A PENCIL-slim gymnast bidding for Commonwealth Games glory in Manchester in 2004 has been limbering up with a man-mountain Saints star to help realise her dream. And queen of the splits, pivot, leaps and high leg balances Kirsty Bennison made her Knowsley
PUPILS will be able to enjoy sunshine while they study after they helped create an open-air classroom. Children at Moor End County Primary School, White Ash Lane, Oswaldtwistle, tried to make the area an attractive place to work by planting seeds, clearing
THE mother of a murder victim is "absolutely devastated" by a court order allowing the killer to speak to a journalist. The Law Lords' decision overturns a ruling by the Home Secretary forbidding Ian Simms from speaking out. Former pub landlord Simms,
ATHERTON must be kicking themslves after they let Golborne off the hook in their top of the table Vimto Bolton Association clash. The home side paid dearly for putting down five catches as they crashed to a three wickets defeat. Atherton rallied from
A look back at events in history on July 16 with Mike Badham AD622: The Islamic Era began as the prophet Mohammed (pbuh) departed Mecca on his way to Medina (the Hejira). 1439: A new law made kissing illegal in England. This was not just to spoil anyone's
FIVE new homes look set to be built on land near Springvale Mill in Edgworth despite a flood of complaints from residents and parish councillors. Woodford Industries want to build the houses on land off Bury Road, once partly occupied by the mill and
Botanical Gardens 159 St Paul's 112 (J Armstrong 18 W Gotheridge 21, R Ellis 21 F Grimshaw 7, H Peake 21 B Jones 18, J Wadsworth 21 J Grainger 5, K Brooks 16 A Prescot 21, H Higgs 20 T Grundy 21, R Sidlow 21 A Turley 7, C Bennett 21 H Coop 12). Atherton
POLICE are investigating claims that people posing as Kosovar refugees have been begging in Blackburn town centre. The alarm was raised after several people rang police to say they had been approached for money. But when the police went to investigate
HUNDREDS of couples have been trying desperately hard to do what Michelle and Mark Robinson have managed to do twice without even thinking about it. For the couple are amazingly expecting not one but two millennium babies. And that means their entire
THREE senior judges have two weeks to decide whether two families from the Blackburn area should lose their children because a baby was shaken so violently she is now permanently injured. A Blackburn County Court judge ruled in April that neither the
Peter White reports from Blackburn Rovers' tour of Scandinavia BRIAN Kidd gave both his senior goalkeepers a run out in last night's 1-1 draw with IFK Gothenburg in Sweden, possibly preparing for the fact that Tim Flowers could soon be leaving Blackburn
A PENSIONER, who spent the night unconscious outside her home after a vicious robbery, is still in hospital recovering from her ordeal. Miss Edith Heaton was found 18 hours after an attack by a baby-faced thug in the Chesham area of Bury. Police say Miss
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent is running the rule over Danish trialist Nicolas Nielsen as he looks for cover for goalkeeper Paul Crichton. Nielsen has been recommended to Ternent by contacts in Scandinavia and has been flown over from B93 Copenhagen for a
IFK Gothenburg 1 Blackburn Rovers 1 - Peter White reports from Grebbestad, Sweden THE posters plastered all over the tiny Swedish tourist Mecca of Grebbestad were advertising the arrival of the 'Cirkus Maximum'. But the couple of thousand folk who packed
MANAWAR Houssin owes his life to his big brother, Manzoor. The Bury market trader donated one of his own kidneys to give his brother the chance of life. When Manawar (23, pictured right), of Manchester Road, Bury, was born with only half a kidney doctors
THINGS are looking up for local lads' side Ribble Wanderers. The junior team, who play at The Motors Club, Leyland, have been sponsored by CIS, the insurance firm who also sponsor Blackburn Rovers, and they will also be dressing like their First Division
FANS of Star Wars fans queued for the cinema doors to open at 8.30am yesterday morning - some wearing costumes from the film. Calvin Whitehead, general manager of the Warner Village Cinema at Pilsworth, said: "When I got to work there were at least 50
WHY is Rainford once again being subjected to lorries thundering through the village every five minutes or so throughout the day on the way to the 'tip'? What is worse is the speed at which some of the vehicles are travelling despite being in the vicinity
WHILE we hold our breath in eager anticipation of August's total eclipse of the sun (and the souvenir sellers and hotel trade get set to make a killing near the best vantage spots) a pensioner reader recalls the last time that this amazing event happened
WHILE I did not have the pleasure of reading your letters page when a pensioner wrote to complain about a 140-year old railway outside her home, I rather enjoyed David Hodgson's sardonic response in last week's Citizen. I consider the complaint to be
BEFORE Christmas last year I requested for Haydock some new bus shelters from Merseytravel and also suggested a bus lay-by before the Andrew Douglas car sales. I received a reply saying a bus lay-by was not reasonable but we would be having new shelters
IN reply to the letter "Return Fair" by Mr Harrison in the Citizen on July 8, he seems to have omitted several salient matters from his letter, which if stated would considerably weaken his argument. He fails to mention the differences between private
I AM writing to ask if anyone else noticed something sinister in Lancaster on June 18? I refer, of course, not to the carnival-type street theatre in the Market Square, nor the bike ride that held up the traffic, but to the overwhelming police presence
I FEEL compelled to write and urge the people of Bury to take a look at the total devastation of what was once a truly beautiful wildlife haven, namely the Barracks lodge. The lodge can be accessed via Orpington Drive or Haig Road, off Bolton Road, and
THE report (Bury Times, July 9) headed: "Save our School" needs further qualification in relation to the support offered to Whitefield CP School and, indeed, other schools within the authority. Given the absence of a senior staff member - as is the case
HOUSEHOLDERS living near Bamber Bridge Football Club say their gardens are being destroyed because poor drainage at the ground makes their yards flood. The residents, who live on Brownedge Road, with their back gardens adjoining the ground, claim during
SHOP until they drop - that's the aim of two Polish visitors. Monika Gtowinkowska and Bogna Rozpara (pictured) hail from Kalisz, Preston's twin town in Poland, and they are spending much of their holiday in Preston doing one thing - shopping! As part
TEENAGE girls wanting emergency contraception will be helped by a 'walk-in' centre planned for Leigh Infirmary. The £120,000 scheme at the minor injuries unit is one of 22 year-long pilots announced by Prime Minister Tony Blair. It will give patients
STATE pensions, and those of an age to receive them, are not normally topics which excite the interest of the media or the general public - despite the fact that most of us will one day hope to draw one. That may all be about to change however thanks
CRIME conscious children at a Bamber Bridge primary school have scooped a prize after impressing police officers with their crime-busting ideas. Police in South Ribble had joined up with local schools to help show children ways to keep their local community
WHY do correspondents B. Jones, B. Todd and N. Freeman (July 9) assume that because B. Tebbs and P. Kaiserman oppose Nato's bombing of Serbia, they must automatically support the ethnic cleansing of the Kosovan Albanian people by Serbia? They condemn
BRITAIN faces the prospect of having a generation of children with severe bone problems if European plans to cut school milk go-ahead, a Preston-based dairy boss has warned. European Union bosses want to end the current provision made for subsidised milk
SADISTIC warlord Darth Maul is alive and kicking - and running a cinema in Preston! The deputy manager of Wanrer Village Cinemas - known in a previous life as Simon Capeling - has decided to take his fanatical love for Star Wars one step further, and
