Throwing a cigarette butt out of her car has landed a Blackpool woman with a £220 bill.

Sharon McBride, of Loftos Avenue, Marton, was caught dropping the cigarette by council officers in March.

She was hauled before magistrates after failing to pay the £80 fine for dropping litter.

The £220 cost comprised a £100 fine, £100 court costs and £20 victims’ surcharge.

Council officers spotted McBride throwing her cigarette end out of her car window at the junction of Church Street and Whitegate Drive in Blackpool, before following the car to issue her with the fixed penalty notice.

The fine is the latest in a crackdown by the authority on people who drop litter.

Coun Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Dropping litter is my absolute pet hate.

“It’s completely unacceptable, whether that is leaving a crisp packet on the floor or flicking a cigarette out of your car window.

“If we spot anybody littering then we won’t hesitate to give them a fine. There are no excuses for littering as it not only makes the town look untidy but it also costs the taxpayer to clean it up.

“Our Keep Blackpool Tidy campaign is all about making Blackpool the cleanest seaside resort in the UK by 2020 and we need everybody to play their part in it being successful, by choosing to put their rubbish in a bin.

“Hopefully our recent prosecutions will make people think twice before they drop litter in the future.”

Between April 2015 and April 2016, Blackpool Council issued 81 fixed penalty notices for littering, while since April this year 25 have been issued so far.

More than 40 jobs are to be created in stores across the Fylde coast as a cut-price supermarket chain aims to expand.

The positions are being created in Aldi stores as part of a “significant recruitment drive to support the supermarket’s continued expansion” throughout 2016.

The German company said it currently requires six deputy store managers, 30 store assistants and three stock assistants.

The recruitment team are also looking for three apprentices and two caretakers.

All the jobs are for Aldi’s stores in Cleveleys, Fleetwood and Poulton.

Candidates with strong numerical skills are being targeted for Aldi’s store and stock assistant positions, to carry out responsibilities such as accurate and efficient till operation, stock management and merchandising.

Ruth Doyle, Aldi regional managing director, said: “Aldi is rapidly expanding across western Lancashire due to the increasing popularity of our stores, and because of this, we immediately require staff for a number of our stores in the Fylde area.

“We’re looking to attract applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including supermarket, fast-food and clothing chains, who can demonstrate relevant retail experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.”

She said deputy store managers are expected to work closely with the store manager and assistant store manager and have the responsibility of managing the store team in their absence.

Those roles start from 30 hours per week, with a starting salary of £9.40 per hour rising to £11 per hour, plus £4 extra per hour when managing the store.

Full training will be provided over a 12 week period, and store assistant roles are available from 15 to 30 hours a week, with salaries starting at £8.40 per hour, rising to £10.00 and a realistic prospect of progression.

Aldi Store apprentices are trained in all aspects of retail management during their three year course, which features a mixture of in-store and theory work.

The scheme offers store assistant training in year one and store management training in years two and three with a salary of £5.40 per hour in year one but it rises to £7.85 per hour in year three.

All Aldi full employees receive a new minimum rate of £8.40 per hour, regardless of their age.

Applications and more information on all of Aldi’s store positions on offer can be found on Aldi’s recruitment website: www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.

Police have ended their hunt for a ‘body’ in a Fylde coast garden.

A team of officers spent 13 days digging at the address in Knowsley Crescent, Thornton following reports a body might be buried there.

An assessment of the back garden began on July 11 to establish whether the area was a possible crime scene.

Police finally withdrew over the weekend, taking down police tape and removing tents which had been set up at the house.

All that remains of their search is bags of garden waste collected during the operation.

A police spokesman said: “Following an extensive search of the garden, forensic enquiries have revealed nothing of significance and officers concluded the search on Saturday.”.

“The cordon at the address has now been removed and officers have been withdrawn. We would like to thank local residents for their cooperation.”

No action is being taken against those who made the report.

Thousands of Lancashire holidaymakers can look forward to starting their holidays in style after Manchester Airport unveiled a new look, expanded Escape Lounge in Terminal Two.

The airport has spent £1.9m on the lounge which has increased in capacity by a third with room for up to 212 passengers.

The new-look Escape Lounge will provide passengers with an area away from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal before they fly.

A new kitchen and bar have also been added to the main lounge, which has been created by knocking two lounges into one.

Kevin Smith, Head of Retail, said: “We’re delighted with how well the refurbishment has gone. Now even more passengers can start their holidays in style by taking advantage of our fantastic facilities.”

