Stories for 29 December 2005

Accrington News

A pothole? Just straddle it

A MOTORIST who complained when his car was damaged by a pothole was amazed when highways chiefs told him he should have driven round it!   more...

Angry mum's child support nightmare

A GREAT Harwood mum was left struggling with no child support benefit for almost nine months, thanks to a computer error.   more...

Boss defends bus price increase

A BUS company boss today defended Boxing Day price increases after a family were asked to pay £12 for a return trip from Blackburn to Accrington.   more...

Fire crews rescue dog in ice drama

A PET owner has told of her relief after firemen saved her dog's life when it plunged through the ice on a frozen pond.   more...

Attack pit bull killed in street

A DOG was destroyed in front of a crowd of onlookers after it savaged its owner in the street.   more...

Blackburn News

Boss defends bus price increase

A BUS company boss today defended Boxing Day price increases after a family were asked to pay £12 for a return trip from Blackburn to Accrington.   more...

Blackpool News

Gran battles to halt MRSA deaths

A Cleveleys pensioner whose husband died from MRSA is calling for better funding and a change in nursing to stop more deaths from the deadly superbug.   more...

Help out women in need

Could you be the difference between life or death to a woman living in the shadow of violence in her own home?   more...

Hope after the tsunami

Blackpool Tower this week became the launch pad for a new church appeal to help Indonesian victims of last year's Boxing Day Tsunami.   more...

Double joy for landlord James

A PUB landlord today said he was overjoyed after winning a fight for life to celebrate his first Christmas as a married man - and look forward to the New Year.   more...

Crews give a great gift

To most of us, the Christmas holidays mean nothing more than opening presents, visiting relatives or enjoying a good drink or three.   more...

Cash help for the homeless

Council officials say they are "confident" they will be able to tackle Blackpool's growing army of homeless people after being awarded a £270,000 government grant.   more...

Gas alert after car crash

Police are trying to trace a mystery driver after a car crash caused a potentially deadly gas leak in Bispham on Sunday.   more...

Car park ban to hit travellers

A series of parking restrictions are being implemented in the centre of Blackpool in a bid to prevent a large gathering of travellers for the holiday period.   more...

Knifepoint robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were robbed at knife-point in Abingdon Street, Blackpool at 3.40am on Saturday   more...

Happy couple celebrate

Partners for 27 years, John Blakey and Les Oldroyd, finally got hitched yesterday (Wed) in Blackpool's first civil partnership ceremony.   more...

Leaving festive season behind

Blackpool International Airport is gearing up for its busiest ever Christmas after another year of growth.   more...

Blackpool Sport

Scholarship for Kirsty

A Blackpool international hockey ace is set to combine her sport with her studies after receiving a prestigious scholarship.   more...

Blackpool,Lytham News

Our NHS is something to be proud of

My recent letter declared 'It is worrying that the 'Vic' trust has decided temporarily to close wards at Fleetwood and Lytham Hospital and the rehabilitation hospital at Rossall''   more...

Tsars can't cure the incurable

While scanning your paper the words "drug tsar" jumped out at me. I had to smile, sardonically of course.   more...

Climate debate is early Christmas present

That the world's nations have agreed to debate measures to tackle climate change is an early Christmas present. It's an incredibly complicated process with Europe providing the leadership.   more...

Toilets disaster

I do not like the proposed closures of the public toilets in Cleveleys.   more...

Bolton Bygone

1950s parlour helps recall good times

A ROOM harking back to a different era is helping dementia sufferers unlock a lifetime of memories.   more...

Bolton Leisure

Soap star buys car and gets charity surprise

CORONATION Street actor William Roache picked up a cheque for £1,000 for a charity of his choice when he decided to buy a car from Williams Mini in Bolton.   more...

Walkers' plea over blocked path

WALKERS have taken their battle to get a popular footpath reopened to the Deputy Prime Minister's office.   more...

Festive walking treat

START the New Year with an enjoyable walk around the cloughs, reservoirs and waterfalls of Rivington courtesy of Bolton Ramblers.   more...

Bolton News

Police appeal after sex attack

CHRISTMAS partygoers may hold the key to solving a brutal Boxing Day sex attack on a 31-year-old woman.   more...

Two in three children have tooth decay

SHOCK figures have revealed almost two thirds of Boltonís children are suffering from tooth decay.   more...

Coffee sponsor perks up Games hopeful

BOLTON'S top swimmer, Anthony Howard, will be able to perform to his full potential at the Commonwealth Games - thanks to a local coffee shop.   more...

Local planning applications

BOLTON/TURTON   more...

Walkers' plea over blocked path

WALKERS have taken their battle to get a popular footpath reopened to the Deputy Prime Minister's office.   more...

Heartbreak as vandals hit church

VANDALS went on a wrecking spree at a Bolton church, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.   more...

