When Vicar Paul Sweeting left for the Falkland Islands last year with his young family in tow, he never expected his company car would be a four wheel drive, penguins would outnumber people and his wife could get to work in 20 seconds flat. Reporter ALEXANDRA
NOT one East Lancashire town centre features in the list of top 150 shopping centres across the country -- nor do they even make the top 10 for the North West. A £13million project to transform Blackburn, which was unveiled this week attempts to change
A MAN was arrested for attacking the person he believed was responsible for breaking into his car and stealing the radio, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that Jeffrey Trevor Aldridge, 23, was abusive towards police when they intervened.
I AM what you call a goth. I do not see myself as a goth. I don't know what you mean by us being intimidating. You say we come to chat, not shop, but clearly on the photo on the front page there were goths with shopping bags. We meet up on Church Street
HAVING just returned from Blackburn town centre, I am amazed that anyone shops there at all. Never in recent years have I felt so intimidated by gangs of youths roaming around. These gangs, may I add, are from all cultural and musical backgrounds. I will
I AM replying to your article (LET, January 20) referring to the report issued by the Electoral Reform Society entitled "Burnley and the BNP and the case for Electoral Reform." The suggestion from the Electoral Reform Society is that as the BNP did not
by ANDY LOCHHEAD NOT one, not two, but three new signings... and still some folk aren't happy! The leaked announcement from the club that two Premiership stars would be joining Bradley Orr at Turf Moor before the weekend led some supporters' imaginations
A YOUNGSTER woke his family on Saturday (Jan 24) morning after a fire started in his bedroom. He ran into his mother's bedroom at about 10.30am, to tell her there was smoke in the room. The child, along with his mother and her partner, were able to get
TRAFFIC bosses have agreed to consider a new pedestrian crossing in Prestwich following the death of an elderly woman. Mrs Annie Loughrey (85) died earlier this month in hospital after colliding with a car as she crossed Bury Old Road at its junction
The Celebrity Gallery on The Rock, Bury, has purchased the exquisite piece of jewellery belonging to the Hollywood great. Now to ensure that more people can get their hands on a piece of Hollywood history, dealers in celebrity memorabilia Janice Percy
CINEMAGOERS might be queuing up to catch the latest instalment of the Scary Movie series. But a 14 youngsters from Radcliffe have already had their own "chiller thriller" movie premiered on the silver screen. Their masterpiece, Keep the Fire Burning,
BLACKBURN Rovers were today waiting to hear if their latest offer for Huddersfield's Jonathan Stead has been accepted. Rovers boss Graeme Souness had an initial bid rejected for Stead yesterday afternoon. But the Premiership club are thought to have gone
A WOMAN who went on a £195 spending spree with a stolen credit card has kept her freedom. Vanessa Daly, 32, had already spent five weeks on remand after originally being charged with burglary, Burnley Magistrates' Court heard. She was told by District
AN animal lover has put up a cash reward in a bid to help find her missing dog Sabre. Susan Schofield, 42, of Lancaster Drive, Padiham, owns two dogs and spends her days caring for her daughter, Rebecca, 15 months, as a single mother. She said her life
A BURNLEY schoolboy seriously injured in a country lane smash at the weekend has been named by police. Luke Craig, 14, of Griffin Close, was thrown from the VW Golf which was driven by his father Neil Sheridan, 35, of Coal Clough Lane, during the accident
A DINNER lady claimed benefits worth £3,000 by not declaring she was working, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard how single mother-of-two Karen Earnshaw, 38, received £20 a week she wasn't entitled to over about three years. She believed her
PLANS to open a youth advice and guidance centre in a Burnley street look set to go ahead despite opposition from local residents. Lancashire Youth Association has applied for planning permission to use offices in Brennand House, in Fraser Street, Queensgate
CHARITY workers who help autism sufferers and their families has been left devastated after thieves raided their base and stole thousands of pounds of equipment. Organisers at the Action for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) group said hundreds of families
THE skipper of the Gaul has been described as a "first-class seaman" at a public inquiry into the trawler's mysterious sinking. The Hull-based vessel sank off the coast of Norway in 1974 amid rumours it was involved in spying on the Soviet navy, a claim
