Families praise St Aidan’s as respite service continues to make a difference
Published on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 9:46 am
For Connor, Lucy and Jessica, every visit to St Aidan’s is something to look forward to.
Monthly Archives: July 2026
Young swimmers learn vital skills during Drowning Prevention Week
Published on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 6:01 pm
During drowning prevention week, swimming lessons run by Blackburn with Darwen Council covered aspects of water safety.
Build your mental fitness with free expert support
Published on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5:50 pm
Mental fitness is about being ready for life’s challenges before they arrive.
And you can build yours with expert help from Rugby League Cares for free.
Support available for Blackburn with Darwen’s unpaid carers
Published on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5:38 pm
There are over 13,000 unpaid carers in Blackburn with Darwen, and the Blackburn Carers Service exists to support them.
Meet Louie: The new toilet training toolkit helping families
Published on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 5:29 pm
“Parents and little children love Louie!” Those of the words of our Public Health Development Manager Clare who has led on a new three-step approach to toilet training that’s being rolled out across the borough.
£2 bus fare cap welcomed as boost for jobs, growth and opportunity across Lancashire
Published on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 12:23 pm
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Chair of the Lancashire Combined County Authority’s Transport Committee, has welcomed the Government’s decision to reduce the bus fare cap to £2 from January 2027, saying it will help residents access jobs, education and essential services while supporting economic growth across Lancashire.
Working together to keep Chapeltown safe
Published on Monday 27 July 2026 at 6:53 pm
We recently held an engagement day with residents, alongside the neighbourhood policing team, to:
– Listen to local concerns
– Encourage residents to report anti-social behaviour and crime
– Work together to help keep the community safe
By speaking directly with Chapeltown residents, we’re able to better understand the issues that matter most and ensure the right support is in place.
Dad’s story highlights life-changing support at Outstanding Apple Trees
Published on Monday 27 July 2026 at 3:55 pm
Apple Trees children’s home in Blackburn has achieved Outstanding for the 13th time over 11 years!
Former councillors recognised for outstanding long service
Published on Monday 27 July 2026 at 1:42 pm
Nine former councillors were recognised for their dedication and commitment to Blackburn with Darwen at last week’s Council Forum meeting, where they were presented with long service awards.
Boroughs Early Years Service takes part in Research Report
Published on Thursday 16 July 2026 at 3:39 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Early Years Service recently took part in research which explored the integration of early learning, education and childcare with broader early years family support.
Government announces Local Government Reorganisation decision for Lancashire
Published on Thursday 16 July 2026 at 1:30 pm
The Government has today announced its decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lancashire. This decision, subject to Parliamentary approval, represents the biggest change in local government in more than 50 years.
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.
Council leader’s letter encourages reading in light of social media ban
Published on Wednesday 15 July 2026 at 2:27 pm
The UK government has announced a social media ban for under-16s which is intended to come in to force by Spring 2027.
Filed under: Children's literature festival | Christina Gabbitas | Council Leader | Leader | Leader letter | Leader Phil Riley | open letter
New funding scheme makes home EV charging easier for terraced properties
Published on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 11:22 am
Residents living in terraced properties across Blackburn with Darwen can now charge their electric vehicle (EV) outside their home thanks to a government funded initiative.
Filed under: Part Of Your Story
Remembering victims of the Srebrenica genocide
Published on Thursday 9 July 2026 at 12:22 pm
During Srebrenica Memorial Week, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen and the Council Leader are pledging to learn from the lessons of history to help to keep the borough one where difference and diversity is celebrated.
Filed under: community
Annual Civic Ceremony to take place this Sunday
Published on Wednesday 8 July 2026 at 1:55 pm
The annual Civic Sunday ceremony will take place this Sunday 12 July at Blackburn Cathedral.
This is the dedication service that takes place every year as a new Mayor comes into office.
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.
Bringing light back to the borough
Published on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 3:45 pm
Have you seen have seen our contractors working on Yew Tree Drive and Ramsgreave Drive in Blackburn?
Have you ever thought about where you’d go if you suddenly became homeless?
Published on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 3:38 pm
For many people, it can take just 1 or 2 missed paychecks, an unexpected bill, or a relationship breakdown to face a housing crisis.
National festival ‘makes’ Blackburn proud once again with a packed weekend of creativity!
Published on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 10:27 am
What do you get when you mix critically acclaimed artists and makers, celebrity comedian and ceramicist Johnny Vegas, and a Bhangra dancing robot?
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.
Darwen town centre transformation to benefit from additional £5m of funding
Published on Thursday 2 July 2026 at 12:33 pm
An ambitious scheme to transform Darwen town centre is set to benefit from an additional £5m of funding – taking the total to more than £20m.
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.
Council shares its position on vaping as a quit smoking aid
Published on Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 4:20 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Council is to set out its stance on vaping at a key meeting next week.
Filed under: smokefree | Smoking cessation | Vaping