26th September 2025

Bishops' welcome for government investment in communities across Lancashire

The three Bishops from the Church of England in Lancashire have warmly welcomed the government’s announcement of major new investment in towns across the county, while affirming the Church’s own ongoing commitment to supporting local communities through parish life, schools and strategic renewal projects.

Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn; Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster and Rt Rev Dr Joe Kennedy, Bishop of Burnley, issued a joint statement in response to the news that six Lancashire neighbourhoods – including in Ribbleton, Blackpool, Fleetwood, Morecambe and Blackburn with Darwen - will each receive £20m over the next decade through the national Pride in Place fund.

A further six councils, including Burnley, Preston, Hyndburn and Pendle, will receive £1.5 million each to support wider regeneration.

The Bishops said today:

“We welcome this investment with gratitude and hope. Many of these communities are places where people have long shown extraordinary resilience, creativity and care for one another - often in the face of economic hardship and social challenge.

“As Bishops, we see daily the strength and potential of our communities. The Church of England is present in every one of them - through our parishes, our schools and our partnerships with local leaders. We are not outsiders looking in, but neighbours and fellow citizens, committed to walking alongside these communities in faith, service and love.

“This government funding is a vital step forward. But renewal is not just about buildings and infrastructure - it’s about people. It’s about restoring dignity, nurturing hope and creating spaces where every person can flourish.

“That’s why the Church is also investing heavily in Lancashire itself, with over £25m of national Church funding secured in 2024 to support parish growth, youth ministry and community outreach in the coming years.

“And we’re not stopping there. Next Monday we will launch ‘Hope4Accrington’, a bold new initiative in Accrington, Baxenden, Huncoat and Oswaldtwistle; where we hope to secure further funds from the national church in 2026 and to work alongside civic and community leaders to grow the Church, invest in local life and share the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

“We believe in Lancashire. We believe in the people who live here. And we believe in God who brings light into darkness, joy into sorrow and hope into every corner of our county. We are committed to being part of that story — now and in the years to come.”

Captions for above pictures:

Bishop Philip

Bishop Jill

Bishop Joe