Photo: Mat Fascione · CC BY-SA 2.0 · 2018-09-16 · Resized and cropped for layout. The photo remains available under its stated licence.
City and county services have different roles
Preston City Council is the starting point for city services such as council tax, waste collection and planning. Lancashire County Council handles county responsibilities including education, social care, libraries and many roads. Check the relevant service page rather than sending every enquiry to the same office.
A Preston postal address can also be outside Preston City Council’s boundary. Penwortham and Bamber Bridge are in South Ribble, Garstang is in Wyre and Longridge is in Ribble Valley. Use the full address to find the responsible authority.
Libraries, collections and local information
The Harris brings a library together with museum and gallery facilities in the centre of Preston. It is a useful place to start when looking for reading, learning or a cultural activity. Check the current programme and library arrangements on the official site.
Neighbourhood libraries and community organisations can be more convenient than a city-centre trip. Use the county council’s library information and the organiser’s own details to check opening times, membership and the facilities available.
Ask the organiser how to take part
Sports clubs, social organisations, charities and local venues offer a range of ways to meet people or learn something new. Some are membership organisations, and some sessions need advance booking. A directory listing does not imply unrestricted access or that an activity is free.
Contact the organiser about eligibility, age ranges, accessibility and fees. If a venue is based outside the city, check its actual address and travel options before assuming it is a short walk from central Preston.
Keep urgent advice on the right channel
For an immediate emergency call 999. The official NHS 111 service can help with urgent medical advice when it is not a life-threatening emergency. Routine health and veterinary appointments should be arranged with the practice itself, using its branch-specific contact details.
This directory is not an emergency reporting service. For everyday business enquiries, check availability and explain your requirements directly. If you spot incorrect listing information, contact us with the business name and the detail that needs updating.
Spotted something out of date? Let us know.