IMMENSE social benefits are set to flow from the £15-million plan to guarantee a free pre-school nursery place to 2,000 East Lancashire children. For not only does research show that good early learning increases children's educational chances, it also
PICKETS: Bury firemen on the picket line stated categorically that they were fully prepared to stay out on strike until their pay demands were met. They were working 40 hours a week, plus eight hours compulsory overtime, for an average take home pay of
I WOULD inform Jeanne Young and her friends (Letters, November 6) that Adolf Hitler banned hunting with hounds in Germany prior to World War Two, whereas Winston Churchill enjoyed riding to hounds. I hope that she now understands why some people on the
MILLIE, a medium-sized, brindle and white, female dog who is approximately four years old needs a home Millie is a very attractive dog who was brought into Manchester Dogs' Home by someone who found her wandering in the Langley area of Manchester Millie
WITH the Remembrance Sunday parade decreasing and respect reaching a low ebb, is it really necessary to cause such disagreement as has occurred between the Royal British Legion and churches in Great Harwood? For some 40 years along with others past and
MANCHESTER Dogs' Home is looking for a loving owner to care for one of its recent arrivals, Lizzie. Lizzie is a medium sized, tan and sable cross Staffordshire bitch. She was admitted to the Home on November 4, 2002 after being brought in by the Manchester
MANCHESTER Dogs' Home is looking for an owner for a pup they have named Ned. Ned is a black and white, medium-sized cross-terrier type dog, approximately 12 months old. Ned was admitted to the Home on the 24th October 2002 after being collected from Rochdale
A MAN has started a petition to return a town centre road to a one-way system after a pedestrian suffered a fractured skull in an accident. Jeff Cunliffe says people in Atherton never wanted to see Mealhouse Lane turned into a two-way route and it is
REGULARS at the Mosses Centre were on the ball when it came to raising much-needed cash for Bury FC. The Mosses Community Association and Prisms Mobile Disco held a fun evening at the popular Cecil Street centre during the summer in support of the Shakers
A BURY woman is to forge ahead with her campaign to force the Government to control the sale of fireworks. Mrs Pam Pearson has so far collected thousands of names on a petition proposing the introduction of a limited sales period for fireworks. The petition
TWO thousand children are to be guaranteed a free pre-school nursery place as part of a £15million plan unveiled today. Twelve new centres will be opened up across Blackburn with Darwen offering a range of children's services under one roof. The guarantee
POLICE are hunting a serial conman who targets pensioners. The thief tricked his way into the homes of two Bury pensioners but failesd to gain access to two more properties when the occupants became suspicious. The man is in his 50s, 5ft 6in tall, with
CAR-parking charges are to be introduced at Fairfield General Hospital. From January, patients, visitors and staff will have to pay and display, using machines around the site. The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust says the move is "in tandem with the
MOURNING families have been invited to help design a permanent memorial to their children. Many stillborn babies in Bury Cemetery lie in unmarked graves, and some parents have asked for them to be properly commemorated. Bury Council says that the publicity
MARTIN O'Neill admitted he was delighted by his side's efforts as they put right the wrongs from their first leg performance. "We didn't play well in the first leg and maybe we got out of jail," he said. "We took a lot of criticism after that game, much
CHRIS Sutton claimed some Rovers players had been left with "egg on their face" after the Scottish champions rammed the post match comments from a fortnight ago back down their throats. After the first leg the Celtic squad was upset by some of the quotes
A FORMER drug addict who went out stealing was trying to raise cash to heat his freezing home. Burnley Magistrates heard how Lee John Taylor's rented property was due to be demolished and had fallen into disrepair because the landlord didn't want to spend
THE public will now be able to find out what the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust does following the launch of its new website. Information about the trust and its services will be available on www.bprpct.nhs.uk The website has been designed