Originally launched in Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 in 2006, MAG has successfully grown its Escape Lounge brand – adding a second in Terminal 1 in 2010 and in Terminal 3 in 2013, as well as launching at East Midlands Airport and London Stansted in 2014.

MAG has also taken the Escape Lounge concept across the Atlantic to the USA, with three set to open this year.

Charity Teach First is set to place more than a dozen teachers into Fylde coast schools in September.

The group recruits, trains and supports teachers specifically for schools in disadvantaged areas.

It will be placing 16 new teachers on the Fylde coast in September 2016, bringing the total number of Teach First participants in the area to 29.

The graduates will be placed at Fleetwood High School, Unity Academy, Aspire Academy, Montgomery High School, Highfield Humanities College and St Mary’s Catholic Academy.

The charity expanded into The Fylde Coast last year, identifying it as an area of greatest need.

The area has some of the country’s lowest educational attainment.

Up to 29 per cent of pupils from low income backgrounds and 50 per cent of those not on free school meals left secondary school in 2015 with five good GCSE’s.

The attainment figures are lower than both the national average and the average across the North West, where 38 per cent of pupils on free schools meals achieve five good GCSEs compared to 62 per cent of their wealthier peers.

Colin Ferguson, Teach First Director for the North West, said: “Sadly it’s still too often the case that if you grow up in a low-income community you are less likely to do well at school, find a decent job and lead a happy, healthy life.

“Some of the country’s most challenging education inequalities are seen in our region so there’s still so much more for us to do with our partner schools and communities.

“That’s why we’re reiterating our commitment to The Fylde Coast and will be working with schools across the North West to help give young people the best start in life.”

“We are always looking for people who have the energy, enthusiasm and gritty determination to ensure that every young person gets an excellent education, regardless of their background. Applications to our programme are now open and I encourage anyone wanting to make a real difference to the next generation to apply now.”

Since 2006, more than 800 teachers have been placed by Teach First in schools across the North West.

From September, Teach First will place 118 teachers in 59 schools in Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire and The Fylde Coast.

Teach First believes no child’s educational success is limited by their socio-economic background.

Trainees commit to a minimum of two years at their partner school, where they teach a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) timetable and around half stay on for a third year.

Their 13 month Initial Teacher Training starts with the six-week Summer Institute which provides trainees with intensive preparation for teaching in their school.

Two men accused of making bogus charity collections on the streets of Blackpool are standing trial for fraud.

Ricky Symeon, 37, and Barry Buckley, 33, claimed to be collecting for the Make A Wish Foundation – to raise funds for terminally ill children – but in fact they were lining their own pockets, a court has heard.

Between February 2015 and July 2015 the pair were regularly seen in Victoria Street and the surrounding area selling charity booklets containing jokes and puzzles.

But an investigation by Trading Standards found the Make A Wish Foundation –which grants sick children’s wishes – had not received any of the money which had been collected.

Both men deny conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation at Preston Crown Court.

Opening the case, David Traynor, prosecuting, said: “These two men worked together to mislead members of the public into giving them money.”

He read an excerpt from one of the booklets, which stated: “We travel throughout the UK and we enjoy the outdoor work. We like meeting people like you.

“We are not a charity but as a thank you for buying our booklet we donate money to several charities.”

In a statement read to the court, one woman said she was approached by a man who was later identified as Symeon, and asked if she had heard of Make A Wish Foundation.

The man claimed to be raising money to send a sick girl to Disneyland, the court heard.

Other witnesses were asked to donate around £3 each, however Buckley told one woman he had recently received a £25 donation and was going to put the sponsor on his Facebook page.

In February 2015 the Make A Wish Foundation became aware the men were collecting in their name and emailed Buckley, using the contact details given in the booklet, asking what was going on.

The charity did not get a reply and sent a follow up email asking him to stop, stating they had no record of Buckley collecting for them.

In August 2015 both men were quizzed by Trading Standards officials working for Blackpool Council.

Symeon, of Thornbank, Poulton, accepted he had been making collections for Make A Wish Foundation but insisted he had stopped in February 2015.

Any reference to the charity since then had been “a slip of the tongue”, he said.

He claimed he had donated 20 per cent of the purchase price of any booklets he had sold to Cancer Research, at collection tins in Tesco.

