town.”

The refurbishment forms part of Kirkham Futures, a four-year programme representing the biggest investment in Kirkham in a generation, funded by the Historic England High Street Heritage Action Zone, the Government’s Future High Streets Fund and contributions from Lancashire County Council, Fylde Council and Kirkham Town Council.

There’s still time to catch the current exhibition, Crossing the Bar, before it closes its doors on Saturday 5 September. Inspired by Tennyson’s famous poem, the display uses evocative seascapes and coastal scenes to explore life’s journey towards the unknown and includes two special loans from Grundy Art Gallery’s permanent collection.

From Friday 18 September, Echoes of Coast and Land turns the spotlight on beloved local artist Ken Roberts, whose finely detailed oil paintings capture much-loved Fylde Coast landmarks – from the Memorial Gardens to the town’s iconic Windmill – in glowing, sunlit detail. A Turner Cup winner whose work has featured at London’s Mall Galleries, Roberts brings real local pride to the gallery walls until Saturday 17 October.

Then, from Thursday 12 November, Select Omissions and New Acquisitions puts the spotlight on specific artworks from the Lytham St Annes Art Collection that have seldom been displayed, shown alongside recent acquisitions the public will be seeing for the very first time, through to Saturday 30 January.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “Fylde Gallery is one of the borough’s real hidden gems, and this season’s line-up has something for everyone – from moving coastal artwork to the works of one of our own talented local painters. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit, so I’d encourage residents and visitors to come along, take their time and enjoy everything this wonderful gallery has to offer.”

Fylde Gallery is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm (last entry 3:30pm), with free entry and donations gratefully welcomed. Find out more at https://www.discoverfylde.co.uk/fylde-gallery-at-lytham-hall/

The exhibitions form part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to celebrating Fylde’s heritage and supporting a thriving local arts scene at the historic Lytham Hall.

After four years of dedicated work, the project has reached completion, marking a triumphant moment for the town. The former nightclub, restaurant and wedding venue had stood empty and deteriorating for over 10 years before the Council acquired it in April 2022. It has now been brought back from the brink through an extensive programme of external and internal conservation and restoration works.

Since work began in November 2022, the building has undergone a remarkable transformation. Externally, skilled craftspeople have rebuilt chimney stacks, installed new roofing, restored and replaced dozens of windows across the front and rear elevations, replaced the render and rainwater goods, and repaired historic ironwork. Internally, the property has been extensively renovated, with historic features restored, new washroom areas installed, rooms partitioned, painting throughout and full electrical upgrades carried out, including to the lift, improving accessibility for visitors. Where decay once threatened this architectural gem, beauty and purpose now shine through.

Work has also been carried out to the rear garden area of the property, including the rebuilding of an important retaining wall, works to trees, underpass, paving and car park area.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “This is a wonderful achievement that shows what can be accomplished when partners work together to protect our local heritage. This building is an important part of Kirkham’s character and history, and I’m delighted residents can see this transformation. This investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving what makes our towns special whilst creating exciting opportunities for business and skills.”

This conservation success story has been made possible through partnership funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone, Fylde Council and Kirkham Town Council, with expert delivery by JubbClews Chartered Building Surveyors, Heritage Property Repairs Northwest, DC & MG Associates, Rosslee Construction, Thomas Fairclough Roofing, John Lambert Stonemason, Calibre Metalwork, Graham Schofield Associates, Gosling Consulting, Frank Whittle Partnership and many more.

Michael Goode, from DC & MG Associates, said: “Our team at DC & MG have been delighted to have had the opportunity to be involved with working as architects on the Hillside project for Fylde Council. Helping to regenerate Kirkham by bringing back such an iconic and valued part of the Town’s heritage is something at the heart of what we love to do.”

Gavin Fletcher, Managing Director from Heritage Property Repairs Ltd, added: “We were privileged to be the initial contractor helping make Hillside watertight, rebuilding chimneys and restoring the front sash windows. Locals often stopped to share memories of the building’s past, and even clients from around Lancashire had stories of weddings and events held there. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Fylde Council team, JubbClews Chartered Building Surveyors, and Historic England’s support. It’s been a privilege to help save such a special part of Kirkham’s heritage.”

