Couple evicted from alleged drug denA couple have been evicted from a flat alleged to have been a drugs den.
The move came after residents told police and housing chiefs unsavoury visitors, including prostitutes in Preston's red light area, visted dealers at the flat. Five officers from St Matthew's and Deepdale policing teams joined housing chiefs for an eviction order at a Golbourne Street flat.

Double murderer to be sentenced
A convicted double murderer found guilty of two brutal sex killings was due to be sentenced today.
Derek Brown, 48, formerly of Grizedale Crescent, Ribbleton, is facing life sentence after he killed and dismembered two women in his south London flat before dumping their bodies.

Councils given extra week to decide on parking
Councils across Lancashire have been given an extra seven days to decide what should happen to the county's parking ticket system.
The county council wants the Parkwise scheme to continue but with district councils working together to reduce costs. The 12 districts had until October 1 to decide, but were granted an extension until Wednesday.

DJ twice over limit
A DJ was more than twice over the limit when he drove back from working at a Navy reunion.
Lee Major, who was a learner driver, was stopped after he was seen weaving about the road. Major, 37, of Wingrove, Derby Road, Wesham, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol and without insurance. He was banned from the road for 20 months and fined £230 by Blackpool magistrates.

Direct debit is a phone call away
A phoneline has been set up for people wanting to pay their council tax by direct debit.
People in Preston can call 01772 906660 to set up payments.
The number is available from 8am to 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 10.30am to 6pm on Thursdays.

Top cop job for Sir Paul
Former Lancashire police chief Sir Paul Stephenson is to temporarily take over the running of Britain's largest force.
Bacup-born Sir Paul, who has been both chief constable and deputy chief constable of Lancashire Constabulary, is to become the acting commissioner of the Metropolitan Police following the resignation of previous boss Sir Ian Blair.
Sir Ian controversially quit after concerns about his position were raised by London Mayor Boris Johnson.
Sir Paul, currently the Met's deputy commissioner, will take up his new duties on December 1.

Youth guide initiative
Youngsters in Fylde are being urged to "get active" after the launch of a new booklet.
The new publication, produced by Fylde Council, lists a range of clubs and societies children can join.
Youth, drama and sports clubs are listed in the directory.
The guide is being handed out for free at Fylde schools and through the YMCA. Visit www.fylde.gov.uk/youth for more details.

Free sport for youngsters
Free sports sessions are being offered to youngsters across Wyre.
Athletics and climbing are among the activities being offered to eight to 16-year-olds every weekday as part of Wyre Council's Trysport scheme.

Conference to promote green trade
A free event has been lined up to promote greener business in Lancashire.
The "Investing in Lancashire" conference, organised by the county council's environmental projects team, hopes to help businesses and industry tackle their carbon footprints.
It takes place at County Hall in Preston from 6pm on October 16.
Call Karen Holmes on 01772 533423 or email karen.holmes@lancashire.gov.uk for details.

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