From swimming pool closures to high street updates and it's almost awards night

In today’s news in brief, accessories store Claire’s has now closed all its shops, swimming pool will remain closed and it’s almost time for Lancashire Post’s Apprenticeship Awards.

High street accessories shop Claire’s has now closed all 154 stores across the UK and Ireland with the loss of 1,300 jobs. The store in Preston’s St George’s centre closed in October 2025. The move comes as the US arm of the business continues to struggle, having filed for bankruptcy for a second time in 2025. For many, Claire’s was a nostalgic shop - from their first ear piercings to first pieces of jewellery. The final closures on Tuesday ended Claire’s’ three decades on British high streets. Administrators at Kroll confirmed that all remaining shops ceased trading on Monday and all store employees have been advised of redundancy. The move does not affect the retailer’s 356 concessions, including in Asda stores and head office.

The Lancashire Post’s Apprenticeship awards take place on Thursday, celebrating outstanding individuals, training providers, and businesses shaping the region’s thriving apprenticeship community. This year’s awards feature 14 categories, recognising both the achievements of apprentices and the vital role played by employers and training providers in developing future talent — a true showcase of the region’s apprenticeship success stories. This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, who continue to invest in and celebrate the achievements of apprentices across the region. Winners will be announced at a live awards ceremony at Blackpool Football Club.

Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival has launched its Young Creators workshops for young people aged 12–16 interested in making, performing and collaborating, offering a “gig in a month” experience that supports participants to develop ideas and work towards a live public performance at the end of the programme. The series began on Saturday April 25 but there’s still time to get involved as new participants are welcome to join from the second session if they missed the first, with the workshops running over a month to build confidence, connection and creative skills in a supportive group setting - free to attend but booking is essential. Details on the Arts Lancashire website.

A Fascinator and Hat remodelling Workshop will take place at The Harris, Preston, in May. Led by Karen Harvey of Reinvintaged. All materials/hats, head bands, trimmings and decorations will be provided but if you have a hat already you’d like to bring along for restyling or redecorating, please feel free (straw or felt). Perfect if you’ve got a special event or wedding coming up- learn how to create a bespoke headpiece to go with your outfit. No sewing experience necessary although some hand sewing would be advantageous). THis is aimed at adults and tickets are £15. Booking requested via https://theharris.org.uk/whats-on/

Ribblesdale Pool in Clitheroe remains closed to to the public. Work is ongoing to allow essential improvements to extend its life by up to 15 years. Without the work the public pool, which is owned and managed by Ribble Valley Borough Council, would be in danger of closing for good. Extensive work will be carried out, both behind the scenes and in public areas,to renew and improve the pool’s aging mechanical and electrical systems, replace the lining, and install a new roof. It follows extensive surveys of the building that made it clear that without the work, the pool faced an ever-increasing risk of failure of parts and infrastructure that could eventually force its closure. Ribblesdale Pool was built 53 years ago and has already lasted longer than the expected “lifespan” of 35-40 years for a facility of its type. The overall £4.25 million cost of the project has been found from the council’s capital programme. The council’s director of community services Adam Allen said: “It’s been a big decision to close the pool, especially as it is so well used by the public, but this essential work couldn’t be carried out otherwise. Much of the work will be on the engineering systems that aren’t obvious to customers but we are also using the opportunity to refresh some of the public areas as well.”.

Manford’s Comedy Club will take place at Chorley Theatre on Saturday May 2 at 8pm. The regular comedy night returns with a great line-up picked by Jason and his team including MC Mick Ferry, Meryl O’Rourke, Helen White, Sandro Ford. Tickets are £15