VANDALS sparked a spectacular blaze involving a transit van and trailer, at Cavalier Carpets, Bank Top, Blackburn. Firefighters believed they released the handbrake on the Ford transit and rolled it into a group of trailers before firing it. Crews spent
A CARNIVAL atmosphere gripped the Moss Side area of Leyland at the weekend as dozens of people turned-up for the thrilling 25th Silver Jubilation celebration. In the scorching summer sun Marshside Brass Band, from Southport, and members of the Leyland
BNFL Springfields has been awarded the ultimate safety accolade for its preparation for the Year 2000. Independent assessors, the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, have given the site a prestigious blue rating for 100 per cent safety when the Millennium
STORE Wars are coming to Leyland after bosses at one supermarket declared their determination to remain the town's most popular shop. Leyland is currently home to two Kwik Save stores, one on Hough Lane and one on Towngate. The Towngate store will close
A PRESTON man who was jailed for stealing designer clothes has been freed - so he can look after his agoraphobic wife. Kenneth William Locke, 52, of Victoria Park Avenue, admitted two counts of theft at Manchester Crown Court on June 18, 1998, and sentenced
MANY bus passengers in East Lancashire will not be surprised at the comments of North West deputy bus regulator Mark Hinchcliffe. He described Stagecoach Ribble's performance as an "intolerable record of failure" as the company was fined £120,000 following
REPUBLIC of Ireland internationals Brian Carey and Phil Hardy are set to line-up for Wrexham in their friendly against Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground tonight. Manager Brian Flynn has named a host of first team regulars in his side and the Welshmen
BROTHERS Andrew and Michael Hodgkinson celebrated a family double at St George's High School's annual prize giving ceremony. Year 10 pupil Andrew, and Michael, in Year 7, each received a Diploma of Distinction - which are only awarded to one student in
ST ANNES IV battled hard in the heat after their opponents Stanley B batted first in their Fylde League division 2 match and reached 118-8. Dave Gamble took the honours with a smooth 5-21, while Nigel Connolly was unplayable with his eight overs costing
EAST Lancashire received its best news in many years when it was announced that the area is to receive £120million regeneration money. The massive government grants are a reward for years of hard graft in the face of incredible difficulties. For years
JACK Simmons today backed Mike Atherton's bid for an England recall. Atherton completed a career best 268 not out on the second day of the Championship game against Glamorgan at Blackpool, again showing no reaction to his back problems. And Lancashire
FANCY that - Manor Beach was awash with colourful costumes on Saturday (July 10) when the Cleveleys school staged its annual summer fair. Face painting, a bouncy castle and various sideshows kept the crowds entertained, while the highlight was a fancy
BLACKBURN Northern professional Mark Lomas is searching for more consistency from his side in a bid to wake the Pleckgate club from their slumbers. After a disastrous season last year, hopes were high for this campaign after Northern tempted Lomas to
A MUSICAL interlude was on the timetable for guests who attended the opening of a new reception wing at Anchorsholme School. Youngsters from both the infant and junior departments sang and played the recorder for Blackpool's education chief Dr David Sanders
LANCASHIRE spinner Gary Yates has been drafted in as sub-professional for Rawtenstall's re-arranged game with Ramsbottom at Acre Bottom tomorrow. Yates replaces South African run-machine Lloyd Ferreira who won't play in the EW Cartons Lancashire League
MORE than 200 youngsters will ignore the final bell at the end of this term to voluntarily return to school for two weeks. They are giving up part of their summer holidays to brush up on their reading and writing skills as Blackpool's education chiefs
PUPILS at Claremont Primary School were bowled over by a pilot scheme to tackle vandalism in a Blackpool park. The youngsters took part in a game of bowls at Claremont Park as part of an initiative to teach children to care for their surroundings. As
IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes league Supreme Plastics take the lead after their 3-0 win over bottom side Statestrong FC. Holbro FC beat old rival Carter Engineering 4-0 and move into second place, but the performance of the night went to Kings Arms
AFTER reading the views of the former leader of Hyndburn Council, County Councillor George Slynn, about the proposed Safeway supermarket in Great Harwood (Letters, July 12), I have to ask who is writing his script. There were so many anomalies and mistakes
THERE'LL be a sad sayonara for one teacher when Norbreck Primary breaks up for the summer. Kazumi Sawada is saying goodbye to pupils after spending a year teaching them all things Japanese, from origami to calligraphy. The 29-year-old arrived in September
VAUX NORTHERN LEAGUE Division One: Blackpool 95, D Bartholomew 53, T Hunte 5-43 - *Kendal 181-9, A Mawson 47, (played at Kendal because of county match); Darwen 116-9, J Marquet 5-44 - *Chorley 161-9, R Horridge 56, R Petrie 5-41; *Lancastger 163-9, R
COUNTY Councillor George Slynn's positive-sounding message to the people of Great Harwood in support of the controversial proposed Safeways supermarket (Letters, July 12) is likely to have impressed everyone except those with retail experience and past
IT was a case of third time lucky for the Lancashire Knock-Out Cup tie between Fulwood & Broughton and Fleetwood at Fulwood on Sunday (July 11) as the previous two attempts to play the game had been aborted because if inclement weather. This time
IF you want top quality bowls there's only one place to be this Sunday - the Carr Mill Hotel. It's the venue for the Hamlet Championship, staged in association with Greenalls. Two giants of the game in Bob Hitchen (Halifax) and Stan Frith (Weaverham)
INSTEAD of three lions on their shirt the England national team in this year's World Pool Tournament in Morecambe are proudly displaying the logo of your favourite weekly newspaper, The Citizen. With an eye for real winners, the Citizen has decided to
AS Blackpool boys school Warbreck High prepares to go co-educational in September, the education centre has been given a major morale boost in the form of the latest Ofsted report. Points highlighted included the significant improvement in teaching quality
I READ the article concerning potential candidates for Leigh's future MP on the front page of last week's Journal. It was of great concern to hear of the potential for so many people from outside of the area standing for selection. This has nothing to
THE women of Glazebury WI have some nerve! They have copied their more daring colleagues from further north who bared their all for a very successful charity fund raising calendar last Christmas. The local ladies didn't exactly strip, but their skin toned
A ROW has broken out between councillors that could threaten plans to build a new tennis centre at Salt Ayre. The Lawn Tennis Association is involved in discussions with Lancaster city councillors and officers about building the centre that would cost
HAYDOCK Park Racecourse enjoyed a record Sunday attendance of 14,625 as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's testimonial year got off to a flyer. The charity raceday crowd - thousands of them first-time visitors to a racecourse and basking in
Water polo - Rotherham 10 - Lancaster 9 LANCASTER'S eight year dominance in the Northern League is in serious danger of ending following their second narrow defeat at the hands of a Yorkshire side. Initially it was Lancaster who looked in total control
THANKFULLY, unlike G. Pearson (Journal Mailbox, July 8), over 300 Hindley Green residents who sent objections do not feel WMBC have the interest of the community at heart in proposing to build houses on its last green field site. Most such projects are
BBC'S long running, tender comedy, which got away with following the same story line for over a quarter of a century, may have been jolted to an end at last. Bill Owen, who played the scruffy Compo in 'Last of the Summer Wine' so well, has this week gone
