Better bus services are on the way!
Published on Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 9:44 am
If you travel by bus in the borough, we’d like to hear what you think about some exciting new developments.
Blackburn
Next step for Local Government Reorganisation in Lancashire
Published on Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 1:49 pm
The chief executives of Lancashire’s 15 councils have responded to the government on some arrangements for four new unitary councils in the county.
Filed under: Council News services | lgr
New long-term vision to be developed for Blackburn Railway Station
Published on Friday 14 August 2026 at 6:17 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Council has commissioned a new long-term plan to help shape the future of Blackburn Railway Station and its surrounding area.
Ribbon cut on groundbreaking affordable homes scheme for NHS workers in Blackburn
Published on Friday 14 August 2026 at 10:12 am
The ribbon has been officially cut on a pioneering affordable housing scheme for NHS workers in Blackburn, the first of its kind in the borough.
Council Announces Plans to Extend Pleasington Cemetery
Published on Friday 7 August 2026 at 2:44 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has announced plans to extend Pleasington Cemetery to secure burial space for local people in the future.
Kier set to deliver Blackburn’s landmark £45m Star Square Development
Published on Friday 7 August 2026 at 8:00 am
Kier is set to be appointed as the contractor for Blackburn’s landmark Star Square development – part of the largest town centre regeneration scheme of its kind in Lancashire.
The K’s to headline grand reopening of Blackburn’s iconic King George’s Hall
Published on Wednesday 5 August 2026 at 6:00 pm
One of the UK’s most exciting indie-rock bands, The K’s is set to headline the grand reopening of Blackburn’s iconic King George’s Hall.
Free and affordable summer fun across Blackburn with Darwen for families
Published on Tuesday 4 August 2026 at 1:18 pm
This summer, families across Blackburn with Darwen can enjoy a packed programme of free and affordable activities taking place across the borough.
Filed under: affordable fun | Free activities | summer | summer activities
The King is Back! – Bold new look unveiled for King George’s Hall ahead of grand re-opening
Published on Tuesday 4 August 2026 at 12:04 pm
A bold new look has been unveiled for King George’s Hall ahead of the iconic venue’s grand reopening this autumn.
Filed under: Entertainment | KGH | King George's Hall | The King is Back!
A Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!
Published on Monday 3 August 2026 at 11:36 am
Volunteers who played a vital role in the success of the 2026 National Festival of Making were honoured at a special celebration event at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery.
Filed under: Festival of Making | volunteer | Volunteer Celebrations
Council takes court action against Blackburn landlords who ignored hazard warnings
Published on Thursday 16 July 2026 at 10:45 am
Three Blackburn landlords who left their tenants living in a home with damp, mould and no heating have been prosecuted and ordered to pay almost £2,000 each in court fines and compensation.
Blackburn with Darwen pupils first in the country to complete pioneering MEGA Scholarship
Published on Wednesday 8 July 2026 at 1:24 pm
Students in Blackburn with Darwen have become the first in the country to complete a pioneering new digital and technology scholarship scheme.
Residents Invited to Help Shape the Future of Corporation Park Conservatory
Published on Monday 6 July 2026 at 2:31 pm
Following the overwhelming response to last year’s consultation on the future of the Conservatory at Corporation Park, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is once again asking residents to help shape its future.
Important update – demolition of former Blackamoor Inn
Published on Thursday 2 July 2026 at 3:25 pm
Works to demolish the former Blackamoor Inn are scheduled to start next week, from Monday, July 6.
Council set to invest £270k a year to tackle rough sleeping and protect vital supported housing
Published on Thursday 2 July 2026 at 9:15 am
Council set to invest £270k a year to tackle rough sleeping and protect vital supported housing
Blackburn with Darwen Council is set to invest in vital supported housing provision to help people off the streets and rebuild their lives, as part of its ongoing commitment to tackling rough sleeping.
Council steps in to unlock new affordable homes on derelict Blackburn site
Published on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 7:38 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Council is set to step in and buy an abandoned site in Blackburn, paving the way for new affordable homes.
Have your say on how Lancashire manages its waste in future
Published on Tuesday 30 June 2026 at 2:50 pm
The Lancashire Waste Partnership is updating its strategy for managing waste across Lancashire from 2026-2036 and has launched a new survey to find out your views.
Filed under: bins | Consultation | environment | Lancashire | partnership | survey | waste
Lights, camera, Blackburn! New Film Festival joins National Festival of Making
Published on Friday 26 June 2026 at 2:27 pm
The incredible National Festival of Making is set to return to Blackburn next weekend with a blockbuster line-up – including a brand-new Film Festival!
