Journalism Matters Week - why we matter to Lancashire

Running from Monday, October 28, to Sunday, November 3, Journalism Matters Week highlights the vital role trusted news media journalism plays in our democratic society.

By campaigning on behalf of their readers, independent news media can make a real difference to people’s lives and bring about change for the better.

More than 92 per cent of people use local media, and people are twice as likely to trust information they see in the trusted local press than on social media.

Here at the Lancashire Telegraph, we are passionate about providing accurate, factual information about issues affecting local people, and also campaigning on behalf of our readers and holding those in power locally to account.

Here are 10 examples of stories over the past 12 months where we have told local stories, provided accurate information on major issues affecting our communities, and held truth to power.

Fatal collision in Morrisons car park

In May, confusion spread around Blackburn after the Morrisons supermarket car park was shut off and the North West Air Ambulance seen above the town centre.

Through a live blog reporting from the scene and a focus on factual and considerate reporting, we kept readers up to date and avoided speculation which is often rife on social media.

Election earthquakes

Adnan Hussain won a shock victory in Blackburn at the General Election (Image: Nq/LT) May and July’s local and general election were seismic across East Lancashire – with every MP losing their seat – but the shockwaves were felt most in Blackburn, and the Lancashire Telegraph was on the ground covering every moment.

First came the local elections, as Labour saw its stranglehold on Blackburn with Darwen Council loosened by the 4 BwD group of Gaza independents, who unseated the Tories to become the official opposition.

Then came the snap general election and the huge shock of Gaza independent Adnan Hussain, an unknown solicitor backed by the 4 BwD camp, unseating veteran Labour MP Kate Hollern, overturning a 40 per cent majority in the process.

The LT was at both counts reporting on every moment and covered both campaigns, providing the in-depth, unbiased coverage the national press and social media are unable to compete with.

Save Blackburn Centurions

Campaigning journalism is a key part of the local press’ role, giving our communities a voice and helping bring change, and the campaign launching today is an example of this.

The Centurions swimming club has produced Olympians and gives our young people the chance to develop their swimming skills, make friends and compete at a high level.

However, rising costs are putting the club’s future at risk, with funding desperately needed to keep it going, which is why we are asking you the readers and pressing local businesses to support the club.

The club has a rich history and it would be devastating to see it fold, so please support the club if you can.

Blackburn Centurions need your help (Image: Blackburn Centurions) Prominent councillor fined for fly tipping 

In July, former veteran councillor Hussain Akhtar finally accepted a fine for fly tipping by dumping rubbish at Witton Park’s bonfire in 2021.

After long, drawn-out proceedings following Akhtar’s initial not guilty plea in August 2022, the case had bounced through the courts through various hearings over more than 18 months.

However we remained dogged, determined to ensure a prominent politician was held to account, and in July he accepted a fine for the rubbish dumping.

Jay Slater

It was a case that gripped the nation, but it hit hard here in East Lancashire, Jay Slater’s home.

When the teenager went missing, social media and the national press were flooded with rumours, conspiracy theories and speculation about what had happened to Jay.

Oswaldtwistle teenager Jay Slater died in Tenerife this summer (Image: LBT Global/ Family) Embedded in our community, we chose to focus on the impact this was having on his family and friends, the people directly impacted, while also providing key updates from Tenerife as the search went on for Jay.

Responsible, ethical and compassionate reporting was at the core of how we approached this tragic case, and it is a point of pride in the team with how we handled this case.

Weather disruption 6

January saw snow hit East Lancashire and bring with it major disruption. Some national news outlets love to scaremonger, warning of ‘snow bombs’, however we know the importance of providing factual, measured reporting of potential freak weather.

And when it hits, we understand our duty to provide people with the key information they need. We ran live blogs and other articles with key information about road conditions, school closures, further forecasts and the fun side of snow.

Forensic tents in Darwen (Image: Newsquest)Human remains discovered

When forensics tents popped up behind a Darwen industrial estate, local residents were rightly intrigued.

After receiving a tip-off from a reader, we were quickly on the case, pressing the police for an explanation and visiting the scene to get a flavour of what was going on.

We were able to uncover the concerning truth of why police were in the area – human remains being discovered – and provide the public with the information they need about what was going on.

Business blows to town centre

Local business and democracy are issues that have a massive impact on people’s lives; so it is critical we hold them to account and when a tip-off comes in about something that could have major consequences, it is our duty to chase it up doggedly.

There have been two major instances of this in 2024 – when Morrisons pulled out of Blackburn’s £250 million masterplan, and when Marks & Spencer decided it was to close its town centre store.

The Morrisons move was to be a key part of the council’s major regeneration scheme for the town centre, with its decision now leaving a big hole in the plans. M&S’s decision was a similar hammer blow for the town, announcing it was instead moving to an out-of-town site in neighbouring Hyndburn.

Keeping readers up-to-date on major employers and services many have used for decades is a key role of the local press.

Houses, HMOs, takeaways and more

It’s something that affects everyone – and a lot of the time people don’t even realise what’s coming – planning.

Whether it be a huge new housing estate on green fields, the prospect of a new takeaway opening at the end of the street, or what that empty town centre shop could become, we know how interested you are in changes around our towns and what they could mean for you.

By regularly publishing planning stores we keep you up to date with changes in your community, giving people the chance to speak out.

As well as Morrisons and M&S mentioned earlier, we’ve seen major wedding venue plans, large housing estates, houses of multiple occupation aplenty, takeaways all over the place, holiday lets and much more go before planners, keeping you abreast of them all.

The ‘Best’ series 10

Shouting out fantastic local businesses is something we try to do as much as we can, celebrating East Lancashire’s entrepreneurial spirit.

In September we launched the first ‘Best’ competition, first honouring the region’s bakeries, and this was followed by beauty salons, two independent industries flourishing despite major challenges.

Both competitions got a great reception from readers, and the newest contest, for curry houses, starts today. With the number of venues and the quality of cooking, this could be our most hotly-contested yet!

We know how proud our readers are of where they live, and promoting the businesses and people who make East Lancashire so great is something we love doing.