BRIGHT sparks from Blackpool primary schools will be feline fine when they sport new cats' eye badges this month. Children from across the Fylde will be given their own dragon, cat, football and mouse shaped reflectors by Nationwide as part of a UK campaign
A MUSICAL taking a wry look at life in contemporary Britain is to have a re-run. "An 'L' of a Do", penned by Clitheroe songwriter and dance school proprietor Gladys Sutcliffe, will take to the stage at the Civic Theatre, Oswaldtwistle, on Friday and Saturday
ON a dull, wet afternoon, what brighter way was there to liven it up? I was in Morrisons supermarket in Blackburn when a group of blind people came down one of the aisles, along with their guide dog, doing some shoppping. What a pleasant group they were
MUCH was made of the mis-spelling of 'Darwen' in your report (LET, October 23). May I draw your attention to the article -- on the same page -- 'Elijah concert'? In it, you gave an unforgivable slight to Blackburn Music Society Choir in not mentioning
AFTER reading your second article on male circumcision on the NHS (LET, October 25), I think it is seriously wrong to ask our overstretched health service to carry out this procedure on religious grounds. The Director of Public Health for East Lancashire
A HARD-hitting campaign is being stepped up following two successful truancy sweeps in Leigh and Wigan town centres earlier this year. A freephone hotline is being set up to squeal on wags, and a series of radio commercials will take a tough and tender
IT appears that there is little or no respect left in the world today. I work as a teacher in a local primary school and every day myself and my colleagues are faced with a torrent of abuse. We have endured swearing, name calling, pushing and general
SEVEN months after his father died when he was struck by a stolen car, grieving Malcolm Sargeant lives in hope that his killer will be caught. Mr Sargeant, 55, admitted after an inquest in to his 88-year-old father Ernest's death, that he had received
THE husband of Evelyn Lund today spoke for the first time since a woman's body was found in his wife's car in a lake close to his French home to insist: "I have committed no crime." And in an exclusive interview Robert Lund also complained that police
TWO MPs today vowed to fight "outrageous" plans to make the public pay the price of the Burnley riots with higher council tax and fewer bobbies on the beat. Burnley MP Peter Pike and Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said insurance companies should foot the bill
ROVERS chief scout Terry Darracott is believed to have run the rule over Finnish international Janne Saarinen at the weekend. Darracott watched Saarinen star for Rosenberg as they clinched their 10th consecutive Tippeliga title with a 6-2 win over Brann
ENGLAND Under 21 international Martin Taylor stepped up his comeback from injury last night by playing a full 90 minutes in the reserves' 2-1 win over Bolton at the Reebok. Taylor has missed Rovers' last seven first team games after undergoing surgery
ALTHOUGH there was disappointment for Blackburn Rovers players Damien Duff and Alan Mahon when the Republic of Ireland squad was named yesterday, keeper Alan Kelly was given the nod. Leeds out-of-favour defender Gary Kelly, who has made just two starts
ROVERS winger Damien Duff was today left reeling by a double-whammy as he battles back from hamstring trouble. The 22-year-old wide-man had hoped to return to Rovers' first team squad for Saturday's trip to Southampton. However, Liverpool's visit to Ewood
A PRESTON woman, who went to Guatemala for a year to teach orphans, but fell in love and emigrated, wants help from her old town. Joanne Singleton de Carranza, 30, and her husband Victor Hugo, 42, live in El Naranjo, a village in an area of the South
NOT everybody is celebrating over Oakamoor Estate's decision to ditch plans for a shopping complex at Walton-le-Dale, in Preston. The Midlands-based firm wanted to build a DIY shopping centre on an 18,000 square metre plot next to the Capitol Centre before
YOUNGSTERS from a deprived area of Preston were given the chance to have their say about life down their street as part of Youth Express Day, organised by Greater Deepdale Partnership's Youth Task Group. Police, fire chiefs and people from various community
PRESTON and Leyland police are out in force again, backing authorities in their areas, in a bid to prevent injury on Bonfire Night. Preston police has teamed up with Preston Trading Standards in an effort -- called Operation Dynamite -- to educate the
A NEW system to deal with the crippling problem of silent 999 calls to police has been welcomed after it led to a drop of 4,000 calls a week. Chief Constable Pauline Clare said the solution to the problem -- which has seen police divisional call-centres
POLICE have called on Silverdale residents to remain vigilant after a series of break-ins around the village. In one incident an elderly woman had £1,000 in cash stolen by a thief who climbed through her bedroom window. Police have pledged to step up