But enquiries revealed there were no Cancer Research tins in the supermarket at the relevant time.

Buckley, of Furness Avenue, Grange Park, told officers he had bought booklets from Symeon and that the full purchase price went to the seller.

He said the vendor would then make donations to charity but he had left that to Symeon.

Both men deny the allegation they conspired together to defraud the public.

(Proceeding)

Residents are bracing themselves for a month of traffic chaos as transport bosses prepare to shut the main route through a market town.

Parts of Breck Road in Poulton will be shut from 6pm every night from August 5 as part of a resurfacing scheme.

But drivers can expect misery before that with a chunk of the route, between Moorland Road and Station Road, shut this week for vital utilities works.

The closures have been advertised on signs throughout the town, warning motorists to take alternative routes.

However, some drivers have been confused by the closure times, leading Coun Alf Clempson to reassure motorists the town will not be shut during either rush hour.

He said: “People have been asking about the works on Breck Road and there has been some confusion.

“The resurfacing is happening from Monday August 1 until Friday August 26 and the road will be closed between 6pm and and midnight on Queens Square, Chapel Street and Breck Road up to the junction of Moorland Road.

“I think we all accept that Queens Square, Chapel Street and the top bit of the Breck Road is long overdue. I do accept the rest of Breck Road is not as bad but I would rather this is done now rather than closing the road again in a couple of years.

“I have been fighting for three years to get these roads done and at last it is happening,. I do regret the disruption and I will keep a close eye on the works.”

A driver who had held his licence for just months hit the kind of speeds normally reserved for express trains as he rushed for a night in Blackpool.

The man, who has not been named, hit 125mph in his BMW 3 series which was pursued by police on the M55 in the early hours of Friday.

And when the man was finally halted by officers, he explained he was on his way to a hotel in Blackpool with his partner.

The BMW was spotted by officers at ten past midnight travelling in the outside lane of the westbound carriageway.

Dashboard cameras recorded the speed of the pursuing police vehicle at 125mph.

A Lancashire Police spokesman confirmed the driver, from Manchester, had only passed his test five months ago.

He has been summonsed for speeding offences.

The spokesman said: “At around 12.10am on Friday a vehicle was spotted on the M55 and recorded at 125mph.

“The driver was from the Manchester area and he was travelling to Blackpool where he had a hotel room with his partner.

“He has held a full licence for only five months.”

A senior nurse at a hospital trust allegedly told a colleague to keep quiet about a surgeon who operated on the wrong finger of a patient, a tribunal has heard.

Case presenter Michael Collis told the hearing Rachel Sansbury, head of nursing for the surgical division at Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, told a member of staff that revealing that the surgeon had a condition affecting his co-ordination could stop him operating.

After the incident in 2014, Mrs Sansbury was allegedly told the surgeon “did not know his right from his left” and had been diagnosed with dyspraxia.

Mrs Sansbury is accused of a further four charges of asking colleagues to conceal or misrepresent information. She denies all of the charges.

(Proceeding)

New mums across the Fylde coast are being urged to take the six-week Breastfeeding Challenge this summer.

Evidence shows that the longer a mum breastfeeds for, the greater the health benefits for both mum and baby.

Mums can sign up for free by visiting www.breastfeedingchallenge.co.uk and use an app to track their progress through the challenge. There is additional support to help mums understand and adapt to the most vulnerable stage of their babies’ infancy.

Breastfed babies have less chance of developing diarrhoea, vomiting, chest and ear infections, constipation and eczema. If mums then decide to carry on for longer than six weeks, the benefits will increase.

There are a number of helpful features which have been introduced for 2016 as part of the challenge, as well many designated breast­feeding friendly locations identified throughout Lancashire (www.breastfeedingchallenge.co.uk/breastfeeding­locations/).

County Coun Azhar Ali, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We know that mums are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding and we want to make mums aware of the support available to help them get started and to keep going past the first few weeks.

“The challenge aims to give mums a helping hand when they need it most, making sure they know where to turn for help.”

Mums can also contact midwives and health visitors, for information, as well as the national breastfeeding helpline on 0300 100 0212.

A drunken man who hurled a wine glass at a former Pop Idol contestant as he sang onstage has been jailed for 17 months.

Sean McDermott, 28, of Chatsworth Avenue, Fleetwood, left singer Chris Tame bleeding profusely after striking him while he was singing at Ma Kelly’s in London Street, Fleetwood, on June 3.

