As the omicron variant continues to spread, we’re all clinging onto hopes that we can still have a holly jolly Christmas.

Let’s try and keep our spirits high, our masks on where possible, and let’s hope Boris Johnson doesn’t deliver any negative news before Christmas day!

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Here are five stories you may have missed from Preston this week.

Lancashire County Council says ‘Don’t be a Dick’ as £100 fine introduced for mask refusal 

Lancashire Council has warned Preston residents they face a £100 fine if they refuse to wear masks on public transport and in shops.

In a Facebook post this morning, the council introduced ‘Richard’, a character featured on a poster to remind residents to abide by the law and wear masks unless exempt.

From Tuesday 30 November, the UK Government made face coverings compulsory in shops and on public transport unless exempt, to help fight the spread of the Omicron variant.

Read the full story here.

Queen Street speed sign mistake prompts drivers to go 50mph in 30 zone

Police switched off a traffic sign displaying the incorrect speed on Preston’s Queen Street.

On Thursday 16 December, the remote control sign prompted road users to drive 50mph in a 30 zone, sparking confusion from residents.

The digital sign told drivers to ‘please drive carefully’ before switching to 50mph, 20mph over the legal limit for the road.

Read the full story here.

Haute Dolci announces opening date for Miller Arcade restaurant

Luxury restaurant chain Haute Dolci will open a new site at the Miller Arcade on Monday 27 December.

Officially opening at 11am, the former Heavenly Desserts restaurant offers a Dolci dessert and brunch menu.

Read the full story here.

Preston family don festive outfits for St Catherine’s Hospice ‘Santa Drive by’

A local family has taken to the streets to spread Christmas cheer and raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice.

This month, Adam Hennings and his family have dressed as Santa and his elves and walked around the streets of Preston, Lea, Ashton-on-Ribble and Fulwood, with Rudolph joining on a motorbike.

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Extra helpers joined the group this year following a successful ‘Santa Drive By’ in 2020, and all played Christmas music and collected donations from passersby.

Read the full story here.

‘Cashmere for Rosemere’ raises over £4.3k

Fulwood crafter Gill Ellard has been supporting Rosemere Cancer Foundation by making cashmere scarves and neck warmers from pre-loved sweaters and cardigans.

Labelled with a heart and her own ‘Cashmere for Rosemere’ moniker, Gill has been selling scarves at £30 and neck warmers at £25 to raise funds for the charity and over the last few weeks, she has sold £1,750 worth at local festive markets.

It brings the total money raised this year from her scarf and neck warmer sales to a brrr-illiant £4,395.

Read the full story here.

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