£300 oil heating grant open for Blackburn with Darwen households off the gas grid
Blackburn with Darwen households that rely on oil for heating may be able to get a one-off £300 payment to help with refill costs. The council is taking applications from eligible residents who are off the gas grid and struggling to pay.
St Aidan’s short breaks service keeps ‘good’ CQC rating after full inspection
St Aidan’s short breaks service in Blackburn has kept its ‘good’ rating after a full Care Quality Commission inspection in February and March, with inspectors praising the kindness, compassion and welcome shown to guests.
Voters reminded to bring photo ID to polling stations
With two and a half weeks to go until election day, Blackburn with Darwen voters are being warned they will need photo ID to vote in person — and those without one can still apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate until 28 April.
5,000-year-old black oak table to go on show at Blackburn Cathedral for a year
A 13-metre table made from ancient fossilised oak older than the pyramids is heading to Blackburn Cathedral, where it will be on display for 12 months as part of the cathedral’s centenary year.
Summer-ready Blackburn and Darwen new builds available this month
Unmissable incentives and purchase schemes are on offer for buyers ready for a summer move at Sunnybower Meadow or Collingwood Park. With support worth over £22,000, including financial boosts,
Voters reminded to bring photo ID to polling stations
With two and a half weeks to go until election day, Blackburn with Darwen voters are being warned they will need photo ID to vote in person — and those without one can still apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate until 28 April.
5,000-year-old black oak table to go on show at Blackburn Cathedral for a year
A 13-metre table made from ancient fossilised oak older than the pyramids is heading to Blackburn Cathedral, where it will be on display for 12 months as part of the cathedral’s centenary year.
Judge backs full injunction over unlawful Darwen Traveller site
A judge has ordered a Traveller family to leave an unlawful encampment in Darwen and put the land back to its original state, after a two-day hearing at Liverpool County Court.
Darwen Library Theatre lands almost £1m funding boost
Darwen Library Theatre is in line for an almost £1m cash injection, with the money set to help finish upgrades to one of the borough’s best-loved venues.
Time running out for Blackburn with Darwen voters to get registered
Anyone wanting to vote in Blackburn with Darwen’s local elections on Thursday 7 May has until Monday 20 April to register at their current address if they are not already on the electoral roll.
Benidorm Star Crissy Rock Brings Desperate Scousewives to Blackburn
Comedy fans in Blackburn are in for a treat as Desperate Scousewives: Lily’s Story arrives at the Blackburn Empire Theatre, starring Benidorm favourite Crissy Rock.
Blackburn Spiral set for comeback as Cathedral Square visitor attraction
A much-missed Blackburn landmark could be making a surprise return – not as a bridge or walkway, but as a brand new “heritage attraction” in the heart of Cathedral Square.
Blackburn Cathedral unveils 12 new centenary vestments in colour-filled celebration
Blackburn Cathedral has unveiled 12 new centenary vestments designed by British textile artist Margo Selby, with clergy from across the diocese processing them into the Nave before they were blessed by the Bishop of Blackburn.
Blackburn with Darwen relaunches Ageing Well support for over-50s
The council’s Public Health team has relaunched its Ageing Well work, with a focus on helping residents aged 50 and over stay active, connected and independent.
“It’s the best feeling in the world” – Steeleye Span’s Maddy Prior ahead of Blackburn show
Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span are heading to Blackburn as part of a major UK tour – and ahead of their Empire Theatre date, frontwoman Maddy Prior has been reflecting on more than five decades in music, new material, and why performing live still hasn’t lost its magic.
Get ready to bounce! Giant inflatable arena opens in Blackburn
A brand new high-energy indoor attraction is set to launch in Blackburn next week – and it’s bringing a giant inflatable experience to the town.
Darwen teacher’s 16-year fundraiser hits £100,000 as he retires
A much-loved Darwen teacher is retiring after helping raise an incredible £100,000 for a local children’s hospice – leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of pupils.
Blackburn boxing stalwart Yaqoob Hussain MBE to officiate at Porto Box Cup
Blackburn’s Yaqoob Hussain MBE is heading to Portugal to officiate at the Porto Box Cup, taking more than 50 years of boxing experience onto the international stage.
Final phase of Griffin regeneration to get under way in Blackburn
Work is due to begin on the final phase of the Griffin housing regeneration scheme in Blackburn, bringing 80 new homes to the area, including privately owned and affordable properties.
School event brings 1,350 pupils together to tackle exploitation and safety
Around 1,350 students took part in a Blackburn with Darwen event aimed at helping young people spot exploitation, know where to get help and talk openly about the pressures they face.
Blackburn Cathedral appoints 14 new Honorary Canons from across Lancashire
Fourteen people from Blackburn and across Lancashire have been appointed as Honorary Canons at Blackburn Cathedral, with the new group bringing experience from parish ministry, education, architecture and ecumenical work.
Begin2Sing to bring free singing sessions for new parents to Blackburn
A Darwen singing project that has been building confidence and wellbeing since last year is set to expand into Blackburn with weekly sessions for new parents and families at Babyzone in Blackburn Youth Zone.
New youth centre at Audley & Queen’s Park moves closer to opening
A new youth provision at Audley & Queen’s Park Children’s Centre is nearly finished, as part of almost £10m of investment in facilities for young people across Blackburn with Darwen.
Flagship Cathedral Square restaurant The Firepit appears to have closed
One of Blackburn’s most prominent restaurant venues appears to have shut its doors, with The Firepit in Cathedral Square now sitting in darkness and listed as permanently closed online.
Blackburn school helped test new emergency lessons for Lancashire children
A free new toolkit teaching primary-age children what to do in an emergency is being rolled out across Lancashire after being tested with help from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn.
Northern cancellations fall on Blackburn line as overcrowding starts to ease
Train passengers using Blackburn and Darwen routes are being told services have become more reliable, with Northern reporting fewer cancellations and a return of more four-carriage trains on key East Lancashire lines.
Mill Hill FC lands £150,000 boost to bring senior teams back home
Mill Hill Football Club is set for £150,000 of ground improvements at Waterfall Street after £125,000 was secured through the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, topped up by £25,000 from the club itself.
Darwen community groups and venues share £270,000 funding pot
Twelve projects across Darwen are set to receive more than £270,000 in the first round of the new Darwen Community Fund, with money going to community venues, youth work, sport, heritage and live music.