THE company bidding for Burnley town centre is a multi-million-pound organisation with properties throughout the United Kingdom. Stannifer Developments has built retail parks in Edinburgh, Hamilton, Kilbride, Kircaldy, Inverness, Greenock, Coleraine,
THE drive for improvements to public transport in the district took another major step forward this week with work starting on 94 new bus stops across the district. The new improved bus stops plus bus priority traffic lights, an order banning drivers
TRAIN services in Lancaster and Morecambe have been hit by a double blow in the last week. Arriva trains announced on Friday that it is to cut services on the Leeds to Lancaster and Morecambe line from next Monday. Meanwhile, a high speed link to London
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two separate violent late night attacks in Lancaster city centre. In the first incident a soldier was hit in the face with a glass on the dance floor of a local nightclub. In the second, an argument about a taxi
A MOTORIST faces court action after her car collided with two Lancaster road workers - killing one of them. Hala men Paul Bettany and his friend Marcus Bryce were carrying out surface repairs to Rotherham Road in Derbyshire, when the January 3 collision
"Sorry, I'd just nipped out for a quick one," said a voice so deep it seemed to echo from the bottom of Rhonda Valley mine shaft. Howard Marks, Mr Nice, the former dealer who used to sell cannabis by the ton, who dodged the CIA, dealt with the Mafia and
STEVE Dunthorne joins Lancaster's John O'Gaunt morris dancing side to find out what makes them want to keep one of Britain's oldest traditions alive. "LOOK for the men with beards who are drinking real ale" suggest Glenn McGuire when I ask how I will
THE First Disabled Accessories Roadshow will take place in Nelson on Saturday, between 11am and 4pm. Organised by the East Lancashire Group of the Disabled Drivers' Association, it will be an opportunity for disabled people throughout Lancashire to look
KATRINA Watson from New Longton was jumping for joy at the weekend when she and her horse Metz, an eight-year-old gelding, won the Puissance competition at the Showumping Championships at Birchinley Manor. More than 60 riding clubs sent their qualified
HOPPERS upset the form book with a deserved win in the local derby at Ansdell. All Fylde's points came when Hoppers were reduced to 14 men and Preston scored two excellent tries to put behind them the disappointment of the previous week's performance.
NEARLY 2,500 children run away from home each year in Lancashire, and a new study puts it down to poor family relations. The report by The Children's Society singles out poor relationships with parent as the main cause for children running away. The report
A WOMAN who was said to have shoved a glass in a neighbour's face has been cleared by a jury. Susan Tuke walked free from Bolton Crown Court after a jury acquitted her of the unlawful wounding of Ian Black in Telford Crescent, Leigh. Tuke said she had
WORK is going on behind the scenes to improve the lot of Leigh's troubled remaining market traders. Since they moved on to the permanent Albion Street site in June, conditions and costs have decimated the number working the pitches. On one occasion last
CHURCH members driven to despair by vandals have told of their desperation -- but police stress the problem will only be solved if the community finds things for young people to do. Kate Low, warden of St Paul's Church, Barnfield Street, Accrington, said
COUNCILLORS serving on Wigan MBC are available for consultation at the following times and locations: THURSDAY, November 1: Golborne Library, Queen Street (10-11) D Kelly, T Sherratt, B Strett; Abram District Office, Library, Vicarage Road (10.30-12)
WAR veterans who have boycotted Accrington's Remembrance Day parade for the last two years have agreed to join this year's procession. But members of the Royal Air Force Association still refuse to honour their fallen comrades in front of a mobile cenotaph
Norman and Angela were both atheists. They married in a register office and were determined to avoid anything religious. They lived happily together until they invited a friend who was lonely to stay with them for a few days. During this time, they were
TWO Tyldesley sisters are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity by trekking across Peru to an ancient lost city. Anne Hynes and Margaret Farmer are both over 50, suffer from asthma, and are both under five feet tall -- but they are determined
A SOLDIER was left scarred for life following an unprovoked knife attack by two cousins, just hours after attending his father's funeral. Philip Sharples was attacked in Church Street, Golborne, when he thought a larger man was fighting with a smaller