Anger as sand quarry verdict is put on hold

RESIDENTS fighting plans to extract more than a million tons of sand near their homes have been told they will have to wait until the spring for a decision.   more...

Festive in the forest

THEY stand deep in the pine forests around Entwistle Reservoir spreading festive cheer to all who pass.   more...

Boys, 13, held in police swoop

TWO 13-year-olds were part of a crimewave which targeted homes in Bolton.   more...

£64m tonic for health centres

A £64 MILLION plan to build a series of health super centres across Bolton has been unveiled.   more...

Thieves lacked festive spirit

AH, the spirit of Christmas is not lost on (some) kids of today. It was nice to know that some young people were out on Christmas Eve searching for a last minute present for someone.   more...

Fancy dress racers brave the big freeze

SCHOOLGIRLS, robots, TV characters, pirates and nurses all turned out for a festive three-legged race.   more...

Young thugs pelt cars with bricks

YOUNG thugs have been targeting cars by pelting them with bricks and stones.   more...

Fireman's funeral tribute date

THE funeral of a firefighter who was killed in a car crash in France just weeks before his retirement is being held on Friday (Jan 7).   more...

Susan shortlisted for art prize

A FORMER Westhoughton woman has been shortlisted for a prestigious art prize.   more...

Soap star buys car and gets charity surprise

CORONATION Street actor William Roache picked up a cheque for £1,000 for a charity of his choice when he decided to buy a car from Williams Mini in Bolton.   more...

Tony on his bike with hospice cheque

KEEN cyclist Tony Bowles joined the Bolton Clarions in raising £500 for Bolton Hospice.   more...

Tenants learn new skills

TENANTS from across Bolton have been finding out more about the group which manages council homes in the borough.   more...

Cancer nurses' valuable role

TERMINALLY ill cancer patients have been able to spend the festive period at home thanks to the support of specialist nurses.   more...

Bureau needs help

BOLTON and District Citizens' Advice Bureau is asking for a helping hand.   more...

Machete assault man still serious

A MAN is still in a serious condition after he was slashed about the head with a machete.   more...

Festive walking treat

START the New Year with an enjoyable walk around the cloughs, reservoirs and waterfalls of Rivington courtesy of Bolton Ramblers.   more...

New air ambulance for North-west

A NEW air ambulance covering the skies of the North-west - partly paid for by one woman's £500,000 donation - has been unveiled.   more...

Huge skip 'not for extra waste'

COUNCIL bosses have dismissed claims that a huge skip has been introduced at one of Bolton's busiest tips to take waste from people struggling to cope with the fortnightly collection scheme.   more...

Blair backed down in Brussels

IN spite of all his fine words, "backdown Blair" bottled it in Brussels and has agreed to pay £7 billion to £8 billion of British taxpayers' money to the EU until 2013, and thereafter £2 billion each year.   more...

Hole in grant means holes in our services

THE Government grant is a disaster for Bolton and the North-west.   more...

An invitation to join Sukula campaign

I FEEL I must reply to Andrew Rothwell's reponse to my letter regarding the Sukula family.   more...

Smoke gets in our eyes

SO the pub landlords fear that a complete smoking ban would ruin their business?   more...

Welcome plan

I REFER to the recent article about a planning application for the site of the former Atlantis nightclub in Waters Meeting Road (Bolton Evening News, December 19).   more...

Bolton Sport

Get on Ronaldo to score against Wanderers

WEBSITE tipster Gerry McDonnell previews the weekend action - and also chips in with the annual Betty Awards . . .   more...

Shakers - and their fans - frozen out

SHAKERS' derby clash at Rochdale was called off because of a frozen pitch at teatime on Wednesday after it appeared earlier the League Two clash would go ahead.   more...

Rams have a point to prove

RAMSBOTTOM United are on their travels for the next three games with a point to prove to player-manager Lee Sculpher.   more...

Bolton RU tops in a hotly-contested derby

THE annual fixture between the two local rivals took place at Avenue Street, but with more players than ever before having a foot in both camps, selection was not finalised until just before the kick off.   more...

Coffee sponsor perks up Games hopeful

BOLTON'S top swimmer, Anthony Howard, will be able to perform to his full potential at the Commonwealth Games - thanks to a local coffee shop.   more...

Carr scoops national title for New Bury

LEON Carr became the first fighter at New Bury and Farnworth Boxing Club to win the prestigious National Golden Belt finals.   more...

Bolton Wanderers

Get on Ronaldo to score against Wanderers

WEBSITE tipster Gerry McDonnell previews the weekend action - and also chips in with the annual Betty Awards . . .   more...

Fans' chief calls for holiday fixtures re-think

FANS' chief Malcolm Clarke has called for a change in the policy of scheduling fixtures to prevent supporters travelling huge distances for night matches and games over the holiday period after three high profile games - including Wanderers' home clash with Middlesbrough - were called off.   more...

