Fylde Council

One of Lytham’s Most Affordable Parking Options Opens on Ballam Road

Fylde Council — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:04:19 +0000

Visitors heading to Lytham this summer can take advantage of one of the most affordable council-owned car parks in the town, as Ballam Road Car Park launches as a new pay and display facility.

The car park, located off Ballam Road in Lytham (FY8 4TS), offers 81 standard bays and six disabled bays, and is open for parking between 9am and 6pm daily. Charges are designed to be fair and flexible, starting from just £1 for up to an hour and rising to £3 for over four hours – giving visitors the freedom to make the most of their time in town without worrying about the clock.

Those who hold a Fylde residents’ parking permit can now use it at this location at no additional charge, and transferable tickets can be used at this location – perfect for families or groups who share a vehicle across multiple trips throughout the summer.

With Lytham Club Day taking place this Saturday 27 June and the hugely popular Lytham Festival returning from Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 July, the timing couldn’t be better. Fylde Council is committed to making sure residents and visitors can enjoy these fantastic community events with ease.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, said: “Lytham is one of the most vibrant and well-loved destinations in the borough, and summer is when it really comes alive.

“Bringing Ballam Road Car Park into our pay and display network means more choice and more convenience for everyone who wants to be part of the celebrations – whether that’s Club Day, Lytham Festival, the 1940s Weekend, or simply enjoying everything our wonderful town has to offer.

“We want visiting Lytham to be a pleasure from the moment you arrive, and having accessible, affordable parking right in the heart of the town plays a big part in that.”

For more information about parking across the Fylde borough, visit www.fylde.gov.uk/parking.

Keep up to date with the latest Fylde Council news by following us on social media or subscribing to our newsletter. Any new information will be posted directly through these channels, so if you are following us, you’ll be the first to know.

Fylde Council and Fairhaven Methodist Church to Open New Wellbeing Hub Supporting Community Connection and Resilience

Fylde Council — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:19:10 +0000

A new Wellbeing Hub will open at Fairhaven Methodist Church on Thursday 2 July, providing a welcoming space where local residents can come together for a cuppa, a chat and access to practical support and advice.

The project has been made possible through UK Government Crisis and Resilience Funding, administered locally by Fylde Council, and has been developed in response to the growing need for community connection, wellbeing support, and accessible services.

The Wellbeing Hub aims to combat loneliness and social isolation by creating a friendly and inclusive environment where people can meet others, build relationships, and feel part of their local community. Visitors can drop in to enjoy refreshments, conversation and a warm welcome.

In addition to offering a place for people to connect, the hub will serve as a community access point where local agencies, charities and support organisations can meet directly with residents. Services such as Citizens Advice, alongside a range of local voluntary and community groups, will be available to provide guidance, information and practical assistance on issues including finances, housing, health and wellbeing, and community support.

The initiative reflects a partnership between Fylde Council and Fairhaven Methodist Church and aims to strengthen community resilience and ensure that help is available in a familiar and accessible setting.

Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “Fylde Council is proud to have supported the establishment of the Fairhaven Wellbeing Hub through UK Government Crisis and Resilience Funding. This is exactly the kind of community-led project we want to back – bringing people together, reducing isolation and ensuring residents can access the help and support they need close to home. We look forward to seeing the hub become a real asset for the Ansdell community.”

The hub will be open from 1-5pm every Tuesday and 12:30-6pm every Thursday, with extended Thursday hours specifically designed to create a welcoming space for young people and families after school.

Jo Hunt, Senior Steward at Fairhaven Methodist Church, added: “It is our aim to reach into the community we are serving and to use our building to create safe and accessible places for people to gather. The Wellbeing Hub will provide opportunities for people to connect with others, access support when they need it, and feel part of their local community.

“We are particularly pleased to be able to open later on Thursdays, making space for young people and families to come together after the school day. We are especially keen to welcome families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), providing a relaxed, supportive environment where parents, carers and children can meet others, socialise and build friendships. We hope the hub will become a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and connected.”