Lynda Jubb, Director for Jubb Clews Ltd and Accredited Chartered Historic Building Surveyor, commented: “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a much-loved listed building carefully conserved and restored to landmark status. A specialist team spanning architectural history, structural engineering, joinery and masonry worked with us to restore this local landmark, recreating its fine glass, lime finishes and iron balustrade. This project also gave us the pleasure of providing hands-on learning opportunities for conservation surveying students from the University of Lancashire and Nottingham Trent University.”

With the restoration now complete, the Council is working with local commercial agents and other partners to secure a future tenant for the property, ensuring it delivers an impactful and long-lasting economic benefit for Kirkham and the surrounding area.

The submission references the joint letter sent by Fylde, Wyre and Lancashire County Council to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, which called on government to consider an alternative northern connection before decisions are finalised on transmission infrastructure for the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind projects.

The letter followed EnBW’s withdrawal from the Morgan project and drew on the Councils’ independent economic review, which found the alternative route could save up to £520 million and help unlock Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, supporting around 1,100 additional jobs and between £990 million and £1.7 billion in Gross Value Added.

The Council’s comments urge the Secretary of State to take this evidence into account before the current transmission proposals are locked in.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “We have been clear throughout this process that decisions of this scale must be based on the fullest possible evidence. Our comments to the Secretary of State reinforce the case set out in our joint letter with Wyre Council and Lancashire County Council, and we will keep pressing government to look seriously at the alternative connection before it is too late to change course.”

Councillor Michael Vincent, Leader of Wyre Council, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure decision. We owe it to our residents, businesses and future generations to ensure the right solution is chosen. We are therefore urging the Secretary of State to give full and proper consideration to the alternative northern connection before the current transmission proposals are locked in, so that we can protect communities, support energy security and maximise economic opportunities across Lancashire.”

For more information relating to the Irish Sea Wind Farms, visit our dedicated webpage.

Following a brilliant response last year, the awards are back to celebrate the everyday heroes who help make Fylde a healthier, more active and more connected place to live. Hosted by Fylde Council’s Health and Sports Development Team, the awards shine a light on achievements both on and off the pitch, from coaches inspiring the next generation to volunteers who quietly keep clubs and schools running week after week.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Fylde Community Sports Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations who work tirelessly to make a difference through sport and physical activity. There are so many unsung heroes in our communities, and these awards are about making sure their contribution does not go unnoticed. I would encourage residents to nominate someone who deserves recognition.”

Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in November, bringing together some of Fylde’s leading sporting and community figures for a night celebrating the very best of the borough, with a shortlist revealed ahead of the big evening.

There are eight categories up for grabs this year: Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Primary School of the Year, Secondary School of the Year, Young Achiever of the Year, Health and Wellbeing Award, Volunteer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nominations close at 11pm on Sunday 27 September. To nominate your sporting hero and find out more, visit our webpage.

Work begins on Monday 7 September with the St Annes Arts Arena Mosaic in the amphitheatre, created by artist Gary Drostle in 2005. Attention will then turn to the Mermaid Mosaics on the southern side of the Square, to ensure that the popular St Annes Artisan Market can go ahead undisturbed on Saturday 12 September. These two mosaics were commissioned by Fylde Council in 2003 as part of a redevelopment of the town centre and created by artist Stephen Charnock. Each phase of work is expected to take up to two weeks depending on weather conditions.

Tracey, who has spent over ten years restoring historic mosaics alongside a 30-year career in public art, has secured approval from both original artists to carry out the restoration, ensuring their vision is preserved for future generations. Small areas of fencing will be in place around each site while work takes place, though residents and visitors can expect no disruption to access across the Square.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, commented: “The mosaics have become a familiar feature in St Annes Square, adding colour and interest to the space. Restoring them now ensures they play their part in the wider regeneration work, complementing the major improvements already underway and supporting our long‑term plan to create a more vibrant, attractive and resilient town centre for the future.”

The restoration forms part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to protecting and celebrating the borough’s public art and heritage, following a £3.13 million investment in St Annes Square in 2025.