It’s Time to Fuel the Fun with BwD’s refreshed HAF Programme
Published on Friday 26 June 2026 at 11:17 am
Blackburn with Darwen have launched their biggest-ever Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme, offering FREE activities and FREE meals for those eligible.
Filed under: HAF | Holiday Activities & Food
Enjoy the sunshine safely as amber heat-health alert issued
Published on Tuesday 23 June 2026 at 1:13 pm
Residents across Blackburn with Darwen are being encouraged to take a few simple steps to stay well and enjoy the warmer weather as an amber heat-health alert comes into effect across the North West.
Filed under: amber warning | extreme heat | heat health | heatwave | water safety
Making every step count with Lancashire Mind
Published on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 12:30 pm
The Council Leader and Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen will be supporting Lancashire Mind’s Summer Solstice Walking Challenge this coming Monday 22 June.
Children continue to smash targets whilst getting to school
Published on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 11:00 am
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s latest school outreach programme figures show that 78% of all trips to schools in the borough are done actively, with over 50% being walking journeys.
Filed under: active travel | Councillor Julie Gunn | Councillor Quesir Mahmood | Living Streets | School | walking | WOW
Celebrating five years of Blackburn Pride
Published on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 10:40 am
Blackburn is set to host its annual Pride Festival on Saturday 20 June.
A staple in the borough’s cultural calendar, Blackburn Pride Festival 2026 promises a vibrant day of celebration honouring the LGBTQIA+ community’s history, resilience, and progress.
Filed under: Blackburn Pride | pride
First phase of Blackburn M65 overnight closures to finish almost six weeks early
Published on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 12:46 pm
The first phase of a series of weekly overnight closures at Junction 5 of the M65 has now finished – almost six weeks ahead of schedule.
Have your say about the borough’s highway and transport services
Published on Monday 15 June 2026 at 11:45 am
Residents are being asked to take part in six surveys designed to capture views on everything from the state of roads and footpaths to the quality of cycling and walking infrastructure.
Filed under: Councillor Quesir Mahmood | cycling | National Highways and Transport | NHT | Paths | Roads | Surveys | walking
‘Rock star’ welcome for legendary author Michael Rosen at Literature Festival event in Blackburn
Published on Friday 12 June 2026 at 3:01 pm
Hundreds of excited schoolchildren erupted into loud cheers and rounds of applause when legendary author and poet Michael Rosen made a special guest appearance at the Blackburn with Darwen Children’s Literature Festival.
Community Volunteer Awards bring opportunities to thank volunteers
Published on Friday 5 June 2026 at 9:35 am
Know a volunteer who goes over and above to make other people’s lives better? Say thank you by nominating them in this year’s Community Volunteer Awards.
Filed under: Community CVA | Community Volunteer Awards | CVA
Record crowds as Mill Hill Family Festival named ‘best ever’
Published on Thursday 4 June 2026 at 2:55 pm
Attendees, performers and organisers involved with this year’s Mill Hill Family Festival, have said this year was their ‘best ever’.
Filed under: Mill Hill | Mill Hill Family Festival | Mill Hill Festival
SEND Parent Champion Scheme earns national recognition for the second time
Published on Tuesday 2 June 2026 at 5:25 pm
Blackburn with Darwen is celebrating a major national achievement as its SEND Parent Champion scheme, (supported by Family Hubs), gains another recognition at the Coram National Parent Champions Awards.
Filed under: SEND | SEND Parent champion
Eleventh consecutive Outstanding for vibrant and loving home
Published on Tuesday 2 June 2026 at 11:54 am
Skilled and dedicated staff at a council run short break service for children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and autism, have been praised for their ‘outstanding’ work by Ofsted.
Filed under: Apple Trees | OFSTED | Outstanding
Blackburn born Author Wins National Book Award
Published on Friday 29 May 2026 at 4:35 pm
A Blackburn author and educator has received a national award in recognition of her efforts to empower young people to speak out about county lines exploitation and knife crime.
Filed under: Brayden Hartley | Children's literature festival | Christina Gabbitas
Children & Young People’s Literature Festival is ‘Going on a Bear Hunt!’
Published on Thursday 28 May 2026 at 12:29 pm
The legendary author and poet, Michael Rosen, is set to headline Blackburn with Darwen’s hugely successful Children’s & Young People’s Literature Festival which starts on June 8.
Children’s Commissioner visits Blackburn Family Hub
Published on Friday 22 May 2026 at 3:58 pm
Little Harwood Family Hub was honoured to host the Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel De Souza this week (21st May 2026).