A MAJOR police crackdown on crime in Morecambe has paid dividends, new figures reveal. Following the first phase of "Operation Blackrod," designed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the resort through the summer, statistics have revealed that
SUPER swimer Helen Don-Duncan retained her 200 metres national backstroke title on Friday, beating Kate Sexton into second place. It completed her hat-trick in claiming the National title for the third time in a row. Helen, from Garswood, surprised everyone
MOTORBIKE racer John McGuinness did his home town of Morecambe proud on Sunday when he won the prestigious Cock o' the North Trophy in Scarborough. McGuinness achieved a start to finish victory riding the Grand Prix NSR500, effectively skinning the competition
FUN and frolics are in store for everyone this Saturday (July 17) at Bispham and Norbreck's final gala of the century. Made up of everything from morris dancing to brass bands, the procession will leave Bispham gala field on All Saints Road at 1pm and
AT LEIGH Liberal Club during the first meeting outlining the plans for the proposed Xanadu complex, I made it known to the developers, Cllr Peter Smith and everyone present that I am pro-Xanadu. During the closing stages, the floor were asked if they
A COMBINATION of poor conditions and bad luck plagued Morecambe rally driver Katy Mashiter at the weekend. Mashiter and her racing partner Adrian Loxam finished 31st after the first day of the GKN/Demon Scottish Hillrally in Perth. Although the weather
ALTHOUGH I'm pro-European, I must admit that I share the concerns of the UK Independence Party regarding unelected bureaucrats being given power to govern and rule the people of Britain - with little thought as to what effect their policies will have
THE Hays Chemicals St Helens Rugby League is to meet at Blackbrook on Monday, July 19 (7.30) when all clubs are asked to attend. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
TREBLE winning soccer manager Alex Ferguson will be officially Sir Alex from next Tuesday (July 20) when he is knighted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. But he was happy to be plain Citizen Fergie earlier this week in recognition of the Citizen's exclusive
THREE Morecambe teenagers were rescued by the resort's lifeboat on Monday night after being cut off by the incoming tide. Luckily they were spotted by a lifeboatman who happened to be cycling by the Stone Jetty. The youngsters were paddling happily a
THIS Sunday is Presidents Day at Ruberoid Sutton Cricket Club and an excellent days entertainment is planned. Galaxy Cricket Club, made up from some of the best young players in India, arer playing a Sutton Select XI in a 45 overs game starting at 1pm
I HAVE recently returned from a holiday in Spain, where I had a wonderful time until my flight home. I was unfortunate enough to sit in front of three small children on the plane. They constantly kicked my seat and were screaming throughout the entire
ST ANNES lost their second consecutive Vaux Northern League match when Leyland Daf beat them by ten runs at Vernon Road on Saturday (July 10). Batting first, Leyland Daf lost their first wicket at 20 when James Atkins was lbw to David Callaghan for seven
LOOK out Milan and Paris - there's a new face waiting in the wings to strut your catwalks. At 15, fresh faced Raine Davies who sells ice cream on the Prom for spending money, has a modelling contract within her sights after getting down to the last 25
A MORECAMBE man viciously beat his girlfriend following an argument, a court has heard. James Bellamy, 23, from Albert Road, appeared at Lancaster Magistrates Court charged with grievous bodily harm. The court heard how he had been out with Melissa Kay
ST HELENS failed to reach the semi-final of the Echo Cup after the early batsmen gave their wickets away with reckless shots. Only Darren Tyms (11) and Ian Mackus (15) reached double figures and it was left to number seven Adam Friar to top score with
COUNCIL officers bowed to public pressure yesterday and announced they would notturn a Lancaster old people's home into a centre for problem teenagers. Last year Lancashire County Council earmarked Fair Elms home for the elderly on Cannon Hill as a replacement
COULD Citizen readers please help us contact some of our friends about a class reunion in Kenilworth this autumn. This year is the 50th anniversary of our joining the Royal Navy as Series 7 Entry Artificer Apprentices serving on HMS Fisgard. We have not
ALLOW me to thank those among the Citizen readers who voted for my party on June 10, electing me as the first Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West. It is a huge privilege to have the chance of representing not only Lytham St Annes, where I was born
TOPLESS barmaids are back behind the bar at the New Top Club after the venue's financial difficulties were resolved. Owner Mohammed Nasir stood down as licensee last month after bailiffs for brewery Carlsberg-Tetley stepped in. A temporary licensee was
A FORMER queen of the ice who has twice beaten cancer is to raise research funds with her miracle baby. Ice-dancer Elaine Wright, 29, of Robins Close, Poulton, will do a lap of honour with her three-month-old son Kieran to help launch the Cancer Research
BURY have failed in their bid to tempt Wolves' Keith Curle to Gigg Lane. Neil Warnock had earmarked the former Manchester City captain as the ideal replacement for Chris Lucketti in a player-coach capacity. Curle had been thinking over the move for three
SHAKERS chairman Terry Robinson has spoken of his disappointment at losing long-term injury victim Dean West on a free-transfer to Burnley under the Bosman ruling. "It's a crazy situation but in many ways it would have been better for the club if Dean
JOURNAL vets Madrell, Taylor and Northcott have opened a new clinic in Hindley. The opening is part of Vetcare's aim to provide one-stop animal healthcare through out the community. First established 70 years ago by Mr Jimmy Holt and later joined by Mr
A THOUSAND youngsters from across the area backed a unique Morecambe Football Club and Heysham port initiative this weekend. Heysham Port Ltd managers provided ONE THOUSAND complimentary season tickets for 21 primary schools in the Morecambe area. The
FLEETWOOD will rumble as 300 vintage trams, fire engines, cars, bikes and vans trundle into town for the port's traditional Tram Sunday this weekend (July 18). The highlight of the festival will be an 11.30am parade of trams from the Victorian era to
A 25th anniversary concert for Crossroads, the group that cares for carers, takes place on Tuesday, July 20, at Lowton Civic Hall. Starring in the show are the Greater Manchester Police Band, Helen Quinn with songs from the musicals and more, folk singer
Peter White reports from Blackburn Rovers' tour of Scandinavia BRIAN Kidd gave both his senior goalkeepers a run out in last night's 1-1 draw with IFK Gothenburg in Sweden, possibly preparing for the fact that Tim Flowers could soon be leaving Blackburn
Lancashire Lynx 8 Whitehaven Warriors 21 Lancashire Lynx never managed to get into it as Whitehaven cruised to victory - the third time this season that ex-Lynx boss Kevin Tamati has taken Whitehaven to victory over them. Lynx took an early lead through
TALK about a record delivery! Blackpool garage proprietor Mike Bentley was astonished when a letter posted in Cleveleys reached him in just six hours. Mike, 53, who runs the MGM Direct car warehouse, had asked a client to send him a crucial registration
PLANS to sell off council land to a Hyndburn construction firm and use the money for housing repairs have been given the green light. The scheme, which is set to create between 30 and 50 jobs, involves concrete company Buchans buying up a council-owned
Bury 3, Radcliffe Boro 0 TWO goals from the trusty right boot of Darren Bullock midway through the first half put the Shakers well on the way to a 3-0 victory over Radcliffe Boro on Wednesday evening. The tenacious Shakers midfielder opened the scoring
THE latest exhibition at Leigh's Turnpike Gallery kicks off on Saturday - with empty walls. And it will take three weeks before a unique show of local people's colourful work emerges. The Art Factory is offering the chance to everyone to celebrate their
RECORD-BREAKING - that's the only way to describe this year's St Annes Charity Carnival. Saturday's spectacle (July 10) was bigger and better then ever, drew bigger crowds and even brought out the sun for what was one of the hottest days of the years.