The dad-of-two admitted unlawfully wounding the vocalist, alleging he made remarks about him over the microphone.

But today Mr Tame, from North Yorkshire, who was singing Shut Up and Dance at the time, said: “I never said a word to him, I was joking with two girls who were leaving the dancefloor and trying to get them back up.

“The next minute he came running towards me and hurled the wine at me, hitting me with the glass.

“I have been singing for 18 years and have never been attacked. As performers we deliberately avoid people who are drunk or arguing for obvious reasons.

“I want to stress the venue was not at fault at all as some singers are now avoiding it which is unfair - it couldn’t have been predicted and the security wasn’t at fault. There was only around eight people in at the time.”

Prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, David Clarke said Mr Tame had said: “Oh look, she’s moving away,” as the troubled couple bickered, which McDermott took exception to.

McDermott also admits breaching a restraining order against his wife the same night by meeting up with her.

Defending him, Julie Taylor said: “He accepted candidly he’d met up with his partner of 14 years.

“An agreement had been reached between them to meet up for a day.

“He accepts he had been drinking. The two of them had got into a bit of an argument.

“At the moment she moved away from him, the singer was taunting the defendant saying things about their argument publicly over the microphone.”

Jailing him, Judge Jonathan Gibson said: “The complainant was a singer who was on stage at the time and he appears to have mad a comment to which you took exception.

“You threw the contents of the wine glass at him, it’s not clear whether you threw the glass or had it in your hand when you punched him but he suffered three small lacerations to his ear, which bled profusely.

“You followed up the initial motion with two or three punches and others intervened to separate you.”

Mr Tame made it to the televised stages of the first series of Pop Idol 14 years ago, competing alongside Rik Waller.

AN appeal has been launched in an effort to recover a number of ‘treasured’ items stolen from a vehicle in Lancashire.

The items, that are of sentimental value, include two sets of boxing gloves which the victim is particularly keen to locate.

The first pair is described as black and white Blitz Fire Power 10oz gloves with the name ‘Mick’ written on them.

The second is described as red, black and white 16oz Mar gloves, also with the name ‘Mick’ written on them.

A holdall, glasses, sunglasses and other sports accessories were also taken.

The incident occurred some time overnight between June 30 and July 1, when the vehicle was parked on the driveway of a house on Buckingham Close, Haslingden.

Det Con Phil McGauley, of Burnley CID, said: “This theft has left the victim without some treasured items, which he has owned for a long time, and we would urge anybody who has seen them to get in touch with us.

“The items are distinctive as they have a name written on them and we are keen to see them returned to their rightful owner.

“Similarly, we would also like to track down the person who committed the theft and anybody with information about the incident, or who may have witnessed it, is also urged to make contact with us.”

Anybody with information should ring 101 quoting crime reference EF1607643. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Coastguard and lifeboat teams were put on alert when two people almost became trapped by the incoming tide.

The incident happened on the beach just south of Cleveleys at around 3pm today.

A 999 call was made to Coastguard alerting them to the potential danger.

Blackpool beach patrol were asked to attend the scene and Fleetwood’s Coastguard team were alerted, alongside Blackpool’s lifeboat crew.

The two people were able to walk to shore unaided and were met by members of the beach patrol.

A coastguard spokesman said: “They were spoken to by the beach patrol and were reminded of the dangers posed by the incoming tide.”

This week we (or rather I) celebrated National Auntie’s Day.

This is an underrated 24 hour celebration for which I am still awaiting the bundles of presents and cards proclaiming me the ‘best auntie’ in the world - although admittedly I do already have a wine glass, coaster and mug of that ilk from previous celebrations of note.

Indeed, two of my four-strong niece and nephew collection ( all under the age of seven) have travelled to Disneyland in France, to mark this auspicious occasion - or so they told me.

Presumably they will be telling all the beautiful Disney Princesses of their resemblance to their Auntie Nic, of golden locks and a generous disposition.

To be fair, I have been voted auntie most likely to distribute chocolate and allow access to an Ipad, so in their eyes I probably am a saintly figure, as I rarely tell them to go to bed, eat their tea or stop doing that.

An auntie’s role is a privileged position, indeed, and one which is designed for largesse, sweet treats and staying up past bedtime.

I do absolutely love being an auntie.

There is nothing quite like - as a non-mother - knocking on a front door to be welcomed with pair of arms flung around you and be dragged (sometimes literally) to be shown every item, drawing and every recently lost tooth of note.

