Stories for 21 April 2000

Accrington News

Kinder bumps for hi-tech buses

ROAD humps have been altered on three East Lancashire roads -- so new disabled-friendly buses can travel down them!   more...

Pupils join the fight to free monk

PUPILS of Mount Carmel RC High School, Accrington, are involved in a fight to get freedom for a Tibetan monk.   more...

Blackburn News

'Keep jobs local' plan welcomed

COUNCILS in East Lancashire have welcomed government plans to ensure that local people are employed in multi-million-pound redevelopment contracts.   more...

Dad's in the Army!

BLACKBURN dad Jonathan Coker had more to prove than most during his basic Army training.   more...

Mum, 24, charged with tot's murder

THE mother of a three-year-old girl who suffered a drugs overdose at her home has been charged with her murder.   more...

Banks staff 'job losses'

A MAJOR shake-up at bank branches across East Lancashire looks set to lead to job losses.   more...

Besieged by rats

A PENSIONER claims that he is forced to keep his windows and doors shut at all times to stop rats invading his home.   more...

All the fun of the fiar

FUNSEEKERS are flocking to Blackburn Witton Country Park as the Easter funfair gets into full swing.   more...

Blackpool Leisure

Movies keep bored kids happy

ONCE more the doors of academia are closed, leaving parents to deal with that most annoying of domestic problems -- bored kids, writes Richard King.   more...

Air today and gone tomorrow!

THE name Ben Elton conjures up comedy with the speed of a bullet and some of the funniest TV sitcoms around.   more...

Bodice-ripping yarn creates sparks

MOST people have to admit to a dangerous liaison in their life at one time or another, writes Sarah Sharp.   more...

Blackpool News

All set for a bumper holiday

BLACKPOOL is set for a bumper Easter weekend with tens of thousands of visitors expected to descend on the town.   more...

ELECTION 99: Party manifestoes.

AS election day, May 4, looms ever nearer The Citizen election special brings you a condensed version of the manifestos for each of the parties and independent candidates standing in Blackpool Borough Council.   more...

Wicked days out on web

TWO mums have come up with a high-tech solution to those holiday blues with the creation of a children's website of days out.   more...

Pension rise embarrasses ex-mayor

A BLACKPOOL ex-mayor has criticised the Government for raising state pensions by 75 pence, labelling the increase "an embarrassment."   more...

Bin these bogus lotteries

A WARNING has gone out to people not to enter bogus lottery competitions which are being delivered to homes in the Fylde.   more...

£9m boost for care of elderly

PLANS to build three new specialist health care units for the elderly on the Fylde have been given the green light.   more...

Olé! The circus is in town

COMBINE breathtaking trapeze, amazing acrobats and fiery Flamenco dancers with a heart full of Mediterranean passion and OLE! you've got some of the greatest Spanish circus artistes performing at the seaside for an Easter egg-stravaganza.   more...

Instant fine for dog owners

DOG owners could soon fall foul of the law after the council has introduced fines for pooches who poop on the promenade.   more...

Weekender will be fantastic

THINGS are hotting up in sizzling style for the Wave Weekender as tickets go on sale at Blackpool Grand Theatre box office.   more...

Hail Pete, the singing cabbie

TAXI driver Pete Reidy (pictured) so impressed a passenger when he played a tape of one of his songs in his cab that she persuaded him to sing it on the radio.   more...

A cut above the rest

WHEN lollipop man Richard Bell makes a promise he keeps it, even if it means leaving a hospital bed.   more...

60 new jobs boost

BLACKPOOL'S workforce can look forward to a tonic later this month with 60 new jobs being created by a vitamin supplements firm.   more...

You Smartie kids!

THE Little Champions this week are a real bunch of Smarties!   more...

Council vote not to ban goads

BLACKPOOL Council voted not to ban the use of electric goads on other animals at Blackpool Zoo in a meeting at the town hall on Wednesday (April 19).   more...

Easter's sporting spin-off

BUSINESSES in Blackpool will flourish this Easter as thousands of visitors and young sport stars attend an international competition at Stanley Park.   more...

Maths scheme is a big plus

BLACKPOOL schoolchildren will soon be able to benefit from a maths teaching programme which is proving to be a huge success.   more...

They're the top dogs

THREE pupils at Stanley Junior School in Blackpool have taken the lead in a recent competition to find the most responsible dog owners in the area.   more...

Young actors in drama festival

ARNOLD School in Blackpool is proving the world is a stage with its latest production, a version of the classic Arthur Miller tragedy A View From The Bridge.   more...

Blackpool Sport

Skipper is out for Easter

BLACKPOOL are facing an almighty struggle to beat the drop -- and will have to do so without influential skipper Ian Hughes over the Easter period.   more...

Blackpool,Lytham Info

SUNDAY CHEMISTS

Duty Chemists this weekend.   more...

Blackpool,Lytham News

Tories caused a catalogue of disasters

IT grieves me to remember the cock-ups the previous Tory councils inflicted on the residents of Blackpool, some of the effects we are still suffering from. Remember they were approached and asked which of the railway stations should be closed down.   more...

Carry on using lbs and ounces

YOU may recall our letter in January advising your readers that regulations compelling the use of metric weights and measures are ultra vires -- illegal.   more...

Pension rise is an insult

THE general election is getting near. So to the people of this area a warning.   more...

Who are the scroungers?

IN REPLY to your correspondent, NG Charnley, I would like to know who he would class as "scroungers" and "aliens"?   more...

POOLLETTERS-reunionx

I AM writing to ask if you can help me find a Tony Cheston, an Andrew Sandiford and a Raymond Entwistle.   more...

My sadness and disgust

FROM one end of the scale to the other.   more...

Donat a meal to the starving

I HAVE just learned of a website which allows one to click on the appropriate button to donate a meal to a hungry person in the Third World.   more...

Blackpool,Lytham Sport

Linda is on target for Bowmen

A SQUAD of eight from Blackpool Bowmen Archery Club took part in the first major outdoor competition of the year, with mixed fortunes.   more...

End of the road for Layton

CHAMPIONS Layton Institute crashed out of the Lancashire ten reds snooker tournament.   more...

Search for street soccer stars

FORMER England international Paul Stewart was in Blackpool last weekend.   more...

Bolton Leisure

BOLTON Excel, Lower Bridgeman Street, tel: 334456: junior fitness, 10am-11am, 11am-12 noon and 12 noon-1pm; basketball drop in, 10am-12 noon.   more...

Bolton News

For four days, he will be the man who never was!

A BEMUSED Bolton man due to celebrate his 65th birthday claims he faces a "four-day void" when his existence will not be recognised by the State.   more...

Residents claim a major victory

BATTLING residents have scored a major victory after Bolton Council promised Prestolee its long-awaited community hall - with an £80,000 bonus thrown in.   more...

Battling Charlotte's gift of hope to others

A COURAGEOUS Bolton schoolgirl is set to be an inspiration to other youngsters for years to come -- after doctors unveiled a hospital bed dedicated to her.   more...

Grandad prepares for parachute plunge

G-FORCE Grandad Harold Lever has lit the blue touch paper again.   more...

This week's TV reviewed by Karen Stephen

Looks that tell it all HE'S obviously the baddie of the Street because his roguish snigger and evil sneer tells us so.   more...

Residents' mobile phone plans setback

RESIDENTS who stumped plans for a mobile phone mast at a Bolton cricket club face a new battle.   more...

Bolton Page Three model Stacey's new outlook on life

FORMER Page Three stunner Stacey Winfield is a classic case of "been there, done that".   more...