Fast-growing recruitment firm Tempo has relocated its Blackburn office from Railway Road round the corner to Church Street. The new offices bring together the firm's clerical and industrial departments and its mechanical division QED which was formerly
LUCKY shopper Pauline Moss will soon be heading 'down under' after winning a trip for two to Australia, courtesy of Safeway supermarket in St Helens. Pauline, from Widnes but a 'regular' at the Chalon Way store, won her fabulous prize in the national
A WAKE is to be held for drinkers who are mourning the 'death' of Mitchell's brewery in Lancaster. Following the announcement that brewing will cease in July the Lunesdale branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) will mark the occasion with a special
DISCOUNT clothing and home furnishings firm Matalan is to unveil a new department at its Accrington superstore. The Skelmersdale-based chain recently bought a 10,000sq ft unit next to its existing store in Hyndburn Road. And its new home furnishings section
TOWN criers will be bellowing the delights of Britain's biggest, brashest resort this Saturday (July 17) in a bid to win a top international prize. Entrants from around the world - including Judy Campbell from Australia and Emily Bell from Pittsburg,
SIDAC Sports and Social Club is the venue for a Frank Cunningham Charity Roadshow event on Friday, August 6. The show starts at 8pm and features a full cabaret line-up including singer, Adele Hoffman; Just Tony, a 1950s vocalist; comedian Jimmy Scott;
THE Luneside area of Lancaster is to be given a £5 million cash boost over the next seven years, it was announced today. The massive Government handout is part of a Single Regeneration Budget designed to improve depressed areas. The first grant will amount
ST ANNES 151 LEYLAND DAF 161-4 A superb unbeaten innings of 80 from Stuart Catterall steered Leyland Daf to their third victory of the season when they beat second-placed St Annes in a pulsating finish at Vernon Road. And now for Morecambe in the first
MEMBERS of staff and the public are invited to attend the eighth annual general meeting of the St Helens & Knowsley Hospitals Trust in the Postgraduate Medical Centre at Whiston Hospital on Monday, September 6, at 10am. Opportunities for questions
FIRE officers with Eccleston Community Fire Station's Green Watch are inviting the public to an open day aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by fire. Visitors will get to meet the station's firefighters and see the equipment provided
PETSHOP owner Rob Ralphson claims a £700 holiday in the sun was ruined and £600 takings lost because of over zealous environmental health officers who 'raided ' his town centre premises. Mr Ralphson (pictured) told The Journal on his Florida holiday return
VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help support victims and witnesses of crime at Lancaster Magistrates Court. National charity Victim Support have set up The Crown Court Witness Service in Lancaster which aims to help victims, witnesses and their families
LABOUR bosses have called for new Hindsford councillor Robert Bleakley to resign and 'fight fair' at other election. The call comes after Cllr Bleakley's apology for his election claims over council housing favouritism for another councillor's grand-daughter
RADCLIFFE branch of the Halifax estate agency is among 49 in the country bought by CGU. CGU is one of the UK's leading providers of pension, investment and protection products. The Halifax branch in Blackburn Street will become part of General Accident
A GROUP of Prince's Trust Volunteers from St Helens College are flexing their gardening muscles to help out in the grounds at a St Helens Women's Refuge Centre. The 16-strong team are undertaking the 12-week voluntary course which calls for them to carry
PREPARE for a howling evening of fun this week as Ashton Memorial is transformed into Baskerville Hall. As the Dukes enters its 15th season of promenade theatre, Arthur Conan-Doyle's masterpiece "Hound of the Baskervilles" will be brought to life, setting
MARKS and Spencer have announced that their St Helens store in Church Street has been selected as one of 100 stores across the UK to undergo a complete modernisation programme. The new look will include striking window displays and a simpler store lay-out
QUESTION time would be no problem for Bury's table-topping MP David Chaytor! He is miles ahead of the rest in a Parliamentary league of who has asked the most questions. Since being elected in 1997, Mr Chaytor has put down a whopping 446 questions - some
HIGH flying Bury-based ductwork company Senior Hargreaves has clinched a £1.3 million contract for the new Bristol International Airport. Hargreaves, located in Lord Street, will carry out ventilation services at the airport site. The Bury company has
THE grounds of a Parr primary school have been transformed into an environmental haven thanks to a joint venture between The Mersey Forest and Runcorn-based ICI Chlor-Chemicals. Pupils at Allanson Street Primary can now take advantage of the new child
TWO Bury companies can take a bow after their efforts to bring more than 1,000 new jobs to the area proved successful. Several weeks ago, BT Cellnet announced they had identified a site in Dumers Lane for a call centre which would create the jobs windfall
IT'S just the Italian job for a Bury engineering company which has just clinched a lucrative £3 million contract. And Harwill Engineering is literally rising from the ashes thanks to support from Bolton and Bury Chamber's Business Link in securing the
UP to £35 million is heading for Bury's most deprived areas to give health, jobs and the environment a Millennium boost. Residents in East and Redvales wards have been targeted for the cash, which will pay for a huge range of improvements over the next
DISTRICT nurse Joan Jones is hoping to go to 'the top of the world' to raise money for disadvantaged youngsters. For Joan, who lives in Prescot but who works in health centres across St Helens, is aiming to join a 100 km trek across the Himalayas in November
TWO men conned their into the home of 92-year-old woman and stole £200 in cash. The men called at the pensioner's home in Dale View, Newton-le-Willows, between noon and 2pm on Thursday, July 8 and told her that her rear garden wall needed pointing. They
THERE is only one word on the lips of Bury Kosovar refugee Nazmije Veseli - "Hakmarrje!" (Revenge!). Six weeks after arriving safely in Bury, the mother of two has received news of the Serbian atrocities that have wiped out no fewer than 15 members of
RADIO production students at St Helens College are celebrating following the news that they are being allowed to front a new radio station for St Helens. For the past few years, the students have run St Helens Sound using broadcasting equipment at the
MISFIT striker Nigel Jemson walks out of Gigg Lane for the last time today. The much-travelled goalscorer who netted only once for the Shakers during his 17 month stay has been released from his contract and is free to find another club. It's been no
ADMINISTRATORS have shut down the Bury branch of bookstore Wardleworth's. The town centre store closed on Saturday only hours after a publicity stunt to attract more customers. Ten zstaff - four full-time, two part-time and four who work Saturdays - are
A 'FAST TRACK' scheme to drastically reduce the length of time young offenders need to wait between being charged by police and appearing in court has been launched in St Helens. Previously it used to take between four and six weeks to get a young person
