Archive

  • EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Wednesday, October 2

    A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," New Millennium Theatre, Waterfoot, 7.30pm. Citizens Advice Bureau Drop-In, Earby Community Centre, 10am-noon. "Rattle of a Simple Man,

  • Allotments team scoops top trophy -- again

    REVIDGE allotments scooped The Mayor's Allotments Cup for the sixth year in succession. It is the 30th time the 60-strong allotment team from Beardwood Brow has won the cup since it began in 1936. Chairman Laurence Loft, said: "Everyone has worked very

  • Writer returns

    BLACKBURN Author Josephine Cox, dubbed the 'The Catherine Cookson of Blackburn', will return to her old school at 1pm on Friday, where she is hoping to meet up with old friends. She hopes past pupils of St Anne's Primary, in Feilden Street, will go along

  • Red letter day for lucky Clare

    IT proved to be a red letter day for Blackburn postal worker Clare Wearden when she bought an Instants lottery ticket during her lunch hour. Clare, 22, works as a clerk at Furthergate Post Office -- where she purchased the ticket. And she could barely

  • Harvest gifts will go to the needy

    HARVEST Festival services will be held in St Silas's Church, Preston New Road, Blackburn, on Sunday. Children are invited to bring harvest gifts to the family and parade service at 10.30am. Gifts of non-perishable food and treats of sweets and chocolate

  • Put the aged before sport

    I WAS saddened to read (LET, September 27) of the way the issue of old people and accommodations and welfare are in such turmoil while reading also about the proposed billions to be spent on a new sport stadium in England. Please consider those in need

  • Plan for the future not for the 'now'

    COUNCILLOR Frank Connor, of Blackburn with Darwen Council (Letters, September 27) has little room to talk when it comes to 'blatant disregard'. The council has been disregarding the views of the people who voted for them, on issues such as Puccino's deli-bar

  • Simple solution to asylum seekers

    I CANNOT understand the difficulty in the dilemma facing the Government in regarding asylum seekers. Surely, the simple way to deal with this matter is to allow all-comers to enter and legislate that social security benefits, housing benefits, etc. are

  • Town centre has enough drinking dens

    AS someone who lives in Blackburn and runs a business from the town centre and has an interest in another there, I must reply to M Wignall (Letters, September 10) who is 'disgusted' that Blackburn with Darwen Council has rejected plans for a caf bar.

  • Pupils put minister on the political spot

    HIGH school pupils quizzed Education Minister Estelle Morris yesterday. Westleigh and Hindley's sharpest young politicians were given the chance to quiz senior ministers at a fringe meeting at the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool. They were two of

  • Hoping for high notes!

    ENTERTAINER Mark Walton is lending his voice to Elton High School's bid for specialist status. He will be belting out a selection of well-known songs from the 1950s to the current day at a fund-raising concert later this week. The school in Walshaw Road

  • Extra help

    PEOPLE in East Bury can now get extra help and work opportunities during weekly sessions beginning this week. A community adviser from Bolton and Bury IAG (Information Advice and Guidance) Partnership will be at Acorn House in Willow Street every Wednesday

  • Lifeline for threatened deli

    PEOPLE power has prompted council bosses to offer a lifeline to a town centre deli they threatened to close down. Planning officials have written to Ian Finch, the owner of Puccino's, King William Street, Blackburn, suggesting he re-submits his planning

  • Forgotten victim

    THE parents of a hit and run victim who was injured as Burnley tried to control rioters, today revealed he will never fully recover. And the family of Dean Cotterill criticised the Task Force set up in the wake of last year's trouble for not contacting

  • It's goodbye to Hear'Say, and Suzanne

    POPSTARS band Hear'Say have split up, with Bury singer Suzanne Shaw admitting they were just "a fad". Hear'Say members Suzanne, Noel Sullivan, Myleene Klass, Danny Foster and Johnny Shentall said they had decided to call it a day because their lives had

  • First losses for youngsters

    BLACKBURN ROVERS Under 19s and Under 17s teams suffered their first defeats of the season at the weekend. Academy coach Ian Miller said it was 'a bad a day at the office' for his Under 17s, who lost 2-0 at Sunderland. The Under 19s were also on the receiving

  • Duff back with a bang

    DAMIEN Duff made a triumphant return from injury to inspire Rovers to their third win of the season at West Brom last night. Duff played his first game in three weeks after recovering from a torn thigh muscle sustained during an international fixture

  • Form guide...