COUNCILLORS could receive bumper increases in their annual allowances from next May. The Council Leader's special-responsibility fee is set to go up by about 30 per cent to £28,800, and councillors' basic allowances will rise from £6,330 to £6,913, if
I AM writing in response to a letter written by a certain 'SDF,' Bins out on time (letters, October 16). Do you really have nothing letter to do with your time? (Perhaps you could try further education?) If that is being 'grown up' I'd sooner not bother
A BUILDING firm has launched an inquiry after one of its subcontractors was put in hospital following a incident outside a pub. Police said Andrew Vickery, 30, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary with head injuries after being found unconscious outside
IF you are a Claret and Blue, or have a Rover all view of football keep up to date with your favourite team at thisislancashire.co.uk. The site now features a pop-up window giving you live match feeds from either Blackburn or Burnley's games, both home
CASTLE Cement has pledged to consult the public following its application to the Environment Agency for permission to burn scrap tyres at its Ribblesdale works. The company is hoping to be given the green light to use scrap tyres as an alternative fuel
OUT in the wonderful world of the web you will find the home of the Ghetto Scooter (http:// www.ghettoscooter.com/) This site is perfect for all those fans of the silver scooters that rumble along the pavements, scaring innocent shoppers. The web site
INSTEAD of sniping at the Greens in the press, can failed local councillor and New-Labour patsy Newman Thompson concentrate on more important matters closer to home? As someone who presumably in his youthful, idealistic past actually cared about social
I AM a Green Party councillor and so, according to Richard Newman-Thompson (Citizen Letters), must be a zealot and a fanatic. Given that I read Mr Newman-Thompson's letter on Thursday, perhaps it would be instructive to let readers know some of what I
GRAHAM Branch came through his first 90 minutes of the season in last night's 2-1 win for the Clarets reserves against Birmingham at Turf Moor. The versatile 29-year-old was the most experienced player in a very young side and he seemed to finish the
TWO wonderful goals gave the young Clarets reserves side an excellent victory against a far more experienced Blues team at Turf Moor last night. With the first team squad not returning home until after 4am yesterday morning, it was always likely that
A MAN was robbed by three youths on a busy Lancaster street at 7pm on Monday evening. The 44 year old local man was outside Pointer Court, Ashton Road when a young man on a bike rode into him and snatched a carrier bag. The man was then assaulted and
PARENTS are being warned to make sure their children's valuables at school after a series of thefts in Lancaster and Morecambe. Police say the thefts, from lockers, cloak rooms and bags, follow the trend of children taking ever more valuable articles
FORMER Bury Football Club manager and assistant manager Sam Ellis is mourning the death of his son in a road accident. Mr Ellis' son Timothy James, aged 28, suffered multiple injuries in the incident on the A583 Kirkham by-pass between Preston and Blackpool
GRAHAM Branch came through his first 90 minutes of the season in last night's 2-1 win for the Clarets reserves against Birmingham at Turf Moor. The versatile 29-year-old was the most experienced player in a very young side and he seemed to finish the
AN EXCELLENT 9-1 victory over Carleton B in the Premier Division of the Lytham St Annes and District Table Tennis League saw Fylde Coast YMCA A storm eighteen points clear at the top with 41 points. But second placed Carleton A, who could only manage
WAYWARD women, jealous men, stabbings and lots of drama... it sounds like any TV soap opera. But this was Blackpool Grand Theatre on Sunday night (Oct 28) and the very welcome return of the Chisinau National Opera with Bizet's Carmen. Red-blooded to say
STAFF at Asda, Golborne, donned denim on Jeans for Genes Day and raised £56 for charity to help babies born with genetic disorders.
BOOTHSTOWN Methodist Primary School in Chaddock Lane is the venue for a craft fair on Saturday between 11am and 4pm. Entry costs 50p per adult, with children admitted free.
WIGAN and Leigh Council for Voluntary Service welcomes members of all voluntary organisations to its annual meeting on Tuesday, December 4, from 11.30am-1pm at Hallgate House, Wigan.
YOUNGSTERS at Sudellside Community Centre enjoyed learning how to make kites - and then saw how good their creations were by giving them tests flights. Community development assistant Alison Collins said a dozen children, aged between five and eight,
A BONFIRE and fireworks display is being lit by the Friends of Astley Scouts and Guides at 6.30pm on Saturday at Ellesmere Street HQ, off Higher Green Lane. Admission is £1.50 for adults and £1 for children.