SWIMMING the English Channel is a great achievement for any sportsperson -- but a Nelson schoolgirl has proved you're never too young to complete the 22-mile challenge. Sammy-Jo Woolfenden, 10, raised £1,392 for charity by swimming the distance of the
BUSINESSES in Pendle are being asked to contact Environmental Health staff for advice on preventing the potentially fatal Legionnaire's Disease. Council staff are offering advice on preventing the disease to all businesses, particularly residential homes
A PENDLE-BASED florist will be going back to her roots after winning a trip to Amsterdam. Janet Boast, 43, of Albert Road, Colne, won a trip to Amsterdam in a flower-arranging contest at the Spring Florist Event in Birmingham. Janet and her husband and
DRIVERS of Ford Fiestas in Colne are being warned to be vigilant after seven of the cars were stolen in less than three weeks. Police have warned drivers of older models to take extra security precautions until the thieves are caught and have said Fiesta
A FAIRYTALE wedding was celebrated by a couple reunited by their love child after splitting up 35 years ago. Dorothy Taylor walked down the aisle in her dream wedding dress to say "I do" to Jack Wright. And Sean Connery look-alike John St Ryan from Burnley
TEN children were drowned in Lancashire and four were in a serious condition after falling through ice. A Blackburn boy lost his life, two boys were drowned in Penwortham and four children were drowned near Wigan. Twelve-year-old Colin Lockley of Nook
A STEERING group has been set up to help produce a town map of Oswaldtwistle. Members would like to hear from anyone who has recent aerial photographs of the town, as well as illustrators and graphic design artists to donate their skills. Organisers are
CAR dealership executive Darren Harper has moved into the fast lane by launching his own Japanese specialist used car company. He is harnessing his expertise and experience in the trade to set up the Bell Lane Car Centre, Bury, along with business partner
WHEELCHAIR users have welcomed the opening of two new all-ability paths in the Forest of Bowland. The paths, from Quernmore and Tarnbrook, near Abbeystead, up on to the surrounding moors, were funded by a £6,000 grant from the Countryside Agency. The
RIBBLE Valley councillors say they are still on course for one of the lowest council tax increases in the country next week. The borough council will set its council tax at a special policy and finance committee meeting on Tuesday in Clitheroe. The meeting
CLITHEROE Castle's future development and management is set to be supported by a new friends group. The Norman castle is currently subject of a Ribble Valley Borough Council Lottery bid, and it is hoped the formation of the friends group will give the
DELEGATES to the next meeting of the Bury-based Greater Manchester Spirit and Work will be able to enjoy some open space. Instead of having a speaker, the meeting will take stock of the organisation's overall theme of spirit at work. Summerseat businessman
BURY-based independent financial advisers Moscrop Robinson & Chadwick is looking to the future and offering clients a fee-based service. The move comes after the company recently joined the national organisation, Fee Based Advice in response to changes
ONE of Bury's small business advisers has become the first in the authority to achieve Technology Means Business accreditation. Brian Berry, the council's business network officer, has achieved the accreditation following distance learning work begun
WIGAN boss Paul Jewell admits he is a fully paid-up member of the Robbie Blake fan club. Jewell knows Blake well from their time together at Bradford during the Yorkshire side's spectacular rise to the Premiership four years ago. And the former Bantams
NEIL Wood admits he could be playing for his footballing future at Turf Moor. The Manchester United midfielder, 21, is keen to taste the rarified atmosphere of first team football during his initial month-long loan at Turf Moor. And after finding a host
GLANCING around Turf Moor, Paul Rachubka could be forgiven for being blase. Four short years ago, the former Manchester United goalkeeper was walking out at the Brazilian Mecca - the Maracana - in front of 60,000 samba-swaying fans at the FIFA World Club
HEALTH bosses have signed a historic pact with Bury-based Speakeasy which provides vital speech therapy to stroke sufferers. The agreement between Bury NHS Primary Care Trust and the charity will safeguard Speakeasy funding and strengthen speech and language
FATHER-OF-ONE Graham Waring was unable to cope with splitting from his wife and took his own life, an inquest heard. Just weeks after starting an arranged trial separation, Mr Waring was found hanged at home in Elms Road, Whitefield. A note clearing stating
