Archive

  • Jones exit stuns RMI

    LEIGH RMI always knew if they lost Paul Jones their Conference hopes would be dented. But the inevitable blow came sooner than expected - with the result just as predictable. Jones signed for Oldham Athletic, where he had been on trial for a fortnight

  • Athletic joy as Wilson doubles up

    LEIGH ATHLETIC recorded their first win at Lymm for many years. Two goals from Wilson and one apiece from Scott and Knowles helped the side to a 4-2 victory. Dave Stead and John Knowles were outstanding for Athletic. Athletic Reserves beat Lymm 4-2 with

  • East are down but not out

    LEIGH EAST went down fighting at Wigan St Jude's. They were beaten 37-24 but showed true fighting spirit. East were soon playing catch-up rugby, trailing 6-0 in the first two minutes. And they never recovered. Lee Penkywicz hit back for the Grasmere Street

  • Heads of state will return

    THE Duke of Wellington and Pitt the Younger may soon be returning to their Radcliffe home after an absence of more than 30 years. The two white marble busts, owned by Bury Council, currently take pride of place at the Bowes Museum in County Durham. They

  • Now it's eight...

    IT may not have been pretty, but at least Brig collected a point at the Giant Axe on Tuesday night in a breathtakingly-tight 1-1 draw with Lancaster. After Friday night's disappointing defeat at the hands of Gateshead, the point on Tuesday was welcome

  • Thou shalt not steal, says judge

    A BURGLAR who claimed he was a Christian was reminded by a judge of the commandment: "Thou shalt not steal." Terence Swallow, 25, who crept into a vestry and took a lady's handbag during a church service, was sent to prison for 12 months. Judge Raymond

  • Rovers' goal-den memories in Sotheby auction

    MEMENTOES of East Lancashire's soccer history are likely to be snapped up by enthusiasts at a London auction. A souvenir photograph album of the 1928 FA Cup Final presented to Blackburn Rovers finalist Jock Hutton is expected to fetch up to £700 when

  • Changes for The Rock

    FLATS, cycle lanes and a general clean-up could make The Rock in Bury a less hard place to shop. The time is right to stimulate investment in one of the town centre's main streets, say development bosses at Bury Town Hall. Officers say that improvements

  • 'Two-week target' for cancer patients

    MEDICS are discussing ways of meeting a Government target for patients who are suspected of having cancer. The Department of Health is asking hospitals to ensure that by the end of the year 2000 patients who urgently need to see a specialist should be

  • Lack of interest kills off Society after 89 years

    RADCLIFFE Horticultural Society is to fold after 89 years. The Society has gone to seed because of declining membership and falling interest. "It's very disappointing, but hardly surprising. Society's like ours have gone out of fashion," said chairman

  • Pensioners left living on the breadline

    AN elderly carer claims pensioners have been left living on the breadline with the soaring cost of looking after dependent relatives. Now she has taken her crusade to Westminster. Marie Creeney, who gave up her job at Lancashire County Council seven years

  • Cooke on FA Cup revenge mission

    IN-FORM striker Andy Cooke is gunning for FA Cup revenge against Rotherham United as Burnley look to book their place in the third round of the competition for the first time in three years. Cooke is likely to be the only player in Burnley's starting

  • Firemen tell of earthquake hell

    EAST Lancashire firefighters just back from the Turkish disaster zone after helping with the horror of last week's earthquake today warned: "There could be worse to come." Thousands of people are now living on the streets in freezing conditions and seismic

  • Virtual Ramsbottom web site to be UK first

    TOURISTS will soon be able to see the sights and attractions of Ramsbottom - without visiting the area! For a local businessman has set up the UK's first fully interactive web site to promote a town. And Mr Tony Tickle hopes the site, which can be accessed

  • Calling Star sleuths

    I HAVE been trying to locate any relatives in Canada, of Albert Edward Jervis who was born on March 20, 1887 in St Helens. He emigrated to Canada and died in North York, Toronto on February 13, 1950 aged 63. I have the name of his parents, and the name

  • Be pro-active on parking

    I HAVE read with interest recent letters regarding parking problems in the Woodville St/Williamson Road area and also the Sibsey Street area. I recently lived in Williamson Road and understand and agree with the sentiments of the writers from there. However

  • Ken's skydive salute

    ON Wednesday, November 10 at the NatWest Bank in St Helens, I handed over £1,503.06 to Cancer Research co-ordinator, Joanna Lavelle. This was the proceeds from my sponsored skydive on Saturday, September 25. It is entirely due to the people of St Helens

  • Events in North West on Saturday, November 20th

    Christmas Lights switch-on with Blackburn Rovers, King William Street, Blackburn, 5.30pm. Christmas Fair, Civic Hall, Clayton-le-Moors, 10am-noon. Pre-Christmas Fair, Immanuel Church Hall, Pleasington Lane, Feniscowles, 11am. Launch of the National Tree

  • Bike return

    WE are a family who have not long moved to Morecambe and I want, through your letters pages, to talk about the level of crime in the area. My 12-year-old son's bike was stolen from our front drive as I watched. The thief looked at me and grinned as he

  • More than a pipe dream

    POWER to the people! For Bury looks set to power ahead with a new initiative. And it will not only bring savings on energy supplies to its council house tenants, but also pay for more energy efficiency measures. The local authority has joined a consortium

  • Romance in the air

    THERE was no danger of the skies being overcrowded when Joe Jones was a lad. For this sagely Suttoner can look back to a pre-war era when air traffic appeared above St Helens about every six months. But when a plane did appear it was a cause for great

  • Search for brewery roots

    THE descendant of an old-time brewery owner is hoping that our readers can assist him to build up his family history - by identifying three grand houses which he suspects have by now been demolished. Steve Copple, great-great grandson of one of the Copple

  • Sign of the times at town hall

    EVERY now and then I read articles in the local press from Lancaster City Council or council members mouthing their support for local business and how they are trying to help generate new business in town. As a new business in town, it was quite evident

  • Lucky to have this hospital

    I WAS recently in the gynaecology ward (Ward 4) of Fairfield Hospital for nearly three weeks. The care and attention I received was absolutely first-class and I wish to thank everyone concerned; they were marvellous. How fortunate we are to have such

  • Turnout was gratifying

    I WOULD like to thank people for turning out in such great numbers for the Remembrance Day Service. I would also like to thank the Rev Canon Ralph Mallinson, vicar of St George's, Unsworth, and the Rev Chris Denney, of Unsworth Methodist Church, for conducting

  • Jewels in the crown

    DIWALI Dancers Dipen Dabhi, 12, and his sister Natasha, seven, (pictured), were the jewels in the crown at a glitsy celebration for the start of the Hindu new year. Dozens of children donned colourful Hindu costumes and danced gracefully to traditional

  • Don't get a loan

    I HAD to laugh at one of the advertisements in the Citizen, for loans for Christmas. Good advice that, get a loan for Christmas and start the new year in debt! If most folk out there managed their money properly, and got their priorities right and were

  • Shirley and a two-bob pint

    WHILE searching in a drawer, I found a price list from the bar at the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens, dated 1961. In those days you could buy any bottled beer for 1s 6d and a pint of draught beer or a short for 2s 3d. Incidentally, starring at the

  • Action group needs help

    PENWORTHAM has a new action group, aimed at entertaining local children and bringing residents closer together. Penwortham Community Action Group, still in its infancy, is putting together a list of events for the future. One of the group's organisers

  • Is two minutes too much?

    IT happens once a year and only for two minutes: so what is it? Answer: Remembrance Day. I was driving through the Broughton Park area on November 11 when I heard the bells toll on the radio, marking the two-minute silence. I pulled over and stopped my

  • Parking plan is abandoned

    ON-STREET parking permit plans for Leigh have been scrapped. Wigan highways and works committee have decided to shelve the plans which would have meant residents and workers would have had to pay to park in streets off Railway Road. Borough Engineer John

  • Looking forward to safer streets...

