Good morning,

We're approaching a week since the petition began, calling for the Secretary of State to step in and help Preston secure a major venue again. No response as yet from Lisa Nandy.

But more people have now signed the petition than could fit in the Grand Hall (2,034 capacity). Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared.

And this morning we've had a new statement issued from Preston City Council, which while not directly naming or referencing the petition, is clearly in response to the petition. We'll let you have a read of that in our latest story. 

We've also had support from Preston Partnership, who are a business group with more than 200 members across the city and surrounding area, who have written directly to Lisa Nandy and also backed the petition too.

Thanks again and please do continue to share the petition with people you think might want to sign it - lots of the signatures are coming from Facebook and WhatsApp, so if you've got a family or friends chat, share it in there!

Ed, Kate, Luke and Team BP