ST HELENS Social Services are aiming to provide better facilities with plans for a centre to be used by people with learning disabilities. Discussions are taking place with relatives of those attending the Greenacres Day Centre in Parr which the council
CAMPAIGNERS in the borough, who have got together to put a stop to the growing problem of 'pavement rage', will officially launch the pioneering project today (Thursday) at 11am in Church Square. Representatives from disabled groups, St Helens Council
A PUB which has been given a bright boost for summer is one of the latest entries in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Grimewatch competition. The Ram Inn in Burnley Road, Cliviger, has been brightened up with flowers and plants. Landlord Tim Wheater
PLANS to spend an extra £1million a year on improving support for people in need of care have been approved by St Helens Social Services Committee. The proposals, funded by a special grant from the government, aim to provide better care facilities to
BLACKPOOL'S early order batsmen were routed by a combination of good bowling by the Kendal opening attack and some injudicious batting in their Vaux Northern League Division One game at Shap Road on Saturday (July 10). Replying to Kendal's 181-9 Blackpool
POLICE today launched a summer holiday crackdown on railway vandals after a train driver was injured when a brick smashed through his cab window. The incident happened at 7pm yesterday close to Daisyfield, Blackburn, when a brick was thrown at a Blackburn
OPEN warfare has finally erupted after weeks of simmering hostility at Saints. Now controversial coach Ellery Hanley's career at Saints hangs by a thread just eight months into his appointment after he was sensationally suspended on Monday. Angry supporters
RIDING high all the way to Hickstead and Wembley is Melissa Furey. The St Mary's RC High student won a place at both Horse Shows with a marvellous performance in the Cheshire County Show. Yet Melissa wasn't even riding any of her own horses! Instead,
TYLDESLEY swimmers struck gold at the latest Northern Counties age groups in Wigan. Leading the medal chase were Kasha Hampson (PB) and Kate Ward, who produced golden swims in the 100m freestyle. Khalid Jhugroo took silver in the 100m breaststroke, and
From the Bury Times from July 16, 1974. FRAUD: A man who took cash for turfing people's gardens but failed to do the work told police: "I had no intention of doing the work. I just thought it was a good way of getting money." TEST: Mr Man Yuk-Ping, 30
PUPILS who defied all the odds to gain their qualifications have been rewarded at a special presentation ceremony. The youngsters, who have been learning with the Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) scheme, were presented with their basic skills
A GROUP of travellers camped on land off Wellington Road near Bury town centre are expected to move around lunchtime today, July 14. The council received permission to intervene when Bury magistrates granted a removal order yesterday. The travellers made
A NEW £250,000 facility for community groups in Haslingden is all set to get the go-ahead. The community resource centre to be based at the former New Thorn pub in Bury Road is expected to open next spring and will provide office, meeting and training
HOPE you're well this week and not too sunburnt after the brilliant weather we've had. It's Star Wars crazy this week and one of the stars of the film, Natalie Portman has dropped a bombshell to bosses. She plays Queen Amidala in the movie, and is tipped
MAKERS of the famous Halls Mentholyptus sweets could be hit by American trade sanctions in retaliation for Europe's ban on US beef. Any such move might affect Radcliffe manufacturers Adams Warner Lambert which is a world leader in the field. America is
WORSHIPPERS who first met in a workmen's hut could have a new church for the Millennium. Plans have been unveiled for the £400,000 St Michael's RC Church to replace the existing wooden building on Ribble Drive, Whitefield, erected more than 30 years ago
EMPLOYEES at one of Preston's largest construction firms have launched an astonishing attack on their bosses, claiming the way the firm handled its redundancies has helped to wreck lives. An anonymous letter received by the Citizen this week accuses Eric
POLICE today launched a summer holiday crackdown on railway vandals after a train driver was injured when a brick smashed through his cab window. The incident happened at 7pm yesterday close to Daisyfield, Blackburn, when a brick was thrown at a Blackburn
MASSIVE grants will help East Lancashire businesses in their fight back against cuts and jobs losses . Yesterday's Government announcement that £120million of regeneration money will be winging its way to the area was accompanied by the news that East
WHEN the furniture salesman assured his housewife customer that the table she'd chosen would last a lifetime, he certainly wasn't exaggerating. For 88 years on, that table, which cost the princely sum of one pound two shillings and sixpence (about £1.12p
Fashion and Musical Extravaganza, King George's Hall, Blackburn. Inner Wheel Club's Charity Shop, Lord Street West, Blackburn, 9.30am-4pm. 50/50 Dancing with Stan and Olwyn, Tony's New Empress Ballroom, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm-11pm. Fun Day
NEW measures are to be introduced after an electronic blunder led to 77 women receiving incorrect letters telling them they had a sexually transmitted disease following routine smear tests. Although the letters correctly informed the women of smear tests
THROUGH your newspaper I would like, if I may, to thank the four young girls who walked down Ellison Drive at 2am on Friday, June 26 or early Saturday morning if you like. They were shouting, singing and screaming like banshees at the top of their voices
THE time when splints and bandages replaced chalk and exercise books at a local infant school is remembered by a Newton-le-Willows reader. RH (he wishes to remain anonymous) tells us that it was during a wartime episode when Holy Cross infant school,
ELIZABETH Norton (Citizen: July 1) should be encouraged in her quest to find readers who are proud to be English, but what puzzles us is why that pride is an embarrassment to some. Proud English people don't want 'regional' governments. There is no need
BUSINESSES are taking a lead in the fight against crime in Prestwich. Members of the town's business forum are to set up a BusinessWatch, with the backing of police, to encourage shoppers and businesses to stay local. Prestwich already has a similar scheme
I READ with interest your article stating that St Helens Planning Committee had turned down an application by Day and Nite Stores to install a hole-in-the-wall cash machine at their new Greenfield Road site. I wonder if this is the same committee that
SO the nickname Bug Row - bestowed on bygone cottages of an ancient St Helens side-street - had nothing to do with things that crawl and bite! Quite the reverse, in fact. For the rather creepy-sounding nickname could be interpreted as a glowing compliment
OUR 'illustrious' MP Hilton Dawson seems intent taking up space in the Citizen and achieving very little other than making himself look foolish. I refer in particular to last week's edition where he claimed a score draw with our local hero, Citizen Smith
LUGGAGE firm Antler is heading into Europe after a £40 million management buy-out. Bosses at the Bury-based company want to boost exports to the Continent after purchasing the firm from its parent group Wassall. They say that staff and customers alike
