It’s been a busy week in Preston – we’ve seen temperatures drop (it feels autumnal already!) but some news that made us feel all warm inside is the fact the Wallace and Gromit bench is set to be unveiled on September 10.

Another piece of heart-warming news was that Preston has welcomed 50 Afghan refugees into the city.

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Here are five stories you may have missed this week.

Preston man reaches final of national weather photography competition

A Prestonian has made it to the shortlist of the Royal Meteorological Society ‘Weather Photographer of the Year 2021’ competition.

A panel of experts have decided their top three winners in the main category of the competition, in association with AccuWeather, and the public now has a chance to vote for their favourite from the 21 finalists, with all winners announced on 16 October.

The annual competition continues to grow, with more than 8,900 photographs submitted by over 3,300 photographers from 114 countries, showcasing the awe and majesty of the world’s weather and the consequences of climate change.

Read the full story here.

Biggest month of spoken-word performance in Preston this September

September will see three of the UK’s best poets head to Preston for the biggest month of spoken-word performance in the city’s history.

Tony Walsh, Luke Wright and Atilla the Stockbroker will be performing in September in various venues.

Read the full story here.

Greener rail commuting headed to Preston and the North West 

The government have announced a £78m plan to electrify a section of the North West’s rail network, which will boost potential for green commuting across Preston and the North West.

Within hours of Transport for the North’s consultation on its Decarbonisation Strategy closing, the government announced a £78m plan to electrify a key section of the North West’s rail network between Lostock Junction and Wigan North Western.

The scheme will electrify 13 miles of track and lengthen a number of platforms built on the recent electrification of the line from Manchester Victoria to Preston through Bolton.

It is part of a wider plan for ‘infill’ projects where additional electrification can be built to connect already electrified routes.

Read the full story here.

St George’s Shopping Centre saved as new owner promises ‘significant investment’ 

A huge shopping centre in Preston has been acquired out of administration.

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The new owner has promised ‘significant investment’ into the Fishergate site.

The city’s St George’s Shopping Centre has been acquired by the new retail arm of Lancashire-based property company The Adhan Group, for an undisclosed sum.

Read the full story here.

Preston’s Heritage Open Days 2021 what you can visit in the city

Preston’s Heritage Open Days are taking place in the city from Friday 10 September to Sunday 19 September, with the aim of helping people explore Preston’s history and discover new places and stories.

From walks, tours, and food-based events, there’s something for all the family, and Blog Preston have created our handy guide to help you decide your itinerary for the week.

Read the full story here.

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