    A LOOK at the key moments from Rovers 2-0 win over West Brom. ROVERS: FRIEDEL: A virtual spectator for most of the game as the men in front of him did an excellent job of protecting him...7 NEILL: Grew stronger as the game wore on and had a hand in both

  • Duff magic seals Rovers victory

    SOCCER pundit Rodney Marsh breathed a sigh of relief as Blackburn Rovers gave West Brom a harsh lesson in the art of Premiership survival courtesy of goals from comeback kids Dwight Yorke and Damien Duff. The outspoken Sky analyst recently incensed Baggies

  • Drinker attacked cabbie

    A CABBIE was attacked, a takeaway shop partly wrecked and a taxi vandalised during early morning violence in Burnley. The town's magistrates heard how Graham Ramsey Stewart, 23, had had 20 pints and four After Shocks before he headbutted the driver and

  • Jump from bridge after '15 lagers'

    A MAN who told witnesses he had drunk 15 pints of lager jumped from a canal bridge early today. The man, who has not been named but is in his 30s and from Burnley, was spotted in the water by the Inn on the Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, by a passing

  • Former miner pens his fift book

    A FORMER miner turned local historian has published his latest book on the mining industry in East Lancashire. Jack Nadin has written books on the mines of East Lancashire in the past, and his latest offering explores the history of Bank Hall Colliery

  • Prescott promises to stop BNP

    DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott today issued a personal promise to halt the advance of the British National Party in East Lancashire by tackling poverty in the area. Mr Prescott pledged to look at the problem of decaying housing -- cited by the Government

  • On-line betting on Wednesday's match

    ALL the combination bets HERE with BlueSq.com. Follow the football links and pick the game! Or do you just fancy a fun flutter? Simply click HERE to cast your vote

  • Preece plans a knockout blow for old boss

    ANDY Preece will be aiming to put one over on his former mentor, as Bury try to knock Bolton out of the Worthington Cup writes Chris Hall The Shakers boss played under Sam Allardyce at Blackpool in the mid-1990s, where he witnessed first hand the managerial

  • Bring on Youri, says Keeper Glyn

    GLYN Garner's first clean sheet of the season earned Bury the right to take on Premiership neighbours Bolton Wanderers in the Worthington Cup second round. And although he hasn't been able to emulate that 1-0 first round shutout against Stoke City in

  • We've nothing to fear - Shakers

    RANK outsiders Bury have nothing to fear as they prepare to do battle with Premiership neighbours Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium writes Phil Thorp Who says so? None other than Shakers boss Andy Preece who believes some of his players are destined

  • Workers' courses

    TWO new courses from the Colne branch of the Workers' Educational Association will be held this month at Nelson and Colne College. Everyday Buildings will be held on Tuesday evenings starting next week and The Media and You course will run on Wednesday

  • Driver pays the price for second offence

    A DRINK driver has been banned for three years for his second conviction -- but was just eight weeks away from getting a shorter ban. Burnley magistrates heard how a second excess alcohol offence in 10 years meant an automatic three-year ban -- and it

  • Combined harvest festival

    MORE than 80 pupils from Christ Church School in Colne will get together with parents, the Sunday School, Boys Brigade, Brownies and Rainbows and church members for their first combined Harvest Festival. It will take place on Sunday at 10am and children

  • Drink driver smashed into wall

    A DRINK driver would have to swap his car for his bike after clocking up his second conviction in six years, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates heard how Garth Windle, 24, a polisher, was injured after he smashed into a wall in the early hours, but was

  • Ten years ago

    AN EAST Lancashire transport manager took to the road in a mercy mission to the strifetorn former Yugoslavia. Barry Hartley, 50, of Burnley Road East, Water, Rossendale, was one of four volunteers aiming to bring back 60 refugees from Bosnia.