RE: the Saints V London Broncos match on Sunday, July 4 1999. Surprisingly, I am not going on about the Saints performance but that of the so-called fans who were chanting abuse to one Paul (Les) Davidson. How can you expect your team to play well if
BURY'S successful bid was prepared over months and specifically aimed at rejuvenating one of the borough's poorest areas. The ambitious project was put together after the needs and priorities for East and Redvales were agreed by the Bury Strategic Partnership
PEOPLE are being warned not to eat a type of cooked ham after salmonella was discovered. Safeway, which has a branch in Longridge, has cleared its shelves of the ham and is urging anyone who has bought it not to eat it. The ham affected is labelled Safeway
THE Public Accounts Select Committee has taken the Home Office to task for not keeping a better check on the surrender of (legally held) handguns after Dunblane. Considering the amount of money laid out by a legitimate shooter on getting a firearms certificate
THE war in Yugoslavia, which Nato said was not a war, was a violation of the United Nations Charter to which Nato countries had put their signature and also the North Atlantic Treaty itself. These facts cannot be denied. B. Todd's accusation (Your Letters
HOW heartening it was to read that Bury police have prosecuted 250 "irresponsible drivers" during their on-going campaign. I, for one, sleep soundly in the knowledge that the highways of Whitefield, Unsworth and Hollins are lined with manned speed cameras
PLEASE accept, somewhat belatedly, my sincere thanks for the high standard of reporting the Citizen undertook during my year in office. I found your reporters and photographers very professional. On all occasions the issues reported on were dealt with
WE would be grateful if we could appeal through your letters pages for people to train as lip-reading teachers. As a result of the help from the Citizen, we have been able to find and train some excellent lip-reading teachers who have been able to help
I WAS appalled to hear members of the BMA suggest on TV that patients should be charged £10 for each visit to the doctor. One of these worthies, on being challenged, actually said that £10 was "neither here nor there". Her ignorant insensitivity perfectly
A WEEKEND of musical and theatrical delight beckons for Preston folk as the town's first SummerFest takes to the streets. The new festival - which has been arranged by Preston Borough Council, the Harris Museum and Propeller Promotions - takes place this
BIG Mc-smiles were on the faces on pupils from Penwortham County High School after a trip to McDonalds for a slap-up nosh. Youngsters from class 7Y3 at the school, in Crows Hill Road, Penwortham, won the free meal courtesy of McDonalds, Riversway, after
LANCASHIRE Police are hoping to attract the country's top coppers to the county - by offering them top-of-the-range hire cars. The top brass have become concerned that the number of applicants for senior posts has steadily dwindled over the years. They
THE historic bells of Preston Parish Church are set to ring out to herald the new Millennium as an innovative Christian project moves up a gear. Parish Prospect Preston - a initiative aiming to improve the town centre churches and make them hubs of community
TWO of Preston's most prominent councillors have became embroiled in a bitter war of words. Councillor Ken Cole is demanding an investigation after claiming that controversial councillor Michael Moulding has been using the council's secretarial staff,
PRESTON and South Ribble's two main Post Offices have been given permission to grant free two-year extensions to passports for people due to go abroad soon. Currently, thousands of people across the country face the prospect of having to cancel their
FIVE elderly mentally-handicapped residents were up for sale...along with their home! County council officials were to investigate the "immoral and insensitive" way the Ribble Valley property was being marketed. Councillors, and a watchdog for the mentally-handicapped
PARENTS are calling for a potentially-dangerous chemical to be banned in South Ribble amid claims it could harm the health of their children. Residents across Leyland claim Paraquat, one of a number of weedkillers used by South Ribble Borough Council,
A PRESTON-based charity rolled out the red carpet to welcome Princess Alexandra to the town last week. The relaxed royal officially opened the new Red Cross Headquarters on Pittman Way, Fulwood, after meeting dozens of hard-working volunteers, who give
CHORLEY and England's Lora Fairclough recovered from a poor start to fire a five-under-par 67 and share second place after the opening round of the Ladies Austrian Open in Graz. Fairclough carded seven birdies and two bogeys and lies two shots off the
WHITEGATE Resource Centre's bowling team, the Whitegate Woodsmen, have been invited to play the Blackpool Borough bowling club on July 23. The Woodsmen recently enjoyed success against the LMS Loco club and are inviting support for their new challenge
POLICE are hunting two men who viciously attacked a 14-year-old boy before stealing his mountain bike worth £650. The incident happened at around 10pm, on Wednesday, June 16, when the youngster was stopped by the men in Meadowfield, Fulwood. One offender
REGARDING J A Marsden's warning (Letters, July 5), I had a costly experience while filling up. According to the clock, my petrol tank holds 47 litres. I still had about 1 gallons in it when I filled up. When the pump 'knocked off,' it was registering
THE final part in the trilogy of major televised eight-ball pool competitions starts tomorrow (July 16) with the staging of the Riley European Professional Championship at the Stakis Hotel, Blackpool. Many of the game's leading stars will be on duty for
CAN I, as someone who was a temporary patient in Blackburn Infirmary at the time, thank one of your correspondents for, perhaps unwittingly, cheering me up no end? I really chuckled at Duncan McVee's comments (Letters, July 6), although I was surprised
THE local economy could receive a staggering £25 million shot in the arm today (Thursday) which could safeguard and create around 13,000 jobs. Council chiefs at St Helens town hall are keeping their fingers crossed that we will be successful when a government
THE Citizen is kicking off a new season of columns dedicated to Blackpool Football Club. Key figures from Bloomfield Road will keep fans up-to-date with what's happening on and off the pitch - everything from new signings to commercial news. Beside the
I WOULD like to express many thanks to Blackburn Lions on behalf of my mother and myself. When my mother had to move property due to ill health, we could not find any help anywhere to help her move, even though she is a pensioner. We tried welfare advice
NEWTON Hall Amateur Swimming Club had a busy time leading up to the summer holidays. A win at Preston confirmed their unbeaten status as Sub League champions for the fifth successive year. Early individual wins by Anna Brigden, Andrew Hodgson, Hollie
AFTER seeing your front page (LET, July 8) on the 'super' hospital which will be built at Queen's Park, Blackburn, and which will bring the closure of the Royal Infirmary, I have to admit that I was shocked by the latter. They say that the Infirmary is
FLEETWOOD shoppers will no longer have to trek out of town to their nearest major foodstore. A multi-million pound plan for a supermarket, petrol station, five shops and a 330-space car park in the heart of Fleetwood has been passed by Wyre planning committee