A PLANNING application has been submitted for permission to link extensions between bedroom areas at Rosewood Nursing Home, in Owen Street. Any comments or objections to be made to the Planning Department before November 27, please quote application umber
MEMBERS of the award-winning Burnley Against Night Time Disorder safety scheme celebrated the second anniversary by unveiled a raft of new initiatives. Jimmy Nelson, chairman of BAND, Superintendent Steve Hartley, and the Principal of Burnley College,
TWO young brothers were allegedly sexually attacked by a teenager when they visited his Burnley home, a jury was told. The town's Crown Court heard claims the youth, 16, forced himself on the older of the two victims and fondled the younger child. The
PARENTS behind Burnley's DIY school have hit out at education bosses for not telling them where children who are appealing for places live. They claim a map used at appeal panels shows children from outside school catchment areas have been granted places
ANDY PREECE is looking for a real cup tie atmosphere when the Shakers take on Plymouth Argyle in tomorrow's FA Cup first round tie at Gigg Lane. The Bury boss is desperate to progress in the competition that the Gigg Lane men last won exactly 100 years
TWO Court of Appeal cases have given fresh hope to the Radcliffe-based national campaign group, Mast Sanity. It is hoping the court's decisions will help allow residents to challenge phone masts on health grounds and sue the public authorities that have
A SHOP raider has been jailed for two months and hopes to be out to start a new life with a family Christmas. Burnley Magistrates heard that heard Stuart Robert Leeming, 22, was now winning his battle against drugs, had a new girlfriend and, for the first
THE funeral of a 14-year-old Barnoldswick boy who died just a day after a family friend launched a cheeky fundraising campaign to help him is to be held today. Marcus Drury, of Ceaders Close, was autistic and suffered from epilepsy. His health suddenly
DUST off the glitter wigs and put a crease back in the flares -- the record-breaking Mamma Mia Tour 2002 is coming to Blackburn. The '70s music spectacular will go on stage at King George's Hall on Thursday, December 5. The show features everything from
RICHARD Ashcroft won the hearts and minds of the crowd at his Blackburn gig this week playing a set of old favourites and tracks from his new album. The man's stage presence has always been slightly awkward and in faded denims at the King George's Hall
EIGHT thousand daffodil bulbs were planted around Blackburn to brighten up the town centre. They were planted in schools and public places by the Prince's Youth Trust and Blackburn Groundwork Trust.
GOVERNMENT housing minister Hilary Armstrong joined a party at the Police Street hostel, in Darwen, to celebrate its 100 years serving the community. She was accompanied by dignitaries including Mayor, Coun Peter Greenwood, residents and staff.
HAWKSHAW businesswoman Mrs Jan Barnes has retired as chairman of MOSAIC, the women in business forum of Bolton Bury Chamber. Jan, who runs the Boardman's business with her husband, had held the post for the past three years. MOSAIC is an organisation
THE first supported living scheme in the region for elderly Jewish people has opened in Prestwich. Moorview House at Heathlands Village will allow tenants to live independently while being close to a range of services. Up to 50 people can be housed in
A DRUG addicted shoplifter tried to help herself to a £100 trolley load of goods from Asda, Burnley Magistrates heard. The court was told how Deborah Tomlin, 37, and an accomplice were captured on CCTV. Tomlin, of Lindsay Street, Burnley, admitted theft
DETECTIVES believe the sighting of a small red car could be crucial in the hunt for clues to a shooting. Police are hunting two men in relation to a shooting of a 44-year-old man in Broughton Street, Burnley at 8.45pm on October 31. The victim was taken
BURY-based Tetrosyl is carrying the can to allow proud home owners to create imaginative styles for their house or garden. The firm, one of the leading manufacturers of spray paints, has just launched the World of Colour, a comprehensive and expanding
FIVE soccer thugs were today banned for life from Turf Moor, as police launched a hunt for 12 people suspected of causing trouble at an away match. Nathan Barras, 27, of Burnley, Peter Dyer, 43, of Howarth, Daniel Allot, 21, of Burnley, Andrew McNee,
FORGET about beating Manchester United, for the moment all that matters to the Clarets is getting into the top six of the first division. That was the message from in-from defender Graham Branch who added: "With the squad we have got, anything less than
FOOTBALLER Jason Jarrett scored a massive own goal the night he decided to get behind the wheel and drive after he had been drinking. For, the former Bury FC player, who was also fined a total of £1,000, and banned for 18 months, now faces paying hefty
WHEN it comes to refuse collection, Radcliffe resident Joanne Maynard has only one verdict: what a load of rubbish! Since moving into her Turks Road home in July, binmen have emptied her wheelie bin on only a handful of occasions. "I'm in the ridiculous
BURY Racial Equality Council (BREC) has appointed its first-ever female director. And the initial task of Ms Monaza Luqman will be to meet representatives of the borough's voluntary, private and public sectors. Ms Luqman (35), has been appointed the racial
PHILIPS Park Hall in Whitefield is to undergo a major transformation in a bid to return to the more sedate side of life. New owners at the venue are to open an exclusive Thai restaurant and pub by early February 2003 which will mean an end to the wild
A NEW bus will be the perfect vehicle for tackling complaints over youths causing annoyance. And Bury Youth Offending Team (YOT) will be taking their new mobile base on the road to some of the borough's "hotspot" locations to work with young people. The
CLARETS keeper Marlon Beresford has vowed to continue giving his best for the club despite his "disappointment" at failing to agree terms on a new long term deal. "I will still be giving 110 per cent to help the club to more victories," he promised ahead
DEFIANT Blackburn boss Graeme Souness today came out fighting as he attempts to raise morale following last night's UEFA Cup humbling at the hands of Celtic. Rovers crashed out at the second round stage after goals from Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton
THE head of Darwen Moorland High School gave a speech designed to lift the spirits of the audience at the school's presentation evening yesterday. Richard Bridges said he wanted to combat much of the negativity in the world and the apathy that stopped
DARWEN MP Janet Anderson has branded any talk of the town having its own council and separating from Blackburn as "pure nonsense". She said the town was too small to stand on its own and any move would result in council tax rises and Darwen suffering.
A MOTHER fell from a bus and landed on the pram containing her eight-month-old child when the driver allegedly lowered the platform as she was getting off. Blackburn magistrates heard that the father, John Mark Clark, punched the bus driver because of
A DISABLED pensioner who had hard drugs in her hand when police raided her home has kept her freedom. Wheelchair-bound mother of five Bette Hassall, 65, said to have been taken advantage of by two of her children who abused drugs, had been given five
FIREFIGHTERS who spent a second night picketing outside fire stations across East Lancashire said they were overwhelmed with public support. Food, drink, money and even wood for bonfires have been dropped off at fire stations by dozens of well-wishers
THE Charter Theatre in Preston has something to Bragg about... Left-wing singer, writer and political activist Billy Bragg will bring his travelling show to the Guild Hall venue on Thursday. Billy and The Blokes will be in town performing their own brand
IT'S the early hours of February 3, 1959. Three young pop stars hop on to a small plane which is scheduled to take them through appalling weather to the next stop on their hectic American tour. But Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper never
GLOBETROTTING musician Ian Ball may have seen much of the world with Gomez but next month he and the band will pay their first-ever visit to Blackburn. Born and bred down the East Lancs Road, in Southport, he readily admits the city lights of Liverpool
A NATIONAL strategy to encourage more young people into the Church was unveiled today by the Bishop of Blackburn. The Rt Rev Alan Chesters outlined his five-year plan to encourage better links between the young and the Church at a meeting of the General
SHOPPING centre bosses have issued an urgent festive SOS -- Save Our Santa! For as long as anyone can remember, Father Christmas has sent a lookalike to spend six weeks in the grotto at Blackburn while he is busy at the North Pole. But a combination of