    I WAS interested by the letter about parking, in last week's Citizen, from a fed-up resident in Woodville Street, Preston. I live just around the corner, and am also fed up with the cars on these street, but because they block the pavements which are,

  • Has he nothing better to do?

    AS a regular contributor to "Your Letters", and acknowledging the fact that it is always over-subscribed, why has the Bury Times permitted the slanging match between ex-councillor Albert Little and deputy council leader John Byrne to drag on over the

  • Muslim graves furore

    MUSLIMS in Preston have accused the borough council of overestimating the number of graves left in the town for members of their community. A report, presented to the town's environment committee, claims 990 spaces will be available if a further plot

  • Pushing rogue traders out of town

    TRADERS selling their wares illegally on the streets of Preston are to become the target of a new zero-tolerance campaign. Preston Borough Council, Lancashire Police and Lancashire Trading Standards have joined forces to make sure shoppers flocking into

  • Schools cash in on customer surveys

    A PRESTON high school has defended the growing culture of pupils filling out questionnaires for uncommercial companies in return for free or discounted supplies. Parent Teacher Association groups across the country have slammed the trend, which is being

  • Whistle blower

    WHEN 14-year-old Carmen Chadwick dons her favourite black outfit, the boys go weak at the knees. But it's when she starts blowing her whistle and brandish cards that the lads really start to tremble. For Carmen is the area's youngest female referee, and

  • We will remember them

    Old soldiers who had witnessed bloody scenes and had lost comrades in action, stood beside children, too young to have ever known the horrors of war. They shared little in experience but held one common aim - to fulfil the promise: 'we will remember them

  • TEN YEARS AGO: Facelift delay fears

    WORRIED council chiefs feared big delays could hit the facelift that Blackburn shopping precinct desperately needed. The future of the centre, built in the 1960s, looked uncertain with stock market speculation that it could be about to change hands for

  • Council tax plan gets the push

    COUNCILLORS have rejected plans to allow residents in South Ribble to pay their council tax at local post offices. They have sent officers back to the drawing board as they continue to hunt for an alternative to the borough's mobile payment unit. The

  • FIVE YEARS AGO: Immigration help

    A NEW advice centre was to be opened in Blackburn to help families with immigration problems. The Immigration Advisory Service would open an office one day a week from November 28, at the St John's Centre in Victoria Street. Chairman of Blackburn's Racial

  • SOCCER: Depleted Wanderers leave Sam little choice

    ANDY Todd's midweek flit has left Bolton boss Sam Allardyce with no room for manoeuvre ahead of Wanderers' Division One clash with Grimsby Town at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow. The £750,000 sale of Bolton bad boy Todd to Charlton following a training ground

  • Parish councils to be retained

    PARISH councils have nothing to fear from changes to South Ribble's political structure. That's the message from borough chiefs after local councillors expressed concern that the forming of new areas committees - designed to promote political awareness

  • BOWLS: Greenhill plan a millennium feast

    ONCE again Greenhill Bowling Club have put together another exciting programme of events and for the new millennium there are even bigger and better prizes. Four major open tournaments will dominate the scene from April to September, and there is an event

  • County call-up for rugby youngsters

    GOOD early season form has led to a county call up for young rugby players from a Lytham school. Four U16s players from King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham have been selected for the North Lancashire squad to meet sides from Merseyside and

  • Pot lucky at Bapto

    IT was 'pots' all round at the grand final of the Bapto Pool Championships - sponsored by Hamlet - last weekend (Nov 13/14) at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. With a staggering four awards to compete for and cash prizes totalling more than £12,500, the

  • Justice must not be ruled by cost alone

    DESPITE being dogged by controversy already, Home Secretary Jack Straw today ploughs on with the Bill that would curb the right of thousands of defendants to trial by jury. He takes justice down a dangerous path. And a pertinent question about this venture

  • DARTS: Six champs join line-up

    DARTS: The penultimate night's play in this year's John Smiths Hyndburn Darts Knockouts will take place at Platts Social Club tonight, when all the places will be settled for next week's grand finals. The Individual will feature six former champions again

  • Family's plea after son's death

    THE distraught family of a teenage cyclist who died after being in collision with a Volvo car on Clock Face Road, Clock Face, are urging witnesses to contact the police. Sixteen-year-old Alexander Byrne of Lynton Grove, Sutton, was on his way to work

  • NON-LEAGUE SOCCER: Weekend team news

    ACCRINGTON Stanley player/manager John Coleman should have new signing Steve Caswel in his squad for tomorrow's trip over the Scottish border to take on Gretna. The 23-year-old defender is joining Stanley from Droylsden and will link up again with Coleman

  • Why the long wait?

    IT appeared that the objective of your article (LET, August 2) regarding Prestige, the kitchenware company previously operating in Blackburn, was to identify former employees who could possibly qualify for a pension entitlement, and who were advised to

  • Alice in 1999

    BUDDING actors from St Mary's High School will present a musical with a difference from November 24-26. The story of Alice in Wonderland has been brought up to date by Year 7-11 pupils under the direction of the school's head of music Gordon Basterfield

  • Vine leave it too late

    Eccles A 16 Vine 6 VINE went out of the North West Counties Challenge Cup in a game they could easily have won. A poor first-half display by the visitors saw them trail 6-0 at the interval and they slipped further behind in the second period when Eccles

  • A giant leap ...

    A TEAM of Palatine High School pupils are hoping to jump for joy in the British Gymnastic Ministrada. The youngsters, led by Palatine PE teacher and national coach Nicky Bruns, will be taking to the floor at the Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool

  • Salute to Bold few

    Woolston 8 Bold Miners 22 BOLD, with only 12 men, produced a great cup victory. They went straight on the attack and after a good break by Chris Burgess, D Scott scored a converted try. Good work from Nick Joseph and Chris Keen set up a try for Chris

  • Geoff's job is making money!

    MAKING money is the aim of the game for the Seasiders' commercial manager Geoff Warburton. But even though he joined on April 1, 1985, Geoff is no fool - he knows the value and importance of the Seasiders fan base. After gaining valuable experience throughout

  • Glitter tarnishes John's world...

    GLAM rock has turned to "glum rock" for Blackpool musician John Rossall. The man who helped make Gary Glitter a fortune is facing a cash crisis after the pop pervert was jailed. John wrote four of Glitter's top ten hits but because DJs across the country

  • Dawson wins support for building freeze

    AT a packed public meeting in Scotforth on Tuesday evening local people backed Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson's call to stop new building on greenfield sites. More than 70 local residents filled Scotforth Unitarian Church voicing opposition to commercial

  • Daley delivery for schools

    ST HELENS Schools under 15s twice came from behind to beat Chester 4-2. Their scorers were Higherside's Daley Hollingworth (2), Lee Anders (Rainford) and Andrew Lambert (St Cuthberts). The under 14s produced an improved display that encouraged manager

  • Hounds shown the door

    Parr Hare & Hounds nil Adlington Rangers 58 HOUNDS were swept out of the North West Counties Challenge Cup with contemptuous ease by an efficient Adlington outfit. The writing was on the wall from the kick-off when Hounds allowed the ball to bounce

  • Good old Len's back in vogue!

