Ed Walker
@edwalker86.bsky.social
Journalist. Editor. Audience development & editorial consultant. Director of Alma. Founder & editor of @blogpreston
We've consistently backed this important Christmas appeal from the Cotton Court Business Centre team - and last year was the biggest set of donations yet!
November 17, 2025 at 3:43 PM
We've consistently backed this important Christmas appeal from the Cotton Court Business Centre team - and last year was the biggest set of donations yet!
I've covered Preston's redevelopment for many years via @blogpreston.co.uk - and there's always been empty buildings. One of the first stories I ever did in 2009 was about the future of the former St Joseph's Orphanage.
November 14, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I've covered Preston's redevelopment for many years via @blogpreston.co.uk - and there's always been empty buildings. One of the first stories I ever did in 2009 was about the future of the former St Joseph's Orphanage.
What is it about early November and major regeneration moments happening with the city?
Opinion: There are many Prestons’ needed to make a city – Blog Preston
<p>Preston’s resurgence will rely on multiple substantial investments rather than one big bang as was planned with the ill-fated Tithebarn which failed 14 years ago this week</p>
www.blogpreston.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 9:22 PM
What is it about early November and major regeneration moments happening with the city?
Reposted by Ed Walker
In the past decade or so the Red Scar site, still known to many as Recycling Lives, has become known for going up in smoke. @edwalker86.bsky.social went behind the scenes with new owners who took it on last year
Inside the huge metal recycling plant at Red Scar – Blog Preston
<p>Getting through thousands of tonnes a day, and famous locally for going up in smoke, what’s it like at the Longridge Road site?</p>
www.blogpreston.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 8:52 PM
In the past decade or so the Red Scar site, still known to many as Recycling Lives, has become known for going up in smoke. @edwalker86.bsky.social went behind the scenes with new owners who took it on last year
Reposted by Ed Walker
This story took months of conversations, reading documents, letters and more. @edwalker86.bsky.social reports on one family who have been left nowhere else to turn after what happened to Karen Killeen
Family’s plea for independent investigation into disabled woman’s fall from minibus – Blog Preston
<p>Karen Killeen, who died in March this year from pneumonia, was seen falling from the back of the vehicle while in the care of a charity-operated day centre</p>
www.blogpreston.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 8:51 PM
This story took months of conversations, reading documents, letters and more. @edwalker86.bsky.social reports on one family who have been left nowhere else to turn after what happened to Karen Killeen
Each year since 2022 we've been helping a Prestonian who does great things in the community be part of the fun on stage and turn on the city's Christmas lights. Who should it be this year?
Help us find a community champion who flies the flag for our city - the winner will appear on stage, attend the VIP reception, and receive a £50 Turtle Bay voucher! 🌟
We’re searching for the 2025 Switch On Star to help light up Preston for Christmas – Blog Preston
<p>Nominate a Proud Prestonian who you think deserves to be celebrated!</p>
www.blogpreston.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Each year since 2022 we've been helping a Prestonian who does great things in the community be part of the fun on stage and turn on the city's Christmas lights. Who should it be this year?
I've been sent the current design for this and it really is impressive. Be even more so when thousands of fans are holding it aloft at Deepdale. Fantastic to see the
@blogpreston.co.uk logo will be pride of place too.
@blogpreston.co.uk logo will be pride of place too.
First look at huge new Gentry Tifo planned for Deepdale to celebrate Preston North End fans – Blog Preston
<p>Half-way point now reached in fan-funded fundraiser for huge illustration to be held up during home games and honouring PNE fans past and present</p>
www.blogpreston.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 8:39 PM
I've been sent the current design for this and it really is impressive. Be even more so when thousands of fans are holding it aloft at Deepdale. Fantastic to see the
@blogpreston.co.uk logo will be pride of place too.
@blogpreston.co.uk logo will be pride of place too.
Thank you to Catherine and family for putting their trust in us with this story.