A PEDESTRIAN crossing is urgently needed opposite Lancaster Railway Station, claim Castle residents. Both the city and county council have come under pressure to build a crossing before there is a serious accident. Following pressure from local Green
SPARTANS have have their sights firmly set on two trophies. They reached the final of the St Helens Rounders League's Stanley Jones Cup with a 6-4 victory against Bobbies Lane. And in the Emily Collins Cup they reached the final by defeating previously
THE double life of Burnley sub postmaster Richard Lofthouse was revealed as a judge jailed him for 27 months for benefit book fraud. The former president of Todmorden Cricket Club was a Rotarian, charity worker and had even given bone marrow to help a
SUPPORTERS of the Western Bypass have suffered a double setback in their bid to press ahead with a Heysham to M6 road link. An important report of key economic and transport issues in the North West doesn't even mention the Western Bypass. And local environment
BURNLEY'S Martin Dillon made it third time lucky when he won the St Helens Star Masters Crown Green Championship. The 26-year-old computer programmer beat Wigan's Ronnie Belshaw to collect the coveted prize. Martin, a member of the St Andrew's Club, made
THIS Saturday sees a break in the league programme for the first round of the Vaux Bitter Cup. Both Lancaster and Morecambe - who played each other in a riveting derby match at the weekend - are away. The away match will provide a welcome break for Lancaster
I JUST wanted to let you know that while the Citizen's site on the Internet is mainly intended for local use, it also serves others around the world who want to keep in contact with what is going on their home town. I was born in Blackpool and after completing
THE rising stars of Pilkington Recs did the club proud in their centenary summer tournament. The under eights defeated Wigan St Cuthberts 12-8 to win the competition. And the under sevens were successful afte beating Golborne and Leigh East and drawing
THE light of love still shines brightly for one Poulton couple who are celebrating an astonishing 66 years of marriage today (July 15). John Oates believes his wife Daisy is the most beautiful woman in the world - nearly 70 years after he first set eyes
A DYNAMIC duo of amateur Rugby League clubs who have become household names on the local scene have teamed up - and the future looks even brighter for both! For far-seeing Thatto Heath, who currently play at West Park, and Bobbies Lane-based St Helens
WHILE some degree of government control over social security abuse was necessary, the draconian statute and blanket crackdown by the Blair regime was undemocratic, seriously harmful and distressing to many thousands of vulnerable, sick and disabled citizens
Sheffield Eagles 16 Saints 21 SAINTS cast off-field problems aside to lay a Don Valley Stadium bogey that has persisted since1992. Victory kept Saints in third place, after a game played in tropical temperatures on a pitch blighted by a pop concert and
BLACKPOOL Victoria Hospital has celebrated a treble with the opening of three new facilities. The haematology and oncology ward, the cardiac investigation unit and day case ward and the mammography suite have been officially opened by Professor Alasdair
TALENTED teenager Ian Berry is the new club champion at Grange Park Golf Club. The 17-year-old five-handicapper returned two rounds of 76 and 75 for a total of 151 in last Saturday's annual 36-hole scratch medal final to win by one shot from Andrew Twist
NEW Bamber Bridge general manager Mick Hoyle has spoken of his delight at joining Bamber Bridge. As revealed by the Citizen last week, Hoyle has agreed to join Brig in a behind-the-scenes role. His arrival at Irongate comes just three months after he
FORMER pupils are saying 'cheers' to help chalk up a £1,000 Millennium boost for their old school. A grand 1960s reunion party for ex-pupils of St John Vianney School, Marton, is being organised for August 4 by pub licensees Ray and Andrea Carroll at
IF not for Gordon Kew's dad much of Morecambe may well have gone up in smoke! For Gordon's dad, Thomas, was the man who drove through the flames with a quarter of a million live shells the night the White Lund Industrial Estate exploded. His story has
RAINHILL gave their league position a big boost by beating Tranmere Vics on Saturday. Having lost the toss, Rainhill were put into bat and lost an early wicket. Matthew Clifford stroked the ball around with 10 boundaries before being trapped LBW for 49
YOU can now e-mail the Star Sports Desk at rwinstan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
A CONCERNED Blackpool parent is itching mad over the problem of head lice in the classroom which she says is escalating out of control. Louise Dean, of Lindale Gardens, is sick of the sight of nits as she religiously treats her eight-year-old daughter
A WARTON teenager had a miraculous escape when his tractor was struck by a train near Millom station, a court heard. Luke Pedley, 18, of Croftlands, was conducting silage work on a nearby farm and was attempting to cross the line on the Salthouse Number
ST HELENS Recs suffered a heavy defeat at home to Colwyn Bay on Saturday. After winning the toss captain Morrison elected to bat. Whatever hopes he may of had diminished quickly as the Colwyn Bay bowlers put the Recs men to the sword. Only the experience
COME and join us! That's the message from St Helens Hockey Club. Anyone wishing to join the men's or women's sections should contact Mark Alcock on 01744 883897 or 07775588992. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting
BESTSELLING novelist Robert Llewellyn is probably better known for his role as the lovable Kryten in BBC2's sci-fi comedy 'Red Dwarf' but in his new novel 'Punchbag' comedy is the last thing on his mind writes Tim Ash. The multi-talented actor, currently
POLICE investigating allegations of misconduct involving a Hyndburn primary school teacher have interviewed the man, who is currently suspended from duty. The police's Family Protection Syndicate launched an inquiry following claims of misconduct made
PLANS are being drawn up to launch a new inter-town darts league. It's expected to involve teams from the Wigan, St Helens and Warrington area. And anyone wanting further information about the project should contact Ken Woods, of the Earlestown and District
COUNCILLORS are likely to give the go-ahead on Monday (July 19) to a new housing development in Blackpool. Members of the regeneration and development committee will discuss an application from McLean Homes to build 126 houses on 11 hectares of land between
A COUNCIL leader has slammed the Government's policy of reducing class sizes amid a storm of protest from parents who fear they may have to send their children to schools miles from home. Tory councillor Peter Britcliffe made his comments during a Hyndburn
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent is running the rule over Danish trialist Nicolas Nielsen as he looks for cover for goalkeeper Paul Crichton. Nielsen has been recommended to Ternent by contacts in Scandinavia and has been flown over from B93 Copenhagen for a
THE newly formed St Helens Town under 13s are on the lookout for players. They will be coached by Town marksman Steve Pennington and sponsored by JLS Carriers. Anyone interested shopuld contact club secretary Bill Noctor on 816182, Mark Jackson 613059