    WE'RE going to have some wonderfully exotic names locally if young mums follow the examples of the stars. This year there's been Brooklyn Beckham, Phoenix Chi (Scary Spice) and the latest, Lennon Gallagher, son of reformed Oasis yobbo, Liam. I must admit

  • Club appoints first professional

    NEW golf club, Eccleston Park, has attracted another recruit in the shape of new Head Professional Richard Stockdale. The 32-year old comes to Eccleston Park from Formby Golf Club to manage the golf, retail and teaching operation at the Rainhill course

  • Finch in control

    Blackpool Scorpions 4 Haresfinch 58 FINCH put their disappointing league form behind them to coast to victory over their Division Four opponents in this North West Counties Challenge Cup tie. Twelve tries - six in each half - emphasised Finch's superiority

  • Boy's done well

    A FORMER Ryelands Primary School pupil is celebrating after being made the boss of a multi-million pound corporation. David Smith, 36, has taken over the reins at Atlantic Power Utilities, one of the UK's major offshore oil industry businesses which supplied

  • Brook are blitzed

    BLACKBROOK were sent crashing out of the Warrington Guardian Cup when they were hammered 8-2 by Golborne Sports. Brook's consolation goals came from Dean McDermott and Alan Williams. And cup holders Whiston Cross staged a late comeback to beat Moore United

  • Made of the right stuff

    LANCASTER lad David Wright collected his award for becoming the youngest EVER British Junior Rally champion this week. The 19-year-old won his class in five of the six championship rallies this summer. In January he will collect his trophy for the most

  • Warning to cat owners

    I WOULD like to issue a warning to all cat owners - please keep your cat in after dark. Local cat charities are inundated with reports from distressed owners of missing cats. So much so that suspicion is being aroused that something nasty is going on.

  • Community centre gets go-ahead

    A PROJECT to help families with young children in Blackpool has won government backing. The Sure Start Mereside Partnership learned that its bid for a £1.9 million grant for a new community centre has been approved. The centre, on the Mereside estate,

  • Must try harder!

    CONTROVERSIAL Government school tzar Chris Woodhead spoke to local teachers last week, many of whom gave his performance a D minus. As the Chief Inspector of Schools, Mr Woodhead has hit the headlines for lambasting teaching methods and for a former relationships

  • No way to treat sick and disabled

    IT'S contemptuous to the Fylde Coast's severely chronic and disabled that the area's three MPs supported the morally repugnant Welfare Bill of New Labour bulldozed through Parliament on November 4. Thousands of chronic, sick and disabled distressed and

  • Park open the floodgates

    West Park 49 Birchfield 3 ALTHOUGH visitors Birchfield lie three divisions lower than West Park in the Thwaites Northern Leagues they gave as good as they got in the first half of this NPI Fourth Round cup-tie. Including several former West Park players

  • Children of Europe are our future

    NOVEMBER 9 marked the tenth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a potent symbol of the end of the Cold War and the opening up of the eastern bloc. As the veil of communism lifted across central and eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, a sever

  • Brook in the wars

    Heworth 26 Blackbrook 18 AFTER producing their best performance of the season, the previous week, Brook were forced to re-shape their starting line up due to the absence of seven players. But their commitment and defensive work was outstanding particularly

  • Tenants 'being duped' claim

    COUNCIL tenants in the Fylde have expressed fears they could be duped into voting to transfer their homes to a housing company without knowing all the facts. Tenants are due to vote on Monday (Nov 22) on whether to transfer the 2,000 council properties

  • £50m plan for old ICI site

    A £50MILLION plan to transform the redundant ICI site at Thornton has been given a warm welcome. Glasgow-based NPL Estates proposes new housing, leisure, supermarket and shopping facilities, a hotel and a restaurant, creating 150 permanent jobs, on the

  • Teenager was out of control

    A MORECAMBE teenager went out of control when he damaged several cars and, on a separate occasion, threatened a group of youths with a knife. Preston Crown Court was told that Leslie Russell, 18, of Westminster Road, was released on bail in May after

  • Puppies saved from park death

    EVERYONE was cooing and 'aahhing' at Lancaster's Animal Care sanctuary when these seven cuties were brought in. But manager Val Harwood - who is looking after the border collie cross puppies at her own home - wasn't smiling when she thought about the

  • The lost weekend . . .

    CLUBS voted to abandon last weekend's programme so players could watch the England v Scotland game. The only matches that got under way were the Sunday Division games. And there will be one change in this week's fixtures. Carr Mill FC have asked that

  • Deepdale Diary

    NORTH End have come up with the ideal Christmas present for the stay-away PNE fan - a half-season ticket. The tickets went on sale on Monday, and will cover all league games from the December 28 tie with Bristol Rovers. Concessions start from £33 and

  • North End's best for years

    NORTH End cruised into second place in the division with a stunning 2-0 win over Notts County. The club's first half performance was as good as anything they have produced in years, writes Tom Parker. It was breathtaking at times as Preston pushed the

  • Loz facing plate op

    RADCLIFFE BOROUGH defender Lawrence Greenhalgh may have to have metal plates inserted in his jaw as a result of the ugly clash with Ian Blackstone at Farsley Celtic two weeks ago, writes STEVE BOTT. Greenhalgh is also considering bringing a private prosecution

  • Village life stitched up

    THREE years ago the ladies of Golborne St Thomas' craft group decided to stitch up a wall hanging to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the church. Trixie Roberts produced a three-fold design, which was drawn by her husband Tony, in the early part of

  • Honours even as Kennedy exits

    Lancaster City 1 Bamber Bridge 1"The players will be told only a win will do against Bamber," said City manager Tony Hesketh last week, only half jokingly. But in the end it was honours even against a side who have the biggest game of their history in

  • SLAM dunk da funk!

    BASKETBALL fever is set to sweep Preston as more and more youngsters get involved with the once American-dominated sport. Thanks to Preston Borough Council's sports development unit, locals across the town are getting involved in the game, with Preston

  • Shakers Vox pop

    FANS and the Bury public are to be canvassed in a dramatic bid to find out why the townsfolk are turning their backs on the Shakers, writes STEVE BOTT. With Bury FC's financial situation reaching crisis proportions the club and now the Supporters' Association

  • Champs in hot form

    REIGNING champions Sutton Cricket Club 1st are again setting a hot pace in the St. Helens Table Tennis League. They strengthened their hold on top spot with a convincing 8-2 win over Pilkington 2nd at New Street, thanks to an unbeaten performance by the

  • Is Moyes in the running?

    BLACKBURN Rovers have whittled their short list of candidates for the manager's job down to three candidates ... but is David Moyes on it? Rumour mongers say Colin Todd, Martin O'Neill and David Moyes are the trio the sleeping giants' board are chasing

  • Law men rule the roost

    Ramsbottom United...1 Tow Law Town...2 (aet: 90 mins 1-1) RUSSELL BRIERLEY's 22nd goal of the season wasn't enough to rescue Ramsbottom United's FA Vase hopes against no-nonsense Tow Law. Brierley hit a 70th minute penalty to level it after Tow Law midfielder

  • Search on for unsung heroes

    BLACKPOOL'S volunteers are to get their own Oscar-style ceremony. The search is on to find the town's unsung heroes and heroines - community-spirited men, women and young people who are willing to put others before themselves. Any individual or organisation

  • Flying start

    THE city council has taken on eight new starters as part of the Modern Apprentice Scheme. As well as a full time wage and qualifications, the apprentices will learn new skills and receive on the job training. One of the new apprentices, Cath Dunkley,

  • The war is over

    PRESTON'S warring days with Blackpool are over, according to North End! The behaviour of North End and Blackpool fans during the past few derbies has improved to such an extent that police officers and Deepdale security staff have decided to let the game

  • By STEVE BOTT at The Manor Ground

    Oxford United...1 Bury...1 WHILE Paul Scholes and England were grabbing all the glory at Hampden, Bury were putting in another performance to the Manor born at Oxford. They picked up their fifth away draw in nine trips with another gritty show - and my

  • They're after your blood

    THE National Blood Service will be holding blood donor sessions at the Village Hall, Dane Court, Rainhill, between 2 and 4pm and 5.30 and 7.30pm on Friday, November 26. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have

  • Bowled over

    MORE than £2,000 has been raised for the Morecambe Blind Centre following a successful charity blindfold ten pin bowling challenge. A total of 31 local teams took part with 'The P Files' from Edmundson's Electrical winning the event. Said development

  • Leigh set for great light show

    THERE are just 10 days to go before Leigh lights up for Christmas. Technical hitches have been overcome to ensure this year's illuminations are going to be the best ever as the 20th century bows out. Last week Council engineers began erecting the light

  • Gullible! Now that's a word to chew over

    Wright On! - Shelley Wright takes a wry look at life TAKE two minutes to look up 'gullible' in the dictionary and you will find it means easily tricked or fooled. And do you know how I know? Because, much to everyone's amusement, I have just done exactly

  • Theatre in the cold!

