Theses are the stories which made the headlines across the Fylde in May 2002

So many they ran out of medals!

The Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10K Fun Run was such a runaway success - that the organisers ran out of medals!

But participants in the race who were left empty-handed after their efforts didn’t need to worry, another batch of the special Golden Jubilee medals was being cast.

More than 4,000 people took part in the Fun Run in glorious weather in what was the 20th anniversary of the fund-raising event.

Organisers, the St Annes Co-ordination of Charities, said they expected the huge turnout to mean they would exceed their £70,000 target for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal. That meant they had raised more than £200,000 for the appeal, which is funding the construction of the £2.9m cancer care unit at Blackpool Victoria.

Town centre market set to be demolished in car park plan

THE former St John’s Market building in Blackpool town centre was set to be demolished and turned into a car park as part of a £230,000 scheme.

Part of the nearby Talbot Road bus station could also become a pay and display car park under plans.

Council chiefs said the two schemes could provide a vital extra 155 parking spaces for town centre visitors.

The once-busy market building in King Street was closed by the council in January 2001. Only one operator, who ran a cafe, remained in the building that once boasted 63 stalls.

The council voted in November 2000 to close the building after hearing that trading had reached unsustainable levels.

A report to the executive meeting says informal talks with the remaining tenant had indicated the operator would be willing to surrender the lease for a proper financial settlement.

The plan was to demolish the existing market building, resurface the site and lay it out as a pay and display car park for around 80 vehicles.

Meanwhile, Town Hall chiefs are looking at ways of using spare space in Talbot Road bus station now that Blackpool Transport now longer uses.

Jubilee days were right up their street

Golden Jubilee celebrations were crowned with a host of royal festivities across Lancashire.

The pouring Bank Holiday weather was not enough to dampen the spirits of thousands of revellers who braved the rain in the name of having a good time.

The carnival atmosphere quickly spread through schools and homes as people enjoyed well-prepared street parties and other activities.

Roads across the county became a sea of red, white and blue as bundles of colourful bunting hung from the roof tops and street lighting.

And Blackpool was no exception in the celebrations.

Neatly-decorated tables lined the streets laden with party food, including sandwiches, sausage rolls, jelly and ice-cream.

North Pier upgrade ready for summer

Work was nearing completion to give North Pier an upgrade.

The Grade II listed structure was given patio heaters and better catering to enhance the oldest of the three piers whilst in-keeping with its Victorian style.

And, with just days to go, the work, under the watchful eye of Mr Walters, was more or less on schedule.

Leisure Parcs’ marketing boss Jon Sheehy said: “There is a great affection for North Pier among Blackpool’s regular visitors. We feel the changes will find favour with everyone.”

“We are bringing the pier head to life.

“Improvements include enhancing the catering facilities at the Sun Lounge end of the Carousel Bar. This will enable us to serve hot and cold food, afternoon teas and the like by waitress or counter to the bar, the lounge and the main deck itself.

“Patio heaters will assist on chilly days as well as giving us the chance to use the area for live entertainment.”

Theatre seating was refurbished and there was a new entrance which incorporated an exhibition highlighting North pier’s Victorian era. Read the headlines from 2001 here: https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/theses-are-stories-which-made-headlines-across-fylde-may-2001-2862076