Tuesday 15th September 2009 Blackpool launches mass bike hire scheme
Blackpool has launched a cycle hire initiative said to be the largest of its kind in the UK. Based on a similar scheme running in Paris the scheme will see 500 bicycles in operation by May 2010. A network of 100 hubs across the city will service the resort, much larger than other bike-hire initiatives such as those currently running in Bristol and Reading.

Blackpool's cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, Councillor Maxine Callow, said: "Our dedication to cycling initiatives is a massive step forward in Blackpool's efforts to boost tourism in the town and enhance our reputation as a family friendly holiday destination. I hope people will take the opportunity to make use of this clean, easy and affordable method of transport. They will be able to jump on a bike wherever they are and use it to get all over the town.” Lancashire

Tuesday 1st September 2009 Heroic passenger stops runaway bus
Things looked bad for passengers on the number 263 bus in Manchester
city centre when the driver collapsed at the wheel. Alex Jenkins, who
normally works as a fitness instructor, jumped to the rescue and
managed to steer the bus out of the path of pedestrians and to a halt.

Mr Jenkins knew something was a miss when the bus collided with a 4x4
while on route through the crowded city centre at 9am. Arriva, who run
the service, sent Mr Jenkins their sincere thanks. They also issued a
statement saying that the 73-year-old driver is said to be recovering
in hospital. Lancashire

Tuesday 28th July 2009 Blackpool hotel destroyed by fire
A major fire has completely destroyed the six-story Grand Hotel in Blackpool’s Station Road during the night. A fire service spokesman said: “At the height of the fire it looked like something from the Blitz”. The first response from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service came at 2150 BST on Monday July 27. They remained on site throughout the night to tackle the blaze. Strong winds fanned the fires and hampered the efforts of the emergency services.

Fire services pumped more than 250,000 litres of water from the nearby Sandcastle Waterpark during the operation to try control the fire. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, however, the building began to collapse in on itself and is now a scene of total devastation. No casualties were reported and the firefighters must be credited for saving surrounding buildings, many of which ignited during the blaze. Lancashire