Reebok, Ewood Park matches hit by heating problems

WANDERERS' Premiership clash with Middlesbrough on Wednesday night was postponed after the failure of the undersoil heating.   more...

Sam's plans on ice

SAM Allardyce is trying to come to terms with the damage caused by Wednesday's postponement of the Premiership clash with Middlesbrough.   more...

Ruud: Wanderers' visit a 'massive' game for Reds

RUUD van Nisterooy has described Wanderers' sell-out visit to Old Trafford as a "massive" game for the Reds after another stumble at Birmingham on Wednesday resulted in Chelsea increasing their Premiership lead to 11 points.   more...

It's all down to the elements

A QUIRKY explanation for the failure of undersoil heating at the Reebok and Ewood Park came from Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson.   more...

Diouf out of United clash

EL-Hadji Diouf, who was due to serve a one-match suspension against Middlesbrough after totting up five bookings, will now be forced to sit out Saturday's game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.  more...

Burnley News

`Join our fight to save park'

TWO campaign groups have stepped up their quest to stop Towneley Park being built on.   more...

Man trapped under train

A MAN survived after being hit by a train in Burnley today. The incident happened just outside the town's Manchester Road station at about 6.40am.   more...

Bury Business

Identikit cash boost

AN award-winning businesswoman whose company provides identification tagging products has secured £250,000 worth of funding from Bank of Scotland Corporate.   more...

Firms prepare to take on 'big boys'

LOCAL alliances are to be created in Bury to tackle the threat posed by the "big boys", following the introduction of the Government's Home Information Packs (HIPs) in January 2007.   more...

Primary care project for the area begins to gather pace

THE project to build new primary care resources centres in Bury is gathering speed.   more...

Web firm wins award

SUMMERSEAT-based interactive web agency, The Tickle Group, scooped a highly commended prize at the regional E-commerce Awards.   more...

Networking at festive lunch

AROUND 90 businessmen and women from Bury and across Greater Manchester attended a special Christmas lunch.   more...

Bury Education

Pupils take to street in car speed protest

PRIMARY school youngsters in Holcombe joined forces with road safety campaigners to urge passing motorists to slow down on the village's most notorious roads.   more...

Help for pupils set for biggest move

PRIMARY school children worrying about making the transition to high school are being given words of advice from Bury Samaritans.   more...

Kept in suspense

PUPILS were left on the edge of their seats - thanks to a lesson in suspense.   more...

Brainy girls take home silver medals from North West quiz contest

Five pupils at Bury Grammar School proved knowledgable after winning silver medals in the North West Schools' Quiz Competition.   more...

Bury Leisure

Major art to go on show

SOME of the major British artists of the last century will have their work on show at The Lowry in Salford next month.   more...

Bury News

Parking blunder will cost council

MORE than 100 motorists could have been wrongly issued parking fines after a council blunder.   more...

Make your feelings known over £70m building plans

BURY Council is planning to build a 14-storey tower block right in the centre of the town ('Chance to see £70m town plan', Bury Times, December 15).   more...

Leave Fairfield Hospital alone, people are entitled to have such key services

FOR your readers, here is a copy of a letter I have sent to Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt:   more...

We're high achievers despite poor funding

I SHOULD like to add some brief comments in support of those made by Dawn Robinson-Walsh where she recommends that the primary school league tables need to be taken in the context of a fuller picture of the education provided by a school ('League tables: we need to see the fuller picture', Letters, December 22).   more...

School made us feel welcomed

I AM writing to agree whole-heartedly with Sue Arnall's letter ('Broad Oak closure and merger: no thank you', Letters, December 8)).   more...

Road victims don't get second chance

YOUR front page story ('Loophole lawyer's victory', Bury Times, December 15) about the man who was four-and-a-half times over the drink drive limit walking free, must make all tax-payers' stomachs churn.   more...

People should think more about parking

TOO many people are buying cars and they don't have anywhere to keep them. They park their vehicle for long periods of time in front of their terraced house, thus confiscating that part of the road, making it difficult for delivery vans, taxis and visitors who are then forced to impose on others.   more...

Honesty prevails

WE all hear so much these days of thieving and violence that I thought I would tell you about what happened recently to warm my heart.   more...

Richard heads for 'The Freezer'

A YOUNG man who was told he 'wouldn't go far' by his teachers has proved them wrong by securing a job at the other side of the world.   more...

Help for pupils set for biggest move

PRIMARY school children worrying about making the transition to high school are being given words of advice from Bury Samaritans.   more...

Bury Jazz Society

LAST Monday's meeting had a festive theme, beginning with Jingle Bells Mambo, recorded in the mid 1950s by Pete Rugolo's Orchestra.   more...

