Gayle Rouncivell

A 50mph speed limit will come into force on August 31 along part of the A6 between Lancaster University and Galgate after Lancashire County Council approved an amended Speed Limit Order. The article also announces new waiting restrictions on sections of Golgotha Road in Bowerham, with the relevant documents available for public inspection at Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and online.

Lancaster Police and Lancashire Trading Standards secured court-ordered closures of One Stop Mini Market on Church Street and Euro Shop on Cheapside after repeated inspections found illegal tobacco sales. Euro Shop failed five inspections and sold illicit cigarettes to adults and vapes to underage purchasers, while One Stop failed seven of eight inspections and sold illicit cigarettes to adults and a child. The orders, issued by Preston Magistrates’ Court under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, bar entry to both stores until November. Authorities said the action aims to protect young people, disrupt criminal networks and safeguard legitimate retailers.

Members of the North Lancashire Green Party joined about 200 supporters outside Preston Crown Court after Judge Robert Altham ruled that five protesters convicted of criminal damage at a Barclays branch would not be sentenced under terrorism legislation. The judge found that, despite damage allegedly exceeding £212,000, the conduct did not meet the Terrorism Act’s threshold for serious damage. The five will instead be sentenced for criminal damage on September 4. Supporters said the protest targeted Barclays’ financial links to Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, from which Barclays later divested. Seven people were arrested outside the court, while Green Party representatives argued that non-violent direct action and opposition to Israel’s conduct in Gaza should not be treated as terrorism.

Hundreds of primary-school children from Lancaster, Morecambe, Heysham and south Cumbria completed a mobile Tough Runner obstacle course at the SPAR Lancashire School Games finale in Arkholme. The challenge was designed to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork. The event was delivered by Active Lancashire and the School Games Organiser Network, with SPAR sponsorship through James Hall & Co Ltd marking its 20th year. A commemorative logo by Preston participant Ibrahim Musa was selected by Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, while organizers emphasized the programme’s contribution to lifelong physical activity and wellbeing.

Plans have been submitted to convert Quernmore CE Voluntary Controlled Primary School’s vacant former school house into a nursery. The 1850s building on Postern Gate Road would be fully refurbished internally, with no changes to the surrounding landscape or adjacent listed church. The school has 97 pupils and was rated good by Ofsted in 2024. Lancaster City Council’s planning committee will consider the application.

Morecambe Promenade is set to receive free public Wi-Fi using Wi-Fi 7 technology, with installation expected to begin within the next couple of months. The network will cover the full promenade, including the West End and the Eden site, through a partnership between Morecambe BID, Lancaster City Council and the Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission, funded by Visa. Supporters say the project will benefit visitors and local events while helping tackle digital exclusion by improving access to healthcare, employment and essential services.