Group's final funds give charities a boost

MEMBERS of one of Farnworth's most prominent charity groups, with a proud 64-year history in the town, have handed over their last charitable donation.   more...

Bolton model in Saturday TV ratings war

TOMORROW morning the BBC pin their hopes on Bolton model Vernon Kay winning the Saturday morning TV ratings war.   more...

Major revamp for casualty unit

WORK is nearly completed on a massive £350,000 revamp of the Royal Bolton Hospital's casualty unit.   more...

Frank's new book is a thrilling read

OUR local answer to Ian Rankin, Bolton-born Frank Lean, has just published his fifth thriller -- to much critical and popular acclaim.   more...

Council fears over factory's sell-off

COUNCILLORS want assurances that jobs will stay in Bolton if a major engineering firm sells its site to Sainsbury's.   more...

Artist's gallery dream comes true

BOLTON artist Joseph Tickle has realised a 25 year-old dream -- and sustained an artistic local tradition -- by opening his own small gallery in the town centre.   more...

Council faces fine for bath drowning tragedy

SOCIAL services could be fined up to £25,000 for breaches of health and safety following the death of a severely disabled Leigh man.   more...

A chance to promote your group

ARE you involved with a voluntary organisation in Bolton?   more...

Bikers bid for glory on Bolton's moors

WORLD class mountain bikers will be bidding for Commonwealth glory when they battle it out over North West Water land near Bolton.   more...

From pony trap riding to cinema visits

THERE'S more to life as a Birtenshaw Hall School pupil than just classes.   more...

From the BEN files

25 YEARS AGO   more...

MP on the verge of parental victory

BOLTON MP Ruth Kelly is on the verge of winning her campaign for paid parental leave.   more...

Compensation claim row

A DISABLED woman claims she was left short-changed in a compensation row.   more...

An eggs-ellent response!

THE BOLTON Evening News says a big thank you today to every reader who donated an egg to our Easter appeal.   more...

Questions asked over armed bank robbery

DETECTIVES probing a violent bank robbery have started sifting through scores of special questionnaires.   more...

MPs are backing new Age Concern campaign

BOLTON MPs have given their support to a new Age Concern campaign encouraging the elderly to take up benefits.   more...

Dance Twizzlers are prize sizzlers

TWIZZLES Dance School, which is based at Lostock Parish Hall, Bolton, won this year's British Isles disco/freestyle/rock 'n' roll championships, held at Prestatyn Sands Holiday Centre, North Wales.   more...

Charity date for brave Amanda

AMANDA Gifford, the brave teenager who had her leg amputated in a last-ditch attempt to beat cancer, hopes to attend a charity gala being held in her honour on Sunday.   more...

Police probe double blaze

POLICE are investigating two blazes at the same flat which happened within an hour of each other.   more...

Camera crime watch

CRIME-busting cameras are to be installed on more of Bolton's problem housing estates.   more...

Post office controversy: Minister's reply

REF: Recent news reports and demonstrations over closure of sub-post offices by post-masters and public.   more...

Return ring road to two lanes

REGARDING the comments of Tory Councillor John Hanscomb about Moss Bank Way in the Bolton Evening News on Saturday April 15.   more...

MP scores own goal on mining

RUTH Kelly has scored a spectacular own goal by getting her press spokesman to raise the issue of open cast mining in Over Hulton (letter from M Schmid 17 April)   more...

Bulk buying

WHY is it, when you are in need of a single item, say, a screw for fixing something, and you go to a store, you invariably have to get a plastic-wrapped packet with one or two dozen inside?   more...

Changing schools

AFTER reading your recent article about Canon Slade School, I must say that I agreed with the comment made by Judith Smith that schools have changed and not always for the better.   more...

We need a saviour

UNIONS seeking rises for their members always create food for thought.   more...

Funding welcomed

I WELCOME the announcement from the LEA that funding from the New Deal has been awarded to refurbish buildings at Tonge Moor Primary School.   more...

What cycle law?

IN Mr Hill's letter, he states that policemen were riding down Tonge Moor Road on motor bikes three abreast. Surely this is illegal? I thought the rules of the road were that bikes should be ridden in single file. Could anyone tell me when riding a pedal bike on the kerb was made legal?   more...

Bolton Sport

SOCCER: Non-League preview

IT'S a crucial at week for Radcliffe Boro with the Unibond League Division One title and promotion still up for grabs. The high tension begins tomorrow with a home fixture against Nottingham outfit Eastwood Town. Going into the weekend each of the four title contenders, Burscough, Witton Albion, Accrington Stanley and Boro, have the potential to reach 84 points, but there are fixtures against each other still in that highly intriguing melting pot.   more...

BENOTHER:Swailes boost for Bury

BURY player of the season Chris Swailes could make a dramatic return to first team action tomorrow. The dominant central defender's last game for the Shakers was in the home clash against Millwall at the turn of the year.   more...

SOCCER: Reds land Dutch ace Nistelrooy

MANCHESTER United have signed PSV Eindhoven striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for £19million. Dutch television announced the signing late last night, although United have so far made no comment.   more...

SOCCER: Conference dream so close for Leigh RMI

LEIGH RMI face the most important weekend in their history. By Monday evening they may find themselves in the Nationwide Conference.   more...

Sam stands by his men

SAM Allardyce is keeping faith with the team that had him tearing his hair out at West Brom. The Wanderers' boss has confirmed that, injuries permitting, he is unlikely to make changes for tomorrow's six-pointer at Huddersfield that could make or finally break his play-off hopes.   more...

Bo hopes for close encounter

BO Hansen would willingly step out of the limelight tomorrow and let the defence take the glory.   more...

It's up to us says skipper

WANDERERS will have only themselves to blame if they eventually miss out on the play-offs. That's how Mike Whitlow views the broader picture ahead of tomorrow's Roses six-pointer at Huddersfield.   more...

The best of enemies

MIKE Whitlow and Scott Sellars will exchange pleasantries in public at the McAlpine Stadium tomorrow - which is more than they ever did as team-mates. "We were good mates," the Wanderers' skipper says of his former left-flank partner who is now pulling the strings in the Huddersfield midfield, "but nobody would have thought it watching us argue so much.   more...

Reebok aces are ready for action

THERE is still a bold, red ring round May 29 on the calendar at the Reebok. Players and management alike are keeping the date open . . . and they're not planning a Bank Holiday trip to the seaside.   more...

Burnley News

Fresh appeal in hunt for rapist

POLICE hope an attack of conscience may force someone to come forward with fresh clues to a brutal rape in Burnley .   more...

Town 'wall' down

THERE was jubilation among Burnley market traders when the 'Burnley wall' came down and the new bridge to 'the outside world' was officially opened.   more...

Flagstones thief and his helper are caged

A THIEF who helped himself to council flagstones should not have been lifting heavy items, so enlisted a friend to help, a court was told.   more...

Barking MAD cash!

M.A.D. dogs and Englishmen Geoff West and Tony Palmer go off to the Isle of Man.   more...

Primrose's party

BANNERS and balloons decorated Burnley's Dove Court nursing home as Primrose Wilson celebrated her 100th birthday.   more...

High school pupils get on their bikes!

STUDENTS at Ivy Bank High School, Burnley have taken their practical GCSE Road Traffic Studies examination.   more...

Bury News

Melvin to fulfil magnificent Millennium dream

BON voyage, Melvin!   more...