The Wellbeing Hub is open to everyone in the surrounding community and aims to become a focal point for connection, support and wellbeing. By bringing together residents, local organisations and support services under one roof, the hub will help strengthen community networks and ensure that people can access help when they need it.

Residents are invited to attend the official opening on Thursday 2 July and find out more about the services, activities and support available through the hub.

For more information about opening times, activities, or partner organisations involved in the hub, please contact Rev Michaela Barker by email at Michaela.barker@methodist.org.uk or call 07475 053441.

Young Artists Light Up Lytham as Children’s Masterpieces Take Centre Stage on Clifton Street

Fylde Council — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:16:40 +0000

The streets of Lytham are celebrating local talent in a very special way, as artwork created by primary school children from across the town is set to be displayed on brand new banners along Clifton Street – just in time for Lytham Club Day on Saturday 27 June – and showcased in a free public exhibition at the Lytham Institute running until Sunday 2 August.

As part of Fylde Council’s public realm improvements to Clifton Street, 26 contemporary new lighting columns have been installed, featuring heritage-inspired artwork that celebrates the historic connection between Lytham and the Clifton family. The columns also incorporate banner arms, and it was decided from the outset that the banners themselves should reflect the heart of the local community – and who better to bring that to life than the children who call Lytham home.

Children attending Lytham Hall Park Primary School, Lytham Church of England Primary School and St Peter’s Catholic Primary School were invited to produce original artwork inspired by a series of photographs depicting iconic Lytham events and landmarks. Armed with art supplies provided by Fylde Council, the pupils produced over 50 pieces of original artwork utilising an extensive palette of artistic mediums. Of these, 26 of these will be reproduced on the new Clifton Street banners, with each banner featuring a child’s artwork on one side and a digitally rendered interpretation of the original photograph on the reverse. Fylde Council would like to thank Lytham West Councillor, Andrew Redfearn, and Suzanne Taylor of Lytham Business Partnership for designing the banners that will be displayed along Clifton Street.

To honour every piece of work – and every young artist behind it – Fylde Council and Lytham Town Council are hosting a special exhibition of all 54 works of art at the Lytham Institute. Following an opening ceremony coinciding with Lytham Club Day on Saturday 27 June, where the Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Richard Redcliffe, will present each of the young artists with a commemorative certificate, the exhibition will be open to visitors free of charge until Sunday 2 August 2026.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “From the outset, I felt it was important that the new banners reflected the spirit of Lytham, and involving our primary school children seemed the perfect way to do that. Their creativity has brought Clifton Street to life in a way only they could. I hope everyone will take a moment to enjoy their wonderful artwork and visit the exhibition to see the full collection.

Councillor Catherine Powell MBE of Lytham Town Council added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the schools of Lytham embraced this project with such enthusiasm and creativity. The standard of artwork produced by these young people is remarkable, and it is a privilege to see it displayed so prominently in the heart of our town – and what a perfect occasion to unveil them, with Club Day bringing the whole community together on the same day.”

The exhibition forms part of the Lytham Art Trail, taking place from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 2 August.

Fylde Residents Help Power Battery Recycling Milestone

Fylde Council — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:17:59 +0000

Fylde residents have helped the Council hit an impressive recycling landmark, with 3.55 tonnes of batteries collected for recycling between April 2025 and March 2026 – 1.35 tonnes more than the previous year – a result that is keeping our communities safer and our environment cleaner.

Batteries contain hazardous materials that can cause serious fires if placed inside wheeled bins, putting waste collection teams at risk and potentially damaging vehicles. Fylde Council is reminding residents never to put batteries – including those from household gadgets, toys and remote controls – in any of their wheeled bins. Instead, residents can safely recycle batteries by placing them in a Fylde battery bag or a clear sandwich bag. Once full, simply seal the bag and pop it on top of your blue or brown wheeled bin on your usual collection day – it’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, said: “This is a brilliant result and a real testament to our residents, who clearly care about doing the right thing for their community. Batteries might seem small, but they can cause significant harm if they end up in the bin, so it’s fantastic to see so many households recycling them safely.