Bury Storke club

I AM writing to thank everyone who has given their time and effort to the club these past 26 years, and a special thanks to Geoff Kenyon and his dad, Bill, whose love of music and song gave us some memorable evenings.   more...

Bury Times presents £11,000 to the Fusiliers

THE Bury Times has fired an £11,000 salute in honour of the borough's proud and historic Fusiliers.   more...

Young farmer killed in quad bike accident

A TEENAGE farmer died after his quad bike overturned and crushed him to death, an inquest heard.   more...

It's official: Fairfield gets 'close' vote

FAIRFIELD Hospital has been officially named as one of the sites favoured to lose its maternity department and special care baby unit.   more...

150 join Boxing Day hunt on moors

THE Holcombe Hunt gathered for its annual Boxing Day meet, but with a difference.   more...

Paceeggers' thanks

ON behalf of Bury Paceeggers I would like to thank the people and publicans of Bury and Ormskirk for their generosity during our 2005 tour. With your help we were able to give Christie's Against Cancer a cheque for £1,000. This is the largest amount we have raised.   more...

Machete assault man still serious

A MAN is still in a serious condition after he was slashed about the head with a machete.   more...

William and Marina find recipe for love

A FISH and chip shop might seem an unlikely place for the start of a lasting relationship, but William and Marina Swinburn have spent 50 years together after meeting there.   more...

Gang barred from pub

A GANG of young men have been barred from a Radcliffe pub after a fracas on Christmas Eve.   more...

Money fears for family help group

A BURY charity which supports families with young children may have to reduce the number of people it helps because of a lack of funding.   more...

Borough gets unit to support trial witnesses

A WITNESS Care Unit has been introduced in Bury.   more...

Bury Ramblers club

THE sun sets early in December, so a 13-mile moorland walk might seem rather ambitious. However, Ian Pickup chose his route carefully, on good tracks all the way, and with few stiles to show progress. At a comfortable pace the walk was completed well before darkness.   more...

Cash taken

ARMED raiders escaped with hundreds of pounds from a bookmakers.   more...

Pupils take to street in car speed protest

PRIMARY school youngsters in Holcombe joined forces with road safety campaigners to urge passing motorists to slow down on the village's most notorious roads.   more...

Violence: act now say police

VICTIMS of domestic violence in the run-up to the New Year should act now before it is too late.   more...

Police investigate house blaze

POLICE are investiagting a fire in a first-floor flat in Kestrel Drive, Bury.   more...

Raising the roof and the money

A CHRISTMAS carol service with a variety of performers heralded £1,500 for a children's charity.   more...

Drive to hospital led to ban

AGENCY worker Rohan Dacosta drove to and from the hospital where his partner's father had been taken because he could not afford a taxi, a court heard.   more...

Attack fears on crews

POSTERS have been distributed in pubs and clubs across Bury to highlight the growing problem of ambulance staff being attacked while on emergency calls.   more...

Trial date for boy, 12

THE trial of a 12-year-old boy accused of the manslaughter of 14-year-old Michael Hillen is scheduled to begin at Manchester Crown Court on February 13.   more...

'Too much crime'

AFTER emigrating from Bury in 1957, I returned for visits in 1967 and 1971 and had a wonderful time. I have been considering coming over for a visit in the near future for possibly the last time, but after reading in the international press and the stories on your internet site about what seems to me rampant crime over there, especially against seniors, I have decided to forget visiting, which is a shame.   more...

Thieves flee after stolen car smash

THREE thieves fled after smashing a stolen vehicle into parked cars in Whitefield.   more...

Debbie plays Santa

KEY103 presenter Debbie Mac became Santa for the day when she delivered toys to a representative of Bury Woman's Aid Centre.The radio station was supporting The Lowry Toy Appeal and distributed more than 3,000 gifts to various good causes, donated by listeners.  more...

Army to get new centre

ARMY cadets from across Greater Manchester will soon be able to enjoy new facilities after planning chiefs gave the go-ahead for a weekend training centre in Hawkshaw.   more...

Daredevils hot-foot it for charity

TWENTY brave souls from PC World Business in Bury 'hot footed' it for charity when they walked over burning coals.   more...

Warning on pipes danger

BURY families planning to jet away for the New Year are being urged to get lagging to avoid the winter blues on their return.   more...

History lesson comes to life

PREPARING for an attack, pupils from Holly Mount Primary School in Greenmount get ready for an Anglo-Saxon invasion.The youngsters from Year 4 swapped their uniforms and normal curriculum for a day to play the role of the historic invaders and settlers complete with authentic costume.   more...

Major art to go on show

SOME of the major British artists of the last century will have their work on show at The Lowry in Salford next month.   more...