    WHILE many actors tread the boards, one theatre group is braving breezy Fleetwood Esplanade for a performance of The Consulting Room. The Live Wire Group, together with the IOU Theatre, are bringing their contemporary theatre with a difference to Fleetwood

  • Richard given a Step up

    STUDENT Richard Sykes has STEP-ped up to national success. The Astley management undergraduate painted a great picture of his business knowhow during his summer vacation. And he beat off competition from 1,500 students from all over the country to walk

  • Blackpool 'has problem housing refugees'

    BLACKPOOL is probably one of the least easy places to find accommodation for refugees, says its council leader. Coun Ivan Taylor was speaking after the government asked local authorities all over the country to identify suitable accommodation for refugees

  • Police seek accident witnesses

    A 14-YEAR-old boy was taken to Whiston Hospital suffering from minor head injuries after being in collision with a car while walking near the junction of Birchley Road and Trent Road, Billinge, at about 8.20am on Monday, November 15. Anyone who witnessed

  • Somer may be over in Tyldesley

    FOODSTORE giant Somerfield has put local supermarkets on offer as a massive sales wars rages. It aims to sell its Kwik Save stores in Leigh, Atherton and Hindley Green. And an announcement about the future of its showpiece Somerfield supermarket, which

  • Just go out and enjoy it says boss

    WALKING out onto the pitch at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday will mean Bamber Bridge manager Tony Greenwood has realised a lifetime's ambition. For he has always dreamed of taking a non-league club to the dizzy heights of round two of the FA Cup, and that

  • Crossing's now back on track

    RESIDENTS living close to Schola Green Lane in Morecambe are breathing a sigh of relief after their level crossing was refurbished for the first time in 20 years. A request by Cllrs David Kerr and Nick Westwell to improve the crossing was put to Railtrack

  • Legion delight at new gardens

    AN ELEVENTH hour effort brought top praise for Leigh's new-look war memorial gardens. Hurried finishing touches were put to the open-plan layout as the town and its war veterans prepared to honour the dead. But months of restyling work on the Church Street

  • Woman hurt by glass

    A YOUNG woman required hospital treatment after she is believed to have fallen through a plate glass window at a house in Morgan Street, Parr, and become impaled on a sharp piece of glass. The incident happened just after 9.20pm on Friday, November 12

  • Lisa is putting jmc on the map

    A BURY holiday rep is drawing on her expertise in the travel industry to promote a new holiday company in the UK. Lisa Gill is one of 11 new field sales executives to be recruited by jmc holidays to strengthen its January sales period. With eight years

  • Andrew to show minister hospitality

    WESTLEIGH HIGH student Andrew Ward will this week show Education Minister David Blunkett the real meaning of hospitality. Today Andrew, 15, is off to London with school head John Pout as part of a small group of people representing Leigh's nationally

  • TNT makes a big bang by taking top award

    HARD work and dedication has paid off for staff at TNT Ramsbottom. For they have learned the company has won the 1999 Investors in People Outstanding Practice Award. Competing against more than 100 other businesses, TNT was chosen as the winner of the

  • New Euro cash helps Pathways blaze a trail

    NEWTON has received another cash boost from Europe with the news that £78,000 has been given to Newton 21 from the European Regional Development Fund to provide better access and improve the natural heritage trail around the area. The circular heritage

  • Meena spices up business

    LOCAL businesswoman Meena Pathak, is celebrating after picking up the Award for Achievement in the Corporate Business Sector, at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards ceremony held at the Grosvenor House hotel, London. Dr Raj Persaud, resident psychiatrist

  • Louise gets in award-winning shape

    GETTING in trim for the National Training Awards is prizewinning fitness guru Louise Brooks. The businesswoman, who runs the Louise Brooks Health Studios in Chapel Street, Bury, was a winner in Bolton and Bury Chamber's competition to promote the 2000

  • Gertie wins dream car but can't drive!

    BINGO fan Gertrude Pointon's number really came up the day she bought a £1 prize draw ticket in aid of the Christie's cancer hospital from the Stockport branch of Lookers Mitsubishi. For the lucky 77-year-old grandmother from Nutgrove Hall Drive, Thatto

  • They're the life and sole of Mill Gate

    CARING soles - that's staff at the Bury branch of shoe repair and key engraving chain Timpson. For the employees, based at The Mall, Bury, have put their customer service skills to work in aid of the NSPCC's Full Stop campaign which aims to eradicate

  • Why won't they care for the carers?

    AN elderly carer claims pensioners have been left living on the breadline with the soaring cost of looking after dependent relatives. Now she has taken her crusade to Westminster. Marie Creeney, who gave up her job at Lancashire County Council seven years

  • Millward insists: I'm staying with Leigh

    IAN MILLWARD has pledged his immediate future to Leigh and will eagerly lead the club into the new millennium. He revealed he has had offers from Super League clubs but has decided to stay at Hilton Park for at least another season. "The decision of Mick

  • Saints fans in tickets storm

    AN irate Independent Saints' Supporters Association has slammed the club for refusing cut-price admission to the World Club decider versus Melbourne Storm at Wigan on January 22. Said press officer Russ Fairclough: "We understand the reasons for switching

  • Body found in pond

    THE body of a man has been found floating face down in a pond surrounded by bushes on Rainford Road between Billinge and Crank. The gruesome find was made early on Tuesday, November 16 by a local father and son. The pair had been fishing at the pond,

  • Bury to give sanctuary to asylum seekers

    UP to 130 asylum seekers could be on their way to Bury under radical Government plans. The town is making arrangements to take its "share" of the ever-increasing numbers who are seeking sanctuary in Britain. But town hall bosses are demanding that ministers

  • SNOOKER: Morgan next for Shokat

    ACCRINGTON cue-master Shokat Ali faces Welshman Darren Morgan in the last 32 of the Liverpool Victoria UK Championship at Bournemouth after knocking out 13th-seed Peter Ebdon in the third round. Twenty-nine-year-old Ali complied breaks of 99, 98, 85 and

  • Bury's cup of blows

    BURY have been hit with a worrying spate of injuries as they prepare for tomorrow's AXA-sponsored FA Cup second round clash against Cardiff City at Gigg Lane. And the untimely knocks received by established stars couldn't have come at a worse time as

  • Forum calls for health service judicial review

    A JUDICIAL review could be held into claims of a "total lack" of consumer involvement in the health service in Bury. Officials of the newly-formed Bury and District Health Service User Forum are consulting their solicitors with a view to a judicial review

  • East Lancs closed after another fatal accident

    A MAN was killed and another was injured following a collision between an articulated lorry and a car on the East Lancs Road on Monday, November 15. The accident occurred on the Manchester-bound carriageway, on the junction with Blind Foot Road at 2.10pm

  • Firemen tell of quake zone hell

    EAST Lancashire firefighters just back from the Turkish disaster zone after helping with the horror of last week's earthquake today warned: "There could be worse to come." Thousands of people are now living on the streets in freezing conditions and seismic

  • Firm broken on purpose, MP tells Commons

    BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has accused businessman Peter Wrinch - owner of Ashworth Diecasting in the town - of deliberately bankrupting the firm. He made the allegation under the protection of parliamentary privilege in the Commons - three months after the

