BOSSES do not know whether a private company which runs council services brings value for money to taxpayers, an audit has revealed. Capita, an outsourcing firm, runs a number of services for Blackburn with Darwen Council under a multi-million pound
A YOUNG woman has died from cancer just days before she was due to get married. Rachel Stansfield, of Mitella Street, Burnley, was diagnosed with spinal cancer in May 2005 and despite extensive treatment was told the disease was terminal just four weeks
A MAN who ran for three hours on a treadmill has raised £1,586 for a disabled children's charity. Chris Waddington, 38, collected money from shoppers in Colne Asda, on Saturday March 29, as he ran on the treadmill in aid of Caudwell Children. The Burnley-based
POLICE are appealing for information after two women - one aged in her 80s - had their handbags snatched. The first incident happened between 9.30am and 10.10am this morning when a 28-year-old woman got off a bus on Whalley New Road, Blackburn. As she
A HOUSE at the centre of an electoral vote investigation has been brought up in Parliament. Pendle MP Gordon Prentice has put forward an early day motion in the House of Commons calling for individual voter registration after it was revealed that 27
THOUSANDS of pounds of CCTV equipment used to detect and prevent fly tipping has been stolen from a field. The CCTV equipment, which included a mobile camera, was stolen from an area of land in Delves Lane, Southfield, Nelson. The equipment, worth £8,000
A RATS explosion has seen Blackburn and Darwen receive more than 3,000 complaints about the vermin in just one year. The shock figures, which equate to around eight complaints a day, show that problems with vermin have risen by more than 400 per cent
A WARNING has been issued about fake £20 notes which are circulating in Pendle. The latest £20 forgery was handed in to a cafe at the Pendle Rise shopping centre in Nelson on Monday. Police were also notified about a fake note used in a shop in Nelson
DEPRIVED children are being given the chance to host their own radio shows. A scheme has been set up by East Lancashire Community Action Projects to teach children and teenagers from poor wards in Pendle how to run their own radio show. The group will
A FORMER Clitheroe resident died after being knocked off his bike in London. Anthony Smith was killed after colliding with a tipper lorry at a road junction in Hackney. The 36-year-old former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School student's parents live
TWO sisters are set to scale the heights of the Yorkshire three peaks in memory of their dad who died of cancer. Kirsty Sowden, 33, from Barrowford, and Lisa Sowden, 36, from Burnley, will be tackling the 24.5 mile walk up Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and
BLACKBURN Rovers Reserves were thrashed 7-2 tonight, despite taking the lead against Sunderland's second string. Young Irishman Alan Judge followed up last week's hat-trick by putting Rovers in front in just the sixth minute, with his 18-yard effort
A PUNK priest is issuing a rallying call to patriots on St George's Day- with an EP tackling the question of Englishness. Rocking Reverend Philip Chew, formerly of St Stephen's in Burnley but now the vicar of St Aidan's and St Philip's in Blackburn,
PENDLE Martial Arts Academy, in Brierfield, will host an open ground fighting competition at its dojo from 10am on Sunday, May 18. The competition is open to boys and girls in different weight categories, and between the ages of five and 15 years. Competitors
A MAN is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after an alleged stab attack inside his home. The 33-year-old man was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for emergency surgery following the incident at the house in Water Street, Accrington.