Kept in suspense

PUPILS were left on the edge of their seats - thanks to a lesson in suspense.   more...

kitchen blaze drama

THE occupants of a house in Bury were forced to call the emergency services when the kitchen oven set on fire.   more...

Festive songs in the park

MUSICIANS from the Salvation Army band played a concert of festive music at Clarence Park bandstand in Bury.   more...

Recycle all your Christmas rubblish

REVELLERS who have not yet thrown out their Christmas rubbish are being urged to recycle it instead.   more...

Men at work

MEN in the borough work an average 40.7 hours a week, a new study has revealed.   more...

Man injured

A MAN suffered minor burns to his hands when he tried to tackle a fire in the dining room of his home on Christmas Eve.   more...

Biker injured

A MOTORCYCLIST suffered minor injuries when he was in collision with a car in Bury last Friday morning.   more...

Pupils help MedEquip charity

YOUNGSTERS at Unsworth County Primary School put their grey matter to the test to help buy equipment for a children's medical charity.   more...

Up for the title

THWAITES Brewery, which has 22 pubs in the borough, has been shortlisted by the Publican Magazine for the 'Pub Company of the Year' title. Thwaites has also been nominated for the 'Regional Brewer of the Year' award.  more...

Brainy girls take home silver medals from North West quiz contest

Five pupils at Bury Grammar School proved knowledgable after winning silver medals in the North West Schools' Quiz Competition.   more...

Woman is cleared

A 55-year-old Bury woman has been cleared of benefits fraud by magistrates at Rochdale.   more...

Fair cheque

A CHRISTMAS fair at Prestwich Conservative Club raised £1,300 for Elms Bank High School in Whitefield. And the club donated an extra £200 to boost the fund to £1,500.  more...

Bury Sport

Robins ruin Boro's day: RADCLIFFE BORO 1, ASHTON UNITED 2

THERE was no Boxing Day cheer for Boro as the UniBond League's three point victory incentive went Ashton's way in an entertaining derby at the Inn2gether Stadium.   more...

Shakers aim to madden hatters!

THERE isn't likely to be any festive goodwill on offer when the Shakers entertain crisis club Stockport County at Gigg Lane on Saturday at 3pm.   more...

Badminton: Rossendale League

FIRST Division leaders Badgercote A widened the gap at the top after their 15-10 victory over Oakgate, but champions Central have three games in hand.   more...

Snooker: Bury Federation of Social Clubs

Results   more...

Cycling: Bury Clarion

THE league table results for the ACT track league results have now been published in the under 14's section.   more...

Bury Chess Club

In their final match of the year, the Bury first team entertained 3Cs, who are probably the strongest team in the North West.   more...

Golf: Prestwich winter medal fifth qualifier

Division One   more...

Gymnasts among the medals

YOUNG competitors from the Goshen Sports Centre-based Bury Gymnastics Club had a successful weekend at the North West Novice Under Eight Individual Championships in Warrington.   more...

Hoyle shines as Brox hold cricket asres

HOME advantage paid for Brooksbottoms Cricket Club when they won the 43rd Brian Statham Trophy encounter at their Rowlands Road ground at Summerseat.   more...

It's a cruel Yule as the Mariners turn pirates: BURY 1, GRIMSBY TOWN 2

FOR those who like a good Christmas mystery there were two conundrums to occupy the mind at Gigg Lane on Boxing Day.   more...

Casper calls it

SOMEONE once said that football is a funny old game, well that game proved it.   more...

Shakers - and their fans - frozen out

SHAKERS' derby clash at Rochdale was called off because of a frozen pitch at teatime on Wednesday after it appeared earlier the League Two clash would go ahead.   more...

Steaker braved the cold

A STREAKER who braved freezing temperatures to run naked onto the pitch during Bury FC's Boxing Day match, faces a ban from all football grounds in the country.   more...

Rams need to find killer touch: RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 2, BACUP BORO 2

THIS eagerly awaited Boxing Day derby lived up to expectations, with a hard fought match that both sides will probably feel they could have won.   more...

Snow Tigers miss out: DONCASTER 33, SEDGLEY PARK 20

A DISPUTED penalty try on the hour, preceded by two first half yellow cards, give an indication as to Park's relationship with referee Chris Sharp and point to the main reason why they failed to gain even a single point, again.   more...

Worst of the season from FCUM: FLIXTON 1, FC UNITED 1

FC UNITED of Manchester could count themselves lucky to come away from Valley Road with a point on Boxing Day after their worst performance of the campaign so far.   more...

Rams have a point to prove

RAMSBOTTOM United are on their travels for the next three games with a point to prove to player-manager Lee Sculpher.   more...

Luke gets his kicks from Thai

LOCAL Thai Boxing gym, GFC Muay Thai, based in Britannia Mill, have added another champion to their ever-growing list.   more...