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t already requested a battery bag to do so – it couldn’t be easier, and every single one makes a difference.”

Residents who would like a free Fylde battery bag can request one here. Every bag filled helps to protect our collection teams, reduce fire risk and keep valuable materials out of landfill – so let’s try to recycle even more this year!

Find out more about what can be recycled here.

Fylde Sets Out Vision for Borough’s Future as New Local Plan Moves Forward

Fylde Council — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:30:47 +0000

Fylde residents will have their say on how the borough grows and changes over the next two decades, as the Council’s draft Local Plan to 2042 is published ahead of a key committee decision next week.

The draft Fylde Local Plan to 2042 Publication Version has been brought forward for consideration by the Executive Committee on Tuesday 23 June – a significant milestone in shaping where and how Fylde develops over the coming years. Extending ten years beyond the current adopted Local Plan, the new plan sets out a long-term vision that puts the protection of Fylde’s unique character and green spaces at its heart ahead of Local Government Reorganisation.

Crucially, no green belt land will be released for housing. Beloved community spaces – including Lowther Gardens, Fairhaven Lake and Gardens, Lytham Green, Memorial Park in Kirkham and the Green at Wrea Green – will be protected as strategically important Local Green Spaces for everyone to enjoy for generations to come. New policies will also safeguard existing natural features on development sites as far as possible, while stronger protections are introduced for some of Fylde’s most treasured natural assets, including Granny’s Bay and Church Scar, the dune coastal landscape and the beach.

The number of homes that Fylde must plan for is set by the government, and the Council is required to comply in order for the Local Plan to be approved. Around half of the homes needed over the plan period will come from existing sites already allocated in the current Local Plan, with new allocations making up the remainder. Employment land will largely draw on existing sites, with just one new site added.

Councillor Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “This is a plan that reflects what makes Fylde special. We’ve listened carefully to our communities, and we’re committed to managing future growth in a way that protects our green spaces, our environment and the character of the places our residents love. The Government requires every council to identify land for development as part of its national drive to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, and we must meet those requirements for our Local Plan to be approved. With Local Government Reorganisation on the horizon, we are bringing forward this revised Local Plan now to do all we can locally to protect Fylde’s distinct identity and valued green spaces. I’d encourage everyone to take part in the consultation when it opens.”

If approved by the Executive Committee, a formal six-week public consultation on the Publication Version is expected to launch in late July – giving residents the chance to have their voice heard.

Fylde Council Supports RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week with Urgent Warning for Fylde Coast Visitors

Fylde Council — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:27 +0000

From Saturday 13 to Saturday 20 June, Fylde Council is proudly supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to help children, families and visitors enjoy the Fylde Coast’s beaches and waterways safely this summer.

For over a decade, RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week has aimed to equip educators, teachers, parents, and carers of children with vital water safety knowledge ahead of the summer months, when drownings are most likely to occur.

Over the last five years, 3,615 people have tragically drowned in the UK and Ireland. This year, Drowning Prevention Week is expanding to reach 13–17-year-olds, as recent data reveals that drowning deaths among this age group have increased an alarming 67% between 2020–2022 and 2023–2025.

Knowing how to swim is a great skill, but it is not enough to stay safe in the water. True competency and confidence in and around water require knowledge of the Water Safety Code, including always staying together, stopping to think about and assess the dangers before getting into the water and understanding what to do in an emergency.

Drowning is preventable. In addition to sharing water safety messages to keep individuals safe, RLSS UK is campaigning for systemic drowning prevention by advocating for lifeguards and lifesavers, training bystanders, and developing unified water safety policies with the Government.

Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing at Fylde Council, said: “Every summer, we see families and visitors flock to the Fylde Coast to enjoy our beautiful beaches – and we want everyone to have a wonderful time, but to do so safely. What people often don’t realise is that our coastline can be deceptively dangerous. Tides on the Fylde Coast can change quickly and without warning, and shallow-looking waters can prove fatal. You do not need to be out of your depth to drown.

“Sadly, the deaths we have witnessed across the UK during recent warm weather spells serve as a devastating reminder that water can claim lives in an instant. These tragedies are not confined to the open sea; rivers, lakes, and seemingly calm coastal waters all carry risks that must never be underestimated.

“Fylde Council fully supports RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week, and I urge every resident, parent and visitor to take a moment to familiarise themselves and their families with the Water Safety Code before heading to our shores. Please look out for safety signage, never swim alone and always supervise children closely near water. Your safety matters to us.”

Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at RLSS UK, said: “We urge everyone to use RLSS UK’s free, accessible water safety resources to educate children and teens with critical information this June, to make sure everyone has a safe summer. Whilst a foundation of water safety will be included in England’s school curriculum from September, this vital information needs to be taught now, ahead of the summer period, and across the entire UK and Ireland to prevent tragedies. We can all contribute to creating communities free from drowning.”

Visit RLSS UK’s website now to access free water safety resources for children, parents, carers and educators: https://www.rlss.org.uk/dpw. Share these tools with your community and help create a safer summer for everyone.

Young Fylde Artists Leave Their Mark on the Bin Wagons Keeping our Streets Clean

Fylde Council — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:10 +0000

A group of talented young residents from across Fylde have had their creative work immortalised on Fylde Council’s fleet of bin wagons and sweepers, after scooping the top prize in a community competition to name the vehicles.

The winners – including Annabelle, Arlo, Freya, Isla-Mae, Jacob, Jude, Nathan and Skylar- were invited to the Council’s depot on Wednesday 10 June for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes visit. The children saw their winning wagon names and artwork displayed on the vehicles in person for the first time, with the designs having been added by the Council’s vehicle graphics supplier, Autolines.

As well as getting a close-up look at the finished vehicles — including refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) supplied jointly by Dennis Eagle and Ciceley Commercials Ltd, and compact sweepers by Bucher Municipal — the children had the chance to climb into the cab, receive themed goody bags kindly provided by Dennis Eagle, Ciceley Commercials Ltd, Bucher Municipal and Fylde Council, and take part in photo opportunities.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, joined the families on the day to mark the occasion, alongside representatives from Dennis Eagle and Ciceley Commercials.

The competition invited children from across Fylde to come up with a name for the Council’s bin wagons, and the response from local families was fantastic. The winning entries – Arlo the Bin Hero, Beep the Bin Engine, Bin Bag Bob, Max Put-Trash-In, Na-Trasha, Quality Sweep, Rubbish Rocket and The Trashformer – will now travel the streets of Fylde for years to come, a lasting reminder of the creativity and community spirit that makes Fylde so special.

Councillor Michelle Morris said: “This was such a special day, and I loved every moment of it. Seeing the children’s faces light up when they spotted their name and their artwork on our new vehicles was just brilliant. These young people put so much creativity and thought into their entries, and it feels absolutely right that their work is now out there on our streets for the whole community to enjoy. Every time one of our wagons passes by, it’s a little reminder of just how much talent and personality there is in Fylde, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Andy Clisham, Business Development Manager at Dennis Eagle, added: “It was an honour to see our RCV technology become a part of Fylde’s community, beyond simply collecting the borough’s waste. This is now a lasting platform upon which the next generation has made its mark, helping to influence and inspire children and adults alike across the region. We’re passionate about good waste management, so it’s brilliant to see this passion reflected in today’s young people.”

Matt Riley, Municipal & Waste Specialist at Ciceley Commercials said: “We were delighted to support Fylde Council with the delivery of these new vehicles and to be part of such a fantastic community initiative. Seeing the children’s creativity brought to life on the wagons was a real highlight, and it was wonderful to witness their excitement when they saw the finished vehicles for the first time. We are proud to work alongside Fylde Council on projects that not only support essential local services but also engage and inspire the communities they serve.”

