Environment | The Lead

The potential and the problems with Levelling Up in Bolton

Levelling Up was a key part of the Conservative manifesto in 2019 - but spending increasingly limited funds to even compete for investment can be problematic

By Kevin Gopal

I grew up in poverty in Bolton - kids today have it worse

Hilary Mitchell grew up in poverty in Bolton in the 90s. Here she explores what poverty looked like then - and what it means today

By Hilary Mitchell

Bolton's independent brewers and an innovating industry in distress

“The government has put the small brewing industry in such distress by failing to cut VAT..." - as brewers in and around Bolton innovate and battle for success, at least 100 nationwide have closed and for many - simply surviving is the day-to-day priority

By Kevin Gopal

Grassroots artists putting Bolton's culture front and centre

Local arts organisations are pushing for culture to be the catalyst for the town’s rebirth

By Laura Davis

It's unavoidable - Bolton is in a rental crisis

There is nowhere in the UK where the cost of renting has increased as much as in Bolton

By Antonia Charlesworth Stack

Life on the Johnson Fold estate with the undeserved reputation

“It’s sad that it’s got a reputation in certain parts of Bolton, a very undeserved reputation”

By Kevin Gopal

Inside Bolton's ambitious plans to treble town centre residents

The council’s masterplan envisages adding accommodation for 5,000 people to the town centre

By Kevin Gopal

Is the Gaza conflict leaving thousands in Bolton politically homeless?

The recent by-election in Rochdale, won not by Labour or Conservative but George Galloway, raised questions about whether the Gaza vote could impact broader election outcomes

By George Francis Lee

Bolton predicted to show nowhere is safe for Conservatives in the general election

Bolton West is the Conservatives’ most secure seat in Greater Manchester - but YouGov has them losing

By Kevin Gopal

Bolton West turns red in remarkable night for Labour

All three seats in Bolton returned a Labour MP in the 2024 General Election

By Jamie Lopez

Hopes of commercial Blackpool Airport flights given boost

Labour's Louise Haigh vowed that if there is demand, then the possibility can be investigated

By Shelagh Parkinson

Residents in Thornton urged to wash home-grown produce due to potential contamination from chemical plant

Wyre Council and the Environment Agency are investigating whether a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has contaminated local gardens and allotments

More flights to Blackpool Airport as new handling facility approved

Planners at Fylde Council gave the plans the go ahead using delegated powers.

By Shelagh Parkinson

Historical chemical contamination under investigation at Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone

Wyre Council said sampling was set to get underway next week to consider whether historic contamination has occurred from Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone

By Shelagh Parkinson

South Shore library set to become eco hub after government funding spend approved

Heat pumps will aim to help inspire people to do the same with their own homes

By Shelagh Parkinson

Solar farm plans for Blackpool Airport would 'make best use of land'

It would generate enough power to enable Blackpool Council to reduce its overall net electricity consumption by up to 75 per cent.

By Shelagh Parkinson

Layton's Hidden Garden aims to provide green space for people without their own garden

The space, at Layton Library in Blackpool, will be officially opened tomorrow (21 August)

By Luke Beardsworth

Six-month fishing ban for Stanley Park lake after swans left with wire through necks and infected wounds

Blackpool Council says it is halting any angling on the lake in the park after increasing concerns raised by wildlife charities and park-goers. Warning: This article contains images some readers may find distressing.

By Ed Walker

Blackpool Airport regeneration plans submitted but commercial flights promises shelved

Regeneration of Blackpool Airport - as part of Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone plans - continues but any plans for commercial flights remain in the background

By Luke Beardsworth

Tiny piece of land next to M62 with climate-critical significance

Peatlands are disappearing at an alarming rate - so Pestfurlong Moss has enormous importance in our eco-system.

By Kevin Gopal

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