  • Rovers in a big hurry

    ATHERTON LR produced a stunning show to blast Bootle 4-2. They rattled up four first-half goals as victory eased them out of the bottom two of the North West Trains League Division One. John Paul Hughes pounced for the first; on the quarter-hour Chris

  • Miners show some spirit

    LEAGUE leaders Skirlaugh beat Leigh MR 18-10 at Twist Lane in a game of two halves. A disastrous first half saw the Rangers 18-0 down. But a rousing half time pep talk from Warren Ayres did the trick and after the break MR came out fighting. And the introduction

  • Carpet jobs set for East Lancs

    NEW jobs are set to be created in East Lancashire after a local carpet firm took over a rival. Gaskell, based at Altham and with sites across Hyndburn, is cutting around 130 jobs at a mill in Skipton following its recent takeover of Tomkinsons but said

  • Debbie's crown

    PRESTON schoolgirl Debbie Underdown brought home her first British title from London's Crystal Palace last weekend. Debbie, 14, of The Green, Ribbleton, won the British 14-15 Judo title after winning five fights. The Archbishop Temple High School pupil

  • Tech status hope for high school

    A HIGH school's plan to bid for technology college status was outlined to parents at its presentation evening. Head teacher of All Saints RC High School, Rawtenstall, Mike Brennan highlighted changes over the last 12 months and the plan for technology

  • Footballers get a Chile reception!

    MOST England fans were left cold by England's display against Scotland - but pub landlord George Marsden got an icy blast about the team from Chile! His daughter Amanda Marsden, 29, has been living in the Chilean capital for the last 19 months - since

  • Loo blues as bog standards slip

    PUBLIC loos have gone down the pan, say environmental health inspectors in Rossendale. Health officers have lifted the lid on a catalogue of problems at toilets in the borough. All six toilets inspected by officers last month had poor lighting, wet, slippery

  • Lions end Hoppers cup hopes

    DREAMS of cup glory were shattered as Hoppers crashed out of the Tetley's Bitter Cup, 14-5 to Rugby Lions in the Midlands. Despite dominating for much of the opening 20 minutes, Hoppers somehow managed to find themselves two points behind. However, with

  • Swimmingly well done

    LOCAL swimmers were hailed the best in Britain when the annual Amateur Swimming Association gala dinner was held in Birmingham last week. Among this years winners was Clare Butler from Whittingham, who won the special winner honour after taking gold medals

  • Santa's Chitty Chitty car will sleigh 'em

    SANTA Claus will swap his sleigh for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to start Christmas festivities in Blackburn. Father Christmas will arrive in King William Street tomorrow in the car that appeared in the smash-hit children's film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which

  • Borough pays respects to fallen

    THE people of Bury have been paying their respects to the fallen. Throughout the borough parades and service on Sunday (Nov 14) marked Remembrance Day. In Bury a large crowd was on hand in Market Place as the town remembered those who lost their lives

  • Full marks to the Star

    I WAS interested to read two widely-differing accounts in last week's local newspapers concerning progress on Merseytravel's latest investment in St Helens, Lea Green Station. While the report in your rival newspaper was indeed accurate back in April,

  • Lynx in Roses opener

    LANCASHIRE Lynx kick off their new season with a prickly Roses clash at home to Bramley on Boxing Day. Once again, Lynx have been relegated from Deepdale and sent to Chorley's Victory Park, which will be their base for the season. However, this opening

  • Davidson gives Parkes selection headache

    CALLUM Davidson's impressive display for Scotland against England on Wednesday night has given Tony Parkes something of a selection headache ahead of tomorrow's game against Fulham. The 23-year-old full back was among a number of players axed by Parkes

  • Stacey's give league stars a shaking

    LEAGUE action was all but suspended in the Preston and District League as the GuildHall Cup second round took place, with some very exciting games emerging on the area's parks. Premier Division leaders Bamber Bridge scraped through to the next round with

  • Success at the rubble!

    THE piles of rubble WILL be shifted from the Elms Precinct before Christmas. The company which controversially ordered the demolition of empty shops eight months ago has finally agreed to a 28-day deadline for clearing up the precinct. The owners of the

  • Old gong's wartime echoes

    A SPORTY echo, which could reach back to the first world war years, has popped up during a St Helens house clearance. It is in the shape of an ornate silver-hallmarked boxing medal inscribed with the name of Private E. Rimmer of the Lancashire Hussars

  • What a cheek!

    I FEEL I must write regarding the pubs and clubs in town who charge people money on the doors to go in and spend their hard-earned money. Some of these rip-offs over Christmas, and especially over the New Year, need to be investigated by Trading Standards

  • What a sorry tale

    I WAS a resident of Lancaster for more than 50 years, now working overseas, but I still retain weekly contact of Lancaster through your excellent web version of The Citizen. I have lived or worked in many overseas countries, some of them in Asia. I can

  • Fears over 'elitist' arts-crafts centre

    BURY Arts and Crafts Centre could become the "preserve of the elite" rather than a facility for the wider public. That is one of the fears of the centre's management committee following a Bury Council-commissioned report into the future of the Broad Street

  • It's a cruel world

    REGARDING the letter 'Pagan Puzzle' (in the St Helens Star) I must admit I have not read about the great philosophers, but then, I never had the privilege of going on to further education. I had to get out in the cruel world and earn a living to keep

  • Just tit for tat

    IT would appear that Mr Wildbore has once again confused facts to suit himself - you claim to have names of people who attended the meeting some of whom he states signed to say they received payments - they signed to verify the amounts they owe not that

  • Four treated for shock after post office raid

    DETECTIVES are continuing their hunt for armed robbers who struck at a Bury post office this week. They got away with a substantial amount of money after smashing a security screen at Chesham Post Office in the town's Walmersley Road at 11.15am on Monday

  • Is this the best policy

    I HAVE just received my car insurance renewal. Now, I am a driver with more than 50 years no claims, a clean driving licence, a low-risk 1300 car with no expensive equipment to tempt anyone, in pristine condition, only local driving and still not 26,000

  • Top conference coup for borough

    THE borough has pulled off a major coup with the news that it is to stage the UK's first National Neighbourhood/Community Warden conference. Home Office Minister, Charles Clarke MP, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at the event. The conference

  • Thanks for finding missing Marley

    FIRST of all, once again let me thank everyone who helped me look for Marley, and to the St Helens Star who have helped me every step of the way - to Corin and Donna, a special thank-you. Marley had been missing for five weeks and after trying everything

  • Avoid return to the bad old days please

    IAN Barker seems to have some of his facts in a twist on changes to the democratic structure of the council and the David Christley Inquiry. Firstly, on Christley. At the first of the two personnel meetings which lasted for three hours and got absolutely

  • Tunnel vision is clouding judgment

    YOU report in some detail (Town Hall Shake Up - Citizen: November 11) the criticisms of MBIs, Tories and Greens of Labour's proposals on modernising the city council. Just as in Citizen Smith a fortnight ago, your readers were given no information about

  • Cut fares and curb traffic

    I HAVE just read with interest the article by David Higgerson on the new traffic restrictions in Ringway, Preston (Citizen, November 11). It seems that Preston Council is trying to improve bus services in and out of town and get more people on buses.

  • Are you happy with Compton?

    FOLLOWING a recent successful meeting in the Brandlesholme area, I would like to hear from anyone in Bury who has had recent dealings with The Compton Group of companies, since they took over ownership of our leaseholds and who are not happy with the

  • Councillor decides to stay

    CONTROVERSIAL Councillor Joe Fitzgerald is here to stay - that's his message after he asked his constituents if he should continue in his job, following a string of controversial incidents. Coun Fitzgerald was thrown out of the Liberal Democrat party

  • Disabled act not cool

    AS a disabled person and a wheelchair user I was disappointed by the response to stage two of stage three of the Disability Discrimination Act. As you are aware this came into force on the October 1. This was to be the revolution in the high street for

  • Metrolink tram thrill could kill

    I THINK it is likely that Metrolink are unaware of the latest craze amongst local youths for riding on the outside of their trams. I have seen as many as three youths clinging to the back of one tram. It is extremely dangerous, especially when the tram

  • Silent tribute after Last Post

    AS THE dying strains of the 'Last Post' echoed around the new-look Cenotaph Gardens, a town fell silent last Thursday. Young and old alike gathered in Chapel Street, Leigh, for the annual Armistice Day Remembrance. More than 100 people stood in silence

  • 'Get on with merger'

    ACCORDING to the Citizen's report, plans to merge Preston's health services with Chorley and South Ribble are merely 'suggestions' to encourage debate (Citizen, October 28). Hugh Lamont of the NHS Executive North West should cut the cackle and simply

  • Sounds of cyber space

    BLIND and handicapped people in Preston can now surf the Internet - in one of Europe's first Cyber Centres developed specifically for them. The world's fastest-growing medium is predominantly a visual tool, but Action for Blind People has the technology

  • Pubs vandalised as thugs run riot

    SOCCER hooligans turned Preston town centre into a bloody battlefield in a series of pre-arranged riots. Party-goers fled as dozens of fights broke out in crowded pubs last Saturday night following England's victory over Scotland. The fights - between

  • A refreshing change

    IN the words of the famous lager advert, 'What a refreshing change'! I am referring to the recent announcement by Hyndburn Borough Council to hold a public meeting and referendum to inform local residents and allow them to have their say about a proposed

  • Use legacy to save Speakeasy

    IN the Bury Times recently there was a report about Bury hospitals being left a legacy of £1.3 million and it was not known how best to spend the money, May I suggest that some of it be allocated to the Speakeasy Club in Bury, a very deserving organisation

  • Quarry plan rejected by inspector

    PEOPLE power has been hailed as the driving force behind an inspector's decision not to back an application for a huge sand quarry site stretching for miles around Euxton, near Leyland. The Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan inspector's report follows

  • Shakers should dump Warnock

    AS a follower of Bury Football Club for the past 18 years, it sickens me to see the current decline of the club. First and foremost the blame has to be with chairman Mr Terry Robinson for employing the present manager, Neil Warnock. His buying of second-rate

  • Born-again church for the community

    A DERELICT Preston landmark looks set to get a new lease of life - as a community, sports and IT facility. St Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, pictured, has been closed for the past 15 years and, due to population shifts in the area, has been declared

  • Warning over first aid scam

    LANCASHIRE charity leaders are warning the public that a telephone fund-raising scheme involving the sale of first aid kits is a scam. The Red Cross has revealed that it has no link with Netherlands-based Royal Consulting, which is sending out first aid

  • Why do we tolerate such filthy toilets?

    I HAVE had numerous complaints about the state of public toilets around the borough, and in particular at the Bury Interchange. These complaints prompted me to raise the matter at the council meeting on Nov 3. I asked why the toilets on the Interchange

  • Kicking out the table

    TABLE football became a whole new ball game this weekend. Out of the window went the traditional image of a quick game between pints in the pub. Now the pint-sized players are becoming more realistic - in a human table football! And it's not just a game

  • GOLF: New line-up

    GOLF: Wilpshire Golf Club Ladies' annual general meeting elected the following members into office: Lady Captain: Betty Aspden; Lady President: Mary Martin; Lady Captain Elect: Barbara Newton; Lady Vice-captain: Betty Monk; Honorary Lady Secretary: Jean

  • A new signing for PNE

    PRESTON'S bomb alert left Deepdale Duck in a flap - because he wanted to go and see his newest duckling. Deepdale Duck, alias PNE staff member Simon Nash, became the proud father to Sarah Elizabeth Nash a fortnight ago, and had hoped to take last week

  • SOCCER: North End look to fringe squad

    DAVID Moyes is set to introduce several fringe players for Preston's FA Cup clash with Enfield at Deepdale tomorrow. Midfielder Paul McKenna is a major doubt, struggling with ankle and groin problems. Meanwhile the second round tie against the Ryman League

  • Syringes burst budget

    PRESTON'S cleansing chiefs say they have been forced to ask for an extra £35,000, to help clear junkies' used syringes. More staff than ever from Preston Borough Council's Works Department are being deployed to collect needles dumped by drug users, instead

  • Fire crew's jobs shock

    LEYLAND'S threatened firemen face notices of redundancy in the new year. The Home Office last month instructed Lancashire Combined Fire Authority to carry out further consultation before axing three fire crews, including part time staff in Leyland. Their

  • Rest in peace

    THE funerals of two Preston councillors, who died within 48 hours days of each other, were held this week. Councillor Eric Gates, who represented Preston's rural east ward, died on Monday. He had been suffering from heart problems for the past six months

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Padiham 2 Haslingden St Mary's 4

    WHAT should have been Padiham Football Club's best chance of any silverware this season ended embarrassingly early when they were knocked out of the West Lancashire Football League's President's Cup competition at the first round stage by near-neighbours

  • Bullying off

    A LANCASHIRE junior hockey league, celebrating its tenth season, has gone from strength to strength thanks to continuous support from BNFL. BNFL's Fuel Business Group, at Springfields, near Preston, has sponsored the seven-a-side League since its inauguration

  • Life-savers honoured

    TWO fire officers have received Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's top award for bravery after saving a Whittingham man who was drowning in a grain silo. Firefighter Steve Rogerson, based at Blackburn Fire station, and sub officer Mick Spencer, of St

  • Bomb hoax halts trial

    THE high profile trial of Dr Harold Shipman came to an abrupt halt on Friday as Preston town centre became the target of bomb hoaxers. Preston's Sessions House, where Dr Shipman is standing trial, was evacuated, along with the Town Hall, Guild Hall and

  • Barking up the right tree

    IN response to the letter from the lady (Letters, November 4), our dog has calmed down since we added to her food a product called Calm-a-Pet which is a 100 per cent natural calmative for dogs. The number to ring is 0800 585525. It may help in the run

  • Dream Team selection for Hotshot pair

    BLACKPOOL inline hockey-players proved they were hotshots at a national championship at the weekend (Nov 13/14). Anthony Wilding, of Newton Drive, goalkeeper for the Blackpool Hotshots' U12s Peewees, and defender Karl Kirkham, of Bispham Road, were both

  • Safety should be top priority

    THE pelican crossing at Hollins Grove in Darwen was turned off to coincide with the recent road works that disrupted the A666 again. Unfortunately, it wasn't turned back on, or was it broken? Whatever the reason, on November 11, I phoned the highways

  • BADMINTON: Blackburn and District Association

    SECOND-placed and home side St Matthew's were unable to make any headway against the Fifth Division leaders Salesbury B. Apart from taking four of the mixed doubles, they were outplayed. Salesbury meanwhile, must now look forward to taking the title and

  • A small miracle!

