Together they form the civil parish of Lea and Cottam,[1][2] which has a population of 5,962.

[6] Cottam is a former farming community now almost entirely consisting of new build housing.

The area is part of the Preston West division on Lancashire County Council which elects one councillor every four years.

From the last census, in 2001, over 83% of the population regarded themselves as Christian, whilst the figure of 11.5% for retired people is one of the highest in the city.

[8] Lea parish was part of Preston Rural District until its abolition in 1974.