Susan Newton, LancsLive Journalist Profile

Articles

Lancashire one of worst hit areas in country for crimes committed at churches

1 day ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

Hundreds of crimes have been recorded at Lancashire churches in just under three years, according to new data. Some 583 crimes have been recorded at churches and places of worship from the start of 2022 until the end of 2024. This is according to new data obtained by the Countryside Alliance, as part of its ongoing call to focus attention on rural churches and increase funding for security at places of worship.
How to claim a free pint this St George's Day

2 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

Good news for many of us as 83 community pubs in the North West are offering free pints this week. On Wednesday, April 23, the pubs will be celebrating St George's Day by offering a free pint of John Smiths to selected customers. To claim the offer, punters only have to log on to the pub's WiFi and will be surprised with a voucher for a free tipple. The pubs offering the deal are part of the company, Proper Pubs, the award-winning community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns.
Police launch appeal after Blackburn factory fire

2 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

Police have launched an appeal over an investigation into arson in Blackburn. On March 31, emergency services were called in the early hours to Tensar Manufacturing Ltd. This is on the Shadsworth Business Park in Blackburn. The services were called to reports of a fire and extensive damage was caused. Now, it is believed this fire had been started deliberately.
Driver arrested for drug driving with two children in car

2 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

A driver has been arrested for failing a roadside drug test whilst travelling with two children in the car. On Sunday afternoon (April 20), Cumbria Police stopped a car in Cleator Moor after they were spotted not wearing a seatbelt. The driver had two children in the car and failed a roadside drugs wipe. This was for cannabis and they were subsequently arrested. He was then released under investigation to allow time for blood test results.
Archbishop calls 'hate crime' attack on Lancashire church 'deeply shocking'

2 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

The Archbishop of York has written a message of support to the vicar of a Lancashire church that suffered a 'hate crime attack' on Good Friday. On Friday (April 18), LancsLive reported about a number of gravestones which had been graffitied at St James Church in Moss Side, Leyland.
Man on roof arrested after 15-hour stand off with police

2 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

Lancashire Police have arrested a man after talking him down from a roof in Fleetwood. Shortly before midnight on April 20, officers were called to reports of a man on the roof of a property on Windsor Terrace in Fleetwood. LancsLive reported on the incident yesterday (April 21), stating police were in attendance at the residential street, trying to talk the man down. Now, police have provided further information, stating the man came down from the roof after negotiations.
'Thousands' paying parking fines in 'unfair' system

2 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

Faulty parking machines are costing drivers up to £170 across the country. Motorists in several regions have received parking charge notices (PCNs) from private companies which they insist are unfair. One campaigner has even suggested "thousands" of people have been affected. When purchasing a ticket from a machine, many car parks require drivers to input their vehicle registration.
'She was more at risk with you than a stranger': Thug suffocated partner and threatened to burn her house down

2 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

A man with a history of violence against women has been jailed for suffocating his ex-partner. Phillip Wignall was sentenced at Preston Crown Court, for three counts of domestic violence between December 13 and 15, 2024. The 38-year-old entered guilty pleas for counts of a bodily harm, suffocation and assault by beating against his former partner.
Police stop car at Tickled Trout services and find large cannabis haul in boot

4 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

A man has been handed a suspended sentence after a large quantity of cannabis was found in his car. John Richardson was sentenced at Preston Crown Court this week following the discovery late last year. On December 3, 2024, police stopped the 51-year-old's Hyundai car at Tickled Trout Service Station in Preston. Police searched the vehicle and found "several boxes" of cannabis in the boot. The court heard that almost six kilos, or 59 blocks, of cannabis resin that had been discovered.
We had brunch at an East Lancs cafe dubbed a 'cyclist's paradise'

4 days ago | lancs.live | Susan Newton

With the tagline - Eat. Drink. Strava. Repeat - it's no wonder why this East Lancs café is popular with cyclists. Described by Tarmacs as a “cyclist’s paradise,” the village of Edenfield includes challenging climbs, scenic cycling routes and exciting adventures. On your travels around the village, often visitors can find refreshment at The Drop Off, a renovated café and community hub.