The winning names will now feature on the wagons as they carry out collections across the borough – giving the children the chance to spot their very own vehicle out on the road.

Fylde Council Takes Food Waste Collections on the Road This Summer

Fylde Council — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:33 +0000

Fylde Council is bringing its food waste team directly to communities across the borough this summer, with a series of public engagement sessions giving residents the chance to find out more about the new weekly food waste collection service launching from Autumn 2026.

The team will be out and about at locations across Fylde from late June through to September, including Market Square in Kirkham, Clifton Square in Lytham and St Annes Square. All sessions will take place in the morning, giving residents the opportunity to speak with the team, ask questions and get hands-on with the new caddies before the service goes live.

The engagement programme is part of Fylde Council’s commitment to supporting residents through the changes ahead of the launch. The new service, funded by a DEFRA grant under the Government’s Simpler Recycling legislation, will see every household receive a kitchen caddy, kerbside caddy and caddy liners at no additional cost.

Councillor Michelle Morris, Lead Member for Customer and Operational Services, said: “We want every resident in Fylde to feel ready and confident when the new service begins, and these sessions are a chance to meet the team, get your questions answered, and see the equipment up close. Whether you’re in Kirkham, Lytham or St Annes, we’re coming to you.”

Residents unable to attend one of the sessions can find full details about the new service, including what can go in the food waste caddy and how collections will work, at www.fylde.gov.uk/foodwaste.

Session Dates

Monday 29 June – Market Square, Kirkham
Tuesday 7 July – Clifton Square, Lytham
Tuesday 14 July – St Annes Square
Monday 20 July – Market Square, Kirkham
Tuesday 28 July – Clifton Square, Lytham
Tuesday 4 August – St Annes Square
Monday 10 August – Market Square, Kirkham
Tuesday 18 August – Clifton Square, Lytham
Tuesday 25 August – St Annes Square

Additional sessions in Fylde will be announced at a later date as the new service rolls out across the borough.

St Annes Shoplifting Falls by 26% as ShopSafe Radio Scheme Celebrates Three-Month Milestone

Fylde Council — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:00:17 +0000

Shoplifting across St Annes town centre has fallen by 26% in just three months, as the Town Link ShopSafe Radio System delivers a fantastic early result for local businesses, shoppers and the wider community.

Launched in January 2026, the scheme connects retailers, town centre staff, Fylde Council officers and Lancashire Police in a real-time communication network. The impact has been felt almost immediately. In the very first month of operation, shoplifting incidents dropped by an extraordinary 53% compared to the same month the previous year, with that positive trend continuing across the full three-month period.

The power of the system was brought to life on one particularly busy Saturday in the scheme’s early weeks, when a flurry of incidents tested, and demonstrated exactly what partnership working can achieve. A call from Home Bargains to the neighbourhood policing team set off a chain of coordinated responses that saw a known pair arrested at the train station after committing thefts from B&M, M&S, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, with hundreds of pounds’ worth of goods recovered. At the same time, CCTV operators tracked two males who carried out a bulk theft from Boots and attempted to enter Superdrug, allowing staff to act quickly and turn them away.

Jean, Store Manager from Superdrug, one of the scheme’s participating retailers, said: “The radio link has proven to be a great tool against antisocial behaviour and shoplifting. Within the first two weeks of it going live, several shoplifters were either caught or deterred. There are many retailers asking about the radios and keen to join the link – the scheme is already making a real difference.”

The scheme was made possible through a brilliant collaboration between partners, with funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) meaning every participating business has been able to access the scheme completely free of charge during the 12-month trial.

Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing at Fylde Council, said: “This scheme is about more than crime figures. It’s about making St Annes a place where businesses can thrive, residents feel safe and everyone who visits, works or lives here can enjoy a vibrant and welcoming town centre. We’re committed to working with all our fantastic partners to ensure this scheme has a long and successful future.”