It makes you feel pretty popular.

And not just with the children as mum and dad collapse into a sofa with relief or run to the pub never to be seen again.

It’s also a privilege to be able to walk away when the screaming becomes too shrill, the food distribition too messy and to sleep in past 8.30am.

At this age at least, my presence as auntie looms large in their lives and I have the opportunity to share, teach and influence, with the blessing of their parents.

My eldest niece (that’s you Emily) has her ‘own room’ in my house apparently, recently taking her cousin Beth on a guided tour to see.

So it’s official, I am the best auntie in the world.

And I need a bigger house.

Developers have revealed their vision for the site of a derelict pub.

McCarthy and Stone has issued the first draft of plans for the redevelopment of the Bourne Poacher in Thornton.

The company is now inviting feedback from residents on its proposals for high-quality retirement homes on Poachers Way, Thornton.

The proposal, for 70 one and two-bed flats will also include the provision of a small retail unit and have been welcomed by one local councillor.

McCarthy and Stone says it is looking to transform the site into a scenic, high-quality development complete with professionally landscaped gardens.

Ian Wilkins, regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone (North West) said: “We are looking forward to speaking to the local community about our proposals. This scheme would provide much-needed specialist housing in Thornton. We are keen to develop a scheme that positively contributes to the local community through a high-quality, attractive design.”

Residents have already been given a chance to see the proposals and give their views.

An exhibition was held in Thornton earlier this week and the plans are also available online at www.mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/thornton

The Bourne Poacher closed more than two-years-ago and has since become a target for vandals.

The Gazette reported last month that teenagers were risking their safety entering the building and causing a nuisance to those living close to the former pub

Coun Andrea Kay raised those fears. She has welcomed the retirement scheme. which could go before planners as early as October this year.

She said: “I think these plans will be welcomed by older neighbours of the site.

“The building will include a communal area for residents to socialise.

“I think that will be a benefit to those who take up the flats which I think will be a welcome addition to the community.

“I understand the developers are looking to begin work at the start of next year.”

A site adjacent to the Bourne Poacher is currently being developed with two and three-bed family homes.

Volunteers are invited to join a community beach clean at Rossall Beach next week.

The event takes place on the first Monday of every month with the next clean planned for Monday morning.

It is hosted by Rossall Beach buddies and begins at 9.30am.

A spokesman for the group said: “Come along and take part in the monthly beach clean on Rossall Prom at Cleveleys.

“For the last eight years we’ve been cleaning the shingle beach at Cleveleys on a Monday morning every four weeks.

“The Beach clean runs until about 10.30am and then go to The Venue for coffee and a natter.

“It’s not only a great way to look after where we live it’s also a brilliant way to make friends.

“If you aren’t fit or well enough to beach clean please come for the coffee anyway.

“Making friends and being part of a community is every bit as important as picking up litter!”

There is no need to be a member of the group to join in.

Customers of furniture retailer IKEA are being urged to check their bank statements after the firm admitted that it had charged some shoppers twice for their purchases.

The Swedish firm, famed as much for its meatballs as its Malm drawers, said that a computer glitch last week had led to the extra charges on more than 100 transactions.

Donna Moore, Ikea’s UK and Ireland customer service relations manager, said that the problem was sparked by a BT network outage on Thursday, 21 July, and had affected all of the chain’s 20 UK stores.

She said: “We are actively working with the payment service provider to rectify these transactions as quickly as possible so that those affected will have the duplicate payments released back to them by their banks.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that this caused and if any of our customers are concerned they are welcome to contact us to discuss the matter.“

Anyone who thinks they might have been affected by the glitch should get in touch with IKEA’s customer service on 020 3645 0000.

Trading Standards officers and police have raided the head office of Fleetwood Town boss Andy Pilley’s energy company.

The investigation into allegations of mis-selling of energy contracts to business customers has targeted a number of premises across Lancashire, including the head office of BES Utilties based at Fleetwood Town Football Club’s Highbury stadium.

BES Utilities is owned by Fleetwood Town chairman Andy Pilley and his sister Michelle Davidson.

Police said they attended to support National Trading Standards, who co-ordinated the raids.

A spokesman for National Trading Standards said: “Warrants have been executed today at various properties in Lancashire as part of an investigation into allegations regarding the mis-selling of energy contracts to business customers. This has seen a number of premises searched, including offices located at Fleetwood Town Football Club. The investigation – led by National Trading Standards and supported by Lancashire Police – does not in any way concern the operations of the football club.