Parents describe pain as 11-year-old boy forced to ‘kiss the shoe’ of balaclava-clad youth – Blog Preston
<p>Catherine and Jon Mellowship, from Bamber Bridge, have chosen to release video of the attack on their son Ollie</p>
www.blogpreston.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Thank you to Catherine and family for putting their trust in us with this story.
Reposted by Ed Walker
It’s been a very happy Friday at The Lead - as our journalism in the North of England has won a @pressgazette.co.uk award. Thank you to everyone who reads and supports The Lead and particularly our Northern titles.
The Lead North wins national journalism award
Original reporting by The Lead praised by judges as we scoop newsletter prize at Press Gazette's Future of Media Awards
national.thelead.uk
September 12, 2025 at 1:32 PM
It’s been a very happy Friday at The Lead - as our journalism in the North of England has won a @pressgazette.co.uk award. Thank you to everyone who reads and supports The Lead and particularly our Northern titles.
Reposted by Ed Walker
Good news!📣
We’re delighted to tell you the in-depth local journalism we publish twice-a-week across the North of England is up for an award.
Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards has seen The Lead North project shortlisted in the Best Journalism-Based Newsletters of 2025 (Specialist/Regional).
We’re delighted to tell you the in-depth local journalism we publish twice-a-week across the North of England is up for an award.
Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards has seen The Lead North project shortlisted in the Best Journalism-Based Newsletters of 2025 (Specialist/Regional).
July 15, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Good news!📣
We’re delighted to tell you the in-depth local journalism we publish twice-a-week across the North of England is up for an award.
Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards has seen The Lead North project shortlisted in the Best Journalism-Based Newsletters of 2025 (Specialist/Regional).
We’re delighted to tell you the in-depth local journalism we publish twice-a-week across the North of England is up for an award.
Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards has seen The Lead North project shortlisted in the Best Journalism-Based Newsletters of 2025 (Specialist/Regional).
Reposted by Ed Walker
Today’s newsletter also gave me a chance to highlight how the main story from last week’s edition was lifted without credit by The S*n, including some blatant copy and pasting. That was then picked up by Mail Online… who linked back to The S*n (1/2)
June 4, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Today’s newsletter also gave me a chance to highlight how the main story from last week’s edition was lifted without credit by The S*n, including some blatant copy and pasting. That was then picked up by Mail Online… who linked back to The S*n (1/2)
Reposted by Ed Walker
ICYMI yesterday.
Tees Valley Combined Authority is currently under a best value notice because of concerns over value for money arrangements.
In March they spent £13,000 to send two staff members to the south of France who have returned with no evidence of any work done out there.
Tees Valley Combined Authority is currently under a best value notice because of concerns over value for money arrangements.
In March they spent £13,000 to send two staff members to the south of France who have returned with no evidence of any work done out there.
New from me:
Tees Valley Combined Authority spent £13,000 sending two staff members to the south of France.
But there's no evidence they actually did any work while they were there.
Tees Valley Combined Authority spent £13,000 sending two staff members to the south of France.
But there's no evidence they actually did any work while they were there.
Ben Houchen urged to reveal purpose of £13,000 staff trip to Cannes
TVCA staff held no meetings on expenses-paid French trip
teesside.thelead.uk
June 2, 2025 at 7:26 AM
ICYMI yesterday.
Tees Valley Combined Authority is currently under a best value notice because of concerns over value for money arrangements.
In March they spent £13,000 to send two staff members to the south of France who have returned with no evidence of any work done out there.
Tees Valley Combined Authority is currently under a best value notice because of concerns over value for money arrangements.
In March they spent £13,000 to send two staff members to the south of France who have returned with no evidence of any work done out there.
Reposted by Ed Walker
Thank you to @blogpreston.co.uk for sponsoring our Gentry Tifo. 💙
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
June 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Thank you to @blogpreston.co.uk for sponsoring our Gentry Tifo. 💙
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
Ava was just two. This is incredibly sad but important reporting from @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social in our latest edition of The Lancashire Lead for @theleaduk.bsky.social
Tragic death of little Ava could lead to changes in how pharmacists prescribe
PLUS: Hopes that new hospitals in Lancashire could yet be brought forward
lancashire.thelead.uk
February 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Ava was just two. This is incredibly sad but important reporting from @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social in our latest edition of The Lancashire Lead for @theleaduk.bsky.social
Reposted by Ed Walker
In today's Teesside Lead...