SCHOOLCHILDREN from around the borough "wasted" no time in getting to grips with a recycling challenge. And when asked to create something useful for their community from a bag of recycled materials, there wasn't a rubbish idea in sight. The youngsters
BURY-born film producer Matt Delargy will join top Hollywood stars at next month's BAFTA awards ceremony. A film by the former St Gabriel's RC High School pupil has been put forward for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards. Sea Monsters
A GOVERNMENT Inspector is set to lead an investigation into how a Bury teacher remained suspended for nearly nine years. Bury Council has ordered the review following the resignation of Anthony McNally, who was suspended in 1995 from Woodhey High School
WINTER had Bury in its icy grip this week as snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures brought Arctic weather conditions to the borough. Four schools closed on Wednesday (Jan 28) and residents struggled to get to work. During the morning rush-hour, nose to
STAN Ternent is contemplating unleashing his Burnley babes on unsuspecting Wigan. The Clarets chief reckons the addition of Charlton goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, 22, and 21-year-old midfielders Bradley Orr and Neil Wood, from Newcastle and Manchester United
A UNION leader today urged people not to blame the teachers at a failing school after it was put under special measures and told to improve. Simon Jones, Blackburn with Darwen secretary for the National Union of Teachers, defended all the staff at Darwen
EAST Lancashire hospitals have not seen any significant changes in admissions despite bad weather conditions across the county. Apart from an increase in the number of people arriving at Blackburn Royal Infirmary's Accident and Emergency Department with
AROUND 18,000 patients are to move practice when a Blackburn surgery closes this Sunday. There has been a practice in James Street for 60 years, but it is now closing due to cramped conditions at the surgery. Patients will transfer to the care of Dr Chris
COMPANIES throughout the borough could be a winner at Bolton's Reebok Stadium later this year. Entries are now being sought for the inaugural North Manchester Business Awards 2004, which will climax with the awards "black tie" gala dinner at the Reebok
A FORMER fish frier from Blackburn has netted himself a prestigious award after 38 years' service to the industry. And today he passed on the secret of his sizzling success by revealing the secret to cooking the perfect chip! Arthur Parrington, 70, received
PRIVATE landlords are being asked to help combat cold related health problems by ensuring their properties are safe, warm and dry. With temperatures dipping and snow sweeping in from the north, Professor Dr John Ashton, North West regional director of
THE full extent of Jack Walker's legacy to his beloved Blackburn Rovers was revealed for the first time today - his trust fund has given the club £9million since his death. The £3-million-a-year donation was announced to shareholders today at Rovers'
The fullback was an ever present up until suffering a broken wrist in November. Since his recovery he has struggled to forge his way back into the side, with Paul Howarth and Peter Cavanagh performing well at right back and left back respectively. But
BLACKBURN born Harry Rennington has landed the top job at his local golf club. The 60-year-old was elected as captain of Blackburn Golf Club at their recent general meeting. But despite gaining the honour of captain, Harry has revealed that he regrets
PROMOTION hungry Steve Wilkes is hoping his Darwen side can swoop for some basement bargains between now and the end of the season. A glance at the fixture list on Tuesday night brought to light an interesting fact for the Reds chief. For none of their
NELSON...2 MORECAMBE...6 NELSON were snowed under by an avalanche of goals at a wintry Victoria Park, but only after giving their Nationwide Conference opponents a real scare in the first half of this Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy third round tie. The
THANK-YOU to the Bury Times for publishing the regular "Letter from Europe" columns. This goes at least some way towards counterbalancing the extreme prejudices of some of your Eurosceptic correspondents. What a pity that some of our national newspapers
IT comes as no surprise to read that Bury Council and/or its partner NCP have been found to have acted dishonestly in the case of victimised parker Kevin McGuire (Bury Times, January 23). We have known for a long time that they are inefficient and incompetent
A GOVERNMENT Inspector is set to lead an investigation into how a Bury teacher remained suspended for nearly nine years. Bury Council has ordered the review following the resignation of Anthony McNally, who was suspended in 1995 from Woodhey High School