“Today’s activity will not affect the continuity of customers’ energy supplies and if you have any concerns that your business may have been mis-sold an energy contract, you should contact your local Trading Standards Service via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

“This investigation is ongoing and is likely to take a number of months to conclude – it would therefore not be appropriate to comment any further at this stage.”

Staff were sent home from the offices following the raid.

A spokesman for BES Utilities said: “Officials from Trading Standards and Lancashire Police today visited the officers of BES Utilities in Fleetwood and Commercial Power in Bispham, Blackpool.

“We are fully co-operating with their enquiries and have no further statement to make at this stage.”

In November last year, the utilities company was penalised by watchdog Ofgem over breaches to its licences.

The company agreed to pay out £980,000 as a result of Ofgem’s investigations.

It said it would return around £310,000 to directly affected customers and the remaining £670,000 be paid to Business Debtline to support its work with small businesses facing financial difficulty.

The issues found by the regulator included a failure to fully explain important details of customers’ contracts and inadequate processes and procedures to handle customer complaints.

Ofgem said BES Utilities’ subsidiary companies BES Commercial Electricity Ltd and Business Energy Solutions Ltd had at times in the past failed to fully explain the terms of contracts to some micro businesses, blocked some customers who wished to transfer to another supplier, and failed to handle some customer complaints properly.

The company said at the time that all issues identified by Ofgem had been resolved and BES would write to customers affected by the breaches to outline the measures the company would be taking.

A statement on the Ofgem website in November said: “BES has admitted that it breached the relevant conditions and requirements and has co-operated with the Authority’s investigation.

“BES has made improvements in those areas which are the subject of this investigation.”

Last year, BES Utilities unveiled a new-look management team as part of a recruitment drive which saw more than 50 new employees taken on.

BES Utilities provides gas and electricity to more than 40,000 businesses across the UK.

In January this year, the firm contacted some 1,550 businesses to offer help after flooding affected large swathes of the UK. Itn offered to freeze or write-off bills for the worst affected, and to replace damaged meter equipment free of charge.

A father-of-two flew into a furious temper and caused almost £2,000 of damage when his girlfriend of 10 years told him he had to leave her flat.

Lee Farrington binged on drugs and drink then attacked the property punching and kicking out.

He damaged and smashed walls, carpets, wardrobes, and kitchen equipment at the flat on Bayside, Fleetwood.

Farrington, 26, of Windsor Terrace, Fleetwood, pleaded guilty to causing damage.

He was sentenced to a 12 months community service with up to 20 days rehabilitation to be supervised by the probation service, put on a three months curfew from 10pm to 6am and ordered to pay £500 compensation with £85 costs plus £85 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

Will you be watching the Layton Flats demolition on Sunday? Here's what you need to know.

If you're planning on heading to Blackpool to watch the big bang at the weekend, we want to see your pictures and video. Send them to Facebook, share them to @nwpicdesk on Twitter with a #LaytonFlats hashtag, or email to iain.lynn@jpress.co.uk

If you can't get there on the day, we are broadcasting the event live on our Facebook page here from 9:45am on Sunday.

Here's your vital information:

• The evacuation of residents from within the Evacuation Zone will commence at 8.15am on Sunday morning and should be completed by 9.30am.

• Subject to a final evacuation check, the gates to the Evacuation Zone will be CLOSED at 9.45am.

• At 9.50am, a final check will be made to ensure the evacuation of all staff from Lidl, KFC, Farm Foods and Discount Wallpapers.

• At 9.55am, Devonshire Road and Caunce Street will be closed to traffic.

• The blowdown of the three tower blocks is scheduled to take place at 10.00am. Watch the event LIVE on our Facebook site.

• From 10.10am, Devonshire Road and Caunce Street will be re-opened to traffic.

• From 10.10am, the clean-up operation will begin and post-demolition property inspections will take place.

• As soon as the ‘all clear’ is given and the initial clean-up has been completed, residents from the Evacuation Zone will return to their homes. They will also be able to drive their cars back into the zone at that time.

• At 11.00am, all barriers and road closures will be formally lifted and the Evacuation Zone will be opened.

More articles on Layton Flats:

See Blackpool's other lost buildings.

50 years of Layton Flats in pictures.
Layton's evaction ready for the big day