  • Give the UEFA Cup a bit more respect

    EIGHTH place. Not bad. Give or take a place or two (upwards) that's where I reckon we should be finishing with the immense talent at our disposal. Having said that I thought the result last night was better than the performance. We started off showing

  • Praise for church fund-raisers

    CHURCH-goers took advantage of a dry day to walk around a cricket ground ten times -- and raise money for the church renovation fund. More than 20 members of West End Methodist Church, Oswaldtwistle, supported the five-mile sponsored walk and boosted

  • Diamond bracelet taken in burglary

    JEWELLERY including a diamond bracelet, Brooks and Bentley gold watch and locket were taken by a burglar who struck at Lyndon Avenue, Great Harwood. The thief was disturbed by the owner returning home, and he ran away, limping. He is described as aged

  • Residents given a beware burglars warning

    POLICE have warned residents to be wary of what they leave lying around outside their homes, after a series of incidents in the Burnley Road area of Accrington. One property in Owen Street was burgled during the day on Saturday, while a further two properties

  • Kids told to keep off danger site

    FIREFIGHTERS and council officers today issued a united warning to children who are risking their lives playing in a disused building which has been set alight six times in the last 12 months. Two emergency crews were again called to the former car exhaust

  • Fitness duo will tackle the Hill

    AN intrepid pair of Ribble Valley fitness instructors will attempt a record-breaking sponsored hike of Pendle Hill at Hallowe'en. Johnny Roe and Kevin Maree will leave the village of Barley at first light on October 31 for the first of 10 consecutive

  • Can you follow Jamie's recipe for success?

    RATTLE those pots and pans -- the search is on for the best young chef in East Lancashire. Rotarians have launched their annual Young Chef of the Year competition to find the area's wannabe Jamie Oliver. Competition co-ordinator Malcolm Weaving, who is

  • Stonyhurst College joins the fast lane

    PUPILS at an independent Catholic college near Clitheroe have joined the internet fast lane with a new state-of-the-art school web site. Stonyhurst College has launched a new web site using Macromedia Flash and the latest video-streaming software, which

  • Taylor retains place

    CLARETS striker Gareth Taylor has kept his place in the Wales squad for the crunch European Championship qualifier against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on October 16. "It promises to be a brilliant occasion and I am just glad to be involved," he said

  • Terriers seeking some relief

    HUDDERSFIELD Town fans will be hoping to get some light relief when the Clarets visit the McAlpine Stadium tonight. Having slumped to second from bottom of the second division they have the unenviable record of having scored fewer League times than any

  • Young Clarets keep on learning

    ANY young footballer needs to be able to play in a variety of formations and at the weekend the Clarets youth side continued their education with a switch to a 3-5-2 formation. The result was a 3-1 Youth Alliance League victory over Oldham at Gawthorpe

  • Clarets have strength to match Terriers bite

    CLARETS boss Stan Ternent is in a privileged position ahead of tonight's clash with Huddersfield Town - he has a fully fit squad to choose from. That is the first time this season that he has enjoyed such luxury and assistant manager Sam Ellis admitted

  • Pubs are set to go under microscope

    PUBS including the Postal Order in Blackburn and The Brun Lea in Burnley are to be put under the microscope after pub giant JD Wetherspoon announced a series of quality inspections. The company will work with Cask Marque and inspectors will go behind

  • Clarets in a cup quest

    AFTER 20 years of misery, Burnley's task tonight is a simple one - they have to claim a place in the third round of the Worthington Cup. The trip to second division strugglers Huddersfield Town is a potential banana skin but everyone at Turf Moor is aware

  • Helath checks for over 50s

    FREE health checks for the over-50s will be provided on Friday as part of Age Concern Week. The organisation's Blackburn with Darwen branch has teamed up with Darwen Old People's Welfare Committee and Blackburn with Darwen Primary Trust to provide the

  • Murder charge man facing court

    THE trial of an East Lancashire man charged with murdering Darwen woman Charlotte Flanagan was due to begin in London today. Gareth Richard Horton, 29, of Walmsley Street, Darwen, was due to appear in the dock today, the first day of a seven day jury

  • Peter's B & B is a pure diamond!

