The weather has been all over the place this week, but thankfully we’ve had lots of stories to bring you where people’s hearts have been in the right place.

From charity skydives to fundraising walks, there’s been lots of positivity.

We also fooled many of you with our cheeky April Fools jokes…Preston completely pedestrianised? We don’t think so!

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

‘Slow down’ posters, banners and stickers for Preston communities to halt speeding

Lancashire County Council has launched a resource pack with banners, bin stickers and hi-vis jackets to help encourage drivers to slow down.

The packs urge drivers to ‘slow down, save lives’, aim to help people concerned about speeding, raise awareness of the issue and encourage drivers to change their behaviour.

The resources launched at a parish and town councils conference held at County Hall at the weekend, which focused on how communities can work with the county council to improve their local environment.

Read the full story here.

New sign for Preston Flag Market to reflect city’s heritage

A new sign which will symbolise the rich history of the cotton and textile industry in Preston will be unveiled this week.

The unique sign will be unveiled this Wednesday 30^th March on the Flag Market before it tours the city and is put in it’s final destination, which is yet to be chosen.

The iconic sign is made of steel, coated blue, with rope weaved through it to symbolise the rich history of the cotton and textile industry. 

Read the full story here.

Preston community theatre group up for national award

A community theatre group is up for the Community Organisation Award in the National Diversity Awards 2022.

The awards celebrate the work that grassroots communities do to tackle issues in today’s society and recognises the work they do.

Kidz4Kidz was started to offer a community theatre company for children in Preston to attend as youth clubs closed.

Read the full story here.

Preston Markets cinema and leisure complex plans given go-ahead

Plans for Preston’s city-owned £40 million cinema and leisure complex have been approved by the Council’s planning committee.

Animate will be located on the city’s former indoor market and will host an eight-screen cinema, bowling alley, food hall, new restaurants and bars and a new public square.

The plans were approved subject to receiving no objection from Lancashire County Council highways and a number of conditions.

Read the full story here.

First Penwortham Business Network event creates ‘energy and positivity’

The first Penwortham Business Network event has taken place at Lime Bar and Lounge in Liverpool Road to help support business owners and managers in the area.

On Thursday 17 March, more than 40 guests attended to discuss new ideas and opportunities for future collaborations.

The event was hosted by Jemma Lloyd of Vincents Solicitors, Michael Bailey of Michael Bailey Estate Agents and Carol Rialas from Lime Bar and Lounge. The meet-up drew people from a vast range of local businesses.

After the hosts outlined the aims and ambitions for the group, guests were invited to introduce themselves and promote their business.

Read the full story here.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines