Weather
Stories for 1 February 2002
Accrington News
Dog returns - spray-painted
A DOG owner had the shock of her life when her stolen dog was returned to her -- spray-painted. more...
'We can beat racists'
A SCHEME to encourage people to report hate crimes is set to be expanded after it was hailed a major success by police a year on from its launch. more...
Haulage firm boss on drugs charge
THE boss of an East Lancashire haulage firm has appeared in court charged with importing drugs worth £22m into the country. more...
Blackburn News
Nursing homes set to close
MORE than 600 East Lancashire pensioners faced an uncertain future today after council bosses earmarked 19 nursing homes for closure. more...
Channel hopping
BUDDING mermaids at an East Lancashire school are taking the plunge to raise cash for a new pool -- by swimming the English Channel. more...
New education chief 'class act'
COUNCIL chiefs have announced the new head of education and lifelong learning for Blackburn with Darwen, one of the country's most successful education authorities. more...
Easier reception for rape victims
EAST Lancashire rape victims will soon be cared for at a purpose-built centre which combines forensic and medical care. more...
Kill threats man faces sentence
A MAN was due to appear in court for sentence today on charges of harassment, making a threat to kill and causing damage with intent to endanger the life of his former girlfriend. more...
Cup final train treat for Roversfans
BLACKBURN Rovers fans can go to the Worthington Cup final in style thanks to the enterprise of an East Lancashire firm. more...
Two on bid to rob charges
A MAN and a teenager were due to appear at Blackburn magistrates today in connection with an attempted robbery at an off-licence. more...
Blackpool News
Concern grows for Elswick teenager
Police are concerned for the safety of Charlene Louise Johnson, 14, who has been missing from home in Elswick for a week. more...
Digging in on the dunes
A DILAPIDATED eyesore on the sand dunes at St Annes could be transformed into luxury flats -- but environmental groups believe building work could harm the dunes. more...
Security system 'as safe as houses'
THE Citizen's campaign to help elderly Fylde folk combat bogus callers this week highlights an innovative security system -- devised by a Fylde company -- designed to foil thieves who prey on the elderly and vulnerable in their homes. more...
We'll tackle youth crime
YOUTHS causing trouble on the streets of St Annes and Lytham will soon be feeling the long arm of the law, according to new police inspector Louise Leyland. more...
Electrify the coastal lines
ELECTRIFICATION of the line from Preston to Blackpool's North and South stations and reinstating the line from Poulton to Fleetwood are just two of the proposals in a strategy document produced by the North West branch of Railfuture. more...
Maria and Chris top the poll
THOUSANDS of young people in every district of Lancashire will visit the ballot box this February to elect their own parliament -- and Blackpool is leading the way. more...
No help for helpline
AN Inland Revenue helpline call centre based in Blackpool is to shut despite lobbying by MPs. But they got an assurance that staff would be "redeployed." more...
Blowing their own trumpet
BLACKPOOL has always enjoyed a reputation for being brassy -- and to prove it the town is hosting a competition for youngsters to blow their own trumpet! more...
Norcross row rumbles on
CONCERNED union representatives claimed that staff were still working in dangerous conditions at a Bispham benefits office this week -- despite reassurances from management. more...
A cut above the rest
THE Mereside hairdresser whose business was left in ruins after burglars flooded out her shop last week has managed to re-open -- thanks to help from good neighbours. more...
Shop stock destroyed
A SEVERE fire in the Hounds Hill shopping centre in Blackpool left thousands of pounds worth of stock ruined. more...
School fulfills head's dream
STANLEY Junior School in Blackpool opened its state-of-the-art library yesterday as a tribute to its late head teacher, Peter Higgins. more...
Don't fall for this con trick
SMALL businesses throughout the North West are being warned to watch out for a bogus company claiming to be a Government agency. more...
Long service marked
FOUR Fylde members of Lancashire's fire and rescue service were honoured for 20 years' service at a special ceremony in Chorley. more...
Billy O'Rourke Dies
FORMER Blackpool FC goalkeeper Billy O'Rourke died of a brain haemorrhage last Friday, aged 41. more...
Appeal for help on missing man
POLICE are appealing for information on the whereabouts of John Michael Gibbons, 66, who has been missing from home in St Bedes Avenue, Blackpool, since January 20 this year. more...
Man killed by train near Blackpool
A MAN was killed after being hit by a train in Blackpool on Wednesday night. more...
Youngsters help their furry friends
PUPILS at a Fleetwood school have helped furry and feathered friends with an unusual donation. more...
It's a sporting chance
PUPILS from Red Marsh and Great Arley Schools are involved in an innovative rugby coaching programme. more...
Blackpool,Lancashire Leisure
Part to die for says Faith
MISS Brown is showing a new Faith with her latest role. The irrepressible impressionist from Liverpool is donning a turban and dropping the comedy routine to play former Hollywood superstar Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard. more...
Dawn of a new Faith
OLD style glamour, gutsy ladies and gorgeous gowns combined to make Sunset Boulevard's premiere in Blackpool streets ahead of the rest. more...
Blackpool,Lytham News
Thanks for help in research
I SHOULD like to thank your paper and everyone who contacted me with information on how Anchorsholme got its name. I've listed a brief resume of the historical facts that was kindly sent to me. more...
'Bending the truth' on casinos
YOUR correspondent Phil Riggins (Citizen, Jan 24) is surely bending the truth with his statement that the research for Blackpool Challenge Partnership (BCP) identified that 71% of the people of Blackpool are behind the casinos. more...
Looking for old pal
I AM wondering if any readers can help me locate the whereabouts of Frank McAdam, a British friend of mine whom I knew in Penang in the early 1960s. more...
Help needed on bus station
I AM building a model of the Colosseum Coach Station during the heydays 1950/1960. more...
Blackpool,Lytham Sport
Arrowing in on a good cause
LOCAL darter Alec Butcher will be throwing darts for the KISS charity (Kirkham Integrated Stroke Support) unit on Saturday, February 9. more...
Victory is the 'best ever'
THE best performance in three seasons of competitive rugby -- that was the verdict on a stunning performance last Saturday by King Edward and Queen Mary's Under-14 side. more...
Bolton News
Just what the doctor ordered, but not here
FRUIT and veg on prescription is still a big step away for Bolton people, health experts say. more...
Council's £1.5m compensation bill fears
BOLTON Council is facing a looming accident compensation bill of at least £1.5million. more...
Ales well that ends well
BOLTON actress Kate Partington is the toast of the town. more...
Drink-drive charity worker jailed
A CHARITY worker banned from driving, drove a car while twice over the alcohol limit so he could deliver charity cash in time for Christmas, a court heard. more...
Town health care alert
MEDICAL facilities in Westhoughton may not be able to cope with the town's growing population, town councillors have warned. more...
Soap stars set to take on Kilimanjaro
TEN soap stars have left the glamour of showbusiness behind them and set out to begin the tough challenge of climbing Africa's highest peak. more...
Retirement on the menu for Cliff
A BOLTON councillor has retired from a family business after 44 years. more...
Children `at risk'
from games PROLONGED use of vibrating computer games by children may be linked to a condition known as hand-arm vibration syndrome and the games should carry health warnings, experts said today. more...
Horse woman's 999 rescue tribute
A GRATEFUL woman has offered her heartfelt thanks to the firefighters who spent two hours rescuing her beloved horse. more...
Airport still under threat of strike
INDUSTRIAL action may still go ahead at Manchester Airport as union and airport bosses discuss a dispute about the terms and conditions of security workers. more...
Floods warning on NW coast
THE Environment Agency issued tidal flood warnings as winds whipped up tides on the North-west coast. more...
Children `at risk' from computer games
PROLONGED use of vibrating computer games by children may be linked to a condition known as hand-arm vibration syndrome and the games should carry health warnings, experts said today. The condition, which results from the use of industrial tools such as gas powered chain saws and pneumatic tools, was recognised as an industrial disease in 1985 and prompted changes in working practices. more...
£116m payout for Tesco staff
THOUSANDS of workers at supermarket giant Tesco were today sharing a £116 million payout as two savings schemes matured. more...
OAP homes closure plan
PLANS to close 35 old people's homes are to be unveiled by a local authority. more...
£116m payout for Tesco staff
THOUSANDS of workers at supermarket giant Tesco were today sharing a £116 million payout as two savings schemes matured. more...
£145m Nestle factory deal
NESTLE UK is to acquire the Ski and Munch Bunch yoghurt brands from Northern Foods in a move which includes a yoghurt plant in Cheshire. more...
No pictures for spice girl Cherie
CHERIE Booth QC officially opened the world's biggest Indian foods factory in Leigh this afternoon. more...
Now shoppers can support courts fight
SHOPPERS can now pledge their support for the BEN's campaign to save Bolton Magistrates Court by signing copies of the petition in the Market Hall. more...
MP calls for hunting ban Bill
A BOLTON MP has challenged the Prime Minister in Parliament over fox-hunting and told him to put those in favour of a ban out of their misery. more...
Banned driver gave brother's details to police
A BOLTON man gave his brother's details to police when he was caught driving while disqualified. more...
Man on trial denies burglary charge
A MAN arrested near to a house which had been burgled, was discovered carrying stolen goods, a court heard. more...
Van guards defy robbers
TWO security guards refused to leave their van after masked robbers set it on fire -- with them still inside. more...
Take the New York bridges charity walk
MEET up with TV's Penny Smith and Mariella Frostrup on The Children's Society's "New York Bridges Walk" over a long weekend at the end of May and also witness how this amazing city is rejuvenating itself. more...
In-schools Smartwater scheme pays off
A PIONEERING project to help protect valuable school and council equipment has paid off only weeks after its introduction by Bolton Council. more...
Social club worker robbed
A LARGE quantity of cash was stolen during a robbery at a sports and social club in Bolton. more...
Ramraid at pawnbrokers
A GANG stole a large quantity of cash after a ramraid on a Bolton pawnbrokers. more...
MP listed in new Who's Who edition
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has been listed in the new 2002 edition of Who's Who -- the big names book. more...
DNA traps burglar
A MAN who burgled a house in Great Lever almost two years ago appeared before magistrates at Bolton. more...
Chance to shine on new quiz show
A NEW quiz show, being produced by Zenith North Ltd, for the BBC, is looking for bright individuals with a good general knowledge. more...
Warrant without bail
A MAN accused of driving offences failed to appear before Bolton Magistrates. more...
We'll fight school closure plans
THREE schools threatened with closure have vowed to fight for survival. more...
Mum saves son, 3, in car drama
A MOTHER saved the life of her three-year-old son when she pushed him out of the way of an oncoming car. more...
NHS patients 'going to private hospital'
HUNDREDS of Bolton NHS patients are to be treated at a private hospital in an effort to ease the pressure on soaring waiting lists. more...
Putting profits before the area
COUNCILLOR Mrs P Howarth (BEN: January 26) is quite wrong to suggest that the pressure from developers to re-develop the Chorley New Road area is presumably reflecting the demands of home owners. more...
Costly claims
WE live in a blame culture. more...
NHS money's gone up in smoke
WITH regard to the expense of the smoking shelters that were erected at the Royal Bolton Hospital, I remember quite a few letters were printed in the BEN. more...
Addiction price we have paid...
I AM writing with regard to your news feature pages, concerning heroin on prescription for addicts. more...
Give restaurant another chance
I FEEL I must write to say that I follow your restaurant guide avidly. more...
Organic chance for the schools
HDRA, the organic gardening charity, has set up an Organic Network for Schools, to encourage and help teachers and students all over Britain to grow flowers, and even fruit and vegetables, in their school grounds. more...
Thanks for the panto support
I WRITE on behalf of the Director, backstage crew and cast of Victoria Hall Amateur Dramatics Society. more...
No shortage of staff at the old Infirmary
IN answer to J Holding's letter earlier this week about the difficulties of finding sufficient medical staff for any second hospital for the Bolton area, there was no shortage of staff at The Royal Infirmary. more...
Our show prize was a real treat
JUST a note to thank you for the prize to see the the Caravan and Holiday Home show. more...
Vouchers are a birthday bonus
I WAS so pleased to receive the vouchers for £50 for the Early Learning Centre. more...
Bolton Sport
RMI Trophy hope
case for defence Waywell states the case for RMI's defence STEVE Waywell's Leigh RMI will set off for the South-East coast this afternoon hoping to continue their recent form of late as they take on Margate in the FA Umbro Trophy. more...
Waywell states the case for RMI's defence
STEVE Waywell's Leigh RMI will set off for the South-East coast this afternoon hoping to continue their recent form of late as they take on Margate in the FA Umbro Trophy. more...
Bolton go 'four' it
BOLTON Under 14s bid for their fourth win in a row when they take on Macclesfield in the Greater Manchester Schools' League at Sharples School tomorrow, kick off 10.30am. more...
Soccer sessions
LADYBRIDGE FC have arranged more soccer sessions at David Lloyd Leisure on Monday nights 6.30 to 8pm. more...
Radcliffe hit the road
RADCLIFFE Borough chase vital Unibond Division One points tomorrow away at Witton Albion. more...
Shakers aim for confidence trick
BURY are striving to restore Ian Lawson's confidence. more...
MP defends decision on funding of Games
A BOLTON MP has defended the Government's decision not to fund the full policing costs of the Commonwealth Games, arguing that the state did not have an open cheque book. more...
Wyn back at scene of glory
WYN Davies - the former Wanderers' centre-forward who hit the European heights with Newcastle - will be the guest of honour tomorrow when he returns to St James' Park for the first time in almost 30 years. more...
Bolton Wanderers
Bobic seeks scoring tonic
IT'S the little things that are giving Fredi Bobic big ideas about his future at the Reebok. more...
It's Rio night at the Reebok
IT may be winter outside but inside Bolton's Reebok Stadium it will be sunny Rio. more...
Defiant Souness warns rivals
GRAEME Souness warned Wanderers and the rest of the relegation rivals when he claimed his side was too good to go down. more...
Wyn back at scene of glory
WYN Davies - the former Wanderers' centre-forward who hit the European heights with Newcastle - will be the guest of honour tomorrow when he returns to St James' Park for the first time in almost 30 years. more...
Ex-Whites target backing Magpies
NEWCASTLE splashed £5 million today on 18-year-old Nottingham Forest starlet, Jermaine Jenas. more...
Newcastle v Wanderers: Head to Head
THERE are some fascinating facts on Saturday's St James' Park clash in a comprehensive head-to-head fact file on the Newcastle United official web site: more...
Diawara's new club
DJIBRIL Diawara, sacked and sent back to Torino by Wanderers this week after breaching club rules, has been loaned out again to Italian Serie B side Cosenza. more...
Fans split over relegation threat - vote now
THAT demoralising 4-0 home defeat by Manchester United has pushed Wanderers ever nearer the bottom three. more...
Countdown to relegation
THE crunch is on for teams in the relegation spotlight with Wanderers. more...
Luck changes everything - Sam
A MANAGER who holds as much store in tactical know-how and the scientific approach as Sam Allardyce does is hardly going to trust luck to keep his team in the Premiership. more...
Cup magic is still alive
Straight from the horses' mouth, by Fred Done more...
Loan Ranger Sam back in the market
SAM Allardyce admitted today that he fears the only way of strengthening his survival squad is by dipping into the loan market. more...
Web links to Wednesday night's crunch matches for Wanderers
FIND out what happened at Wednesday's vital matches for Wanderers with our special website links: more...
Bobic seeks scoring tonic
IT'S the little things that are giving Fredi Bobic big ideas about his future at the Reebok. more...
Newcastle United Fact File
Focus on tomorrow's big game at St James' Park more...
Burnley News
Unpaid cops crack down on juveniles
UNPAID volunteers are being put on the front line in a bid to tackle juvenile nuisance problems in Burnley. more...
Landlady's vow after riot firebomb chaos
A LANDLADY whose pub was gutted in a firebomb attack during the Burnley riots today said she was staying in the town, and vowed her business would be bigger and better than ever. more...
Woman stole after husband jailed
A MOTHER of two got into money troubles when her husband was jailed for seven years for robbery, a court was told. more...
Pair admit boiler theft
TWO men who took radiators and a boiler worth more than £2,000 from a flat are waiting to hear of their sentence. more...
Band to perform at library
A BURNLEY library will be alive to the sound of music when an Asian band performs there on Saturday, February 16. more...
Bury Business
Couple focus on success
TWO photographers who clicked while working aboard a luxury cruise liner have sunk their savings into the launch of a new business. more...
Multi-cultural support
ETHNIC minority businesses throughout Bury can profit from a bespoke support programme to help them achieve development and growth. more...
Second look at pensions
FEDERATION of Small Businesses in the North West has revealed plans for a second-tier pension scheme. more...
Trading standards probe "Data Protection" firm
BURY businesses are being warned to beware a bogus company cashing in on confusion surrounding the Data Protection Act. more...
At your service
AN EMPLOYER forum open to company bosses throughout Bury and Bolton has proved to be just the job. more...
Help on hand for building firms
BURY building firms can now obtain a leaflet entitled "Help for Your Business in the Construction Industry," the latest in the "Help for Your Business" series published by Customs and Excise. more...
Bury News
We'll fight school closure plans
THREE schools threatened with closure have vowed to fight for survival. more...
Support for drugs change
IT was very encouraging to read recently that two senior Conservatives have publicly lent their support to Chris Davies, our Liberal Democrat MEP, in his efforts to highlight the injustice of the law on cannabis. more...
Time for town to show pioneering spirit
THE town of Radcliffe is on the brink of an exciting new and prosperous future. more...
Start hospital road soon
I GIVE my full support to the Bury Pensioners Association in their campaign to press for a hospital link road now, a road that the ambulance authority and the NHS Trust in the past apparently felt to be unnecessary, or so our council would have us believe. more...
Save these old buildings
MUCH to my disgust, I learned of the decision to demolish the old Bolton Road Methodist Church in Bury. In my opinion, such materialism has resulted in church attendances declining everywhere. more...
Bury fans snubbed by team
AS a supporter for 37 years, I attended Bury's home game with Tranmere Rovers. This is what I witnessed. more...
Wasting their time at Gigg
IT'S well known just how hard it is to be a Bury FC fan these days, what with the club in turmoil, no crowds, no money and a team that isn't very good, But hey, that's football. more...
No X-ray delay for me: why?
FOLLOWING an injury to my shoulder I attended my local GP who referred me to Fairfield Hospital for X-ray. I entered the department at 9.30am, had two X-rays, waited for confirmation that the negatives were OK, changed back into my clothes and left at 10am. more...
X-rays need organising
I HAVE just read a letter from Mrs M. Deakin (Jan 18) criticising the X-ray department at Fairfield General. I heartily agree. more...
Making money out of misery
I NO longer work due to severe disability and I am disturbed at this government's leaning towards letting the private sector become involved in our National Health Service. more...
Rights for disabled
THE Disability Rights Commission would like to speak with people who have opinions about access to businesses and services for disabled people in the local area. more...
Baby dies after dad's overdose
A DISTRAUGHT mother threatened to kill herself and her baby daughter just days after her boyfriend took a fatal overdose, an inquest heard. more...
Police blitz on youth hot-spots?
WHITEFIELD could be targeted in a massive blitz on unruly youths. more...
Python prompts RSPCA welfare demands
A DANGEROUS 10ft python which had the run of an upstairs bedroom in a Radcliffe house is just one of the reasons why the RSPCA is demanding greater protection for captive wild animals. more...
Town shocked by death of hospice chairman
COLIN Caffrey, Bury's very own "Mr Hospice", has died suddenly at the age of 64. more...
Drivers attacked in hi-jack terror
VIOLENT car-jackers rampaged through the borough during a 14-hour blitz on car owners. more...
Metro's £2.5m birthday gift
TEN years of Metrolink travel is being marked with plans for a multi-million improvement scheme along the Bury to Altrincham line. more...
Cricket club sale gets the vote
RADCLIFFE Cricket Club members have voted in favour of selling their Racecourse ground for housing, and relocating to Cams Lane. more...
Village in mourning
THE Vicar of Ainsworth died on Monday (Jan 28th) at the age of 56. more...
Church hall plans back on the cards?
PLANS to build a community church hall in Tottington could be back on the cards again despite a planning application having been rejected. more...
Student Peggy (75) is the pick of the bunch
FLOWER loving Prestwich pensioner Peggy Heald is one of a budding bunch of students rewarded for their growing success in the classroom. more...
New look for mill site
ANOTHER stretch of derelict land in Radcliffe is to be transformed. more...
Community "heart" all set to open
A BUILDING that is set to become the heart of the community in East Bury officially opens today (Fri Feb 1). more...
Driver freed from crushed van
A FATHER-of-five had to be freed by firefighters after he became trapped in his crushed delivery van. more...
Living in luxury
THE areas of Prestwich and Whitefield are fast becoming home to some of the most exclusive apartments in the borough. more...
Art plays its part in mart!
CUT-price bargains and inspiring art are now going hand in hand for shoppers at Radcliffe's Market Hall. more...
£3m plan for the Mill Gate centre
THE next phase of the multi-million pound Mill Gate redevelopment in Bury is expected to get underway later this year. more...
Will you be a friend to the elderly?
A NURSING and residential centre in Bury is appealing for more kind-hearted volunteers to help befriend its elderly residents. more...
Memorable musical at Monica's
THE HALLS of St Monica's RC High School will be alive with the sound of music for their latest theatre production. more...
All change for Metro fares
REVISED Metrolink fares, with a combination of increases and reductions, will come into force from February 11. more...
Friends robbed at knifepoint
A GROUP of friends were robbed after being accused of theft and marched to a park at knifepoint. more...
Trees protected
WILDLIFE campaigners have succeeded in establishing a permanent blanket of protection over trees fringing popular lodges near Starling. more...
Man (37) found dead in bed
FURTHER medical tests are needed to find out the cause of the sudden death of a 37-year-old man in his Radcliffe home, an inquest heard. more...
Residents have their say on Pimhole plan
PLANS to transform the Pimhole "scrap yard" area of Bury have come under the microscope. more...
Towers get the go-ahead
PLANNING chiefs have given the green light to build a 20-metre telecommunications tower on land behind Roydon Polythene Ltd in Dumers Lane. more...
Romania mission for charity man
ONE of Radcliffe's most tireless charity workers set off on another mercy mission this week. more...
Show ground work
WORK is taking place on the new site for the popular Bury Agricultural Show. more...
Shopping goes down a storm . . .
THE borough battened down the hatches on Monday (Jan 28) as gale force winds battered the area. more...
Getting a kick out of their sporting life
RISING stars of Radcliffe's Rising Sun Shukokai Karate club have a double reason to be proud of themselves. more...
Pensioner left shaken after bag is snatched
A PENSIONER was shaken but unhurt following a weekend handbag snatch in Whitefield. more...
Cash boost for cops
BURY Police could share in a £9 million windfall to improve working conditions for officers. more...
Bury Sport
Radcliffe hit the road
RADCLIFFE Borough chase vital Unibond Division One points tomorrow away at Witton Albion. more...
Shakers aim for confidence trick
BURY are striving to restore Ian Lawson's confidence. more...
Shakers Res lost 3-0
SHAKERS' second string went down to a 3-0 defeat against a strong Walsall side on Wednesday afternoon in the Avon Assurance League Division One. more...
Chorley News
Soldier, 18, died on road
TRIBUTES have been paid to a young award-winning Chorley soldier who died in a tragic road accident. more...
Just say no to leaflets
I READ with a feeling of bemusement your headline of Thursday, January 24, 'Keep out of our town', regarding the attempted recruitment of young people by nationalists in Chorley. more...
Propaganda must end
AS a resident who enjoys life in our town I must plead with the vast majority of sensible people in our town of all creeds and races to ignore the scourge of so-called nationalistic activists. more...
Democracy's dying days
ON seeing the front page of The Citizen last week I thought the Wild West had come to town. more...
Hospital in virus battle
CHORLEY Hospital has taken preventative measures to ensure staff and patients don't get struck down by a highly contagious disease. more...
Move over Blair!
CHORLEY teenagers have been going to the ballot box this week to vote in the first ever Youth County Council. more...
Flying visit to careers convention
PUPILS at a Chorley high school were treated to a flying visit from a huge RAF helicopter, pilot and crew this week. more...
Team stub out habit
HELP is at hand for smokers who want to kick the habit. more...
National Front planning March rally
MEMBERS of the National Front are planning to descend on Chorley in March. more...
Shop demise sparks row
THE closure of an established Chorley shop has re-ignited a row over the future of businesses in the town centre. more...
Pint size tackled head on
CHORLEY landlords have hit back after new research by CAMRA -- the Campaign for Real Ale -- announced most pub punters are not getting a full pint. more...
Prepare to party
CHORLEY school pupils are set to bring a distinctive West African feel to the town this summer. more...
Chorley Sport
Wright happy with display
CHORLEY travel to Spennymoor in the UniBond first division tomorrow and the home side could leapfrog the visitors if they win. more...
Clitheroe News
Chemical firm sale sparks jobs fears
TWO hundred jobs are in the balance at Clitheroe's Synetix plant after it was put up for sale by parent company ICI. more...
Chemical firm sale sparks jobs fears
TWO hundred jobs are in the balance at Clitheroe's Synetix plant after it was put up for sale by parent company ICI. more...
Task force hands over rural reins
LANCASHIRE'S foot and mouth task force has been stood down following recent announcements from the government that the country is now free of the disease that plagued rural communities for most of last year. more...
Drink driver over limit
A DISQUALIFIED driver who crashed a stolen car while he was being chased by police was found to be nearly four times the legal drink drive limit when he was breathalysed. more...
Tourism chiefs set out stall
TOURISM in the Ribble Valley enjoyed a good start at two of the North West's top holiday exhibitions. more...
Colne News
Four face drugs charges
FOUR people have been charged with drugs offences following a series of raids on addresses in Earby. more...
New club boxing clever
THE people of Barrowford are looking forward to a new way of exercising with the opening of the first kick boxing club at their local youth and community centre. more...
Rolls workers to go next month
BOSSES at Pendle's two Rolls-Royce sites today said 250 workers made redundant will leave the company by the end of next month. more...
Darwen News
Fly-tippers 'put wildlife in peril'
DARWEN police today warned that illegal rubbish dumping in rural sites was putting wildlife in danger. more...
Teenager ruled out of priest attack
INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into an attack on a Darwen priest last Tuesday. more...
Lancashire Leisure
Back to school in Tod
JOHN Godber's Teechers will be handing out detention tonight and tomorrow to scholars of amateur theatre in Todmorden. more...
All roads lead to Hoghton
HOGHTON Players are presenting Dick Whittington and his Cat in Hoghton Village Hall tonight and tomorrow. more...
Club is cashing in
BLACKBURN Drama Club will be staging Cash on Delivery, a comedy by Michael Cooney, next week. more...
EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, February 2, 2002
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. more...
Lancashire News
Yes...
MANY see the proposed merger as inevitable, as Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust and Burnley Healthcare NHS Trust have worked increasingly closely over the last few years. more...
No...
ALTHOUGH the merger appears to be good news on paper, with extra resources available as a result of costs being cut on administration and management, the move still has its critics. more...
Five years ago
A HOME-GROWN brew was voted the star attraction of the last-ever East Lancashire Beer Festival which left Blackburn landlord Carl Gilmour, of the Cellar Bar, hoping that his BBC bitter -- the first brew from the Blackburn Beer Company -- would be broadcast nationally. more...
Ten years ago
FIVE masked robbers raided the clothes store of a Blackburn Rovers star after stealing his team-mate's car. more...
Nursing homes set to close
MORE than 600 East Lancashire pensioners faced an uncertain future today after council bosses earmarked 19 nursing homes for closure. more...
Chemical firm sale sparks jobs fears
TWO hundred jobs are in the balance at Clitheroe's Synetix plant after it was put up for sale by parent company ICI. more...
Cold comfort in the dumping of fridges
REGARDING your article on the litter problems in Hyndburn (LET, January 24), which showed an armchair, what seemed to be a couple of wooden crates and an old fridge left in a back street, quite obviously it is not the council to blame for these items being dumped, but the irresponsible people who deposited them there in the first place. more...
New route good for business
TOM Howorth (Letters, January 28) certainly doesn't speak on my behalf when he suggests 'the whole town' is behind his anti-roadworks stance. more...
Goverment losses make me wonder
AFTER reading of the loss of £151,369 in the Lord Chancellor's Department, I wondered how much will be lost next year. After a loss of £9,376 last year I would have thought security would be tightened up. more...
Red Rose not any old rose
IREAD with disbelief that the county council are considering changing the Red Rose as the symbol of the county (LET, January 26). They are obviously completely out of touch with the general feelings of the people of Lancashire. more...
Town and tower will be lit up
IN reply to Peter Lee Cooper (Letters, January 22), most Darweners would rather not have to choose between having money spent on the restoration of Darwen Tower or on Darwen's Christmas lights -- which is fine, because they don't have to. more...
No justification for animal abuse
NO doubt protective clothing was worn by the man pictured riding a horse through a blazing fire during fiesta celebrations near Madrid (LET, January 17). more...
Attack is a petal too far
THE barmy bureaucrats are at it again, trying to rob us of our traditions and heritage. more...
Drivers a credit to their firm
ON behalf of myself, my family and especially my mother, Mrs Ivy Fender, of St Alban's Court, Blackburn, I say a massive thank-you to all at B and B Taxis, Blackburn, especially the drivers for their patience and helpfulness in helping my mother to and from the taxi as due to severe arthritis of the spine, she can only walk slowly with a frame. They are all wonderful -- a credit to their firm they represent. more...
Red card threat from Clarets fan
BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has warned junior Education Minister Ivan Lewis to curb his desire to raise his support of Manchester City at every Parliamentary opportunity. more...
Saving our old folk's futures
AS their numbers grow thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in medical science care of the elderly is becoming ever more important. more...
Lancashire Sport
Top man Fildes aims to celebrate in style
COLNE'S hitman Paul Fildes is working on his goal celebrations. more...
Reds chasing ex-League star
STANLEY are hoping to bring in a defensive midfielder to bolster their squad as they go for cup glory on two fronts. more...
Dale boss hits back
ROSSENDALE manager Jim McCluskie has launched a verbal attack on his former player Chris Willcocks. more...
Rams place Chris meeting
RAMSBOTTOM chiefs are planning a meeting with coach Chris Willcocks tomorrow to get to the bottom of 'poaching' allegations. more...
Blues can't play games
CLITHEROE manager Lee Sculpher is worried his side will have a massive fixture backlog come the final months of the season. more...
Mystery man for Nelson
NELSON manager John Bailey is lining up a move for a former UniBond League striker - but he refuses to name him. more...
Nothing to play for
DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes was disappointed to see his side knocked out of the Lancashire Marsden Trophy at Burscough on Tuesday. more...
Double trouble
GREAT Harwood are coming up to a crucial stage in their season as they battle to climb away from the NWCL Division One drop zone. more...
Stand upgrading their ground
STAND will spend £10,000 on their Ewood Bridge ground in the close-season - to make sure more games go ahead next year. more...
Peters decision
BACUP boss Brent Peters has a dilemma as he prepares his side to face NWCL Division Two high-fliers Formby. more...
Hero's welcome for Marlon
FORMER Clarets favourite Marlon Beresford can expect a hero's reception when he returns to Turf Moor on Sunday evening. more...
Hot shot Jansen vows to keep Rovers up
EWOOD goal-ace Matt Jansen today vowed to fire the goals to steer Rovers away from danger as they prepare for tomorrow's vital six-pointer with West Ham at Upton Park. more...
Ternent talks to the Turf fans
ALMOST 300 members of the Clarets Foundation got the chance to put manager Stan Ternent on the spot at a fans' forum at Turf Moor last night. more...
Hodgson battling
BRITISH star Neil Hodgson was eighth quickest as high winds caused four drivers to crash on the second day of world superbike testing at Phillip Island. more...
Storks travel
PADIHAM travel to Alsager tomorrow in North West Counties League Division Two. more...
Revenge mission for King Kanoute
WEST Ham striker Fredi Kanoute has only one thing on his mind ahead of Blackburn's visit to Upton Park tomorrow -- revenge! more...
Souey may bring back Berg
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness may consider bringing back Henning Berg for the trip to Upton Park. more...
Hot shot Jansen vows to keep Rovers up
EWOOD goal-ace Matt Jansen today vowed to fire the goals to steer Rovers away from danger as they prepare for tomorrow's vital six-pointer with West Ham at Upton Park. more...
Deadly Douglas hat-trick
IRISH whizz-kid Jonathan Douglas stepped up his comeback from injury with a hat-trick as Rovers put Wednesday to the sword last night. more...
Battle of the wingers
TOMORROW'S clash between West Ham and Rovers brings together some of the most talented strikers in the Premiership so the supply from the flanks is going to be crucial. more...
We are focused on Blackburn: Roeder
WEST Ham boss Glenn Roeder is adamant that dreams of FA Cup glory will not distract his team from the job of concentrating on gathering crucial Barclaycard Premiership points in tomorrow's home game against Blackburn. more...
Kenna joins Birmingham
FORMER Republic of Ireland international Jeff Kenna has quit Rovers to join First Division Birmingham on a free transfer. more...
Leigh News
No pictures for spice girl Cherie
CHERIE Booth QC officially opened the world's biggest Indian foods factory in Leigh this afternoon. more...
Leigh Sport
Waywell states the case for RMI's defence
STEVE Waywell's Leigh RMI will set off for the South-East coast this afternoon hoping to continue their recent form of late as they take on Margate in the FA Umbro Trophy. more...
Leyland News
History Society meeting
LEYLAND Historical Society meets on Monday, February 4, at Prospect House, Sandy Lane, Leyland. more...
Lytham News
Tributes to our 'Westie'
A FORMER production manager at The Citizen and well-known animal lover in the Fylde passed away peacefully last week aged 65. more...
Cycling students raise £4,000 for charities
STUDENTS at King Edward V11 and Queen Mary School in Lytham have raised over £4,000 for charity by taking part in two coast to coast bike rides. more...
Youths terrorise No 11 Bus
DRUNKEN youths terrorised bus passengers and attacked the driver in St Annes on Friday night. more...
Nelson News
Firebugs target empty houses
LANCASHIRE Fire and Rescue is urging people in Nelson to report arsonists before a serious fire occurs in the Whitefield area of the town. more...
Preston News
'Splash' statue birthday treat
PRESTON North End Football Club is planning a special birthday treat to honour soccer legend Sir Tom Finney. more...
Team stub out habit
HELP is at hand for smokers who want to kick the habit. more...
Pupils have taste of Victorian era
CHILDREN at a Preston primary school were given a taste of life in the late nineteenth century with a special day devoted to the Victorian way of life. more...
Michael in health talk trip
THE founder of a Preston group set up to help HIV sufferers cope with their illness is heading abroad to an important conference. more...
Alarm alert by fire chiefs
FIRE chiefs have renewed their call for people to install smoke alarms after figures released this week revealed almost all of the fire-related household deaths in Lancashire last year occurred in homes without a smoke alarm. more...
Forensic testing at RPH
A PURPOSE-built centre for sex assault victims -- the first in the country -- is to be built on the site of the Royal Preston Hospital next month. more...
Bobbies bike it on the beat
A NEW police scheme is set to bring pedal power to the streets of Lea, in Preston. more...
Super nurses to the rescue
TWO 'super nurses' have been appointed at the Royal Preston Hospital to help ease patients' time in accident and emergency (A&E) from start to end. more...
No rest for life-savers
YOU might think unpaid mountain rescue workers take a break when they are not saving lives. more...
Mad about skydiving
FALLING 10,000 feet out of the sky at speeds of up to 120mph is not everyone's idea of a good day out. more...
Spoony jumps at Uni night
ONE of the most famous UK garage DJs in the world will be mixing things up in Preston over the Valentine's weekend. more...
USA high kicker
A TOP karate instructor has travelled all the way from sunny California in the USA to spar with youngsters in Preston. more...
Team wade into action
A FISH rescue operation went in at the deep end on Tuesday as the clean up of a Preston lake got under way. more...
Preston Sport
Macken to stay!
JON Macken has ended months of speculation - and decided to stay at Deepdale. more...
Preston,Lancashire Leisure
Comedy in a country cottage
A NEW production by a local theatre group looks set to have audiences across Preston rolling in the aisles. more...
Jazz feast
PRESTON'S music organisation Feast of Jazz is holding its next event in the town at the Grasshoppers Rugby Club, Lightfoot Lane, on Friday, February 8. more...
Wainwright talk
HUTTON Local History Society is meeting at Hutton Village Hall, Hutton, near Preston, on Tuesday, February 5. more...
Supper for hospice
ST CATHERINE'S Hospice is holding a Murder Mystery Supper on Friday, February 15, from 7.30pm. more...
Bingo night
THE ANDERTON Arms, Longsands Lane, Preston, holds a quiz and bingo night on Mondays, from 9pm. more...
Preston,Leyland Info
Chemist rota...
CHEMISTS on duty in Preston and Leyland. more...
Preston,Leyland News
Background to access award
A LETTER from John Coxhead, chairman of Preston DISC, appeared in The Citizen on December 20, 2001. more...
Support for drugs stand
LAST month the Liberal Democrat MEP, Chris Davies, made a political protest which led to him being formally arrested for the possession of cannabis. more...
Death wish support
MY wife Diane Pretty has asked me to write this letter thanking Chris Davies MEP for his support, because she is no longer able to write herself. more...
US should do as they say
WITH the USA still in shock from the terrorist tragedy of September 11, many may think they are justified in the way they are treating its captives from the Afghan conflict. more...
Preston,Leyland Sport
Hockey: Sinclair shows how it's done
COME March 16 when Preston conclude their championship odyssey against Bowdon, many will look back at the final 20 seconds of this game as possibly the most defining of the season. more...
Rugby Union: Relegation fears grow
HOPPERS could not ease their relegation worries by completing the double over their near neighbours. more...
Student team is a racing success
MOTOR sports students from the University of Central Lancashire are celebrating their latest success after their team, UCLan Racing recently clinched the North West Formula Ford Championship. more...
Preston,Leyland,Northend Sport
The battle-weary, battle for a draw
PRESTON got a taste of their own super-sub medicine as they hung on for a 1-1 draw. more...
Deepdale is buzzing again
A GOOD cup tie at Deepdale last weekend brought a win for North End and a premiership `plum' in round five. more...
Rawtenstall News
Canada trip is the 'big one' for Paul
A PARISHIONER is looking forward to a trip to Canada where he will meet the Pope as part of World Youth Day later this year. more...
Veterans split over Beeb's memorial dispute coverage
WAR veterans are divided over the BBC's handling of a controversial investigation into the leasing of part of the memorial gardens in Waterfoot. more...
School praised for positive attitude
SCHOOL inspectors praised a Ramsbottom primary for being an effective school, having good leadership, effective management and successful teaching. more...
Prayer network aims to transform the community
MESSAGES and prayers for Rossendale will be said at the first meeting of the Rossendale Prayer Network. more...
Crash teen is 'better'
THE condition of a Rawtenstall teenager left seriously injured after the car in which he was travelling hit a farm building, has improved. more...
Rovers Sport
The gloves are off in our big battle
WELL, the gloves are off in our fight for Premiership survival. more...
Specials Insideout
Gordon strikes gold - at last!
ONLY Robbie Williams prevented him from having the Christmas number one. His album has been at the top of the charts -- and yet to most people he remains unknown. more...
Just Jamie: On second thoughts...
IT'S still months off, but already the cogs have been oiled and the wheels are most definitely in motion. more...
Trad lovers can get their fill
BLAKEYS Bar in the magnificent King George's Hall complex in Northgate, Blackburn, is a terrific venue for jazz as I well remember on the occasions I have played there with the various combos I have led. more...
An unsettling homecoming
THE story goes that Steven Spielberg once said Pete Postlethwaite was the best actor in the world, and this staging of The Homecoming has brought a truly world-class production to the region. more...
Dawn of a new Faith
OLD style glamour, gutsy ladies and gorgeous gowns combined to make Sunset Boulevard's premiere in Blackpool streets ahead of the rest. more...
Comedy in a country cottage
A NEW production by a local theatre group looks set to have audiences across Preston rolling in the aisles. more...
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