A STRIKE by Metrolink tram drivers, due to start at midnight on Friday, has been called off . Members of Aslef at Metrolink in Manchester were due to stage a fourth walkout in a row with the Transport and General Workers Union over recognition. The TUC
FRIGHTENED regulars hurled chairs at a thug who charged into a Bury pub wielding a chainsaw, a court heard. But 21-year-old Leon Price, who had been drinking, used the tool to cut through the furniture before brave customers managed to force him back
TWO NCP employees have been suspended during an investigation into how vital photographic evidence was doctored. NCP, employed by Bury Council to enforce car parking, took the action after the Bury Times last week revealed how identical photos -- but
SNOW? What snow? I remember when it used to be 15 feet deep and everyone had to go to town in ski boots. At least the Council got it right for change but what about in front of my house? I'm just kidding. The council can't be expected to do all the alleyways
Free Internet Sessions, ICT Learning Centre, Turf Moor, Burnley, 10am-noon. Girls Dance Group (age five-13 years), Brunshaw Action Group's Community Drop-In Centre, Burnley, 10am-noon. Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museums, Towneley Park, Burnley. Formation
ALMOST three years ago Capita took over the processing of housing benefits claims for Blackburn with Darwen Council and complaints started to pour in. The company blamed the government's tax credit system, problems with software and the fact that the
Open House, with BILL JACOBS TONY Blair may not realise it, but his victory on university tuition fees could be down to a 20-year-old East Lancashire man. For it was Sean Serridge who persuaded Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson to back the government
CHILDREN with disabilities in East Lancashire have a new facility where they can chill out, play and learn - away from their parents. CLARE COOK went to find out how one couple put themselves on the breadline in a bid to fill the gap in community and
I HAVE just read your article concerning the young lady who has admitted making up 'rape' allegations (LET, January 23). She should be prosecuted herself, for wasting so much precious police time. Sounds like she needs help. SALLY ENTWISTLE, Dalby Crescent
I THINK putting people's faces on buses is a very good idea. You can put my face on the back of a bus any time. I use about five buses a day to get children to and from school and nursery. I am a pensioner too. I think the whole project is good for racial
FOLLOWING the tiny mention on the Darwen news page informing us that Lodgeside Community Association have submitted plans to install a hard surface on Watery Lane field, I asked myself what good would come of it? I'm sorry to say that the answer has got
LIKE B Ardis of Cloister Drive, Darwen (LET, January 21) I too have never had cause or the inclination to write to a newspaper before. Yet by insulting my local Councillor, Dave Smith, he insults the intelligence of the people of Sunnyhurst who, on numerous
TWO thugs battered and robbed a man as he walked home on Tuesday night (Jan 27). The 21-year-old victim suffering bruising and swelling to his face and head as a result of the attack which happened at 9.45pm in George Street, Prestwich. The victim was
CHARITY workers who help autism sufferers and their families has been left devastated after thieves raided their base and stole thousands of pounds of equipment. Organisers at the Action for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) group said hundreds of families
MORE patients will benefit from the care provided at Bealey Community Hospital. The Radcliffe hospital is to receive an extra four beds thanks to a £500,000 investment from Bury Primary Care Trust. The beds are to be housed in a new intermediate care
A COUPLE who face bankruptcy after providing vital care for disabled children today insisted the Government should do more for the "most vulnerable people in society." And the campaign of Andrea and Colin Brighouse received the backing of local MPs, who
BURY'S booze trade is about to become "open all hours" and residents are urged to have their say before it becomes law. Under the new Licensing Act 2003, magistrates' powers to award drinks licences will transfer to the local council, which will also
SECURITY is to be stepped up at an Unsworth newsagents following a second armed robbery in just over a month. A full-time security guard is one of the options being considered by bosses of Dillons for its branch in Sunnybank Road. A spokesman told the