    ONE of East Lancashire's finest bed and breakfasts has been revealed as an unlikely tourist destination. Lychgate, in Tockholes Road, Darwen, overlooks Sunnyhurst Woods, the moors and M65 and is now rated as a four-diamond establishment. The English Tourism

  • Doctor warns of GP crisis

    A DOCTOR claimed GPs were in crisis as he marked his retirement by blasting 'interfering' governments. Dr John Bidwell, 51, has left Darwen Health Centre after spending the whole of his 27 year career there. No-one is replacing him, so almost 2,000 patients

  • Parking policy

    THE policy on car parking enforcement will be discussed by Rossendale Council's overview and scrutiny committee on Monday. Members will be updated on the issue of decriminalised parking enforcement and will be told about the options open to them when

  • Family prepares to flee Saddam threat

    A ROSSENDALE couple who left the Valley to live in Kuwait now face the heartbreaking possibility of leaving their Arabian adventure behind as the threat of war looms in the Middle East. Sean and Sharon McShea, formerly of Newchurch Road, Stacksteads,

  • Cash wiped off travel group shares

    MORE than £200 million was wiped off the value of holiday giant MyTravel Group after the group issued its second profits warning within five months. The share price slumped by 36 per cent to a new low of 81.25p within hours of a statement that the company

  • Fine defaulters targetted

    OFFENDERS who don't pay up on time are being targeted in a clampdown by the Lancashire Magistrates Courts Service. The service has been awarded £285,000 by the Lord Chancellor's Department to help increase the collection rates on fines, compensation orders

  • Rooftop plunge threat

    NEGOTIATORS spent more than three hours talking down a man who was threatening to jump 100ft from a roof at the Thwaites Brewery building in Blackburn. Police and a fire crew were called out at about 11pm after the man had contacted his family by mobile

  • Keyboard offer to budding musicians

    BLACKBURN'S new Yamaha Music School is offering free keyboard lessons to budding musicians who fancy testing their skills. Introductory music lessons are being offered by teachers at the school, which is operated as a partnership by Yamaha and Music for

  • Tribute is paid to Barbara

    NEW Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith today paid a Labour conference tribute to former Blackburn MP Barbara Castle who died earlier this year. He did so as he pledged major reforms for pensions and housing benefits. Mr Smith highlighted the late

  • Jury told of wife's terror

    A FATHER-of-two mounted a campaign of fear against his estranged wife after their marriage crumbled, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how computer-obsessed James Greenwood, who had earlier told his wife Ann he would be going to Moss Side to

  • Trade lull blamed for mill job losses

    BOSSES at a Blackburn mill which has been a staple employer for more than 20 years today announced 26 job losses and said: "It is a sad day for manufacturing." Redundancies at Hilden Manufacturing, Britannia Mill, Didsbury Street, have been blamed on

  • Brave landlord's efforts simply magic

    A POPULAR landlord who backed our Magic Eye Appeal after having a life-saving operation to beat cancer has now raised nearly £2,000 towards the fund. The latest fund-raising event held by 55-year-old Bob Tipping, of the White Lion, Huncoat, was a charity

  • Torched takeaway pair get three years

    TWO men who hatched a plot to torch a town centre takeaway and caused nearly £300,000 of damage have been sentenced to three years in prison. Zaheer Ali, 25, of Lancaster Place, Blackburn and Majid Hussain, also 25, of Montague Street, Blackburn, were

  • Lifeline for threatened deli

    PEOPLE power has prompted council bosses to offer a lifeline to a town centre deli they threatened to close down. Planning officials have written to Ian Finch, the owner of Puccino's, King William Street, Blackburn, suggesting he re-submits his planning

  • Accy draw Harrogate

    ACCRINGTON Stanley will meet fellow UniBond Premier League side Harrogate at home in the Third Qualifying round of the FA Cup. Stanley have already beaten the north east side, who knocked Great Harwood out in the last round, 2-0 away in the league this

  • Serious fund-raising begins for Affetside fight

    PARENTS who are seeing red at plans to close a primary school have kick-started their campaign to keep it open. Friends, staff and parents of Affetside Primary School have begun a fund-raising drive to help pay for legal costs in their bid to stop Bury's

  • Pool misfiring

    BLACKPOOL manager Steve McMahon admitted his side had thrown away a great chance to claim three points after Chesterfield extended their unbeaten run to six with a 1-0 victory at Saltergate. The Blackpool boss saw his side throw away numerous chances

  • An office apart

    I ONCE worked at a newspaper where a member of staff was called to the MD's office one day. As the boss talked to the journalist he slowly started taking off all his clothes. The reporter was mortified. Luckily it was entirely innocent as the MD was running

  • Stop knocking the boys in blue

    WE knock them, but we can't do without them. Who? The police of course, they are our first and last line of our defence. A child lost, a fight, house broken into, car accident, bike pinched, nasty neighbours, the list is endless. But I see them at the

  • Pack makes road safety a priority

    LANCASHIRE Partnership for Road Safety will be launching their community action pack on Wednesday, October 30, at Bootstrap Enterprises, Railway Road. Blackburn. The packs are designed to support voluntary and community groups who want to make local roads

  • Thief asks for prison detox

    A HOMELESS man who was living in an empty garage had not eaten for two days when he was arrested for shoplifting. Blackburn magistrates heard that Dennis Knowles asked police to keep him in custody to help him beat the drugs habit that was dragging him

  • Start searching for a dentist?