EXCLUSIVE: An unnamed Stockton councillor has council tax arrears of nearly £6,000.
The council refuses to name them, citing safety concerns.
EXCLUSIVE: An unnamed Stockton councillor has council tax arrears of nearly £6,000.
The council refuses to name them, citing safety concerns.
Councillor has unpaid council tax bill of £6,000
Plus: Employment Rights Bill, anti-fascists commemorated
teesside.thelead.uk
February 5, 2025 at 8:15 AM
In today's Teesside Lead...
EXCLUSIVE: An unnamed Stockton councillor has council tax arrears of nearly £6,000.
The council refuses to name them, citing safety concerns.
EXCLUSIVE: An unnamed Stockton councillor has council tax arrears of nearly £6,000.
The council refuses to name them, citing safety concerns.
There’s a demand for action by those in Southport who want their pier re-opened.
@jamielopez.bsky.social reports for the latest edition of The Southport Lead from the public meeting last week which was standing room only. @theleaduk.bsky.social
@jamielopez.bsky.social reports for the latest edition of The Southport Lead from the public meeting last week which was standing room only. @theleaduk.bsky.social
"We’ve lost those two years and the pier has deteriorated in that time" - Southport Pier campaign sees huge public meeting turnout and support
Plus: Families of SEND children make respite care plea
southport.thelead.uk
February 3, 2025 at 3:20 PM
There’s a demand for action by those in Southport who want their pier re-opened.
@jamielopez.bsky.social reports for the latest edition of The Southport Lead from the public meeting last week which was standing room only. @theleaduk.bsky.social
@jamielopez.bsky.social reports for the latest edition of The Southport Lead from the public meeting last week which was standing room only. @theleaduk.bsky.social
For four years, this Indian street food outlet has expanded across Lancashire. Recent troubles in Blackpool prompted us to look beyond the counter. Strong work from @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social and @jamielopez.bsky.social for the latest edition of The Blackpool Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social
The troubled past, present and future of Eat Indian
PLUS: Multiversity decision made and our recommendations for the week ahead
blackpool.thelead.uk
February 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
For four years, this Indian street food outlet has expanded across Lancashire. Recent troubles in Blackpool prompted us to look beyond the counter. Strong work from @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social and @jamielopez.bsky.social for the latest edition of The Blackpool Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social
We continue to take a good look at whether councillors are paying their council tax (you’d be surprised how often it’s an issue). @leighsus.bsky.social latest edition of The Teesside Lead found out what’s happening in Hartlepool. @theleaduk.bsky.social
Councillor pays council tax arrears after Teesside Lead investigation
Plus: Tory councillor suspended for holocaust comparison and how much of £173m MoD contract will Teesside see (£)?
teesside.thelead.uk
February 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
We continue to take a good look at whether councillors are paying their council tax (you’d be surprised how often it’s an issue). @leighsus.bsky.social latest edition of The Teesside Lead found out what’s happening in Hartlepool. @theleaduk.bsky.social
Reposted by Ed Walker
The George pub dates back to a key time in Southport's growth as a town. It was supposed to be converted into a shop but for two years, it has been part demolished and seemingly left to rot.
This is the story of what caused that delay and what will happen next @theleaduk.bsky.social
This is the story of what caused that delay and what will happen next @theleaduk.bsky.social
After two years of nothing, historic pub The George faces demolition
Plus: Pay and display warning and the latest headlines across the town
open.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The George pub dates back to a key time in Southport's growth as a town. It was supposed to be converted into a shop but for two years, it has been part demolished and seemingly left to rot.
This is the story of what caused that delay and what will happen next @theleaduk.bsky.social
This is the story of what caused that delay and what will happen next @theleaduk.bsky.social
Reposted by Ed Walker
New 📝 from me:
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I spoke to shared owners who can't sell their high-spec flats because of a legal clause that means they shoulder ALL the risk when the housing market dips.