POLICE have launched an inquiry after Celtic fans were crushed last night as they tried to gain entry into Ewood Park for their team's clash with Blackburn Rovers. One fan was taken to hospital vomiting blood while paramedics tended to people on the scene
THE self-styled leader of Blackburn Boulevard drinkers has been jailed for five months for his part in a "shocking" display of racist behaviour. Blackburn magistrates heard that Bilkis Valli and her three young children, attending a fun day in Blackburn
TWO thousand children are to be guaranteed a free pre-school nursery place as part of a £15million plan unveiled today. Twelve new centres will be opened up across Blackburn with Darwen offering a range of children's services under one roof. The guarantee
FORGOTTEN man Ian Lawson came out of the shadows to fire the Shakers into the Northern quarter finals of the LDV Vans Trophy. Lawson, who hadn't started a game for the Shakers this season, has been well down the strikers' pecking order at Gigg Lane, but
AFTER Clitheroe's impressive 3-1 win over Bedlington Terriers in the FA Vase last Saturday, it is back to the mundane of the North West Counties League for Lee Sculpher's men. The Blues have applied to join the UniBond League next season, signalling the
RAMSBOTTOM are still looking for their first NWCL first division win under new managers Andy Grimshaw and Jimmy Clarke - and it could come tomorrow at Salford City. The Rams were 'much improved' against Morecambe on Tuesday, despite the 2-1 defeat, and
BLACKBURN Hawks resume league action with a trip to Deeside to face Flintshire on Sunday. The Welsh side are equal on points with the Hawks, both comfortably sitting in mid-table of the English National Hockey League North. But Hawks' coach Bobby Haig
PADIHAM have been rocked by the news that striker Lee Chambers is facing another long lay-off. Chambers made his return to action on Tuesday scoring Padiham's equaliser against Cheadle Town, but again damaged knee ligaments and manager Graham Howarth
WHY is it that every time I visit Bury town centre on market days I see the community wardens from Bury East? Aren't these people employed to patrol their own area, which is Bury East and not Bury Market? Isn't their area from the Fairfield Drive part
I READ with interest the front page story (Nov 1) about the businessman who had his car hijacked in Bury. Why is it that this crime was not been reported as a racial incident, as the story says that the victim was white and the three assailants, Asian
THE level of violence against children in the UK is a national disgrace. Every week at least one child is killed by a parent or carer. Child killings can happen in any community, anywhere in the country. There has been a groundswell of public concern
IT was heartening to read the comments of the new Chief Constable, Mr Michael J. Todd, in this year's Greater Manchester Police Authority annual report. His comment about transferring the fear of crime from the victim to the criminal being his number
BEING as Bury MBC has tried to close four residential homes during this year I find it rather strange that Councillor Gill Campbell has waited five months to "put the record straight" (Your Letters, Nov 5). Coun Campbell should cast her mind back to when
FIREMAN Mick Cant wrote to Your Letters saying he wants £30,000 a year because he is worth it, and he gives us a list of all the things he does to justify that view. However, many of the examples of help and rescue he puts forward have been performed
A PUB landlady was punched in the face after confronting a burglar armed with a crow bar. The thief broke into the Hark To Towler public house in Market Street, Tottington, at closing time yesterday. He climbed up a drain pipe and through a window at
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Sequence and Ballroom Dancing with Denise and Frank, Tony's Ballroom, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm-11pm. Christmas Fair, All Saints' Church, Aspen Lane, Oswaldtwistle
IT'S the early hours of February 3, 1959. Three young pop stars hop on to a small plane which is scheduled to take them through appalling weather to the next stop on their hectic American tour. But Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper never
YOUTH will be very much in evidence when The Jam Factory and St Wilfred's Junk Band appear together in concert at the Thwaites Theatre, Blackburn, tomorrow night from 7.30pm. The Jam Factory, the 40-or-so strong ensemble of musicians under the direction