School places: no ulterior motives

THE Bury Times must be grateful to the education service at this time of year for helping to fill its columns with the incidence of the annual admission to secondary schools procedure. As "Numen Lumen" reminds us (April 14) it was ever thus.   more...

Priest could try harder

I WOULD like to respond to Father Hailes' letter (April 14) about vandalism in the Spring Street area of Bury.   more...

We now have more democracy

PETER Wright's letter (Apr 14) was wide of the mark on both issues he raised, local democracy and taxi licensing.   more...

Schools belong to all of us

I AM a Radcliffe parent whose child will be attending a high school in Bury this September.   more...

Wise parents are choosing Coney

AS "Worried Sick" (Your Letters, Apr 14) lives in Brandlesholme, I can understand concerns about their son being allocated a place at Coney Green High School.   more...

We said no, but we are delighted

I HAVE been reading with interest recent letters regarding the allocation of high school places: we were one of last year's so-called "casualties".   more...

Give up your title, Sir Anthony

SO, Sir Anthony Hopkins has decided to transfer his allegiance to a foreign flag. This is, of course, his right in our democratic society. However, he can't have his cake and eat it.   more...

May as well shut altogether

I WAS in my bank, the Royal Bank of Scotland, when I was informed that from the beginning of May the Bury branch will not have any counter service on a Saturday.   more...

Autocratic and bureaucratic

I AGREE wholeheartedly with the letter (Apr 14) regarding Gerard Dunn who suffers from autism.   more...

Clear-out time

BURY FC is going downhill and in my view Terry Robinson and Nev Neville do nothing to help. We need a proper clear-out next season before we lose Bury FC altogether. I just wish more fans would write to the Bury Times and say so.   more...

Developer outlines proposals to Elms traders

MULTI-MILLIONAIRE developer Albert Gubay told Whitefield traders this week that plans to develop the Elms Precinct could be submitted to the town hall within weeks.   more...

Sleeping rough highlights young homeless

A GROUP of teenagers in Bury had a night under the stars to help local homeless youngsters.   more...

It's pay and dismay

THOUSANDS of motorists who have paid to park in Bury town centre will get their money back if they can prove they used bays on The Wylde.   more...

Cash boost for health projects

MORE than 50 health improvement projects across Bury and Rochdale are to benefit from a share of a £1 million government cash injection.   more...

Protection plea for wildlife sites

BURY is demanding tougher legal protection for under-threat wildlife sites in the wake of the Barracks Lodge controversy.   more...

Bury railway praised

BURY'S famous East Lancashire Railway has been held up as a glowing example of the benefits of European funding.   more...

New president of law society

MR Rob Hargreaves has been named as the new president of Bury and District Law Society.   more...

Lottery cash helps young project

YOUNGSTERS in Bury will benefit from the expansion of a special mentoring scheme.   more...

Vandals target nursery

HEARTBROKEN toddlers were sent home after vandals showered their Whitefield nursery with glass.   more...

Big police probe at surgery

A MAJOR investigation has been launched into claims that an unqualified member of staff provided medical advice at a Prestwich surgery.   more...

No pain net gain for firms

INTERNET advice, for free, continues to spread its web across more businesses in Bury.   more...

Bury garage strikes gold

A BURY car dealership is in the fast lane after scooping gold.   more...

Firm's generosity to mark the millennium

KIND-hearted bosses from a Shuttleworth plant hire company are marking a millennium milestone.   more...

Focus on exports and e-commerce

EXPORTS and e-commerce will come under the spotlight in Bury next week.   more...

Shortlist success for local firms

BURY companies will be flying the flag for the town in June during a popular annual business "Oscars" event.   more...

It's the very sweet smell of success!

AS the maker of Halls Mentholyptus, Radcliffe company Adams Warner Lambert helps thousands of people feel better every day.   more...

High growth for business

BUSINESS support services throughout the North West have combined resources to provide a unique initiative in support of the region's entrepreneurs.   more...

Bury champ Ady still KO'd by boxing ban

THE ban on boxing stays despite Bury's conquering hero Ady Lewis winning his second British and Commonwealth title.   more...

Health bosses told to cut costs

PLANS to open a new borough-wide dental access centre are proving to be a real tooth ache for health bosses who were told to "trim down" their bid by government officials.   more...

Council's tram service pledge

A PLETHORA of complaints from passengers, as reported by the Bury Times led Bury Council chiefs to meet Metrolink's operating companies Serco and Altram.   more...

Workers will pedal eco-friendly transport

THE men and women responsible for encouraging more cycling in the borough have been urged to get on their bikes.   more...

Kwik saved!

SEVERAL Kwik Save stores throughout the Bury area, which were previously under threat of possible closure, are to remain open.   more...

Asylum seekers cash call threat

BURY is on the verge of demanding Government cash to help cope with increasing numbers of asylum-seekers.   more...

Pupils' clean sweep

WOE betide any litter bugs who go near St John's CE Primary School in Radcliffe.   more...

Mass gathering for premature parade

St George's Day came a week early for Radcliffe Scouts and Guides.   more...

Raid scuppers CD pirates

AN illegal CD copying ring has been smashed by trading standards officers following a raid on a Bury house.   more...

This week in 1975 25 years ago

JEWELLERY: Greater Manchester Police launched an appeal to trace the owners of approximately £100,000 worth of jewellery and other valuable items which were recovered from the Manchester area.   more...

Today's the Day!

1918: The infamous Bloody Red Baron, the scourge of World War 1 fliers, was shot down and killed. Manfred von Richthofen's bright red Fokker tri-plane was attacked in the air by Captain Roy Brown but he managed to glide to the ground under heavy fire from Australian gunners. Only when he made a perfect landing did the Red Baron draw his last breath.   more...

Chorley Info

Your duty chemists

CHORLEY'S duty chemist between noon and 1pm on Sunday, April 23, will be Scholes Chemist, T/A Bamford & Parker, Library Street, Chorley.   more...

Chorley News

Shooting at the dead

MINDLESS gunmen have been taking pot shots at pictures of loved ones placed on graves at Chorley Cemetery.   more...

A helping holiday

CAN any of your readers help? We are looking for people willing to give up a week (Saturday-Saturday) of their time to help people with physical disabilities have a wonderful holiday and give carers a break!   more...

What about dogs' rights?

I AM a lady dog owner who cleans up after my dog.   more...

St John need ambulance help

CAN you help?   more...

Thanks for your concern

MAY I, through your columns, thank the many people who have sent me (and my father) good wishes, telephone messages and even gifts since I stepped down from the council. I have been very touched.   more...

Hall of fame

AN HISTORIC Chorley hall is to be the backdrop for an exciting new community arts project next month.   more...

Nepal mission for kind Kath

A CHORLEY student is joining a special expedition to one of the world's poorest countries.   more...

999 crews sport new uniform

FIREFIGHTERS in Chorley have just launched their latest spring collection -- a new much-improved uniform offering added comfort and protection!   more...

Thanks Alan

A FORMER Chorley mayor has celebrated his successful year in office by dishing out cash grants to local schools.   more...

Saw mill for all to see!

A SUCCESSFUL Chorley saw mill is set to throw its doors open to the public.   more...

Come for a jam session

A SERIES of workshops, encouraging Chorley people to learn more about the music of Africa, are under way.   more...

Net jobs spark a warning

CHORLEY computer users have been warned - don't let sharks catch you on the net!   more...

Conman steals from pensioner

POLICE are hunting a callous conman who stole £400 from a pensioner after chatting to her outside her village home.   more...