A DARWEN eyesore is being transformed into 21 detached homes. The move follows investment by the North West Development Agency of £300,000 towards a new family estate on the former site of Prospect Mill, on Hindle Street. The site had previously attracted
VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with the newly extended Meals on Wheels service in Leigh. Drivers and general helpers are required from 11am-1pm. Any out-of-pocket expenses will be paid. Those who can spare a few hours, even if it is only once a month,
LEIGH and Wigan Police Cadets, pictured, have received £200 from Greater Manchester Police Federation. Each year, the 31 voluntary cadets, aged between 16 and 19, aim to raise £1,000 to be shared between two good causes. Their course runs for 34 weeks
CONGRATULATIONS to great grandfather Henry Sumner, who celebrated his 90th birthday on Monday. Henry, who was born in Plank Lane, Leigh, has lived in Bolton for the past 20 years. He spent his birthday with his wife, Elizabeth, who now lives at The Haulgh
A DOUBLE celebration is in order for an accountant who got married and passed all his exams. Andrew Bates, of Morlands Avenue, Leigh, married Melanie Waterworth, and now the 22 year old has just qualified as a certified accountant. The former Hesketh
BACUP and Stacksteads Estate Management Board has agreed in principle to the setting up of a central repair team for Rossendale area. Press officer for the EMB, which manages the council's houses Bill Pearson said: "We had a vote to go along provisionally
CAMPAIGNERS bidding to save Whitworth pool turned out in force but left disappointed when councillors voted against keeping the pool open while its future is determined. Standing orders were suspended in an unprecedented move to allow a former chairman
PROPOSALS to boost the European jobs market are being backed by North West Labour Euro MP Gary Titley. Mr Titley has given his whole-hearted support to plans to increase the EU budget for employment-creation projects, and to recognise the "valid and worthwhile
A CARELESSLY discarded cigarette started a fire in an Atherton flat which could have ended in tragedy. A fire service spokesman warned of the danger of disabled smoke alarms, after Leigh crew dealt with the blaze in Keats Close at 6.30pm on Monday. He
PET owners are being urged to extra care of their animals on bonfire night. Each year, hundreds of pets are terrified by loud bangs and sudden flashes of light. Pet insurer Pet Plan has compiled a list of precautions: Ensure pets are kept away from all
WIGAN is among 12 councils selected to work in a hit squad set up to improve and speed up adoption and transform the lives of children in care. The council has been selected to take part in a second wave of work with the government's Adoption and Permanence
LOVING owners are desperately needed for abandoned and injured dogs at Manchester Dogs' Home. The kennels save more canine lives than ever, but urgently need to find new homes to relieve overcrowding. As a result, it is seeking to rehouse two-year-old
THE Children's Society is appealing to Leigh people to organise a Christingle celebration for Christmas and help young runaways living rough on the streets. The society wants schools, churches and community groups to support the national campaign to raise
WITHIN the space of a week, Leigh firefighters have raised thousands of pounds to help their New York brethren and their families who have been affected by the recent terrorist atrocities. The people of Leigh came forward in droves to hand over money
ATHERTON'S new quarter-of-a-million pound square was officially opened this week. The square -- created in front of St John the Baptist Parish Church at one end of Market Street -- will be a meeting place for shoppers and a space for entertainment and
CAN anyone help me to trace the history of a pewter tankard recently found in an hedge near my home, but now returned to its owner? It is inscribed Lancaster Regatta, Sept 5th 1865, Lancashire Witches Stakes, The Duchess. G Fitzsimmons, C Winder and W
AN amateur village archivist has never lost her love for her home village. This week, Howe Bridge-born Joan Szymanowski has appealed to villagers to support The Bridgers, a small but dedicated band working for the area. She has also praised Atherton councillor
BLACKPOOL Police are hunting a young bag snatcher who could be responsible for up to 17 street robberies in the town. Between August and October several elderly women have had their handbags snatched by a man riding a bike as they walked along the Promenade
PLAYING with fire could lead to deaths, firefighters warned this week. Two fire engines from Blackpool's Forest Gate station attended five deliberate rubbish bin fires within three hours on Saturday night (Oc 27) and into the early hours of Sunday morning
