In case you missed it: Five stories from Preston this week, August 8 to 14

Church Street under lockdown – Saturday August 8

A lot has happened in Preston over the last seven days.

Preston spent its first week back in lockdown, and an additional three Preston and South Ribble libraries are preparing to re-open.

Below is a round up of the stories you might have missed in the last week.

Coronavirus cases rise as Penwortham, Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge and Walton-le-Dale are warned to take steps to prevent a local lockdown

South Ribble’s coronavirus daily rate of infection has increased.

There have been 21 cases in the last 14 days, spread across different wards in low numbers.

South Ribble residents, while do not fall under Preston’s additional measures, are encouraged to follow Government guidance on how to reduce the spread.

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Police raid £1m cannabis farm in Preston industrial unit

The £1m cannabis farm was spread over nine rooms in an industrial unit off Brook Street

Preston Police have discovered a cannabis farm worth more than £1m close to the city centre.

Three men have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

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Preston transport projects could be fast-tracked thanks to new funding bid

An impression of how Broadgate could look with 'active travel' improvements — An impression of how Broadgate could look with ‘active travel’ improvements

Three Preston and South Ribble transport projects have been highlighted in a bid for extra funding.

Lancashire County Council has put forward a number of projects that could be delivered quickly as part of a new call from Transport for the North for the government to fund schemes and help the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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UCLan Student volunteers work with professionals on archaeological dig on bypass site

Group Dig — The UCLan students on the dig with Oxford professionals. Pic: UCLan

Fifteen UCLan undergraduates have teamed up with a professional team of archaeologists Oxford Archaeology who are investigating nationally important prehistoric sites along the route of Highways England’s new £150 million A585 bypass near Poulton-le-Fylde.

Highways England and Kier are facilitating the opportunity and increasing the area available for the students to work on safely.

Precautions are in place to maintain social distancing and hygiene standards in line with Government guidance and industry standards to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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Will you take the Preston Pledge?

Shoppers in masks on Fishergate Pic: Tony Worrall

A new initiative is asking businesses and members of the public to support the city centre, safely, by taking the Preston Pledge.

The Pledge lists eight commitments from businesses including “We will clean and sanitise our premises thoroughly” and “We will continue to offer you a warm welcome and a safe experience”.

Read the full story here