Chorley News

Lack of Christmas spirit ruins Scrooge play

A Christmas play by a children's drama group was ruined because people arriving for a carol concert interrupted their performance.   more...

Retail boost for town

Chorley could be set for a massive retail boost after it emerged that development of the Flat Iron car park was being investigated.   more...

Chorley FM plea for help

Chorley's first permanent radio station is due to begin broadcasting next year and the whole of the community is invited to get involved.   more...

Royal approval

Brave teenager James Derbyshire has earned himself real royal recognition for getting on with life in the face of adversity.   more...

Mayor breaks festive tradition

The Christmas day visit to hospital patients by the Mayor of Chorley did not go ahead this year.   more...

Chorley Sport

Brig take the spoils

Chorley succumbed to a Boxing Day defeat at the hands of their near neighbours who dominated large parts of the match.   more...

New Year visit to old rivals

Chorley will be on their travels on Monday, January 2 - back to East Lancashire for the latest clash with Clitheroe to take on a club who on and off have been traditional rivals during the last 110 years.   more...

Clarets Sport

Match report: Norwich City 2 Burnley 1

WITH a blanket of snow stretching all the way to Norfolk, Burnley took to the skies in search of more Christmas cheer.   more...

Thomas display is a positive

WAYNE Thomas came through his latest test unscathed to offset the disappointment of Burnley's 2-1 defeat at Norwich last night.   more...

Players' tunnel `should move'

BURNLEY fans have called for the player's tunnel at Turf Moor to be moved following ugly scenes which marred the end of the Clarets' fiery Boxing Day clash with Stoke.   more...

Player ratings: Norwich City 2 Burnley 1

How the Clarets players fared in the defeat at Carrow Road.   more...

Clitheroe News

Her dream job is no holiday

AN adventurous woman has found her dream job looking after Brits abroad. But Emma Taylor is no holiday rep - and there is no room service, swimming pools or sangria.   more...

Darwen News

Lotto grant is play perk for children

CHILDREN are to benefit from a new and improved park after plans were unveiled to renovate it for the first time in 30 years.   more...

Police in new year warning to young rowdies

POLICE are warning youngsters they will be getting tough in the new year in an area of Darwen disrupted by juvenile nuisance.   more...

Lancashire Leisure

All rise for The Fall

One of the country's most influential bands take to the stage in Wigan in the New Year.   more...

Lancashire News

A pothole? Just straddle it

A MOTORIST who complained when his car was damaged by a pothole was amazed when highways chiefs told him he should have driven round it!   more...

Student protest over lost `hobby' courses

SCORES of `hobby' courses ranging from woodwork to yoga have been "driven into the wilderness" since the region's colleges washed their hands of them, it was claimed today.   more...

Dying for a drink: Alert as toll soars

THE number of people dying of alcohol-related illnesses in East Lancashire has almost doubled in just eight years.   more...

Man trapped under train

A MAN survived after being hit by a train in Burnley today. The incident happened just outside the town's Manchester Road station at about 6.40am.   more...

Service simply not good enough

COULD anyone tell me who is running the central loan stores for Blackburn hospitals? A few months ago my husband was lent a high-backed chair and toilet seat while waiting for a hip replacement.   more...

Chimps theory does not stand up

NEIL Duckworth believes I'm misleading people by stating in my column that humans and chimps are unrelated (December 19).   more...

Waste plan fight is not over yet

RE: "Waste plant done a deal" (LET, November 28). The first rule of any warfare is: always let the enemy attack first. Coun Scaife said: "all the efforts of petitions protests have all been in vain."   more...

Don't condemn all young people

AFTER reading a letter sent in by A H, Manxman Road, Blackburn (LET, December 15), I decided to try and restore a little faith   more...

England will be swallowed up

RE the articles in the LET about merging of the police forces. The same thing is happening with the Army, ambulance service, hospitals and fire service.   more...

Rid our roads of potholes

ANYONE who drives regularly will know how widely the standard of upkeep varies on our roads.   more...

Lancashire Sport

Rovers probe after late postponement

BLACKBURN Rovers have promised a full investigation after last night's Premiership clash with Sunderland was called off just two hours before kick-off.   more...

Thomas display is a positive

WAYNE Thomas came through his latest test unscathed to offset the disappointment of Burnley's 2-1 defeat at Norwich last night.   more...

New Year visit to old rivals

Chorley will be on their travels on Monday, January 2 - back to East Lancashire for the latest clash with Clitheroe to take on a club who on and off have been traditional rivals during the last 110 years.   more...

Records fall at Valley race

The Ribble Valley 10K Road Race continues to hit the spot for local athletes with a perfect blend of stiff competition and seasonal good cheer.   more...

Boxing clever

In form Clayton Harrier Peter Butterworth was the winning over 50 veteran at the Leyland 10K Road Race on Boxing Day.   more...