Revise in theatre

A TOURING theatre company coming to town next week have geared up their production so students can gain some extra exam revision.   more...

Big plans for playtime

PARISH councillors in Clayton-le-Woods are to make moves to set up a new toddler playground and outdoor activity centre in the Huntsfield and Cloverfield area.   more...

Thefts shock

THE owners of a popular Chorley bicycle shop say a recent spate of thefts is the worst they have ever known.   more...

Young mums - its not about age

YOUNG single mums have told the Government to Listen Up and stop treating them like children.   more...

The sun has got its Tatton

ORGANISERS have hailed the first Tatton Easter Craft Fair an egg-citing success.   more...

Meet Emma

THE Chorley Citizen's new reporter Emma Fitzgerald joined the editorial team this week.   more...

Gloves are off for elections

ELECTION fever is building up in Chorley -- with a third of the 48 borough council seats up for grabs on May 4.   more...

Vitamins - Panacea or poison?

RECENT reports in newspapers and on television claiming vitamin tablets can be harmful have been seen and read by people in Chorley.   more...

We will WIN

TEENAGERS from across Chorley have joined forces to change the negative attitudes that people have about youths in the area.   more...

Police station closure outcry

THE controversial overnight closure of Chorley Police Station has been the subject of a Parliamentary debate.   more...

Retired vicar takes on Brussels

A RETIRED Chorley churchman has spoken of his fears over the future of religious freedom in Britain.   more...

Dog mess snoopers

A MOTHER and daughter have vowed to turn 'pooper-snoopers' in a bid to name and shame irresponsible dog owners.   more...

Landlords reject 24-hour opening

CHORLEY drinkers planning 24 hour boozing sessions under new Government rules look set to be disappointed!   more...

Children's presenter promotes saint's day

CENTURY 105 radio and children's TV presenter Andy Crane was in Chorley this week to help promote St George's Day on Sunday, April 23.   more...

Farewell Mr Chorley

CHORLEY turned out in force to pay its last respects to one of its most loved sons on Tuesday.   more...

Pope marks a Diamond day

TWO Chorley sweethearts have tied the knot again after 60 years of blissful marriage -- and there was a tribute from the Pope!   more...

Chorley Sport

RUGBY: Rangers rampant

ADLINGTON RANGERS 32 SALEM HORNETS 2   more...

LADIES FOOTBALL: Phoenix fail to rise to occasion

CHORLEY LADIES 1 PHOENIX LADIES 0   more...

Unibond League: Chorley at the double

CHORLEY 3 HARROGATE TOWN 1   more...

Champion is shooting for the stars

CHORLEY County's athlete James Roden has won the individual Lancashire Athletic Association's senior boys decathlon championship.   more...

Lynx hit new low

DONCASTER DRAGONS 82 LANCASHIRE LYNX 4   more...

Lancashire Leisure

Events in Lancashire on Easter Saturday, April 22nd

The Britannia Coco-Nut Dancers, Bacup town centre, noon onwards. A festival of dance with displays throughout the afternoon.   more...

Lancashire News

TEN YEARS AGO: The Valley goes nuts

SOMETHING vital was missing from the Valley of the Hazels until a young school girl decided to put the nut back into it.   more...

FIVE YEARS AGO: Rider on warpath

A STRANGE sight met people in Read and Whalley - a Roundhead soldier on horseback.   more...

'Keep jobs local' plan welcomed

COUNCILS in East Lancashire have welcomed government plans to ensure that local people are employed in multi-million-pound redevelopment contracts.   more...

Mum, 24, charged with tot's murder

THE mother of a three-year-old girl who suffered a drugs overdose at her home has been charged with her murder.   more...

Voting experiment is progress

ARTHUR Holmes (Soapbox, April 8) is quite entitled to doubt whether the Saturday voting experiment in Blackburn and Darwen will achieve its objective of increasing voter turnout.   more...

More to schools than learning

'SCHOOLS plan is worthy but expensive' (LET, April 12) seemed written by someone in a 1960s, perhaps 70s, time warp -- with a view of schools and education services when they were a child perhaps?   more...

Opportunity missed

I READ with some interest the continuing plethora of comment on proposed changes to the centre of Blackburn and its traffic management system.   more...

Slaughter for junk foods

BURGER bar outlets may be part of our everyday lives, but have you ever stopped to consider their negative effects -- not just to our health, but also for animals and the environment?   more...

Mediation at your service

IN your article 'Get to grips with unruly behaviour' (LET, April 6), Councillor Harry Brooks suggested the setting up of a task force to deal with nuisance and anti-social behaviour.   more...

Warm welcome and cold beer!

THE East Lancashire Parachute Regimental Association would like to meet any former airborne soldiers.   more...

What right to comment?

MRS Mary Grundy's comments about the cost of asylum seekers coming to Blackburn and Darwen (Letters, April 13) may or may not be valid, but that is not the reason I am writing.   more...

Lancashire Sport

LOCAL CRICKET: Hacking puts new plan to the test

DARWEN launch their title defence at Netherfield tomorrow (Saturday) as the Northern Premier League ushers in a new era under the auspices of the English Cricket Board.   more...

LOCAL CRICKET: Wanderers push for Ribblesdale title

RIBBLESDALE Wanderers are aiming to lift their first Jennings Ribblesdale League title in nearly 40 years this summer after making a couple of shrewd additions over the winter.   more...

COUNTY CRICKET: Cup gloom for Lancs

LANCASHIRE'S Benson and Hedges cup fate is out of their own hands -- and they have only themselves to blame.   more...

SOCCER PREVIEW: Bury v Blackpool

BURY's player-boss Andy Preece could add to his former side's relegation woes as Blackpool visit Gigg Lane.   more...

SUPERBIKES: Weather slows Fogarty

UNPREDICTABLE Australian weather today hampered Carl Fogarty's preparation for Sunday's second round of the World Superbike championship.   more...

SOCCER PREVIEW: Huddersfield v Bolton

SAM Allardyce has asked his injured playing staff to play through the pain barrier to see out Bolton's faltering play-off bid.   more...

SOCCER PREVIEW: Preston v Scunthorpe

THREE points against relegation-threatened Scunthorpe at Deepdale tomorrow will all but seal promotion for North End. But boss David Moyes is playing it cool: "We have not mentioned promotion this week really. We've just continued as usual. We try not to change things too much but we are all aware of what's at stake. Preston, while enjoying great wins over title rivals Wigan and Bristol Rovers, have struggled against the lesser clubs -- drawing against Blackpool and Cardiff. Scunthorpe could provide more of the same. "We played okay in those games but just couldn't score the goals that would let us relax a little bit and give us confidence.   more...

NON LEAGUE SOCCER: Burgess boss

CLITHEROE look set to unveil Dave Burgess as their new manager this weekend.   more...

Clarets skipper targets maximum points haul

CAPTAIN Steve Davis led the rallying call as Burnley look to tame the Lions at Turf Moor tomorrow and keep their promotion dream alive.   more...

Rovers boss brings back strike pair

GRAEME Souness is refusing to let Blackburn Rovers' season simply fizzle out over the last four matches.   more...

Skipper Davis targets maximum points haul

CAPTAIN Steve Davis led the rallying call as Burnley look to tame the Lions at Turf Moor tomorrow and keep their promotion dream alive.   more...

Double act fear Clarets backlash

Burnley v Millwall - Pete Oliver's preview   more...

Souness brings back strike pair

GRAEME Souness is refusing to let Blackburn Rovers' season simply fizzle out over the last four matches.   more...