Filed under: Children and Young People | children's centres | Children's Commissioner | Family Hubs
The National Festival of Making announces 2026 programme
Published on Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 4:02 pm
Lancashire’s biggest making festival will take over Blackburn town centre on 4th & 5th July for a family-friendly weekend packed with exhibitions, live performances, hands-on making activities, film screenings, makers markets, street food and lots more.
Fond farewell to council’s longest-serving employee who is retiring after almost 55 years
Published on Monday 27 April 2026 at 11:23 am
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s longest-serving employee is set to retire today after almost 55 years of loyal service.
Work to start on final phase of Griffin regeneration in Blackburn
Published on Thursday 26 March 2026 at 2:03 pm
Work is set to start on the final phase of the Griffin housing regeneration scheme in Blackburn.
Filed under: Blackburn | Griffin | regeneration
Building Safer Futures
Published on Thursday 26 March 2026 at 10:39 am
As part of Exploitation Week, Blackburn with Darwen Family Help Engage Team brought together agencies from across the borough to shine a spotlight on key issues facing young people today.
Filed under: building safer futures | child exploitation | engage | schools | Schools and Education
New youth centre at Audley & Queen’s Park set to open
Published on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 4:09 pm
A new youth provision at Audley & Queen’s Park Children’s Centre is near completion – part of almost £10m of new investment in facilities for young people across the borough.
Filed under: Audley | Audley and Queens Park | Children and Young People | childrens centre | IMO | YIF | YIF funding
Improvements to the Borough’s rail services bring tangible benefits for local passengers
Published on Monday 23 March 2026 at 12:36 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has welcomed improvements in Northern’s rail performance, following months of direct engagement with the Council to address the disruption experienced by local passengers.
Filed under: Northern | Northern Rail
Celebrations as Mill Hill Football Club scores £125,000 of new funding
Published on Friday 20 March 2026 at 3:39 pm
Mill Hill Football Club is celebrating a ‘home win’ after Blackburn with Darwen Council helped secure £125,000 of new funding for its community hub.
Record Turnout in Blackburn with Darwen Youth Elections 2026
Published on Friday 13 March 2026 at 10:31 am
Nearly 8,000 young people have cast their votes in the Blackburn with Darwen Youth Elections 2026, marking a significant milestone for youth voice and democratic engagement across the borough.
Filed under: Youth MP | Youth MP Elections
Tackling empty homes in Blackburn with Darwen
Published on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 4:44 pm
It’s National Empty Homes Week, and we’re joining councils around the country in sharing information about the number of empty properties in our area and highlighting the work we’re doing to help bring them back into use.
Blackburn book set for centre stage
Published on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 4:02 pm
Blackburn author Christina Gabbitas is adapting her popular book – Believe in Magic – into a play.
Filed under: Christina Gabbitas | KGH | King George's Hall | Theatre
Blackburn bids to become the UK’s first Town of Culture
Published on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 11:20 am
Creative and community organisations are leading a bid for Blackburn to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture.
Council’s Trading Standards team strike again
Published on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 3:45 pm
Businesses across the borough were targeted in an operation recently for illicit vapes and cigarettes, with successful results.
New Men’s Mental Fitness Programme Comes to Blackburn with Darwen
Published on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 2:03 pm
Men living in Blackburn with Darwen will have free access to group and individual mental health sessions through a groundbreaking 30‑month partnership between Rugby League Cares and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council backs call for tougher fly-tipping sentences as court fines fall below council penalties
Published on Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 11:37 am
The council is backing a national call for sentencing guidelines for fly-tipping to be urgently reviewed, after new figures show that court fines for the offence are often lower than the penalties councils can issue directly.
Filed under: Blackburn | council | Councillor Jim Smith | Darwen | environment | fixed penalty notice | fly tipping | Flytipping | FPN | waste
Give To Gain this International Women’s Day
Published on Thursday 5 March 2026 at 3:36 pm
International Women’s Day takes place on March the 8th and this year’s theme is #GiveToGain.
The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Filed under: #BeMoreBarbara | Barbara Castle | Chief Executive Denise Park | Denise Park | International Women's Day | IWD
Star Academies set to anchor £45m first phase of landmark Blackburn town centre scheme
Published on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 4:30 pm
Star Academies is set to anchor a £45m landmark regeneration scheme in Blackburn town centre – part of the largest development of its kind in the Lancashire region.
Record £15m boost for improvements to roads across Blackburn with Darwen
Published on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at 4:27 pm
More than £15m is set to be invested in improving roads across Blackburn with Darwen – believed to be the largest amount ever committed in a single year.