Services
Cuts ‘cyclone’ could blow university away
Preston’s future as a university city is at risk as funding cuts have put the University of Central Lancashire in danger of closure, its chief Malcolm McVicar has warned. In an emotional address the Vice-Chancellor told of his fears for the university’s future, saying: “Radical change is needed if we are going to survive. “We have achieved a lot and I am buggered if they [...]
819 days ago by Christian Campbell Share
Protestors lobby Council before key budget meet
Angry campaigners gathered outside county hall to protest against cuts which they argue will devastate public services. Waving banners saying ‘protect the frontline’ more than 100 people made their voices heard as councillors debated next year’s budget. They are meeting to discuss the severity of the cuts, and where they should be made. Almost £180m will be slashed from funding for a range of services, [...]
823 days ago by Nicholas Clapp Share
Environment vs. jobs: Lancashire’s shale gas drilling investigated
Just outside a leafy village, not far from Preston, the horizon is broken by a chunk of towering white plastic – a façade for one of Europe’s first shale gas drills. With the decline of natural gas reserves, shale has become big business across the Atlantic. It now accounts for nearly 15 per cent of the United States’ annual gas supply. The West Bowland shale [...]
828 days ago by Jake Ryan Share
Valentine’s Day apart… for charity
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for lovers to make their partners feel extra special. Most people do this by showering their better halves with presents, flowers and intimate words, declaring why those people mean the world to them. But this year, a young couple from Preston will be doing the exact opposite – spending Valentine’s Day over 500 miles apart. Simon McNamee, 19, from Leyland, [...]
829 days ago by Melvin Rao Share
Preston bus routes set to be scrapped
Two city bus routes will be scrapped as part of a plan to cut £300,000 of funding from Preston’s public transport network, a councillor has told Blog Preston. The 88A and 88C Orbit Bus routes face closure as the city council refuses to provide money for the maintenance and running of the service. Cllr Tom Burns, Labour councillor for Fishwick, said he had heard Rotala was [...]
830 days ago by Melvin Rao Share
Animal shelter could close in three months
Abandoned animals could be left homeless if funds are not raised to save the Preston branch of the RSPCA. Staff numbers at the rescue centre in Ribbleton have already been reduced as a safeguard against closure after donations fell last year. The Preston and District branch, which receives no government funding, is reliant on money left in wills by members of the public. Staff are now [...]
832 days ago by Lucy Spaven Share