BURY Under 15s bid to make it into the last 32 of the English Schools' Wizards Trophy when they take on Salford in their third round clash at Derby School tomorrow, kick off 10.30a.m. Bolton Under 15s switch their attentions to the Northern Merit League
1837: Pitman's system of shorthand was published under the title Stenographic Sound-Hand. 1899: Winston Churchill was captured by the Boers while covering the war as a reporter for the Morning Post. 1904: King Camp Gillette patented the first razor with
REGGIE the 10-month-old terrier is looking for a new home. He was picked up from a local police station by helpers from the Aspen Valley Kennels, Oswaldtwistle after he was found wandering the streets. He is a healthy, friendly dog who would fit into
GONE are the days when Bonfire Night was on 5th November - it lasts for about a month! Over the past few weeks leading up to Bonfire Night and beyond, Manchester Dogs Home in Harpurhey has admitted a large number of dogs. This has been put down to the
I READ with interest the observations of Mr R Bracewell (Letters, October 15) and would like to throw some light on to how time began. The simple explanation is found in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. this states in the first few verses that God
OUR animal sanctuary, caring for nearly 200 horses, ponies and donkeys and 41 sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs, needs £6,000 per week to survive this coming winter. Your readers may care to help by 'pledging' £1 weekly (or £5 monthly) by banker's
THE vast majority of people in Britain want to keep their local post office. The Government is doing its best to close them down. We are currently being subjected to a TV advertising campaign, which is giving the impression that from January next year
FATHER Christmas took time out from his busy seasonal schedule to attend a special fund-raising event in Bury at the weekend. He was the main guest at a combined autumn and Christmas fair staged by the town's St Peter's Church. The venue was St Peter's
DETECTIVES are hunting a violent thief who pushed a woman into a wall before stealing her purse. His 62-year-old victim suffered minor injuries and shock as a result of the attack which happened at 9pm on Tuesday (Nov 12). The woman was walking along
ARMED thugs fled empty-handed after attempting to steal cash from a bus driver. And one of them smashed a window as the bus drove away after the incident on Wednesday night (Nov 13). The First Bus vehicle, which was en route to Bury, was flagged down
LIFE was certainly a drag for burly male regulars of a Bury pub. For they risked ridicule by dressing up in women's clothing, but all in a good cause. Seven brave men adorned themselves in a variety of female garb and wigs for a Miss World contest with
FANS of former Boyzone heart-throb Keith Duffy are reminded that he will be lighting up the Mill Gate Shopping Centre on Sunday (Nov 17). The pop celebrity turned actor, who played sailor Ciaran McCarthy in Coronation Street, will be special guest at
TWO pensioners, including an 81-year-old, have fallen victim to handbag thieves. Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward with information on both incidents. The first happened at 2.30pm on Thursday (Nov 7) in Sunningdale Avenue, Radcliffe
GRADUATE Ruth Walters has been named as one of the most talented young scientists in the country. Ruth (23), of Brownhill Farm, Ainsworth, was shortlisted for the Science, Engineering and Technology Student of the Year Awards at London Guildhall in September
FIVE soccer thugs were today banned for life from Turf Moor, as police launched a hunt for 12 people suspected of causing trouble at an away match. Nathan Barras, 27, of Burnley, Peter Dyer, 43, of Howarth, Daniel Allot, 21, of Burnley, Andrew McNee,
MOTORISTS in Bury are being warned they face a 50 per cent increase in parking fines. Bury Council has now taken over the enforcement of regulations and anyone found parking illegally in the town will be fined £60. This will be reduced to £30 if they
RESCUERS helped a pregnant cow give birth after it had fallen into freezing water at Burrs Country Park. Tragically, the calf was delivered stillborn after it had drowned in the canal while its mother gave birth under water. Firefighters were forced to
IT'S business as usual at a Ramsbottom hotel despite a fire on Sunday (Nov 10). Staff at the Grant Arms Hotel alerted fire crews after smelling smoke in the kitchen area. But they were unable to locate the source of the fumes. Even firefighters were left