    IT was reported recently that the entire list of patients at a GP's clinic in Derby, some 2,000, have been told that they will have to find themselves a new doctor to make way for 800 asylum seekers. Blackburn, at present has 700 'official' asylum seekers

  • Motorcyclist fights for life

    A MOTORBIKE rider is fighting for his life in hospital after a serious crash in Tyldesley. The 19-year-old man, from Astley, was riding his Yamaha 125cc along Mort Lane towards Tyldesley when he collided with a Mercedes 1820 lorry driven by a 50-year-old

  • Man (36) stabbed during raid on home

    A MAN was stabbed twice after disturbing raiders in his Holcombe Brook home. The 36-year-old sustained wounds to his back and head following the incident at his property in Bolton Road West late on Sunday (Sept 29). He was taken to hospital for treatment

  • Investors trip down in woods!

    INVESTORS in Bury's green future came to town to see how local projects are growing. They comprised representatives from the New Opportunities Fund and English Nature, who are providing £73,000 over a three-year period. Their fact-finding trip took them

  • Bank money talks!

    A CHARITY dedicated to helping local people affected by stroke can bank on Lloyds TSB. For the high street bank has handed over a much needed £14,000 to Speakeasy, a Ramsbottom based group. The money has come from the Lloyds TSB Foundation, which helps

  • Blunkett's Bouncers bound for borough

    COMMUNITY Support Officers, nicknamed Blunkett's Bouncers, are set to patrol the streets of the borough. The Home Office announced Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will receive £1.42 million for 160 community support officers (CSOs). It is not yet clear

  • Seeing the light at gallery

    VISITORS to Bury Art Gallery are sure to be enlightened by its latest exhibition. Light itself is the theme of a major show which is the first time the works of Austrian artist Helmut Schober have been seen in Britain. His huge abstract canvasses are

  • Now Batley come to Leigh

    BATLEY beat Oldham 26-16 to earn a trip to Leigh in next Sunday's Northern Ford Premiership major semi-final, the winners of which will play Huddersfield in the October 12 Grand Final.

  • Hill rescue man died in hospital

    A RAMBLER died after collapsing while walking on Pendle Hill last week, despite a massive operation by emergency rescue services. The Mountain Rescue team, Lancashire Air Ambulance and the Ambulance Service were called to the hills above Sabden last Friday

  • Tust in line for best practice award

    MEMBERS of the child health department at an East Lancashire trust have been singled out for a best practice award for the second time in a year. The Child Health department at Burnley Health Care NHS Trust has been praised for the outstanding delivery

  • Removal man wasn't insured

    A BUSINESSMAN who falsely claimed his removals and storage firm was insured was ordered to pay £350. But he was told he could have faced a more severe penalty if he not already been declared bankrupt. Keith Mills, one-time proprietor of Bailey's Keep

  • Cliviger bulletin

    CARLETT'S Stride was held in perfect weather conditions on Sunday when more than 100 walkers and four runners took part. No-one was lost en route, there were no injuries and everyone enjoyed the hot meal served afterwards in Church House by the ladies

  • Forgotten victim

    THE parents of a hit and run victim who was injured as Burnley tried to control rioters, today revealed he will never fully recover. And the family of Dean Cotterill criticised the Task Force set up in the wake of last year's trouble for not contacting

  • Wanderers v Shakers: Live web report

    LIVE match report exclusively for this website. Simply click HERE for all the news as it happens For The Big Match Verdict and all the reaction click HERE on Thursday

  • Ex-White backing Bury

    FORMER Wanderers ace Malcolm Barrass insists there will be no divided loyalties when his grandson lines up against Bolton. While young Matt is currently starring at the back for Bury, Malcolm has a proud history with the Wanderers, having played in the

  • Tune in

    TWO singers making names for themselves in the opera world will be arriving in East Lancashire to keep a date with 70 men. Contralto Alison Hudson and soprano Maria Bovino will be performing with the Nelson Arion Male Voice Choir at St Thomas's Church

  • Council manager speak at sport group

    A SIX-MONTH programme of talks and workshops organised by the recently established Sport Pendle will kick off this week. The group will meet on Thursday at Nelson Cricket Club, in Surrey Road, and guest speaker will be Colin Patten, service manager for

  • He's a marvel with a mallet!