The Sir Charles Napier and Hiatus Records present MAKE A NOISE 2008 a full day of live music to raise money for the S.O.P.H.I.E charity 28th JUNE 2008 many of you will already know what this charity is about, but for those who don't Sophie Lancaster
A MAJOR refurbishment of training offices for the young people of Darwen is set to be unveiled. Training 2000, the largest independent training provider in the North West, has spent £8,600 on a suite of new computers and furniture at its offices in Duck-worth
A TOP TV writer from Burnley opened his studio to budding North West programme makers to share the secrets of his success. Paul Abbott, who writes Shameless and Clocking Off, gave a talk to members of the Indie Club- a networking group representing all
A PEDAL powered smoothie maker is being taken into businesses and communities to help people achieve their five-a-day' portions of fruit and veg. The Burnley Food Forum, a partnership between East Lancashire Teaching Primary Care Trust, Burnley Borough
A FORMER Royal Air Force pilot has quit the cockpit and be-come a preacher after a near-fatal crash brought him closer to God. Pastor Ian Ferguson was officially inducted as minister of the Grace Community Church, Oakenhurst Road, Black-burn, only six
A 20-year-old man has been charged in conn-ection with a series of indecent exposures in Darwen. Craig Higgs of Beaumont Way, Darwen, was arrested on April 18 and charged with four counts of indecent exposure. They alleged offences occurred between
A MAN has been found guilty of trying to blackmail £100,000 from a businessman by threatening his family. Police carried out a 14-month investigation to catch Philip Brierley after he sent anonymous text messages demanding money from a wealthy Accrington
A PROLIFIC car criminal who struck again while subject to a suspended sentence has been jailed for 69 weeks. Burnley Crown Court heard how Andrew Wilmore, 24, repeatedly drove while banned, flouted court orders and offended on bail. He also raided a
A COUPLE whose lives were shattered after a miscarriage have pledged to set up a support group for other couples. Ruth Snape, 27, and her husband Andy, 33, found that there were no dedicated support facilities to help them when Mrs Snape had a miscarriage
DARWEN Railway Station could get a live link to police headquarters in a bid to tackle crime. Blackburn with Darwen Council is investigating the possibility of linking the public address system to the police at Greenbank in Blackburn so it can be used
PUPILS at dozens of schools across East Lancashire will have the day off tomorrow as their teachers go out on strike. Teachers across the country will be protesting against the government's proposed 2.45% pay increase - an award they say amounts to
A GUIDE detailing attractions and events in Rossendale is available. The Rossendale Visitor Guide highlights every-thing about the valley from its historic textile industry, family fun days out and its independent shops and restaurants brimming with
A WOMAN is setting up weight loss classes to target overweight children after being spurred into action by the extent of the problem. Nicola Haworth is offering free diet and exercise advice to help children aged 11 to 15. She said reports in the media
At first glance the name could be mistaken for Sancerre since winemaker Neil Ellis has used the same typeface commonly seen on French bottles. He needn't have bothered because the lovely rich lemon and gooseberry flavours in this South African beauty
Thanks to their own economic woes there are some real bargains to be found in wine from Argentina and this red is a good example. It's made from the country's two most popular grapes, Malbec and Bonarda, which hails originally from Italy. Not fantastically
IT is always interesting to catch a comedian on the way up. Often the shows you get to are for those performers who have put in the hours, who have served their apprenticeship and who then put on a slick, polished but often emotionless performance.
Barnoldswick library are running a whole range of classes beginning in the next week which they hope the Barnoldswick community will make use of. All courses run between 10am and 12 noon, last 10 weeks and cost £64 for the full term. Although if you
IT's the TV advert that's become a phenomenon. And now the Sheila's Wheels girls will be heading to Colne Muni next week with a brand new theatrical show. For one of the trio, Emma Robbins, it will also give her the chance to catch up with brother Ted
BEEKEEPERS are warning agriculture and wildlife will be affected as bees are wiped out by a killer mite. The Blackburn and East Lancashire Beekeepers Association say wild bees are nearly extinct and beekeepers are also reporting losses, threatening the
The case of Julian Wilkinson, 60, of Mill Hill Lane, Hapton, was adjourned at Burnley Crown Court. He has earlier admitted 13 charges of indecent assault going back more than 20 years. He will now be sentenced at Preston Crown Court at the beginning
Former Blackburn Rovers defender Jeff Kenna has been confirmed the as the new manager of Galway United. The 37-year-old ex-Republic of Ireland international takes over from Tony Cousins, who was sacked three weeks ago.
BURNLEY and Accrington Stanley will once more go head to head in a pre-season friendy. The Clarets will make the short distance to the Fraser Eagle Stadium on July 26 (kick-off 3pm) before travelling to Bradford City on July 29 (kick-off 7.45pm).
Ribblesdale League side Great Harwood are out of the LCB Knockout Trophy after a six-wicket loss to Prestwich on Sunday. After winning the toss and batting first, Harwood struggled to 128 for 5 from their allotted 30 overs in this rain-effected game.
