This Week in Accrington

This week in Accrington, the mood is a mixed bag, with a strong focus on Accrington Stanley's football fortunes and local community developments. The Reds faced a tough away defeat against Bristol Rovers, with the news dominated by match reports, extended highlights, and even live stream information for the game. While the results were disappointing, there's still a rallying cry for fans to support the team, with early bird season tickets now on sale. Beyond the pitch, Accrington is buzzing with arts and culture news, as local lad Tez Ilyas and design legend Wayne Hemingway are set to join an arts celebration. The town is also gaining recognition for its literary connections, with LGBTQ+ tourists tracing the roots of author Jeanette Winterson, and calls for her to be honoured locally. On a more somber note, a local church faces closure due to dry rot, and there's been news of BT closing contact centres in the area, impacting local employment. However, there's also positive development for local healthcare, with the Accrington Victoria Hospital site set to become a health and care hub. Planning applications this week include proposals for shutters on Abbey Street, a detached garage on Manchester Road, and a new totem sign for the Aldi on Hyndburn Road, suggesting ongoing local development. Finally, a local drug dealer has been jailed, and a former Accrington Academy boss has joined Manchester City, highlighting both challenges and achievements within the community.