    A RETIRED teacher has picked up a second major croquet title to join an elite band of mallet men. Abdul Ahmad, of Church Street, Barrowford, scooped the Old England Croquet Champion title at the national championships at Colchester Croquet Club. Abdul

  • Pupils banned for 'defiant streaks'

    A HEADTEACHER today defended her decision to send home two 15-year-old girls from school because of red hair dye and said: "Open defiance of school rules threatens their education." Janet Walsh, of Primet High School, Dent Street, Colne, spoke out after

  • Better - but are we in the lucky three?

    Better, much better. Following last weekend's horror-show at Bradford, it was essential the Clarets produced a good performance and took all three points against Franchise FC - if only to get the supporters back on side. That they did was largely down

  • Five years ago

    CANINE wonder Tarquin was nominated for national Guide Dog of the Year after saving his owner's life. Andrew Komosa, 36, of The Spinney, Blackburn, suffers from hypoglycaemia and only increased his blood sugar levels after Tarquin brought him some bottles

  • Witness plea

    OSWALDTWISTLE Police are appealing for witnesses who can help find two burglars who they disturbed during a break-in. Officers, who disturbed the pair as they tried to break into a house in Hawthorn Avenue, are appealing for anyone with information to

  • Abandoned piglet gets food for life

    BABE the abandoned piglet taken in by an Oswaldtwistle animal sanctuary has been given a meal ticket for life. Having already made his TV debut, the precocious porker has been sponsored by The Pet Warehouse in Oswaldtwistle, who have agreed to pay for

  • Pals put their stamp on shelter

    YOUNGSTERS will stamp their personality on a new shelter thanks to a donation from a local decorating store. The group of 25, who attend the Oswaldtwistle Youth and Community Centre in Harvey Street, are painting designs of their choice on 25 steel panels

  • Campaigners win road safety fight

    CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating today after their two-year battle for safety measures led to a £100,000 traffic calming scheme. Plans to reduce problems in the Avenue Parade area of Accrington include the introduction of road humps and 20mph zones, although

  • Cadamarteri loses appeal

    BRADFORD striker Danny Cadamarteri has lost his appeal over his sending off against Burnley. Cadamarteri was dismissed for an elbow during the 2-2 draw, but Bradford asked the Football Association to review the decision. However, they unanimously agreed

  • Measuring up drinks

    TRADING standards officers are reminding customers who are not happy with the way their glasses are topped up that they can help. They recommend if punters are not happy they should ask for a top-up and if they are not happy with the top-up they should

  • Jazzmen in big demand

    A BUSY schedule lies ahead for The Pendle Jazzmen over the next month. Starting on October 4 a regular session on the first Friday of the month begins at The Royal in Great Harwood. The Butcher and Bull in Burnley sessions, held on the last Thursday of

  • Pub's varied styles suit couple

    NEW licensees have taken over at the popular Borough Arms in Blackburn. With 16 years experience in the trade Mike and Christine Butterfield have moved from the Abbey in Accrington. Although the pub is renowned for its hectic Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

  • Don't call us karaoke killjoys, that's the law

    A BLACKBURN with Darwen councillor and member of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has hit back at critics who have labelled the council a 'killjoy' over its karaoke policy. Coun Dave Smith, who represents the Sunnydale ward, said it was not Blackburn

  • Call to keep mature officers

    A CALL for police in the North West to create a new category of part-time retained police officer has been made by the Liberal Democrats. The party wants experienced officers, many of whom currently take early retirement at the age of 50, to be encouraged

  • Serious fund-raising begins for Affetside fight

    PARENTS who are seeing red at plans to close a primary school have kick-started their campaign to keep it open. Friends, staff and parents of Affetside Primary School have begun a fund-raising drive to help pay for legal costs in their bid to stop Bury's