A TEAM from Blackburn Rovers' Academy won a prestigious youth tournament in the South of France - much to the delight of Howard Walker. Mr Walker, who is the son of the late Jack Walker, invited Rovers to the French Riviera, where he has a base, to compete
OFSTED inspectors have praised the curriculum at Darwen Children's Centre, saying it meets children's individual learning needs and prepares them for school. The Chapels site in Darwen was rated as good' and the report singled out outstanding' levels
A DOG poo crusader has received "wide-spread support" for his bid to ban dogs from all cemeteries in Hyndburn. Independent Hyndburn councillor Coun Malcolm Pritchard said dogs the ban should come into force to stop the "disgusting" scourge of fouling
LECTURERS will picket all five sites of Burnley College tomorrow. The University and College Union (UCU) is joining with the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union in a national day of industrial action over
Former Burnley manager Jimmy Mullen is set to take the reins at Walsall until the end of the season following the departure of Richard Money. Mullen, who won promotion to the First Division during his five-year tenure at Turf Moor, was Money's number
POTENTIAL first-time buyers are finding it more difficult to save for their deposits, because of the rise in the cost of living. Research from Sainsbury's Finance reveals that 16 per cent of people aged 25 - 34 are saving less than they were a year ago
WITH demand for rented housing likely to soar due to the credit crunch, the Association of Residential Letting Agents has warned agents and landlords not to take advantage by cutting corners. ARLA pointed out that both the law and best practice has moved
NEARLY eight million households are basking in Mediterranean temperatures because the heating is on too high, according to the Energy Saving Trust. And there is a massive environmental and financial cost, the Trust revealed - collectively they are squandering
GOK got a shock last night when his latest muse, 35-year-old Nicki Denbeigh was reduced to a weeping heap at the prospect of flouncing down a catwalk in just her pants. I'm just surprised it hasn't happened sooner. Because when these middle-aged, thick-around-the-middle
A £100,000 bird of prey centre has taken delivery of a new arrival - a two-day-old European eagle owl. Hawkshaw's Birds of Prey and Education Centre, Hawkshaw Farm, Longsight Road, Clayton-le-Dale, will open in the summer, but for now the team behind
SOME things are so obviously unhealthy that you hardly need public warnings about them. Voluntarily filling your lungs with smoke, for example, is clearly not going to aid longevity. "Smoke inhalation" is the phrase frequently used to describe how people
YOUNG people get a lot of stick for their supposed behaviour in our streets and schools. They are also criticised for spending too much time sitting in front of computer screens either chatting or playing games when they could be learning about what
HIGH schools took part in an awards ceremony after completing a course aimed at exploring community cohesion. The year 10 pupils from Pleckgate High School, Darwen Moorland High School, St Bede's High School, Blakewater College and Beardwood High School
John David Ashworth, 46, of Branch Road, Mellor Brook, elected to be dealt with at Preston Crown Court when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with being concerned in the production of 16 mature and 37 medium sized cannabis plants in a van
A MAJOR clean-up aimed at tackling crime and grime has been launched. Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership will be working in the Higher Croft area as part of the borough's Beatsweep initiative. The week long operation, which began on
THE Serious Fraud Office is to appeal against a court ruling that it acted unlawfully by dropping an investigation into deals between BAE and Saudi Arabia, it said today. The SFO said it will tomorrow seek leave to appeal the High Court ruling that it
SOLDIERS from Lancashire are learning how to stay alive in the jungle in preparation for some of the most toughest environments in the world. Six hundred soldiers from 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, will spend five weeks in Belize learning
Three Manchester men have been bailed by Blackburn magistrates, charged with dishonestly receiving a £10,000 car knowing it to have been stolen in Blackburn. Leslie Anderson, 46, of Harpur Hey, Stephen Cheetham, 39, of Blackley, and Richard Mark Greenhalgh
THE strongmen are coming to East Lancashire and they're ready to flex their muscles. The CNP Professional Strongman Premier League will be a three-show event staged at Burnley and Nelson with one more date yet to be confirmed. It is the first time a
BAXENDEN skipper Mark Rishton believes his side are under no pressure as they begin their assault on the Ribblesdale Senior League title. The Back Lane outfit began their 2008 campaign with a comprehensive 100-run win over Earby. Many regard Baxenden
A FATAL party invitation was circulated by text message in the days before Burnley teenager Jane Young was killed outaide a New Zealand house party, a court was told. The mobile phne message read: "Party at 95 Edgeware Rd. Saturday night. No gangsters
THERE is a new breed of bowler on the greens of Blackburn and Darwen - and there isn't a flat cap in sight. Competent, competitive, committed and good company are the buzz words that describe members of the Blackburn with Darwen Ladies Bowling League
BURNLEY defender Clarke Carlisle is urging Andrew Cole to prolong his career with the Clarets. The former Manchester United and England striker has yet to make a decision on whether he will continue playing after this season. Cole has been hampered
CAN I express my disgust at the decision of the ruling group of BwD Council to raise the fees of leisure services and in particular the cost of a swim at Waves. I took my two grandchildren last Saturday and I was appalled at the increase in cost since
SOMEONE once said that politics is a rough old trade. Especially in the run-up to election time all parties attack the policies and records of opponents. And this is fair enough. However, I have seen recent Coalition leaflets just making things up.