Lancaster News

Town Hall debate must look at all options

NOW the Council is to launch a consultation on options for the Town Halls, it is important that the public has the best possible information on costs.   more...

Lessons for everyone

I READ Mr Laine's letter last week with interest. It seems the Christian anti gay rights protestor' he met in Lancaster was vague in her reasons for opposition to gay people.   more...

Lancaster has a lot to be proud of

MEMBERS of the Lancaster Pride organising group wish to thank all of the people of the area who gave their time, support, advice, money, in-kind dona-tions and hard work to the planning and orchestration of the festival week.   more...

You cannot call this a great place

WHAT gall Cllr. Ron Sands has to say Morecambe is a great place to live (Citizen, December 7) Any councillor with a shred of pride who travels along Morecambe's seafront in winter should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves and of the state they have allowed the town's shop window' to get into.   more...

I have always done my bit...

STEVE Metcalfe said he was angry at the sentiments in my last letter in the Citizen (December 7).   more...

Well said councillor

WELL SAID Ron Sands, I totally agree with his view published in the Citizen.   more...

Ron is absolutely right

WE agree with Cllr Ron Sands because we always do anything we can to promote our beautiful resort and Bay, using its unique combination of coast, country-side, birdlife, walking and glorious views as the major selling points.   more...

Your time's up...

NEW Year revellers in Lancaster had better make sure they have a reliable watch with them on Saturday night.   more...

Join our protest

ANTI-ROAD campaigners have drawn up a list of 10 things they hate about any planned Heysham to M6 Northern' link.   more...

Now you see it

LANCASTER'S magnificent castle is now showing off its full glory after new floodlights were installed.   more...

Lancaster Sport

Match report: Southport 0 Morecambe 3

STEVE Dickinson was the Ebenezer Scrooge who stood between Morecambe and a Christmas feast of goals at Haig Avenue on Boxing Day.   more...

Let's build on Port cruise, says Sammy

MORECAMBE caretaker boss Sammy McIlroy is sweating on the fitness of key man Garry Thompson as the festive season steps up a gear on Saturday.   more...

Leigh Education

Talented pupils win day with MP

PUPILS at an Atherton school have won a day in Westminster with MP Andy Burnham - thanks to their artistic talent.   more...

Leigh Leisure

Rockers who keep the music alive

GUESTS at a party at the home of Noeline and Denis Doran were mourning the days the music died.   more...

Pressmen double bill

LEIGH'S original Pressmen will start the New Year playing a double bill with Night Train to boost funds for local charities.   more...

Leigh News

Where did all those years go?

WHERE are the years going? Talk about tempus fugit. It doesn't seem two minutes since we were all panicking about the world's computer systems failing as the clock struck midnight at the Millennium. Already we are on the verge of 2006.   more...

As a problem is solved another looms

IT'S a sad state of affairs when older people are unable to spend their own cash because of snags with the new pin and chip cards.   more...

My candidates for a gong

THE New Years Honours List will be released at the weekend.   more...

Going dutch is the spirit

ANYONE planning a hot date over the New Year and keen to impress should make sure they think twice about their choice of drink.   more...

Don't let go....

A SNIPPET in Hindley Green St John's Church parish magazine made me smile.   more...

Wayne's world is in the Marines

ATHERTON soldier Wayne Brookes has won his Green Beret.   more...

Training course gives boost to parent power

PARENT power is being given a big boost thanks to a groundbreaking training course that is being pioneered in the borough.   more...

New heritage chief

A NEW heritage chief has been appointed to protect the borough's past for the future.   more...

Bus time queries in any language

STAFF at Leigh bus station have become among the first in Greater Manchester to be able to understand nearly 150 different languages.   more...

New show site for garden decking

A NEW dedicated show site will feature the latest luxury garden phenomena that has already taken the States by storm.   more...

Book early for that clear out

HOUSEHOLDERS planning a big clear-out over the festive period or in early January are being reminded to book their recycling centre permits now.   more...

Can you help?

ASPINALLS might be able to help a Canadian trace her ancestors.   more...

Pressmen double bill

LEIGH'S original Pressmen will start the New Year playing a double bill with Night Train to boost funds for local charities.   more...

Be a donor in the New Year

THE National Blood Service is appealing to people to make a New Year resolution - to help save lives.   more...

Brownies' forty year party

THE 4th Tyldesley Brownies celebrated their 40th anniversary at St. John's Primary school, Mosley Common with a well-supported party attended by parents, past Brownies, Guiders, friends and members of the Trefoil Guild.   more...

Lisa finds recipe for a change of career

LISA Barrington's career has moved on since the days she worked in her local chip shop.   more...

Rockers who keep the music alive

GUESTS at a party at the home of Noeline and Denis Doran were mourning the days the music died.   more...