Pouton ends goal shortage

Grimsby Town v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's preview   more...

Lancaster News

Keeping the past alive and well

SKILLS from the past are alive and well and will be on display at Lancaster's City Museum until May 20.   more...

Pedestrians put boot in to policy chiefs

THE city council has been challenged to "walk its talk" and make big improvements to the city's pedestrian facilities.   more...

Crisis facing mankind

A WORLDLEADING ecologist will tell business leaders from across the North West that managing the environment is one of the greatest challenges facing managers.   more...

City sets trend for Paris store

LANCASTER'S world wide web experts have been asked to help a major Paris store get online.   more...

Heritage on the books

LANCASTER'S Georgian heritage has been captured in a new book by a well known local author.   more...

Freehold plan to improve district

THE Freehold Community Association has been accepted onto the Community Forum for the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) in Lancaster.   more...

Police appeal for help to identify body of premature baby

POLICE are appealing for any information that could lead to the identification of the body of a premature baby which was found in a local churchyard.   more...

Water bug investigation

CONTAMINATED drinking water was responsible for an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the North West last year.   more...

Mugger sought by police

A TEENAGER was viciously assaulted by two men as he walked along a road in Morecambe.   more...

Threat to home care?

ELDERLY and vulnerable people living in Lancaster and Morecambe face a shortage of essential home care, The Citizen can reveal.   more...

Simon says

THE Lancaster Grand Theatre is pleased to present a Footlights production of "Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Neil Simon.   more...

Safeway is safe

EXPERTS have been called in after industrial contamination was discovered at the Safeway development site in Carnforth.   more...

Police go undercover for nicked underwear

AN UNDERCOVER police operation has tracked down part of a £154,000 haul of stolen underwear.   more...

Barker follows animal instincts

THE NEW owners of the animal rendering plant at Nightingale Hall Farm have agreed in principle to the establishment of a local liaison committee for the plant.   more...

Can you help trace this man?

POLICE are keen to trace a sneak thief who entered a house in Morecambe and threatened the occupant.   more...

GMB to address calls of distress

THE GMB- Britain's general union is readying itself to fight for improved conditions for telephone workers throughout the UK.   more...

Free arthritis checks for pets

LOCAL veterinary practice D.J. Longley Veterinary Surgeons of Carnforth, are offering free arthritis checks for dogs at their surgery.   more...

Close shave for charity

A LOCAL man, Keith Bewley will be having his head shaved, live on radio, to help raise money for the landmine clearance charity, Mines Advisory Group, MAG.   more...

City boys are here

WITH Manchester City poised for promotion to the Premiership, Lancaster has set up its own MCFC supporters club.   more...

May pay day!

INTERNATIONAL Labour Day, still more often known as "May Day", will be celebrated in Lancaster on Saturday April 29.   more...

Transport police inquiry

TRANSPORT Police are investigating after a Carnforth man apparently threw himself under a moving train at Lancaster Castle Station on Tuesday night.   more...

Floral festival

CHRIST Church in Carnforth is delighted to be holding a Music & Flower Festival from Friday May 19-21.   more...

Heysham heritage

HEYSHAM villagers were celebrating this week following the opening of their new heritage centre.   more...

Cash advice

LANCASTER Citizens Advice Bureau received £5465 for equipment and easier access for disabled people from the Lloyds TSB Foundation.   more...

Family flee fire

A FAMILY from Morecambe were forced to flee their burning house in the middle of the night on Wednesday.   more...

All change at the town hall

CITY bosses heralded the arrival of a new era after voting in a new man for the authority's top job of chief executive.   more...

Can you not stop this propaganda?

IS there really nothing you can do about Cllr Ian Barker and his neverending supply of propaganda swelling your columns?   more...

Pigs flying over Morecambe Bay

SO, Morecambe is to get a new Marina, a new Freeport-style shopping centre (perhaps!), Bubbles is to be redeveloped, into a boating entertainment centre. The old band area into a large chandlers, The Midland Hotel into a casino, the old railway sidings car park into a boat yard, and not forgetting the most recent and up to date attraction yet: the 110ft. high attraction to be built on Frontierland, I refer of course to the radio mast for Orange. Wow! and all these things would bring Morecambe back to life wouldn't it!   more...

Ticket to ride

I READ with astonishment your report about the Caton cycleway decision.   more...

Denwood's talking rubbish

WITH regards to Councillor Sheila Denwood's letter.   more...

No respect for the elderly

WHEN, oh when are Lancaster City Council going to do something about Queen Street?   more...

Charity should have a heart

AS A nation of animal lovers, most people would be horrified to learn that millions of animals are killed in experiments funded by British health charities.   more...

Naivety of the Greens

SO that's what our representative of the local Green Party thinks! That we should allow the desecration of trees and wild life in the name of dubious 'art'.   more...

Lib's red card

I'M struggling with the environmental policy of the Liberals and Greens.   more...

Out of focus!

FOR some years now I have become more and more bemused and bewildered by the behaviour and antics of the Liberal Democrat councillors both at city and county council levels.   more...

Litter louts should be fined

I AM writing in response to the article entitled 'litter costs us a tidy sum' in the Lancaster Citizen.   more...

The bigger picture!

FROM fish & chips to the uniquely designed Mini to high street legend Marks and Spencers - Britain has good reason to thank refugees.   more...

Nightmare ends for former priest cleared of rape

A FORMER Catholic priest from Carnforth broke down and wept in the dock after a jury cleared him of sex offences against a cancer patient who had a leg amputated.   more...

Be a better tracker than your dog!

MORECAMBE and Lancaster pet owners are being offered the chance to have their animals microchipped at reduced cost throughout RSPCA Week 2000.   more...

Ferry success sparks calls for bypass urgency

THE launch of the new SuperSeaCat service between Heysham and Belfast will put even more pressure on the district's busy roads, claims Lancaster MP, Hilton Dawson.   more...

Turning the tide against resort crime

POLICE in the Morecambe Bay area have welcomed the latest crime figures which reveal a significant drop in all types of crime.   more...

Revamp for one of city's main success stories

ONE OF Lancaster's most successful attractions is currently undergoing a transformation.   more...

MP pours scorn on refugee proposals

LOCAL politicians and civic leaders have described secret Government proposals to house 140 asylum seekers at the Grosvenor Hotel in Morecambe as "totally inappropriate."   more...

Charter mark for service

LANCASHIRE County Council's Welfare Rights Service is top class.   more...

Production is just for love!

LANCASTER Red Rose A.O.D.S. is embarking upon an ambitious project.   more...

Station work to start next week

WORK on Lancaster's prestigious new bus station will finally start next week.   more...

Our city is too dirty

I AM disgusted at the fact that people can get away with ruining our city by dropping litter.   more...

No respect for the elderly

IN ONE edition of the Citizen it stated how many thousands of pounds its costing to tidy our streets.   more...

Labour's clever Trevor!

THE following may interest Citizen readers.   more...

Lancaster Sport

Shrimps roll with the punches

Morecambe 2 Doncaster Rovers 1   more...

McGuinness hoping to forget Donington

TEAM Vimto Honda rider James Toseland will be looking to add to his tally of points when the British Superbike Championship heads south to Thruxton in Hampshire over the Easter Weekend for rounds five and six of the twenty-four race series.   more...

City clinch a real nail-biter

Lancaster City 4 Droylsden 3   more...

Head start for Steve

STEVE Head, the Carnforth Forester, has been chosen as a finalist in rallying's newest initiative.   more...