A SCOUT group faces a major rebuilding project after its clubhouse was nearly burnt down. Extensive damage to the roof and equipment was caused after the fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, ripped through St Margaret's Scout hut
ROVERS keeper Brad Friedel will go under the knife this weekend in a bid to cure his long-standing knee problem. Manager Graeme Souness revealed last night that Friedel will undergo an operation to repair his damaged cartilage immediately AFTER Sunday's
DEJECTED Rovers defender Craig Short admitted Henrik Larsson's early goal was the vital moment in last night's defeat by Celtic in the UEFA Cup. And while some tried to play down the Battle of Britain hype, Short could not hide his disappointment. "We
DEFIANT Blackburn boss Graeme Souness today came out fighting as he attempts to raise morale following last night's UEFA Cup humbling at the hands of Celtic. Rovers crashed out at the second round stage after goals from Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton
A LOOK at the key moments from the game against Celtic at Ewood Park. ROVERS FORM GUIDE: FRIEDEL: Couldn't be blamed for either of the goals but had little else to do on the night other than pick the ball out of his net...6 NEILL: Had a night to forget
CELTIC striker Henrik Larsson has scored his fair share of important goals down the years but few have clearly meant more to him than the one which effectively spelt the end of Blackburn's European dreams at Ewood Park last night. Normally, the Parkhead
Full time Rovers 0 - Celtic 2, the Scots win the Battle of Britain, read the key moments from the game. 21:46: 2 minutes of extra time will be played giving Celtic the chance to make it three as they continue to push forward. 21:40: 5 mins left and a
SCOOBY Doo and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Craig Heap will be helping to light up Burnley with the official Christmas switch-on which is to take place on Thursday, November 21. This year the ceremony will start at 6.30pm and will be followed by
FAMILY, friends and civic leaders gathered yesterday for a final farewell to former Burnley Mayor "gentleman" Jack Alston. The funeral included tributes which described a man who dedicated much of his life to serving the public in the town. Mr Alston,
FIVE soccer thugs were today banned for life from Turf Moor, as police launched a hunt for 12 people suspected of causing trouble at an away match. Nathan Barras, 27, of Burnley, Peter Dyer, 43, of Howarth, Daniel Allot, 21, of Burnley, Andrew McNee,
RELATIVES whose loved ones are buried in Burnley Cemetery will be allowed to place ornaments and teddies on the graves after a review of cemetery regulations. But those who have put plants and edging stones around grassed over graves will be told to remove
REGULARS at the Mosses Centre were on the ball when it came to raising much-needed cash for Bury FC. The Mosses Community Association and Prisms Mobile Disco held a fun evening at the popular Cecil Street centre during the summer in support of the Shakers
GEORGE Clegg is back in hospital for an x-ray today after freak injury in training yesterday. The midfielder, who has been out with knee ligament damage, had been making good progress in his first full week back in harness but he painfully jarred his
MANAGER Paul Sturrock has worked wonders at Home Park since arriving in October 2001, three months after resigning the hotseat at his beloved Dundee United. In 2001-2002, his first full season with the Pilgrims, he steered the team to the Third Division
FANS of former Boyzone heart-throb Keith Duffy are reminded that he will be lighting up the Mill Gate Shopping Centre on Sunday (Nov 17). The pop celebrity turned actor, who played sailor Ciaran McCarthy in Coronation Street, will be special guest at
CHRISTMAS celebrations in Radcliffe have been finalised, with the seasonal kick-off on November 30. The town centre will stage a fun-packed day of entertainment from 11.30am, with performances by local school choirs and bands, and a chance to meet the
PENDLE Leisure Trust is hoping to improve its leisure centres in the borough by asking local people for their ideas. Suggestions put forward by members of the public have already led to plans being put in place and anyone who makes an innovative and feasible
THE Charter Theatre in Preston has something to Bragg about... Left-wing singer, writer and political activist Billy Bragg will bring his travelling show to the Guild Hall venue on Thursday. Billy and The Blokes will be in town performing their own brand