Midsummer in midwinter

STUDENTS brought midsummer magic to the cold days of December with their latest production by The Bard.   more...

1,000 attend the Light for Life event

OVER 1,000 people were at the Light for Life Appeal switch-on ceremony in the grounds of Wigan and Leigh Hospice at Hindley.   more...

£1.5m to clean up brook and park

A £1.5 MILLION plan to clean-up a brook and improve a play park has been revealed.   more...

Council is in the premier league of local authorities

WIGAN Council has been ranked in the premier league of local authorities - for the fourth year running.   more...

Burnham glad to see back of eyesore

MP Andy Burnham is delighted that the worst eyesore in his Leigh constituency is to be redeveloped.   more...

Keep warm and well through the winter

AS weather experts warn of the coldest winter for years, Wigan Council's social services staff say they are working hard to help older people stay well and warm during the big freeze.   more...

Choir in good voice to raise charity cash

CHORISTERS from Lowton St Luke's Church raised £459 for Wigan and Leigh Hospice when they sang carols to entertain shoppers.   more...

Young thugs pelt cars with bricks

YOUNG thugs have been targeting cars by pelting them with bricks and rocks.   more...

Leyland News

Plunge from pipe killed father

A FATHER-of-two was killed on Christmas Day while trying to climb into his locked home after a night out celebrating his birthday.   more...

Lytham News

Charles flying high after 21 years

It's Germany's national airline, as much a part of the national character as beer festivals and Wagner.   more...

Nelson News

Couple set for a big adventure

A PROPOSED children's adventure centre earmarked for Nelson looks set to get off the ground.   more...

Trio's high note for festive radio spot

RADIO Two listeners woke on Christmas morning to the sounds of three East Lancashire women.   more...

Forum will give locals a say on plans

NELSON residents are getting more involved with the regeneration of a deprived area of the town.   more...

Northend Sport

Davies plea to build up squad

Billy Davies hopes the North End board will allow him to strengthen his sqaud when the transfer window opens next month - which he says is needed if they are to make a serious push for promotion.   more...

Match report: Preston North End 0 Sheffield Wednesday 0

BILLY DAVIES watched his side stumble to their ninth home draw of the season - then demanded the club's board give him money to spend on players.   more...

Not quiet on the transfer front

Eric Skora has been linked with a permanent move away from Deepdale, either to Walsall, where he has been on loan but recently injured his knee, or to MK Dons, also in League One.   more...

Poolfc Sport

Match report: Port Vale 1 Blackpool 2

Festive cheer has frequently been in short supply at Bloomfield Road over the years, but a useful away victory at Port Vale on Boxing Day has put the Seasiders on the road to a happier New Year.   more...

Oldham clash frozen out

The Seasiders were due to take on Oldham Athletic at Bloomfield Road on Wednesday, but the match was called off due to a frozen pitch.   more...

Preston News

Jobs boost

Hundreds of jobs will be created when telecoms giant, The Carphone Warehouse, opens a call centre in spring.   more...

Dancer dies moments after reunion with gay partner

A talented dancer died in a car accident just moments after getting back together with his gay partner.   more...

Full steam ahead for potato man Norm

When potato seller, Norbert Roberts, took up the family business he knew it would be full steam ahead.   more...

Call for repairs to path

A dog walker has called for urgent action to repair a `dangerous' eroded path.   more...

Preston,Leyland News

Disgusted to see baby's plaque go

We are writing this to you as we feel it is completely disgusting. We had a baby who was cremated and placed on the January plot at Ribbleton Crematorium.   more...

Prestwich,Bury News

Police in doorstep thug warning

POLICE are appealing to residents in Prestwich and Whitefield to keep on their guard against unscrupulous doorstep criminals.   more...

Rawtenstall News

Flu fears mean bird show's off

FEARS over the possible spread of bird flu have led to a long-established Rossendale gamecock event being cancelled for the first time in living memory.   more...

Time to take cards down to green bin

ROSSENDALE Council chiefs are urging residents to recycle as much as possible during the festive period, rather than leaving all the rubbish for the bin men to collect.   more...

Rovers Sport

Rovers probe after late postponement

BLACKBURN Rovers have promised a full investigation after last night's Premiership clash with Sunderland was called off just two hours before kick-off.   more...

Ex-Rovers striker gutted by decision

FORMER Blackburn Rovers striker Jon Stead was `gutted' that last night's game at Ewood Park was called off.   more...

Ref: No one was to blame

REFEREE Phil Dowd insisted nobody was to blame for the late postponement of last night's game between Blackburn and Sunderland.   more...

Stanley Sport

Jimmy Bell column: Success will come if we stay at the races

IT seems it's been a week for not being at the races. Jockey Roger Loughran certainly wasn't, and neither were we at Halifax on Boxing Day.   more...

  
Restrict search to 29 December 2005