We know every penny counts, and we want to assure you that your council tax is working hard to support essential services and improvements across Fylde Borough.
Every day, we deliver vital services, from waste collection (serving over 1,300 households per bin lorry daily) to maintaining parks, inspecting food businesses, supporting housing needs, and ensuring public safety.
Your contribution funds essential frontline services, including:
- Weekly waste and recycling collections
- Maintaining six Green Flag Award-winning parks
- Supporting local businesses and high street improvements
- Protecting vulnerable residents through housing support
- Hosting cultural events like the Kite Festival and Wartime Weekend
We remain committed to efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining high standards. Despite rising costs, we’ve kept the council tax increase for 2025/26 to just 2.99% – an extra £6.74 per year for a Band D property.
Welcome to the Fylde Review 2025
Welcome to our annual feature in which we showcase the accomplishments Fylde Council have delivered for the people of the Borough in the preceding twelve months and look to what’s yet to come.
What We’ve Achieved
Change – Healthy Lifestyle
Fylde Council’s CHANGE programme has been running successfully throughout 2024 and is still open for new participants. Offering expert-led group sessions, 1:1 support, and physical activities, it helps residents make sustainable lifestyle changes in a supportive environment.
Read last years success stories here.
Play Area Improvements
Over the past year, Fylde Council has made significant progress in enhancing local play areas, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for children and families. By prioritising the refurbishment of well-used sites and working closely with the community to shape improvements, we have been able to upgrade equipment and surfacing to better meet local needs.
Read more here.
UKSPF Funded Ice Festival
February 2025 marked the return of the Fylde Ice Festival for its third consecutive year, this time in St Annes after successful previous events in Kirkham and Lytham. Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the festival wowed visitors with stunning ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, and a festive winter atmosphere. It also boosted local businesses and brought the community together for a memorable celebration.
Read more here.
M55 Link Road
The completion of the M55 link road in 2024 was a major step forward for Fylde’s connectivity. This £27 million project, with £2 million invested by Fylde Council, has streamlined travel between St Annes, Ansdell, Fairhaven, Lytham, and the M55, reducing congestion and improving access for residents, businesses, and visitors. It supports local housing, employment growth, and the thriving leisure and tourism sectors, while also boosting the Blackpool Enterprise Zone
Read more here.
Fylde Council Celebrates Success with Event Nominations and Awards
Fylde Council’s events have garnered major recognition this year. The Lytham 1940s Weekend was shortlisted for Large Event of the Year at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2024, while the St Annes Kite Festival won Event of the Year at the Coastal Radio DAB Local Business Awards 2024. These accolades celebrate the region’s thriving tourism and cultural scene.
Fylde Active Community Awards 2024
The Fylde Active Community Awards, held on 21 September 2024, celebrated the outstanding contributions of local individuals and organisations. Hosted by Fylde Council’s Sports Development Team at Ribby Hall, the event recognised achievements across all ages, showcasing the dedication and passion that positively impacts the Fylde community.
Read more here.
Revitalising St Annes: Square Regeneration on Track
Fylde Council’s £3.13 million town centre regeneration project is progressing ahead of schedule, transforming St Annes into a more vibrant destination. The first phase, completed early by George Cox & Sons, included widened carriageways for new bus stops and sustainable material reuse, giving businesses a construction-free boost before Christmas.
Read more here.
Fylde’s Parks Earn Prestigious Green Flag Awards in 2024
Six parks across Fylde received the prestigious Green Flag Award in 2024, recognising them as top-quality green spaces. This achievement highlights the dedication of those who keep them beautiful for all to enjoy.
Read more here.
Fylde’s Shop Local Scheme Strengthened High Streets in 2024
The Fylde Shop Local loyalty card scheme successfully encouraged residents to support businesses in Kirkham, Lytham, and St Annes. Backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it has rewarded loyal customers and strengthened the local economy.
Read more here.
Fylde’s Saltmarsh Project Strengthened Coastal Defences in 2024
Fylde Council launched a saltmarsh conservation project in 2024, backed by £106,190 in DEFRA funding. Part of a national resilience programme, it explored how saltmarshes can enhance coastal defences, reduce flood risk, and support climate resilience.
Read more here.
Community Wellbeing Fund Supported Local Projects in 2024
Fylde Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund awarded grants to local groups tackling social issues. Beneficiaries included Pot Bound Durose Studios, supporting neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ youth, and Wesley’s Café, fighting food insecurity.
Read more here.