THREE men appeared before Hyndburn magistrates accused of dealing in goods without paying duty. Steven Anthony Slinger, 31, of Blackburn Road, West End, Oswaldtwistle; Keith Allen, 50, of West View, Oswaldtwistle; and John Wilson, 44, of Tranmere Cottage
RAMSBOTTOM United will start the season on the road in the wake of pitch damage caused by recent flooding. Last week's freak rain storms caused raw sewage, mixed with oil, to cover the North Western Trains League club's pitch after two manhole covers
LIVERPOOL St Helens must travel to Whitchurch in the first round of the Tetley's Bitter Cup. West Park have been drawn at home to Trafford MV in the first round of the NPI Cup. And Ruskin Park are also at home to Aldwinians. Newton-le-Willows have a bye
AN announcement about who is bidding to buy Fylde Rugby Club land has been postponed until next month. Members will have to wait until the annual meeting on August 23 for official confirmation of the best bidder for one of the debt-ridden club's four
A BURGLAR was prepared to wake up and take responsibility for his life because he was about to become a father, a court heard. Gerald Whalen, 23, who carried out a £1,200 house raid, had previous convictions for burglary, but had now had enough of being
SHE may have smashed five new British records but Marie Caldwell's health almost took a tumble when she competed in Saturday's 24 Hour Track Race at Hull The searing heat forced the gallant 61-year-old Holcombe Brook mum to collapse after 4 hours but
VISITORS to Leigh fire station will have the chance to experience the thrill of a real life fire scenario. The fire fighters' open day on July 31 will see volunteers dress up in uniform and experience the horrors of the smokehouse. There will also be
A SPONSORED bungee jump will be held at The Windle Hotel in Hard Lane, St Helens on Thursday, July 22 to raise money for the Willowbrook Hospice. Sponsorship forms are available from the Windle or the Hospice Campaign Office at 56 Claughton Street, St
CHORLEY 0 PNE 3 RYAN Kidd's return to form was the highlight of this predictable game, played under menacing skies at Chorley's Victory Park. His solid defensive performance ensured Preston didn't concede while, up front, first team striker Jon Macken
WAYNE Allison is the latest player to be linked with a move to Preston North End as the hunt for a new striker continues following the sudden departure of Jason Harris. Reports in Yorkshire suggest the Huddersfield striker is now in talks with Deepdale's
BRITISH Gas is warning holidaymakers travelling abroad to be on the lookout for the silent killer. It follows tragic cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and deaths abroad caused by inadequate servicing and poor ventilation of water heaters and cookers.
Wright On! Shelley Wright takes a wry look at life CAN you believe it is July 16th? I mean, where has the year gone? It doesn't seem two minutes since I was wondering what colour pyjamas to buy everyone for Christmas and dreading becoming 24. Now I feel
BLACKPOOL becomes a children's paradise for the next six weeks as KidzMegafest '99 kicks into action this weekend. On Saturday (July 17) Sooty the TV bear - who originated in Blackpool - celebrates his 51st birthday with a party in Birley Street from
CARNFORTH policeman Det Con Stephen Gardner was cleared last week of indecently assaulting a female colleague on a police night. But after the trial the judge said the policeman's behaviour had been "wholly inappropriate." The jury took just 10 minutes
LEIGH'S largest law firm has backed The Journal's "Keep our Court" Campaign. Chris Stephenson, managing partner of Stephensons Solicitors, has spoken in support of keeping Leigh County Court open. Mr Stephenson, who founded the firm 22 years ago, expressed
THE FASTEST bottling line in Northern Europe will be officially opened next week at Whitbread's giant Samlesbury brewery. Unveiling of the £12million line, which can handle 100,000 bottles an hour, comes as speculation over the future of the Whitbread
A SUCCESSFUL summer fair has raised more than £967 for the local Blind Welfare Society. Opened by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Terry Evans, there were stalls, raffles, cakes, crafts and bring and buy. During the summer fair the winners of the charity assault
A CAR SMASH victim claims a new estate and road will ease traffic problems on a major Hindley Green route. Graham Pearson's parked car was smashed into by a lorry on Monday morning and dragged along Swan Lane before crashing into another car and left
Morecambe are offering a series of summer soccer school for would-be footballers to improve their skills. Both girls and boys are welcome as long as they're aged between five and fourteen. The first is at St. Martin's College in Lancaster between Tuesday
LOCAL youth worker Julie Hilling has been to London to see the Queen! She rubbed shoulders with royalty at Buckingham Palace's annual garden party on Thursday. The visit came just weeks after she stepped down as national president of the Community and
LANCASTER Castle has an extensive history to speak of, as shown by the numerous guided tours that take place there. For the first time locals are being offered a different view of the Castle that ventures beyond its current use as prison and Crown Court
MERSEYSIDE Police are concerned for the welfare of a 32-year-old woman from St Helens who went missing while receiving treatment at Whiston Hospital. Shirley Ann Green, of no fixed abode, was being treated for an arm injury when she left the hospital
VOLUNTEERS are still being sought to test their blood, if not sweat and tears, at the second annual Bury Black Pudding Competition. Champ Martin Brimelow is taking on all-comers at the contest on Monday, August 9, at the Old White Lion on Bolton Street
BUSINESSES in Bury are being asked to make a hearty effort for heart research. They are invited to enter a sponsored team in the Krypton Factor obstacle course event which will be staged on Saturday, September 18 to benefit the Heart Research North West
MANY homeworkers throughout Greater Manchester are still not in receipt of the National Minimum Wage. That's the claim being made by Greater Manchester Homework Project. The project claims that some have lost work or are frightened to question their status
BIG-hearted members and staff at the family-run Hippodrome Bingo Club have raised more than £3,600 for Alder Hey's Rocking Horse Appeal Fund. They were moved to help after learning of the plight of little Callum Houghton - the four-year-old son of members
AWAY from the horrors of Kosovo, a glimmer of hope for the country's future has arrived in Bury in the form of a newborn baby. Leutrim Gashi was born on Saturday evening at Fairfield General Hospital. He joins a small band of babies born to refugees in
MEMBERS of a social club showed they were made of true fighting spirit when they took on the giants of Blackpool corporation to preserve their life-saving caravan site. Hampton Road Social Club, South Shore, may only be a small Blackpool community venue
POLICE have been called to investigate an alleged incident in which four children claim they endured a horrifying ordeal at the hands of an over-zealous security guard. The incident near to Morrisons in Riversway on Tuesday (July 13), saw one girl being
BURY and Rochdale has been allocated the largest chunk of a £1.2 million package for 21 extra secure beds in mental health units across the North West region. Bury and Rochdale Health Authority - responsible for buying local health care - will receive