AROUND 2,000 people flocked to Accrington town centre for the annual Christmas lights switch on and fireworks extravaganza. And one schoolboy was given an early Christmas treat when the mayor of Hyndburn, Coun Sandra Hayes, asked him to help her switch
CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a giant animal waste incinerator in Hapton have been told it will next year before a decision is taken. Lancashire County Council's development control committee met yesterday to discuss plans for the site, at the former
A MARRIED father of two who got a schoolgirl to perform a sex act on him was today starting a four-month jail term. Nadeem Arif, 24, of Lister Street, Accrington, had earlier escaped jail after admitting indecent assault on the 14-year-old, but had flouted
A COFFEE shop that has been used by cannabis smokers is set to be given approval to operate by councillors. A planning application for the coffee shop above Studio One tattoo parlour in Warner Street, Accrington will go before Hyndburn Council's development
RESIDENTS on an Accrington estate have clashed at a protest over a set of swings removed by a man who lives near the play area. A group of parents from the Spring Hill area of town staged the protest yesterday about the swings, on land near Spring Vale
COURAGEOUS marathon woman Jane Tomlinson received a £2,400 charity donation at a dinner to mark the opening of Bury-based DTE Corporate Recovery's Manchester office. Jane, who suffers from cancer, has raised £100,000 for Cancer Research by competing in
A BURY businessman who runs a successful landscape gardening and paving company has ever "resin" to be cheerful. Richard Heys has been selected by a national driveways company as a licensee for its top-rated solvent resin product. With positive feedback
A NEW recruitment agency could be just the job for Bury companies and prospective employees. Daniel Adams Recruitment has just opened the doors of its second North West branch in the Derby Chambers on The Rock. The company, operated by businesswoman Michelle
STAN Ternent claimed his side will be the "under-dogs" as they travel to take on Rotherham United at Millmoor tomorrow. "They have had a fantastic start to the season and as it stands at the moment they are above us in the table," he said. "That means
PEOPLE with toothache, sunburn or just plain old hiccups will no longer have ambulance crews racing to their rescue. As part of a new drive to improve its response times, Greater Manchester Ambulance Service (GMAS) this week launched a pilot project where
A GRANDFATHER died seven weeks after being struck by a speeding van in Spain. Mr Robert Walsh (69) was walking with his family in Peniscola near Valencia when he was hit and thrown into a ditch by the vehicle's impact. The former car dealer, of Cotswold
A BURY College student was attacked with an axe during an armed robbery at a Prestwich petrol station. Mabeel Khan (19) suffered a deep axe wound to his leg and a broken arm from attempting to defend himself. Police have said the incident, which happened
LATEST details RESULTS: Premier Division: Hamers Arms 5 Rainsough Brew 2; Derby Ht A 5 S of Life B 2; LLWMC 3 Royal Oak A 4; Church Sp St 3 Summerseat A 4. First Division: H/Hounds 3 Welcome A 4; Bridge Tav A 4 Victoria Ht 3; Old Tower 1 Shirt Club A
GLOBETROTTING musician Ian Ball may have seen much of the world with Gomez but next month he and the band will pay their first-ever visit to Blackburn. Born and bred down the East Lancs Road, in Southport, he readily admits the city lights of Liverpool
A DARWEN skateboard and BMX park has put itself on the map thanks to a recent poll by a national magazine. Rhythm Skate Park was voted one of the top ten parks in the country by BMX Rider magazine. The park, in Gillibrand Mill, Percival Street, was opened
A LUCKY seven-year-old won a an early Christmas present last night for herself and her family at her school's Pre-Christmas shopping extravaganza. Cait O'Conner, a year four pupil at St Mary's Primary School, Lime Street, Haslingden, entered a grand raffle
A ROSSENDALE councillor today urged local residents to have their say about the future of a doctor's surgery. Councillor Michael McShea's spoke out after it was revealed that plans to relocate Stacksteads surgery have been submitted to Rossendale Council
COUNCIL workers have been banned from making toast in a bid to prevent false alarms during the firefighters strike. Blackburn with Darwen Council made the decision to minimise the risk of Green Goddess crews being called to its Town Hall tower block.