Leigh News

Victoria's Easter tv music role

AS she pedalled off eight years ago on a bike ride with her dad little did Victoria Curran realise it would lead to a TV appearance.   more...

Top beers on tap

A TYLDESLEY pub will have eight medal winning beers on tap during a four day festival next week.   more...

Raising standards at homework club

A LEIGH youth club is hoping to raise academic standards for its members.   more...

Gala just like the Proms

A TOP class gala concert is being staged on Friday, April 28 at the Formby Hall, Atherton.   more...

God for Atherton, England and St George

PATRIOTIC Athertonians are to honour St George's Day in style this year.   more...

Band boys go solo

THREE young players with the Leigh Silver Band have been invited to come to blows in a national contest.   more...

55 years of filleting fish!

ATHERTON fish merchants, game dealers and fruit and veg suppliers J & G Taylor are celebrating 55 years of serving-up fresh fare.   more...

From 15 minutes to 32 amazing years

THE legend began in 1968 with a London school's end-of-term concert.   more...

Forget me not...

WARTIME pupils of St George's Junior School, Tyldesley, never get the chance to forget each other -- or one of their teachers.   more...

Tony is new homes boss

A NATIVE Wiganer has been appointed the borough's new deputy director of housing.   more...

New cancer site to help women

A NEW website has opened to help young women with breast cancer concerns.   more...

Round to the Blue Room

DAVID HARE'S adaptation of the scandalous play La Ronde is set to take the Bolton Octagon by storm.   more...

Cashing in warning

BOGUS RL club supporters have been cashing in at Leigh East's expense. East ARLFC committee member Andrew Kearns said Police had been brought in after a number of youths unconnected with the club had made doorstep requests for sponsorship money.   more...

Hope for speedy police result

I READ with disgust the story of death threats made to two council colleagues (Journal, April 13) -- namely Cllrs Smith and Bleakley.   more...

What a nonsense

YOUR correspondent who unfortunately hides behind a psudonym 'Disgusted Tax and Ratepayer' (last week's Mailbox) was, in the second paragraph of his or her letter, entirely correct.   more...

Sir Alex, Platini and me!

ME and Sir Alex Ferguson (how's that for name dropping), along with Michel Platini, the French football icon, Gordon Taylor of the PFA, the President and officials of UEFA and half a dozen of my MEP colleagues had a meeting to discuss future European legislation to get over the problems of the Bosman ruling.   more...

Planning appliactions

LATEST local planning applications submitted to Wigan Council.   more...

Rob to keep dogs after pets ban!

AFORMER pet shop owner banned from having animals for the next 10 years has been told he can keep his pet dogs!   more...

Glory days back for old mill(PIC:mayoratmill

A SECOND derelict Atherton mill is to be restored to its former glory - bringing more jobs and public open spaces to the town.   more...

Mike rolls election dice

LARGER than life cafe owner Mike Norris says he aims to put some dignity back in to local politics.   more...

4 top councillors banned for keeping quiet on perks

FOUR Wigan councillors have been investigated after allegations over perks relating to Robin Park super stadium.   more...

Decision delay on child home plan

A DECISION on whether a controversial children's home in Atherton can go ahead, has been deferred indefinitely.   more...

Centre cleared after probe

AUDIT bosses have given Shakerley Community Centre a clean bill of financial health.   more...

Pedal-pushing police beat £30,000 barrier

THIRTY 'off beat' charity fund raisers are celebrating crashing the £30,000 barrier.   more...

Cash handout for fab four groups

LOCAL voluntary and community groups are once again invited to dip into the council's grant aid coffers.   more...

Donald's £2m Bible epic

A LEIGH-born artist is being paid £2 million to rewrite the Bible!   more...

Leigh Sport

Donlan battles on for winner

York Wasps 22   more...

'I'm not your man' says Centurion Stan

LEIGH Centurions have begun the search for another new chairman - their second since the turn of the year!   more...

Wembley heartbreak

LEIGH Athletic's Wembley dream is over.   more...

Black defeat

ASTLEY & Tyldesley MWC crashed out of the British Cycle Speedway Team Championship at the weekend.   more...

Leigh MR race away to final game victory

LEIGH Miners Rangers ended their season on a high with a 44-6 thrashing of arch rivals Wigan St Pat's.   more...

Four for County caps

FOUR Leigh East U9 players have been selected to play for Lancashire.   more...

Fishy stories

A LEIGH man is angling for fishing tales for a new book.   more...

'I'm not your man' says Centurion Stan

LEIGH Centurions have begun the search for another new chairman - their second since the turn of the year!   more...

Leyland News

Sally makes the running

A PRESTON DJ has raised thousands of pounds for charity by running the London Marathon -- just days after a doctor told her she wouldn't even be able to walk the distance.   more...

You're booked -- again!

RESIDENTS who are getting booked for parking in front of their own homes packed out a council committee meeting to launch a united campaign.   more...

Cross country ride for community room

BUSINESS owners in Leyland are being urged to get on their bikes and raise loads of cash for a nearby school.   more...

Leyland Sport

Let's talk goals, not tickets!

STRIKER Bjarki Gunnlaugsson scored his first league goal for Preston North End last weekend -- but he could soon have an even bigger reason to smile!   more...

Lytham News

All set for a bumper holiday

BLACKPOOL is set for a bumper Easter weekend with tens of thousands of visitors expected to descend on the town.   more...

Lytham Sport

Skipper is out for Easter

BLACKPOOL are facing an almighty struggle to beat the drop -- and will have to do so without influential skipper Ian Hughes over the Easter period.   more...

Nelson News

'Legalise drug' call by council hopeful

A FORMER Nelson man is fighting to become a councillor with a 'legalise cannabis' campaign.   more...

On yer bikes, council urges home seekers

PEOPLE interested in sheltered housing in Pendle are being urged: Get on yer bike!   more...

Preston News

Sally makes the running

A PRESTON DJ has raised thousands of pounds for charity by running the London Marathon -- just days after a doctor told her she wouldn't even be able to walk the distance.   more...

Kick start for deaf football

THE University of Central Lancashire is tackling the decline in deaf football -- and could host a tournament in September at Preston Sports Arena.   more...

Preston stages a song and dance

PRESTON will be making a huge song and dance next month, for the BBC's most ambitious music broadcast ever.   more...

HOW would you spend £20m?

IF you were given £20 million -- how would you spend it?   more...

MP Audrey is cheerful after op

VETERAN backbench MP Audrey Wise is described as "cheerful but a little dozy" today after under-going an investigative operation on her brain.   more...

Run for fun to raise cash

THERE'S just two weeks to go before more than 200 kind-hearted Preston folk pull on their training shoes and help raise cash for cancer treatment.   more...

Millions pumped in to cut accidents

TRANSPORT chiefs have unveiled major plans to create several road schemes to help cut the number of accidents on the county's roads.   more...

Commanding officer set to lead volunteers

THE new colonel of the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers Regiment should find the post less demanding than some of his previous roles.   more...

Crying foul on dog dirt

RESIDENTS in Frenchwood have vowed to get to grips with dog dirt which they claim is clogging up the area's pavements and parks.   more...

IT'S a dream come true

THE sky's the limit for a Preston dancer after being spotted by a talent scout while grooving at the Bistro French restaurant.   more...

Kaye KO'd from the airwaves again!

ROCK FM DJ Mark Kaye was suspended from the airwaves again last week -- when he cheekily gave away a prize he was told not to.   more...