    HERE'S some for food for thought... Year 7 pupils at St Mary's RC School came laden with food for their recent harvest festival. All donations will go to Streetlife, a charity which helps the homeless. Headteacher Peter McCarthy paid tribute to the generosity

  • Spirited Scorpions go down fighting

    BLACKPOOL Scorpions had to make ten changes for this first round of the North West Counties Challenge Cup. Jonathan Oulton came in for his debut on the wing and veteran Dave Gavaghan played at hooker. Phil Webster started his first game since breaking

  • Goal-den memories

    I AM the police inspector referred to in the letter by ex-PC 101 Bolton published in your paper (Letters, October 6). It is 35 years since I left Blackburn and naturally I was amazed that after so long, someone remembered me. I believe that John Bolton

  • Colourful lesson

    BUDDING artists from a St Annes school made a good impression on King Edward and Queen Mary's artist in residence. The Year 6 pupils from St Thomas Primary School were invited by Norman Long to take part in a print making workshop. Norman, who is spending

  • Vintage attacking play wins the day

    FYLDE U15s returned from a potentially difficult trip to Carlisle with their reputation for open attacking rugby - and rugged defensive play - enhanced after a 44-0 victory Players and supporters who made the 160-mile round trip were rewarded with a fast-flowing

  • Table tennis results

    ST ANNES YMCA A continued their successful run in the Premier Division of the Lytham St Annes and District Table Tennis League with a convincing 10-0 victory over Ansdell Arena A, while contenders Carleton A could only manage a 6-4 triumph over Seasiders

  • Logic appears flawed

    IN reply to Michael Madigan (Letters, November 2), I am more than surprised that he is a salaried officer in the local Ethnic Minority Development Association in Blackburn, which, as its title clearly indicates, represents and deals specifically with

  • Small-sided soccer leagues round-up

    IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes league of the Champions Kings Arms FC had a convincing 6-0 win over FLD Jollies FC while Real Bispham move into second place after they beat Macprint 2-0. Daniel FC had a comfortable 6-1 win against Wyvale Warriors and

  • Trivial pursuits

    ON Monday, November 8, my husband and I were driving home from work, along Spring Lane in Blackburn towards the traffic lights at the bottom of Buncer Lane. A motorcycle policeman was heading in the opposite direction. He made a U-turn in what we considered

  • Alan heads for the top

    SCHOOLBOY Alan Metcalfe looks to have a big future ahead of him. The towering Sutton High School pupil has been selected for the English Cadets basketball squad. It's another giant stride for the Year 10 pupil who stands at 6ft 6ins. He made an early

  • Dragons roar home

    West Sutton Dragons 29 Ulverston 12 DRAGONS claimed a notable scalp by knocking high flying Ulverston out of the North West Counties Challenge Cup. They raced into an early 10-0 lead with tries from Jay McCabe and Craig Jones. It gave them the confidence

  • Winter shelter for homeless

    A SHELTER to help Blackpool's homeless over the worst of the winter is due to open in December. Homeless charity CRISIS has given a grant to the Manchester Methodist Housing Association to run a Winter Watch shelter in a former council hostel for homeless

  • Superbowl's pin money

    A REWARD is up for grabs for information leading to the safe recovery of the much-loved local character - Mr Pin! Morecambe Superbowl's colourful cartoon cardboard cut-out went missing during a charity bowling night for the Blind Welfare Society and,

  • Lottery grant figures 'misleading'

    A REPORT suggesting the Wyre is missing out on National Lottery grants has been slammed by the council's chief of leisure and tourism. The survey by an organisation which monitors lottery grant allocations implied the Wyre was bottom of the league table

  • Firm broken on purpose, MP tells Commons

    BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has accused businessman Peter Wrinch - owner of Ashworth Diecasting in the town - of deliberately bankrupting the firm. He made the allegation under the protection of parliamentary privilege in the Commons - three months after the

  • Haydock book cup spot

    Widnes Albion 17 Haydock 29 HAYDOCK had to fight off a stubborn Albion outfit before they finally booked their place in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup. The Widnes side led10-nil after 15 minutes. But Haydock started to come into their own with strong

  • Holt serve up a stunner

    HOLT served up a shock in the St Helens McDonald's JOL. They defeated Whiston under 16s 1-0, while Rainhill fired home six past Moorfields. RESULTS Under 16s: Whiston 0 Holt 1, Blackbrook 2 St Annes Rovers 3, Moorfields S&S 2 Rainhill United 6, Penlake

  • Sparkling Shrimps dazzle town

    Morecambe 4 Hednesford 1A FEW more Shrimps fans will no doubt be making the long trip to Altrincham on Saturday after this display. It's not just Morecambe fans who reckon their side is flying this year. The powers that be at the FA must also have been

  • Heath tame Bulls

    Bank Quay Bulls 12 Thatto Heath Crusaders 26 THATTO Heath quickly stamped out any fears of a shock upset when they went to division five hopefuls Bank Quay Bulls on Saturday in this Lancashire Cup quarter final clash. The built up a 12-nil lead after

  • Fylde MP to ask taxing questions

    FYLDE MP Michael Jack is fighting the battle for hundreds of high-tech self-employed workers on contracts to giants like British Aerospace and the Benefits Agency. Scores of people from all over the country attended a meeting last Saturday at Lytham St

  • Buildings listed!

    TWO of the district's landmarks have scored well in a national poll to discover the country's favourite buildings. Morecambe's Midland Hotel (pictured) and the Ashton Memorial in Lancaster's Williamson Park have been placed in the top 50 of the British

  • Wayne's back in the frame

    ST HELENS Snooker Professional Wayne Brown returned to winning ways at the Liverpool Victoria UK Championships in Bournemouth at the weekend. It sets him up for another clash with James Wattana. After defeating Lee 'The Shirt' Richardson 6-3 in the first

  • Needles danger

    YOUR recent article entitled Needles Danger (Citizen, October 21) is extremely worrying for the local community. The dangers from carelessly discarded syringes are very real and there is a potential risk of hepatitis B or even HIV transmission. More initiatives

  • An atoMick bombshell!

    EX-SEASIDER Mickey Mellon stole the points for Burnley in a thrilling Lancashire derby encounter on Sunday (Nov 14). While the travelling Tangerine's put on another good performance, Burnley were playing in a higher gear and it was keeper Tony Caig who

  • New-look Recs in cup stroll

    Pilkington Recs 50 Accrington 4 AN experimental looking Recs side eased through into the next round of the North West Counties Cup. But Accrington enjoyed most of the early play and stole the lead on 10 minutes through an unconverted try. Two minutes

  • Sea trials for new lifeboat soon

    LYTHAM St Annes could have a new lifeboat in time for the new Millennium. But it will still have to be stationed in a temporary home on a council car park - possibly for another year. Lytham coxswain Martin Jaggs - at 32 one of the youngest lifeboat skippers

  • Absence sparks war of words

    SPARKS were flying in a war of words between councillors over the Remembrance Day commemorations this week. In a sniper attack from the Labour trenches, Cllr Sheila Denwood wrote to the Citizen drawing attention to the absence of the Green Party at the

  • Rat found in toddlers' pool

    USERS of Bare paddling pool on the seafront complained this week that half treated sewage, dead rats and other rubbish were not being cleaned away. Members of Morecambe Model Boat Club said they were worried about themselves and children catching diseases

  • Town on the up

    Kidsgrove Athletic 0 St Helens Town 2 WITH St Helens Town no longer involved in the Carlsberg FA Vase, it meant a free weekend for Jimmy McBride's charges. Their defeat at Selby in Yorkshire came at a time of goalkeeper injury crisis. But things have

  • Support cancer research and save lives

    DURING the coming weeks The Cancer Research Campaign aims to raise much needed cash for research into breast cancer, a disease that affects one in 11 women in the UK. Increasing numbers of women are surviving this disease because of earlier detection

  • Knockout weekend in store

    THERE's plenty of cup action in store this weekend. For the knockout competitions dominate the Rainhill Junior Football League programme. RESULTS Under 15s: Blackleyhurst 1 Rainford Rangers 4, Bleak Hill Rovers 2 Knowsley South 5, Haydock 3 Eccleston

  • Missing out on TV licences

    THE CHANCELLOR'S pre-budget report was excellent news for television viewers aged 75 and over. At last they will get a free TV licence, but this welcome measure does nothing to address the absurdities of the concessionary TV licence scheme which hundreds

  • School tunes in to help charity

    A MUSICAL evening celebrating the opening of Lytham Hall Park primary school's new Millennium Hall raised £100 for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal. The audience at the event on Tuesday (Nov 16) enjoyed a selection of popular tunes on the Hammond organ played