Are these homes a "toxic asset"? You decide
national.thelead.uk/p/toxic-asse...
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I spoke to shared owners who can't sell their high-spec flats because of a legal clause that means they shoulder ALL the risk when the housing market dips.
Are these homes a "toxic asset"? You decide
national.thelead.uk/p/toxic-asse...
Toxic assets: Housing association homes and shared ownership
Leasehold concerns, sky-high service charges and strict sell-on rules. Inside the people becoming trapped from moving on and losing money after buying a shared ownership home.
national.thelead.uk
January 30, 2025 at 9:33 AM
New 📝 from me:
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I spoke to shared owners who can't sell their high-spec flats because of a legal clause that means they shoulder ALL the risk when the housing market dips.
Are these homes a "toxic asset"? You decide
national.thelead.uk/p/toxic-asse...
For @theleaduk.bsky.social I spoke to shared owners who can't sell their high-spec flats because of a legal clause that means they shoulder ALL the risk when the housing market dips.
Are these homes a "toxic asset"? You decide
national.thelead.uk/p/toxic-asse...
Reposted by Ed Walker
The government's proposed sick pay changes could leave millions of hard-working people out of pocket when they fall ill.
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social writes for The Lead…
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social writes for The Lead…
Labour's employment reforms could harm sick workers. Join our campaign for Safer Sick Pay now.
The government's proposed sick pay changes could leave millions of hard-working people out of pocket when they fall ill
national.thelead.uk
February 1, 2025 at 9:16 AM
The government's proposed sick pay changes could leave millions of hard-working people out of pocket when they fall ill.
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social writes for The Lead…
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social writes for The Lead…
Our latest edition of The Calderdale Lead looks at a huge new windfarm planned. Plus Andrew Greaves asks whether a ‘tourist tax’ could be a boost to Calderdale (which is seeing booming tourism thanks to TV dramas) or a hindrance? @theleaduk.bsky.social
Calderdale Wind Farm faces the winds of opposition as campaign launches for Parliamentary debate
Plus: Is a tourist tax for Calderdale a good idea?
calderdale.thelead.uk
January 30, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Our latest edition of The Calderdale Lead looks at a huge new windfarm planned. Plus Andrew Greaves asks whether a ‘tourist tax’ could be a boost to Calderdale (which is seeing booming tourism thanks to TV dramas) or a hindrance? @theleaduk.bsky.social
The curious case of the Bamber Bridge Henge, or ‘The Brig Henge’. A very Lancashire story this!
Half-a-job council? The story of adopted local landmark Brig Henge
PLUS: Contamination drama from Wyre Council
lancashire.thelead.uk
January 30, 2025 at 9:58 AM
The curious case of the Bamber Bridge Henge, or ‘The Brig Henge’. A very Lancashire story this!
Big companies and their buildings become very intertwined with a place. And a sense of place. Michael Holmes looks at the former TVR Factory in Blackpool for the latest edition of The Blackpool Lead for @theleaduk.bsky.social
Historic TVR building comes down - but there are plans to honour heritage
PLUS: Fire hits a derelict hotel in Blackpool
blackpool.thelead.uk
January 30, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Big companies and their buildings become very intertwined with a place. And a sense of place. Michael Holmes looks at the former TVR Factory in Blackpool for the latest edition of The Blackpool Lead for @theleaduk.bsky.social
Alongside Teesworks, it’s becoming clear that incinerators are also @leighsus.bsky.social specialist subject. Latest edition of The Teesside Lead for @theleaduk.bsky.social
Tories oppose Teesworks incinerator: 'Why should we breathe Geordie waste?'
Plus: Hazardous incinerator waste disposed of incorrectly for four years, Amazon announce drone trial
teesside.thelead.uk
January 30, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Alongside Teesworks, it’s becoming clear that incinerators are also @leighsus.bsky.social specialist subject. Latest edition of The Teesside Lead for @theleaduk.bsky.social