A CHITTY Chitty Bang Bang collector and enthusiast from St Annes is fulfilling a life-time ambition by building an exact replica of the magical car that stole everyone's imagination in the classic children's film. Tony Green, of St Leonard's Road, is
BLACKPOOL town centre has a cracker of a Christmas season lined up and the festivities will get off to a tree-mendous start on November 22. The celebrations will start at 6.30pm with the switch-on of the Christmas lights and the opening of the Christmas
BRIGHT sparks in Blackpool can head for one of the many fabulous firework displays on the Fylde Coast this weekend! The fun begins on Saturday (November 3) at Blackpool Cricket Club, Stanley Park, with a bonfire and fireworks spectacular. Gates, bars
THE funeral of a popular Blackburn landlord is due to take place on Monday. Ken Pilling, 65, who retired in 1998 after running pubs throughout the town, died last week in hospital. A service is to be held at Blackburn Cathedral at 2pm followed by cremation
A MOTORIST who visited a promotion laid on by a car company couldn't believe her luck when she received a letter saying she had won a trip of a lifetime. Joanne Mitchell, 33, of Frederick Street Street, Oswaldtwistle visited C D Bramall's showroom at
BOLLYWOOD will hit Blackburn next summer -- thanks to the Commonwealth Games. The North West Arts Board is investing £35,000 in East Lancashire as part of a £1million Games project across the region, aimed at delivering arts festivals which will run alongside
A BLACKBURN teenager was forced into participating in pornography by a man who had introduced her to heroin and then taken over her life, a court heard. Defence lawyer Basharat Ditta, told Blackburn magistrates that until three months ago Sarah Louise
STAFF dealing with children in care in Blackburn with Darwen have been chosen to work with a group of top Government experts to improve adoption services in the area. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is one of 12 councils selected to work with the
HOUSING minister Lord Falconer today revealed a series of tough measures to alleviate East Lancashire's dire housing problems but warned people: "The rest is up to you." The government supremo -- who was given a grim six-hour tour earlier this month to
THE second round of the Mid Lancs Cross Country League is at Wilson Playing Fields, Clayton le Moors on Saturday. The start times are slightly different from the opening round at Liverpool, the new times are in operation for all the remaining fixtures
BACUP Borough are ready to terminate the contract of Damian Moran. The 26-year-old defender was suspended at the beginning of last week for 'persistent misconduct' and was told his contract would be terminated after 14 days. But manager Brent Peters had
STANLEY defender Jonathan Smith was being tracked by Second Division Oldham Athletic - but any deal could be thrown into doubt with the departure of Latics manager Andy Ritchie. The tall centre half, who has found the back of the net five times this season
NICK DOUGHERTY'S European Tour qualifying school 'ordeal' continues next week when he enters Stage Two of the competition. The 19-year-old from Shaw Hill is one of the favourites to get through to the final stage after winning the first stage of the competition
DERMOT Gallagher has got to be about the unluckiest man in football this week. While it was correct to question his judgement in not sending off Leeds United's Robbie Keane for his outrageous reaction to David Beckham's bad tackle at Old Trafford on Saturday
GORDON Marsden, MP for Blackpool South, has asked us to point out that a letter which was published in last week's Citizen made statements about him that were inaccurate. The post of Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Lord Chancellor is unpaid and
I AM writing to congratulate the new council leader Roy Fisher on the reforms he has introduced. He has opened a can of worms -- I hope he will be brave enough to tolerate the consequences. It will be difficult to put the lid back on, but some in his
I WONDER just how gullible Liberal Democrat Chris Davies MEP thinks we in the North West are? No-one must be fooled into thinking that the plan to introduce "EU wide arrest warrants" is designed solely to track down terrorist suspects. The European Commission
INMATES at Wymott prison, near Leyland, have been given a helping hand to return to the outside world of business by a ground-breaking rehabilitation scheme. The three-day 'Business Dynamics Course' is designed to provide prisoners with an insight into
THREE cheers for Thursday's Corrie. We had the welcome return of a good old Jack and Vera ding-dong instead of the wimpy tiffs of the new young whippersnappers.