Mob accused of racist attacks

A GANG of youths are believed to be behind a string of racist crimes in the Broadgate area of Preston.   more...

Gloves are off for elections

PRESTON'S political landscape could have a new splash of colour after next month's local elections.   more...

Gay firefighter: 'Inquiry a sham'

A PRESTON firefighter who claims he was subjected to homophobic abuse while stationed at Lancashire Fire and Rescue's training centre in Euxton has slammed an investigation into the complaints as 'a complete sham'.   more...

Eco-war is declared on bypass

PENWORTHAM bypass is environmentally very damaging and should have been scrapped a long time ago, according to eco-campaigners.   more...

PRINCESS guest of honour at launch

HUNDREDS of youngsters greeted Princess Anne last week, when she officially opened Preston's new multi-million pound sports arena -- but she didn't stop to say even hello.   more...

Have you seen flyaway Homer?

THE mother of a severely disabled schoolboy is appealing to Citizen readers to help her track down her son's adored pet cockatiel.   more...

FURY over mobile phone mast

RESIDENTS in Penwortham attended a special meeting on Wednesday.   more...

Cyclists gear up for longest ride

PRESTON has been chosen to co-host the' Longest Ride' this summer when all 10,000 miles of the National Cycle Network will be covered, from dawn to dusk.   more...

Dairy is cream of the crop

A PRESTON company has scooped a prestigious Queen's Award 2000 for its lead on international trade.   more...

Nuclear boss' safety pledge

BNFL's top brass have sworn to deliver significant improvements in safety and management at their beleaguered Sellafield site.   more...

Surfers told: avoid sharks

LANCASHIRE consumers who surf the 'Net are being warned to look out for sharks -- by Trading Standards.   more...

Preston Sport

Champions in the making

BRISTOL ROVERS 0 PRESTON NORTH END 2   more...

Let's talk goals, not tickets!

STRIKER Bjarki Gunnlaugsson scored his first league goal for Preston North End last weekend -- but he could soon have an even bigger reason to smile!   more...

Preston,Leyland Info

Chemist Rota

CHEMISTS on duty on Sunday, April 23, are: Moss Side Pharmacy, Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, 10am-2pm; Boots, Fishergate, Preston, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Asda, Fulwood, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Sainsburys, Deepdale, 10.30am-4.30pm; Scholes Chemist, Deepdale Road, Preston, 10am-2pm and 7-10pm.   more...

Preston,Leyland News

Send them back where they came from

WHY doesn't the Home Secretary Jack Straw MP instruct the police to send asylum seekers back where they have come from -- on the same vehicle -- or is this too direct?   more...

Knights social success

I RECENTLY wrote to you to ask if the Citizen would advertise a social night organised by the Knights of St Columba Council 383.   more...

Blame county council

ONE has to feel sorry for the residents of Central Drive, Penwortham, who believe their road has become a rat-run.   more...

Concert treat

JUST a line on behalf of my parents, Mr and Mrs Raymond Eastham, who won your competition for two tickets to the Syd Lawrence concert last evening.   more...

Preston,Leyland Sport

Champions in the making

BRISTOL ROVERS 0, PRESTON NORTH END 2   more...

Tantalising glimpse of championship

PROMOTION could be secured in front of North End's home fans if they beat Scunthorpe on Saturday.   more...

An all ticket affair

NORTH End's final home game against Millwall is an all ticket affair -- and almost certainly a sell-out.   more...

Macken goal drought over

JON MACKEN ended his mid-season goal drought on Saturday with a goal which helped steer PNE ever closer to promotion.   more...

Party time?

PRESTON North End have agreed to play a testimonial match at the Reebok Stadium, right in the middle of what could be the party of the year if the Lilywhites gain promotion!   more...

Soggy pitch ends in disaster for Brig

BAMBER Bridge have stumbled in the league again -- just a week after manager Tony Greenwood revealed that he thought his side had done enough to escape the drop.   more...

Disappointing run continues

Reading 20, Preston Grasshoppers 3   more...

St. Helens Info

Chemists on duty

THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Good Friday, April 21, Sunday, April 23, and Easter Monday, April 24, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Good Friday, April 21: R. W. Barton Ltd., 67 Eccleston Street, Prescot; Taylor's Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am to 8pm); Lloyds Pharmacy, 173 Duke Street, St Helens (10am to 2pm); Boots the Chemists, 32 Market Street, Newton-le-Willows.   more...

St. Helens Leisure

Plenty coming your way

EASTER Bank Holiday isn't the only reason to celebrate as there is plenty of great entertainment coming your way. The St Helens Theatre Royal plays host to the traditional pantomime, `Goldilocks and the Three Bears' on Saturday, April 22 at 2pm and5pm; and on Sunday, April 23, again at 2pm. As well a great cast, this also features the Black Theatre Ultra Puppets.   more...

St. Helens News

Wake-up call over tourism

NORTH West Tourist Board chairman Anthony Goldstone has urged St Helens businesses to wake up and work together to maximise the opportunities arising from the town's recognised status as a tourist destination.   more...

Hippy leads fight against drugs

ST HELENS Local Education Authority has initiated the Health for Life `Choose' project involving all the borough's primary schools, as well as pupils of the same age in special schools. The aim is to ensure that all pupils in Year Five take part in a drugs education programme.   more...

School earns special praise

EVELYN County Primary School in Prescot has received praise from OFSTED inspectors for its commitment to education and high standards of performance.   more...

Museum pulls the strings

FOND memories of the old black and white `Watch With Mother' children's programmes are being rekindled at Prescot Museum.   more...

Museum pulls the strings

FOND memories of the old black and white `Watch With Mother' children's programmes are being rekindled at Prescot Museum.   more...

The inspector calls

CARMEL College played host to a special guest when the Government's Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead, paid a visit to the Prescot Road site.   more...

Peru, here I come . . .

MOTHER-of-four Kim Lee is aiming to tackle a daunting challenge in aid of charity -- hopefully with the help of generous Star readers.   more...

Big charity breakthrough!

A CHARITY evening at Garswood Conservative Club raised around £500 for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity.   more...

Residents put on fun day best

MEMBERS of the Queensland Tenants and Residents Association, Thatto Heath, are holding a fun day and car boot sale on Sunday, April 30, to raise funds to take more than 300 local children on a day out to the Camelot Theme Park.   more...

Virgin Megastore to close

VIRGIN Megastore in Church Square Shopping Centre, St Helens, have confirmed reports that the branch is to close at the end of June. A spokesman at the company's head office in London, told the Star: "The lease on the premises is up for renewal this year and after looking at the branch's performance figures, it was decided not to renew.   more...

Cool, clear water

WORK on a £1.5million project to secure water supplies for 37,000 customers in parts of Newton-le-Willows, Haydock, Ashton-in-Makerfield and Golborne is nearing completion.   more...

Pentagon' at Bleak Hill...

A NEW, single-storey school on the present site of Bleak Hill Primary at Windle has moved nearer following approval by St Helens Council's Planning Committee.   more...

Andy link to Saints

PRODUCERS of the Saints fanzine, `Rart Up T'Tash' have setup a website for Internet users to browse the magazine.   more...

Police plea for witnesses

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an indecent assault on a teenage girl which took place on the upper deck of a double decker bus.   more...

Band sets sights on title

TALENTED members of St Helens Youth Brass Band have reached the final of the Radio Two Youth Band of the Year competition. The band, who practise at Cowley High School, will now travel to Loughborough on Saturday, May 6 to compete in the final, which will also be recorded live for Radio 2. The station will also be broadcasting the performance that won the band a place in the final, on their `Listen to the Band' programme, on Friday, May 19.   more...