EWOOD new boy Michael Gray today said he's convinced that Blackburn Rovers have what it takes to win their battle for Premiership survival. After staring into the eyes of his new team-mates earlier this week, the 29-year-old utility man firmly believes
PLANS for a comprehensive crackdown on teen yobs are set to be approved by councillors next week. The aim is to ensure Burnley Council, police and other groups work more closely to purge the town of youngsters regularly causing trouble. Recommendations
GRAHAM Barrow is desperately hoping Saturday's home clash against Southend will beat the weather and go ahead. The Shakers are currently on a three-game unbeaten run and manager Barrow would dearly love to add another win to that sequence and round off
NA NEWLY-appointed officer has said she will relish the challenge of boosting regeneration in communities across Pendle. Andrea Goodall has been appointed by Pendle Council to develop a series of workshops for voluntary and community groups in Brierfield
A CONCERT is planned to raise funds to help two autistic children make a splash with dolphins in Florida. Katie McIntosh (5), of Scobell Street, Tottington, suffers from autism and her story has featured in the Bury Times. She has two brothers, one of
PENDLE Mayor Mohammed Iqbal is to host an event for Asian businesspeople in Colne tomorrow will host a charity dinner for the Asian Business Federation (ABF), expected to be attended by representatives from more than 200 businesses. The event will raise
TWO inseparable friends prepared to join the outside world after 40 years in Calderstones Hospital, Whalley. Margaret, 78, and Bella, 74, were institutionalised for minor abnormalities in the 1920s. Shoppers who made the trudge through the snow to Blackburn
A MAN arrested over the disappearance of a mum-of-six today remained in custody. The man, from Manchester, was detained after police obtained an extra 36 hours to question him from magistrates last night. He was arrested on Wednesday over the disappearance
HYNDBURN'S great rubbish row has taken another twist after opposition councillors claimed nobody had told residents bin bag waste had been "banned". Huncoat Labour ward councillor Dave Parkins said the first he knew about the council stopping the collection
MORNING rush-hour traffic was thrown into chaos on Monday (Jan 26) when a heavy goods vehicle became stuck while attempting a U-turn. Police officers were forced to close both carriageways of Bury New Road, Whitefield, after the lorry came to a halt near
A CAR collided several times with a bridge wall before failing to take a right-hand bend and crashing into a gate post, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard the driver, Dale Graham Counsell, was staggering after climbing out of the passenger
STAN Ternent is contemplating unleashing his Burnley babes on unsuspecting Wigan. The Clarets chief reckons the addition of Charlton goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, 22, and 21-year-old midfielders Bradley Orr and Neil Wood, from Newcastle and Manchester United
by SIMON GARNER IF Blackburn Rovers do snap up a striker before the transfer window closes I think they need one with Premiership quality and experience - and Everton's Tomasz Radzinski falls in to that category. I know the Goodison Park club have spurned
WORK is to start on a £300,000 facelift for Prestwich Library by mid-March. And Bury Council says it has worked hard to relocate the community groups that use the facility. As reported last week, groups who currently use the exhibition room were outraged
SCHOOLCHILDREN joined with civic dignitaries and representatives from all faith groups to remember those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. In a poignant tribute to the millions of innocent victims, and in recognition of the sad fact that genocide
BLACKBURN Rovers were today waiting to hear if their latest offer for Huddersfield's Jonathan Stead has been accepted. Rovers boss Graeme Souness had an initial bid rejected for Stead yesterday afternoon. But the Premiership club are thought to have gone
RESIDENTS are being invited to ask questions and make comments about the council's budget for the coming year at Radcliffe's area board on Monday evening (Feb 2). Bury Council's budget for 2004/05 will be the first item up for discussion at the meeting
PEOPLE in Tockholes have got behind a campaign to revitalise their village hall. They were asked last month to fill out a questionnaire supporting moves to refurbish and modernise the kitchen in the hall which has fallen into disrepair. The hall was being
A MOTHER financed her son's heroin habit for eight years in an attempt to stop him getting in trouble with the law, a court was told. But Blackburn magistrates heard Gerard Burns's addiction outgrew his mother's purse - and when she said enough was enough