JUDGING by the conversation over the bonfire at Burnley Fire Station last night, it isn't hard to imagine what the fire crews picketing in the cold wished for when a shooting star went sailing overhead. "An end to the strike and some sensible talking
RICHARD Ashcroft won the hearts and minds of the crowd at his Blackburn gig this week playing a set of old favourites and tracks from his new album. The man's stage presence has always been slightly awkward and in faded denims at the King George's Hall
IT'S the early hours of February 3, 1959. Three young pop stars hop on to a small plane which is scheduled to take them through appalling weather to the next stop on their hectic American tour. But Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper never
A MAN upset at being arrested for a breach of the peace made his feelings clear by daubing them in his own blood on the walls of a police station cell. Blackburn magistrates heard that John James Jackson wrote "pigs" in large letters on the wall and also
DRUNKEN driver Ian David Edwardson left behind a clue when he fled after crashing into two other vehicles -- his car's number plate. Blackburn magistrates heard that police quickly traced his address and shortly after the incident found the car close
A MARATHON mix-up which left runner Debbie Hayes out of this year's Great North Run has proved a godsend for a Lancashire church. Blackburn Cathedral receptionist Debbie could not enter the half-marathon in Newcastle-upon-Tyne earlier this year, after
AS EARLY as 8am the first visitors were stepping off the train from Glasgow. By midday Celtic fans were arriving in their thousands and Blackburn was awash with green and white. Coaches dropped supporters off in their droves in the town centre, most of
PATIENCE is the key for Nelson says boss John Bailey as he looks for a home success against Holker Old Boys tomorrow. Nelson have ground to make up with a string of games in hand, but putting a run together now is what Bailey is aiming for and home games
ROSSENDALE were rocked this week by the news that chairman Andrew Connolly had put the club up for sale - but the players just have to 'get on with it', says striker Craig Sargeson. 'Sargy' says the changes around Dark Lane since Connolly took over three
ACCRINGTON Stanley striker Lutel James feels the UniBond leaders have learned their lesson. Having raced to the top of the table with an unbeaten run of 13 games, a first defeat at Frickley prompted a couple more setbacks. However, James, who bagged two
DARWEN host upwardly mobile Bacup Borough at the Anchor tomorrow with home boss Steve Wilkes seeking a morale-boosting victory. While Bacup manager Brent Peters has recruited freely, Wilkes is battling to compete in the second division and said his side
THE review led by Sir George Bain on the issues behind the fire strike concluded that in return for an 11 per cent pay increase, the fire service should be modernised. It blamed the Fire Brigade Union for mounting 'a sustained and energetic opposition
FIRE Brigade Union leader Andy Gilchrist said the Bain Report was a deliberate ploy by dark forces in Downing Street to provoke a strike. Aside from the 'slap in the face' 11 per cent pay rise, which would be phased over two years, the report pushed for
A DENTIST shares responsibility for a series of blunders in the treatment of a five-year-old girl who died after being put to sleep, an inquiry heard. Michael Patrick Lane, 43, had a 'duty of care' to ensure his equipment was up to date before Karla Selley
THE popular new Ball Zone in Whitefield Park, Whitefield, will be at the heart of a brand new five-a-side football competition for local youngsters on Saturday, November 30. Entry is free and the competition will involve five-a-side teams, aged between
ONE has to wonder whether this government is totally bereft of negotiating skills, given the outcome of meetings with the firefighters' union this week. As a member of the UK's usually silent majority I can only describe the "four per cent now, seven
I AGREE with E. Tebbs (Your Letters, Oct 22) that the USA want to take over the huge oil reserves of Iraq. Readers know that the terrorists attacked New York because of its financial importance to America. Next in world financial status is London, which
I WRITE this letter in support of our firemen who have gone on strike. September 11, and the recent sad death of the firefighter from Leicester, showed us just what firefighters are up against. So I appeal to the public not to let the media propaganda
IT IS now a few weeks since I officially took up the post of Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police. Transferring the fear of crime from the victim to the criminal is my number one priority and I have been on the streets, alongside police officers
THERE could have been no child looking forward to their first day back at school as much as brave Elizabeth Morris. The six-year-old girl was reunited with her school friends on Friday (Nov 8) for the first time since she underwent a lifesaving bone marrow
ONE of the most stressful things you can do in life is move house - and I'm about to do it again. I may as well as propose to the Long Suffering Marjorie, heap the stress of a marriage on top of it all, have a heart attack and be done with it. Death is