  • Duo to miss Sofia trip

    BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was today counting the costs of victory over West Brom after Garry Flitcroft and Dwight Yorke became the latest victims of Rovers' injury curse. Rovers soared to eighth in the Premiership table after a superb 2-0 win at the

  • Man daubed ex's home with paint

    A MAN daubed furniture, floors and walls at his former partner's home with white gloss paint, causing more than £800 worth of damage. Blackburn magistrates heard that the paint attack followed an incident at David Cowans flat where his former partner

  • Hi-tech way to hit the high notes

    COMMUNITY workers in Darwen are serving up hi-tech with cuppas at a cyber cafe. The venue opened for business at Sudellside Community Centre where it is running alongside the youth club. Alison Collins, community development assistant, said: "There are

  • Free IT course at Hindle centre

    VOLUNTARY and community groups will be able to improve their computer skills this week during a basic IT course at the Mary Hindle Resource Centre in Bury Road, Haslingden. The free course will be staged on Thursday, between 1pm and 3.30pm, and run for

  • Trouble tenants facing council purge

    ROSSENDALE Borough Council are proposing a raft of measures to tackle anti-social tenants. The new measures are aimed at ending what an official report calls "a destructive force within communities." A council spokesman said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour

  • Club's giant screen plan changed

    FEARS over traffic safety have forced plans for Blackpool's new £4million nightclub venue to be modified. The developers of the former ABC Cinema which will become the Syndicate club wanted a giant video screen on the west side of the building looking

  • Candle woman badly burned

    A BLACKPOOL woman who set herself alight from a lit candle at her flat in Tambrook Close, Blackpool, on Wednesday morning is in hospital suffering from severe burns. The woman, who has not been named, was outside the property, 'smouldering and smoking

  • Security blitz outrage

    HOTELIERS threatened to take the law into their own hands this week as anger grew over the security clampdown for the the Labour Party conference. Business has been hit as security and parking restrictions are greater than ever in the wake of September

  • Recruitment days offer chance to join the NHS

    ANYONE interested in a career in the NHS can go along to special recruitment days being held in Blackburn. Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust has organised a 'job shop' at Blackburn College on Friday between 9am and 4pm in the Student Services

  • Scheme to help with patient grumbles

    A PILOT scheme to help patients who want to make a complaint against the NHS or need advice has been launched. The new Independent Complaints and Advocacy Service for East Lancashire Patients has been set up by local community health councils. Chief officer

  • School's bus ads get the pupils on board

    AN enterprising headteacher struggling to attract pupils to his school is using bus advertising to get more children on board. John Hodkinson, who is head of Longshaw County Junior, Blackburn, has bought yards of advertising space on the side of a single-decker

  • Rovers to kick-start scanner stroll

    FUNDRAISERS who plan to put their best foot forward and join a charity walk could find themselves pounding the pavement next to a Premiership star after Blackburn Rovers pledged a star player would kick off event. Rovers is to support the Lancashire Evening

  • Welsh teams should stay in Wales!

    I SPENT most of last Monday in Colwyn Bay, carrying out a ground grading for the UniBond League. The club are members of the UniBond League Premier Division, and it doesn't really seem right for two Englishmen to grade the only Welsh club in the League

  • Making our streets safer

    MAJOR reinforcements the battle to beat crime and make Blackpool and Fylde streets safer may be on the way. Twelve Police Community Support Officers and eight street wardens may soon be appointed in separate initiatives announced by the Home Office and

  • Hoping for high notes!

    ENTERTAINER Mark Walton is lending his voice to Elton High School's bid for specialist status. He will be belting out a selection of well-known songs from the 1950s to the current day at a fund-raising concert later this week. The school in Walshaw Road

  • Trial over 'signed pictures of the stars'

    A BURY man will be in the dock in a trial in which a host of celebrities including Kate Winslet and Roger Moore will appear as witnesses. Larry Bore of Campbell Close, Walshaw, is to stand trial at Warwick Crown Court accused of breaching the Trades Description

  • £500,000 centre for town park?

    A £500,000 two-storey community and sporting centre could be built at Hoyle Park in Bury. And a sports club has been established to spearhead the plan after being given self-management status by Bury Council. A two-year fund-raising campaign has been