RAMSBOTTOM Farmers' Market will be held this Sunday. The market will take place between 10am and 3pm at Ramsbottom Civic Hall, as well as Market Place next to the Tilted Vase. It brings together more than 25 stalls, and farmers and producers from all
FUNDRAISERS are seeking volunteers to help bring in cash for East Lancashire's three hospices. For the first time Rossendale, Pendleside and East Lancashire Hospices have joined forces in a major appeal to raise £100,000 for patient care. The Hospices
PARISHIONERS have condemned vandals who forced a priest to move out of his home after repeated attacks. Father Philip Boast has abandoned his parish home a month early following the harassment from juveniles in Stacksteads. Fr Boast was due to move to
PLANS are being drawn up to turn an ancient woodland into a Local Nature Reserve. A public meeting has been arranged so residents can have their say on the proposals, which would see Ramsbottom's Redisher Woods preserved. Redisher Woods, a wooded valley
A MAN who has transformed the fortunes of one of the area's leading theatre companies is to take charge of an arts centre in Lincolnshire. Andrew Rawlinson, currently general manager of the Horse and Bamboo Theatre Company, based at Waterfoot, co-produced
A NEW East Lancashire project aims to reduce the risk of falls by the elderly. This week eight members of the Brookhouse community travelled from Blackburn to the Hilton Hotel, in Blackpool, for a workshop looking at ways of preventing falls. The Healthy
WANTED posters are being put up across Blackburn and Darwen as police step up the hunt for a "dangerous" man on the run. It is 17 days since Winswell Sutherland, 58, left the address where he was meant to be staying following his release on licence from
COUNCILLORS are claiming victory in a war against a benefits backlog in Blackburn - despite failing to meet targets. Blackburn with Darwen Council has been struggling to reduce a mountain of unprocessed claims and was even given a £120,000 Government
YOUNGSTERS from the Asian community have been urged not to congregate inside Blackburn's shopping centre. The call came from Coun Salim Mulla, secretary of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, who said: "The shopping centre is there for shopping. I am not
A COUPLE who face bankruptcy after providing vital care for disabled children today insisted the Government should do more for the "most vulnerable people in society." And the campaign of Andrea and Colin Brighouse received the backing of local MPs, who
ACCRINGTON Stanley goalkeeper Jon Kennedy has revealed his shock and delight at being called up to the England National Game XI squad. But the surprise wasn't so much the fact he had been picked - more the timing of his selection. "I was a little disappointed
NELSON'S most recent performance has given new boss Mick Molloy confidence they can re-capture their early season form - despite losing 6-2. The defeat came against Morecambe in the quarter-final of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy on Tuesday, when Nelson's
BRENT Peters reckons last week's win over Clitheroe has kept his team's season alive. The Bacup Borough boss predicts that players will be fighting for semi-final places after their 1-0 away win against the Blues in the League Challenge Cup. Peters said
LEE Sculpher is urging his team to tighten up in a bid to tie up the title. Clitheroe are in the driving seat for the North West Counties League Division One championship, three points behind Mossley but poised to strike with two games in hand. However
CHORLEY manager Mark Patterson has apologised for his late sending off which left the Magpies down to nine men in their 2-1 defeat against North Ferriby last weekend. Patterson admitted that, as a former professional, he should have known better than
KNOWING someone affected by the case where evidence was apparently falsified (Bury Times, January 23), I feel that all the people who were booked for parking on that occasion, should have the money they paid refunded. As to an internal inquiry being held
BURY motorist Kevin McGuire is to be congratulated on his diligence in exposing the fact that evidence submitted by Bury Metro Council to the National Parking Adjudication Service was doctored (Parking Scam, Bury Times, January 23). Bury councillors of
OVER many years, Radcliffe has had a steady supply of volunteers, giving their time and expertise to young people in sport and Scouting. Each week in the Bury Times I read about Radcliffe Athletic Club and the good work they do to develop and encourage
I FELT compelled to write in response to the letter submitted by "Ex-Radcliffe Market Trader" (January 23) regarding Radcliffe Market Hall. I can only applaud him/her for daring to voice an opinion regarding Radcliffe, and say that I empathise wholeheartedly