New Stanner Bank Entrance Enhances: Fairhaven Lake and Gardens
Fylde Council completed the new Stanner Bank entrance at Fairhaven Lake in October 2024, creating a welcoming and accessible gateway. The upgrade included new easy-to-navigate steps alongside a ramped path, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience.
Read more here.
New Changing Places Toilet Enhanced Accessibility at Fairhaven Lake in 2024
Fylde Council opened a state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet at Fairhaven Lake in 2024, improving accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Funded by the Department for Levelling Up, the facility includes specialist equipment to support carers and individuals with additional needs.
Read more here.
Fylde Shines in 2024 Bloom Awards
Fylde’s In Bloom groups earned 22 North West in Bloom awards and 19 neighbourhood accolades, celebrating the dedication of volunteers and communities in enhancing local green spaces.
Read more here.
Fylde Council Wins Silver Armed Forces Award
Fylde Council has earned the Silver Award in the Armed Forces Employers Recognition Scheme for its support of veterans, reservists, and military families. The award, presented on 1 October, highlights the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for the Armed Forces community.
Read more here.
St Annes Beach Upgraded with New Community Beach Hub
Fylde Council completed the new Community Beach Hub at St Annes beach in April 2025. The £157,000 project included an accessible ramp, Beach Wheelchair Store, and first aid points, improving accessibility and safety for all beachgoers. This upgrade enhances St Annes as an inclusive coastal destination.
Read more here.
What’s coming next?
A New Round of UKSPF Funding
Fylde Council has secured £857,692 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for 2025/26. This funding will support local businesses, skills development, and community projects, building on previous investments to strengthen the economy and improve quality of life in Fylde.
Read more here.
Fylde Council Announce VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebration
Fylde Council will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a beacon-lighting ceremony at Fairhaven Lake on 8 May 2025. The free event, starting at 6:30pm, will include performances by The Bluebirds UK and The Churchills, culminating in the beacon lighting at 9:30pm. It’s an opportunity for the community to reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
Read more here.
New Trustees Bring Fresh Vision to Lytham Institute
Lytham Institute has welcomed new trustees following Fylde Council’s approval to expand its board. The new appointments, bringing expertise in areas such as fundraising, finance, and heritage, will help guide the charity in providing educational and leisure facilities for the local community.
Read more here.
Fylde Council Approves New Development Order for Warton Enterprise Zone
Fylde Council has approved a new 10-year Local Development Order for the Warton Enterprise Zone, streamlining planning processes to attract investment while safeguarding the environment and local community.
Read more here.
Fylde Council Opens Garden Waste Subscription for 2025/26
Fylde Council has opened subscriptions for its 2025/26 Garden Waste Collection Service, priced at £38 for 25 collections. With over 19,000 households subscribing annually, the service supports sustainable waste management. Residents can subscribe or renew via the Council’s online portal.
Read more here.
Fylde Council Opens Fylde Gallery at Lytham Hall
Fylde Council has opened Fylde Gallery at Lytham Hall to celebrate the centenary of the Lytham St Annes Art Collection. The £65,000 refurbished gallery will debut with the “Centenary” exhibition on 31st January 2025, featuring works by renowned artists. Councillor Jayne Nixon said, “This is an exciting milestone for Fylde.
Read more here.
Fylde Council Approves Kirkham Pool Acquisition
Fylde Council has approved the acquisition of Kirkham Pool from the YMCA for £1, securing swimming provision for the area. The pool will be included in the new operational contract for St Annes Pool, pending a condition survey.
Read more here.
St Annes Kite Festival Returns in 2025
Fylde Council is excited to announce the return of the St Annes Kite Festival from 29–31 August 2025. In partnership with SmileFactor10, the event will feature an illuminated display on Friday evening and two full days of kite flying. With family-friendly activities and food stalls, the festival promises to be a vibrant highlight of the summer.
Read more here.
Further St Annes Square Improvements
All 5 phases of the St Annes Square Improvement Scheme will be completed in June 2025. The St Annes Improvements Project, a cornerstone of the St Annes Masterplan, is set to bring transformative changes to the town centre.
Read more here.
Fylde Council’s 2025/26 Budget Proposal
Fylde Council’s 2025/26 budget proposal includes a 2.99% increase in the average council tax charge, supporting a range of growth initiatives aimed at enhancing the borough. Key capital growth proposals include the introduction of Play Zones in Kirkham, St Annes, and Freckleton, as well as support for the Friends of Clifton Park in developing a new play area. These investments align with the Council’s commitment to improving community amenities and delivering on its corporate priorities.
Read more here.