Sergeant Adam Robinson, from Fylde Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The ShopSafe Radio System is a fantastic example of how partnership working can make a real difference and we are already seeing in the results from the first three months of the trial the tangible difference this is making with a significant decrease in shoplifting in the scheme implemented areas.

“By improving communication between businesses, CCTV, and our officers, we can respond quickly to incidents, prevent crime, and create a safer environment for everyone.

“This initiative is about building confidence and ensuring St Annes remains a vibrant and welcoming town centre. We look forward to continuing to grow the project in the coming months and years ahead.”

Mike Sheppard, Business Development Manager from ShopSafe, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Fylde Council and Lancashire Police to provide smart radios that empower fast, effective communication between those on the front line of tackling retail crime.”

Al Yusuf, LANPAC Manager, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the three‑month milestone of the ShopSafe radio scheme in Fylde. In a short space of time, the scheme has already demonstrated its value by strengthening communication between businesses and partners, helping to prevent crime and respond quickly to incidents. This early success reflects the commitment of local retailers to working together to create a safer environment for staff, customers, and the wider community, and we look forward to continuing to build on this momentum.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “It’s fantastic to see the success of the ShopSafe Radio Scheme and the positive impact it has had during its first three months.

“This initiative builds on the work of Op Vulture, which tackles retail crime across Lancashire, and is a great example of what effective partnership working can achieve to prevent, deter and tackle crime.

“As Commissioner, I will continue to work closely with partners and invest in schemes that help make our county a safer place for everyone.”

Children’s Artwork to Transform St Annes Town Centre Ahead of Kite Festival

Fylde Council — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:10:28 +0000

A colourful new walking trail celebrating the creativity of local schoolchildren will wind through the heart of St Annes this September, bringing the St Annes International Kite Festival to life in a brand-new way.

Pupils from Heyhouses Endowed C.E. Primary School, Mayfield Primary School and St Thomas’ Church of England Primary School are busy creating kite designs which will be hand-painted onto the windows of 15 businesses across St Annes town centre by community art studio Durose Studios, which has been a beloved fixture on St Andrews Road South for over six years. Each school received a package of art materials supplied by Fylde Council from local business Dawson Art & Craft Emporium – one of the 15 businesses proudly taking part in the trail itself.

The free self-guided trail, running from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September during the Kite Festival weekend, encourages visitors to make their way from the promenade through the town centre, popping into participating businesses along the route. Trail leaflets will be available from each participating business and the Discover Fylde bus on the promenade, with a fun twist for families -each window features a hidden letter, and those who find them all will be in with the chance to win a prize.

Participating businesses include Dawson Art & Craft Emporium, Durose Studios, Eat the Italian Way, Fable, Fresh Café, Holland & Barrett, Margaret’s Florist, #NoFilter Coffeehouse & Bistro, Orchard Tea Rooms, Palace Pets, Scarlett & Jack’s, Storytellers Inc., The Cheese Emporium, The Pier Inn and Wood Street Coffee.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Kite Festival is one of our most-loved events, and this trail is a fantastic way to extend that buzz right through the heart of St Annes town centre.

“We want visitors to explore beyond the promenade, discover our wonderful independent businesses, and take a moment to appreciate the incredible artwork our local schoolchildren have produced. It’s a real celebration of community creativity, and I can’t wait to see it come to life in September.”

Iz Durose, Founder of Durose Studios, added: “Durose Studios is the Fylde coasts’ creative inclusive community hub, ran by artists, that uses creativity to build community, teach new skills and to make the arts accessible for everyone.

“We are so excited to be partnering on this project in collaboration with Fylde Council at St Annes Kite Festival; the event brings international crowds to our gorgeous town and we can’t wait to work with local schools and businesses to create the trail!”

Find out more about the St Annes International Kite Festival, here.