In case you missed it: Five stories from Preston this week March 27 to April 3

A sunny scene in Miller Park, Preston during the early Spring sunshine Pic: Tony Worrall

There has been lots going on in Preston over the last week.

From a new chief constable being appointed in Lancashire to and Ashton eyelash salon making the finals of the UK Hair and Beauty Awards there’s been plenty going on.

Here are five of the stories you may have missed.

Flood scheme to construct new River Ribble flood defences at Broadgate to be debated

Trees have been cut down at the top end of Broadgate bordering the River Ribble Pic: Chris Hough

A planning application concerning new flood works for the River Ribble is due to be discussed Thursday 1 April.

This is part of Preston and South Ribble’s ‘Flood Risk Management Scheme’ which will reduce the flood risk to 4,800 homes and 300 businesses.

The scheme is set to cost £49 million.

Read the full story here.

M6 bridge set to be repaired almost three years after lorry struck bridge between Junction 32-33

The scene on the M6 where the lorry has struck a bridge Pic: North West Motorway Police

Road work is expected to start on Saturday April 17 almost three years after a crash on Turner’s Farm cattle bridge over the M6 north of Preston.

A 50mph speed limit is expected to be placed past the roadworks and there will be occasional overnight closures of the southbound carriageway with a diversion via the A6.

Read the full story here.

Fishergate Bollard may be removed and sold to German transport museum

The recovery of the taxi from the bollard structure Pic: Rachael Fenwick

The working from home during the pandemic appears to mean the beginning of the end for one of Preston’s iconic transport features.

Shifting patterns mean commuters heading into Preston city centre no longer hit the Fishergate bollard and friends.

The plinth, which stands on the junction of Fishergate and Corporation Street, has become infamous for being struck.

Read the full story here.

p.s. it was of course an April Fool 😉

Haslam Park playground has officially reopened for use

Haslam Park's playground has reopened Pic: Blog Preston — Haslam Park’s playground has reopened Pic: Blog Preston

Haslam Park playground has reopened following nearly four months of refurbishment.

The park closed in November 2020 for some much needed improvement works.

However, after the opening date being pushed back a few times, the playground can now be used again by residents.

Read the full story here.

Woman given hospital order for manslaughter of her grandfather in Longton

A woman has been sentenced for the manslaughter of her grandfather.

Elizabeth Birtwistle, 32, of no fixed address, was given a hospital order at Preston Crown Court for the manslaughter of Raymond Conlan, 75.

Police were called around 3.50am on March 6, 2020, to a report of a serious assault at an address in Cedar Grove, Longton.

Read the full story here.