Lady luck smiles

MRS Swann from Billinge is the latest lucky £2,000 jackpot winner in the Willowbrook Hospice weekly lottery draw. Also in the money are Mrs R. Molyneux of Parr who won £200; Mrs L. Muchmore, Whiston (£125); Mr Brown, Haydock (£75); and Mrs C. Leather , Whiston (£50). There were also 30 members who won £10 and 50 more who won £5. Anyone interested in joining the lottery can contact Les on (01744) 733794.   more...

Boost for bus service

MERSEYTRAVEL has streamlined its 144 service linking Haydock with Newton-le-Willows to improve journey times and serve the Haydock Industrial Estate. The service has been revised following a market testing exercise designed to boost the number of passengers. More than 23,000 timetables hvae been delivered to local homes and information has also been placed in local libraries.   more...

Joe's a sole survivor

FAITHFUL to the last -- that's veteran Rainford cobbler Joe Fairclough, who refuses to give the hammer and nails the boot, despite reaching the age of three-score-and-ten.   more...

'Superschool' to benefit special needs youngsters

A NEW school to support children with special needs is to be built in St Helens.   more...

Family venture aims to hit high notes

SONGWRITER Derek Smith is aiming to hit the high notes with his Star Recording Studio. For this newly-opened business in Manning Street, St Helens is a dream come true for 43-year-old Derek, his wife Helen and their children Derek and Lisa who will all be involved in the studio.   more...

Fraud squad saves townsfolk £430,000

A NEW-look `fraud squad' is helping St Helens Council win the battle against benefit cheats.   more...

The early bird gets the vote

VOTERS across the borough are being urged to use their votes in the May 4 elections.   more...

Mystery of the taxis

READ with interest the Star's article on the new road layout in St Helens town centre and around Victoria Square. I agree that if a road is clearly marked as a bus lane, then at times, it may be necessary for the police to take action in order to enforce this. The question I would like to ask is, why do taxis have preferential treatment? Why are they permitted in bus lanes? In fact, why do they have reserved parking spaces? I can understand it in the case of buses, they have the capacity to carry several times as many passengers as a car. But taxis only have the capacity to carry the same number of passengers as private cars. Maybe somebody can explain this to me.   more...

What a super scoop for two old mates

TWO pensioners are celebrating after winning £4,500 on the multi-national Scoop 6 bet.   more...

Pair lead Post protest

TWO Liberal Democrat councillors from St Helens travelled down to London to protest against Government proposals to transfer benefit and pension payments directly into bank accounts instead of post offices.   more...

Keeping an eye on business

A NEW shop security initiative has been launched for businesses in Fingerpost with the help of St Helens Council and Merseyside Police.   more...

Salute to Hospice

THE Willowbrook Hospice received a pat on the back at this year's Civic Trust Awards, one of the UK's leading awards schemes for architecture and environmental design.   more...

Still singing love's old sweet song

SURELY it must be among the greatest love stories ever told. For Frank and Ada Penketh, who met in the schoolyard at the age of five, are still holding hands 86 years later!   more...

Little angels from the 50s

THIS charming picture (below) recaptures a `rites of passage' celebration fast fading from modern-day life. It's a 1952 snapshot of pupils from Gerards Bridge School at St Helens -- a little seat of learning long since demolished to be replaced by the Pilkington glassworks car park.   more...

Mighty Matt leaps to mind

HERE'S an unusual poser which has sprung to the mind of senior citizen Bernard Platt.   more...

Harry the darts ace

I'VE been dodging more arrows than General Custer!   more...

In search of Barbara

WHERE are you now, Barbara Wilson? That's the question posed by Star reader Sandra Dodd who wishes to inform her of a special birthday celebration coming up in July.   more...

Michelle's our girl in a million

ONE in a million... that's Michelle Lewis our charity champ who has smashed through her £1million target... with a little help from some special friends.   more...

Hunt row drags on

TERRI Donlan's letter (Dear Star, March 30) seems high on anecdote and exaggeration and short on facts.   more...

Post offices DO care!

I AM replying to the letter by Tenth In The Queue (Dear Star, April 13) not as a sub-postmaster, but as a post office clerk.   more...

Fire alarm sounds

RECENTLY a double glazing firm visited my home and fitted two free fire alarms.   more...

The brutal truth

WHEN I open the Star I am appalled at the number of young men being brutalised in St Helens and areas round St Helens.   more...

Nowhere to go . . .

WELL done Councillor John Mealor on achieving the re-opening of the toilets at Shaw Street station. It is long overdue. There is, however, one other location where access to a toilet is equally, if not more so sometimes, desperately required and that is the Gamble Institute. It must be the only major library and Local History building in the North West without such facilities. If a solution could be found for the difficulties at Shaw Street, surely some similar arrangement could be made at the Gamble. Over to you John -- have another go!   more...

How much longer?

ONCE again Saints have hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.   more...

St. Helens Sport

Clock set sights on title

FOLLOWING Nutgrove FC's capture of the St Helens Combination's Division One title it now looks like the Clock Face Miners Welfare second string have taken the Division Two title.   more...

Park stage final flourish

West Park 31 Caldy 7 PARK rounded off their league season in convincing style on Saturday.   more...

Town aim to bow out in style

St Helens Town 4   more...

St Helens takes on Europe

THE cream of the town's young footballing talent is set to take on Europe.   more...

Brook crowned champs

BLACKBROOK have clinched a title in fine style.   more...

The one that got away

Fleetwood Freeport 3   more...

St Helens CC slow out of the blocks

THE new cricket season started badly for St Helens with the first and second team losing to Newton-le-Willows and the thirds narrowly losing a hard fought battle at Colwyn Bay.   more...

Sidac claim cup spot

SIDAC have booked a big cup date.   more...

New league sets cash targets

BIG cash prizes are up for grabs in a new darts league to be launched in Earlestown.   more...

Brother and sister land awards

A TALENTED brother and sister from Newton have proved they are no pushovers when it comes to karate.   more...

Vulcan right back on form

Old Aldwinians 7   more...

More promise from Ruskin

Moore 17   more...

Prescot in friendly opener

PRESCOT and Odyssey Cricket Club's season got under way at the weekend when a combined first and second team took on Haydock CC in a friendly at Haydock.   more...

It's a stroll for Wooders

Burtonwood 31   more...

Lesson for the Old Boys

Prescot RU 33   more...

Schoolboys held to a draw

ST HELENS Schools under 15s earned a 2-2 draw with Mid-Cheshire.   more...

Alan quickly on target

GOLFER Alan Jones has made a great start to the new season.   more...

Saints pay price of success

Saints 52   more...

Heath claim double success

Thatto Heath Crusaders 16w   more...

Brook overpowered by Raiders

Blackbrook 18 Oulton Raiders 46   more...

Portrait of RL legend

BOOKS on Rugby League legends are invariably a rivetting read, particularly when the subject is a cult figure and arguably St Helens' most celebrated sporting son.   more...

Double top for Vine

Vine 30 Haydock A 21 VINE completed a league double over their local rivals and champions-elect Haydock to clinch promotion from Division Five.   more...

Saints hit by injury jinx

SAINTS face an injury crisis ahead of the terrace-packer against Wigan Warriors at Knowsley Road on Good Friday, kick-off 12.35pm.   more...

  
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