  • Drug probe after man shot dead

    CONNECTIONS with the drugs underworld are being probed after a Blackpool garage owner was shot dead last Friday (Nov 12). Police appealed for witnesses, friends and business contacts to come forward after Alan Rosser, 34, was found dying by a horrified

  • Police war with city's hooligans

    LANCASTER police this week declared all out war on drunken thugs in the city centre. Inspector Andrew Rhodes - in charge of policing the city's social and business centre - said that known trouble makers would be forced out of town. His get-tough message

  • Hockey men in top form

    ST HELENS Hockey Club ended Congleton's 12-month unbeaten run with a 3-2 victory at Ruskin Drive on Saturday. Star of the show was Mark Alcock, who claimed a hat-trick. Meanwhile, St Helens Ladies earned a 2-2 draw at home to Formby. The men's second

  • Clarets on FA Cup revenge mission

    IN-FORM striker Andy Cooke is gunning for FA Cup revenge against Rotherham United as Burnley look to book their place in the third round of the competition for the first time in three years. Cooke is likely to be the only player in Burnley's starting

  • Blow for Garswood

    GARSWOOD United FC, suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Knutsford. United who threatened first with a tremendous 20 yard effort from Graham Hatton which the keeper just managed to tip over the crossbar. Knutsford eventually scored the winner courtesy

  • Youngsters enjoy their garden of peace

    TWELVE months ago the pupils at Leigh St Peter's were banned from entering the overgrown scrubland at their school. Now they can use it every day - as an outdoor classroom or for leisure activities. After a year of planning and hard work by the children

  • Davidson gives Rovers selection headache

    CALLUM Davidson's impressive display for Scotland against England on Wednesday night has given Tony Parkes something of a selection headache ahead of tomorrow's game against Fulham. The 23-year-old full back was among a number of players axed by Parkes

  • Chain of flame

    THE Millennium Flame arrived in Fleetwood yesterday (Nov 17) on its symbolic journey from Omagh to Manchester. The celebrated flame will be used to light a chain of beacons across the country in one of the more traditional celebrations of the dawning

  • Hindley Green farm fight takes shape

    A SWARM of wasps and a naked lady are fighting for Hindley Green. On November 28 they will gather to voice their disapproval of Wigan Council's decision to build on Belvedere Farm. More than 1,000 people objected to plans to develop farmland for housing

  • Juniors in the building game!

    ENGINEERING became part of the curriculum for model-making pupils from a Leigh junior school. Seven-year-olds from Pennington CE designed and built a series of amazing animated models using pneumatic and hydraulic principles learning from their visits

  • Slump in profits on the buses

    BLACKPOOL Transport's profits were not quite the ticket last year when a rain-hit holiday season kept visitors off buses and trams. The company's annual report for 1998-99, presented to Blackpool Council last week, showed operating profits plummeted more

  • Enfield trifles!

    NON-LEAGUE opposition in the second round of the FA Cup equals easy passage into the third round? Right? It seems like a simple equation as the opposition appears to be a mere trifle, but it's one that is totally wrong, according to Preston North End's

  • Quality seminar

    A FREE advice shop is being staged on information technology, employment and recruit. Time Computers have teamed up with ADM Recruitment Services Ltd to set up the shop on November 23 at Time Computers store at Whitebirk. For further information call

  • Man admits two indecent assaults

    A HEYSHAM man has pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault on a girl under 16 years of age. Preston Crown Court heard on Wednesday that James Lowe, 44, did not remember the incidents but claimed that they may have taken place when he was drunk

  • Recipe for success

    TWO pie factory employees are among the upper crust! Susan Pink and Eileen Musk have been presented with accreditation certificates from Oxford and Cambridge University under the Royal Society of Arts national school associate scheme. The award was for

  • Bare butcher's roaring trade in British bangers

    SQUADDIES in Germany have been making urgent contact with a butcher in Bare for his sausages. "It's their wives who usually get in touch," said Bare butcher Cllr John Fretwell. "It seems their husbands are fed up of bratwurst and what have you and are

  • Supermarket chain in theme park talks

    SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons is in discussions to redevelop the Frontierland site in Morecambe, the Citizen can exclusively reveal. The resort's theme park is scaling down its operation and, although exact plans have yet to be released, it is thought any

  • Alarm over salesmen

    POLICE in St Helens Crime Prevention Unit are advising residents to be wary of door-to-door salesmen selling house or car alarms. This follows a number of reported incidents of callers visiting the homes of elderly residents and using bullying sales techniques

  • Public urge public to shop drink drivers

    LOCAL people are being encouraged to "shop" drink drivers to the police this Christmas. The police have set up a number so that people can report drink drivers, anonymously if they wish. Part of the Drink Link Scheme, it will run alongside high-profile

  • Keep the noise down, says Bennie

    NIGHTSPOT revellers are putting their hearing at risk as they dance the night away. Clubbers are being urged to take notice of a Royal National Institute for the Deaf campaign which highlights fears that high decibels could bring a hearing loss epidemic

  • More cash for homework clubs

    ST HELENS Council is to receive almost £135,000 to help provide more homework clubs for primary pupils. The borough is one of only 17 councils nationwide to receive the money awarded from the Government's New Opportunities Fund. Children from across the

  • Lorries overturn

    TWO lorries overturned in identical accidents two days running on Morecambe's roads this week. The accidents occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. In both cases the drivers were taken to hospital but their injuries were not considered serious. On

  • Superpub thumbs up

    CITY planners have given the thumbs up to a new superpub in the centre of Lancaster. Pub chain JD Wetherspoons, who have public houses in Preston and Manchester, plan to open on North Road as part of a multi-million development incorporating JJB Sports

  • Pierce the bamboo corporate curtain

    EXPORTERS will be invited to look east to China at a Bolton Bury Export Club breakfast meeting on Monday. (Nov 22) At the event, to be held at Link House, Bury, Howard Gettins of Watson Steel will share his company's experiences of trading with China.

  • Leigh legends take a bow

    TWO more Leigh legends have been inducted into the Past Players' Hall of Fame. Derek Hurt signed from Cockermouth during the 1954/55 season when he made a handful of appearances. The second row forward played 289 times for Leigh, scoring 46 tries and

  • Smoke chokes mum and tot in cottage fire

    A MUM and her young daughter were taken to hospital after breathing in smoke when fire broke out at their terrace cottage in Barrowford. Zoe Lowley and her two-year-old daughter Casey were treated by paramedics at the scene then taken to Burnley General

  • Meningits message

    A HARD-hitting message about the symptoms of meningitis will be sent to child carers across the borough. At the next meeting of the Bury branch Professional Association of Nursery Nurses, (PANN) nursery nurses, nannies and child carers across Bury and

  • Come on down, says Healey

    CHRIS HEALEY, Leigh's acting chief executive, is banking on an active commercial side to ease the burden for the Rugby League club. "Much of what happens will depend on how the people of Leigh respond," he said. "We not only need outside sponsorship and

  • Blowing a fuse over the Lights

    BLACKPOOL businesses have been slammed for donating a lacklustre £90,000 to the Illuminations which cost £2.4million a year to stage. The vast bulk of lights funding still comes from ratepayers, despite hotels, shops, pubs and leisure facilities taking

  • The Smart way to travel

    MERSEYTRAVEL has launched a SMART bus service in St Helens, promising a boost in quality, technology and comfort for travellers. Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Jackson, performed the official launch at Haydock Park Racecourse and the new £2 million

  • Five arrested in police drug operation

    FIVE men were arrested and drugs with a street value of £600 seized after a successful surveillance operation by police. "Operation Nura" was launched by Bury police's drug unit two months ago to target dealers in the area. Seven officers raided a house

  • Huge showroom for kitchens firm

    PRESTWICH is to be home to the North West's biggest kitchen showroom. The development is being undertaken by prestige kitchen specialist, Stuart Frazer. Its flagship showroom in Prestwich will add to the three shops in the company's highly successful