IT REALLY is unfortunate that single childless and low income earners will be hit by the 10p tax change. The last thing we need is to create the benefit trap where people are better off on benefits than they are in work. However, for the Conservatives
IT was a case of third time lucky for Langho Juniors. Having lost in the opening two Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and District Junior and Youth League cup finals, the Under 10s finally got their hands on the silverware. The Under Eights suffered the
SO THE privatisation zealots on Blackburn with Darwen Council have struck again. This time it is care homes for the elderly they intend to sell to the "independent sector" (LT, April 16). No elected representative is quoted as being in favour or opposed
ALI Shah proved just why legendary trainer Brendan Ingle rates him so highly after kicking off his professional boxing career in devastating style. The 21-year-old Blackburn fighter floored Amir Nadi three times on his way to a convincing points win
NISA Local were crowned champions of the Burnley Sports Alliance Cup Competition after they beat Solid Claims Legends' 6-5 in the final. The Cup competition took place this week at Towneley Sports Centre as a break from the league competition which has
The opening Sunday of the Northern Youth Conference saw Lancashire Wolverine Colts travel to the John Charles Stadium, Leeds, to face the rookie Yorkshire Rams franchise. Both teams went into the game confidently, but the Rams took a 2-0 lead after a
FOOTBALL played in blizzards by men with hangovers - Muddy Sunday' is amateur football at its most raw. And Craig Cowell has charted the lot in the book, which follows his former amateur club Burnley Dynamos FC in their debut season back in 1990-91,
BLACKBURN will be disappointed with this narrow defeat that deprives them of an unbeaten league record. It was the visitors who were first out of the blocks and put together some early bright attacking play to dominate the opening 10 minutes. And they
Rossendale geared up for their all important play-off final this weekend with a victory on the road in Cumbria. The 36-13 winning margin may have relegated the opposition but the performance was still short of what will be needed to beat Burnage RFC
ORGANISERS of the Blackburn Midweek Cricket League have warned that it may fold if it can't attract new teams in the future. The league begins another season at Pleasington Playing Fields next month fearing that it could be next to suffer the demise
EAST Lancashire people are being invited to take a walk with a Coronation Street star, for charity. Fundraisers can join actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, from Church, who is better known as Hayley Cropper, for a 10-mile sponsored walk along the Leeds-Liverpool
FORMER Haslingden skipper Mike Ingham insists his quest to break through the 17,000-run barrier in the Lancashire League is being put on hold as he recovers from a niggling back injury. And, as he prepares for his 34th season at Bentgate, he has warned
ACCRINGTON Stanley chief executive Rob Heys has revealed the club has sold more than 150 season tickets. The number is already up on last season's total, with the Reds' early purchase initiative due to run out at the end of the month. Heys said: "Season
CHRIS Samba has admitted he has to be more consistent if he wants to be regarded as one of the top defenders in the Premier League. The towering centre-back was one of Blackburn's best performers during Saturday's thrilling 1-1 draw with Manchester United
PATIENTS will be able to book hospital appointments at the library in Blackburn and Darwen, thanks to a new NHS scheme. Librarians in Blackburn wtih Darwen are being trained to help patients use the NHS online Choose and Book service for appointments
AN Iraq-born artist whose love of painting was inspired by the vibrant colours of East Lancashire has received the ultimate mayoral accolade. Sam Bahia fled his home country after fearing the growing political instability following the 1968 coup in which
FAST bowler James Anderson is set to make his county bow for Lancashire in the LV County Championship game against Somerset at Old Trafford, starting today. Anderson missed the domestic season opener against Surrey at The Oval after being given time
Chorley all-rounder Tom Smith will play for Liverpool & District Cricket Competition side Formby when he is not required by Lancashire this season. Smith opened Formby's bowling attack in their opening league match last week. He has been given the go-ahead
Andrew Flintoff will continue his return from ankle surgery for Lancashire as they face promoted Somerset in their second County Championship fixture starting at Old Trafford today. James Anderson, rested by England for the last county match, will also
Four fire crews from Burnley and Rawtenstall spent two hours tackling a moorland fire yesterday evening. The fire, which started at about 6.30pm, destroyed moorland just off Burnley Road East, Burnley. No buildings were damaged. It is not known how