A JUDGE sentenced two men caught throwing beer bottles at women in a car to walk the streets in ladies' clothes or go to jail for 60 days. The duo, from Ohio, chose to parade up and down the main street in drag -- and were also fined £175 for causing
VIDEOS chosen carefully are a rich source of entertainment --educationally, socially and morally -- for children. They can teach friendship (Toy Story), animal rights (Free Willy), tolerance (Dumbo) and that greed is wrong (Oliver). A psychologist has
I CAN'T believe the mentality of the people in charge of road works. On Monday, on the first night after the clocks went back and people were getting used to driving home in the dark for the first time, they have to cause chaos on the motorway. Cones
ST Mary's Catholic High School played host to 250 pupils from primary schools to enable Year 6 children to enjoy a taste of life at St Mary's. Pupils spent the day at the school on St Walburga's Road and sampled lessons in languages, science, art, music
THEY'VE been framed! And now reproductions of four art classics will soon be on permanent show in three Blackpool high schools. Limited edition prints of paintings by Peter Blake, Hans Holbein, Joseph Wright and Joseph Turner will hang in Montgomery High
DISABILITY need not be a barrier to a busy working life, as former Blackburn College student Chris Houston has proved. Pauline Hawkins met a young man who is assisting the Government in a new education project. BLACKBURN Rovers fan Chris Houston is described
REGARDING Eric Leaver's remarks (LET, October 10), concerning the "apparent" widespread use of forged/altered licences for taxi drivers, individual private hire firms should be legally responsible for checking their drivers' licences before they begin
SOMETIMES, I am obliged to ring my young and pleasant neighbours about their Saturday night noise levels. In the early hours of last Sunday (October 28) I mistakenly pressed the wrong digits and was horrified to have woken up someone else. Minutes later
SOME months ago when Twin Valley Homes took over Blackburn with Darwen's Council houses the directors and tenant directors promised brighter future and better homes. However, the tenant directors are not there to represent tenants at all. For in Issue
BOXES of smiles will once again be delivered to some of the neediest children on earth this Christmas, thanks to a Tyldesley family. And the Journal is once again backing the charity, Operation Christmas Child, as it prepares to bring joy to youngsters
ONE night stands have never been so much fun! Throughout November and December Blackpool Winter Gardens is hosting a series of one night shows in the Opera House with a little bit of something for everyone. If you like your humour of the toilet variety
NOVEMBER 11 will always be a date to remember. Remembrance Sunday this year will give people the opportunity to silently pay their respects to the many who have perished in conflicts throughout the world. Leigh man Michael Stephen Rowland is one of those
A STUNNING second half strike from Egil Ostenstad settled this keenly-contested Lancashire derby as 10-man Rovers chiselled out only their second victory of the season. Ostenstad ensured Rovers maintained their excellent record at the Reebok with a sizzling
GHOSTLY ghouls, wicked witches, spooky spectres, warts, hair and old crones were out to be seen and to scare yesterday (Wednesday) for Hallowe'en. Little 'goblins' at Wonderland Kindergarten, Waterloo Road, Ashton, had a howling Hallowe'en fancy dress
THOUSANDS of aerospace jobs are secure for 30 years after a £200bn military contract was awarded to the UK. The decision by the US Department of Defence last week was a triumph for BAE's Warton and Samlesbury site, near Preston, where workers have lived
A NOSTALGIC advertising executive is gearing up to go back to her school days after tracking down through the internet an old friend she hasn't seen for 34 years. Fifty-four-year-old Carol Mabberley, who works for The Preston Citizen, had been wondering
A RADIO stalwart has joined a fundraising campaign to help brighten up the life of a disabled youngster who was at death's door earlier this year. Adrian Ross, one of the original DJs on pioneering 1960s station Radio Caroline, is organising a money-spinning
OPERATIONS are being cancelled and there is a shortage of beds at Burnley General Hospital because of a 'colossal' increase in admissions -- with the worst of winter still to come. Health bosses say that plans by Burnley Health Care NHS Trust to open
TWO MPs today vowed to fight "outrageous" plans to make the public pay the price of the Burnley riots with higher council tax and fewer bobbies on the beat. Burnley MP Peter Pike and Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said insurance companies should foot the bill
LANCASTER City Council should bow its head in shame over the sacking of David Christley, a member of its cabinet claimed this week. Cllr Geoff Wilson condemned the costly botched sacking of the former Morecambe tourism chief and a statement sent out by
COMMUNITY Wardens will soon be hitting the streets of Poulton and the West End of Morecambe after the council won £400,000 of Government cash. The resort is one of only four places in the country to pilot this new scheme which will see 11 wardens patrolling
COUNCILLORS want to find a way of continuing Morecambe's successful punk festival without forcing the Festival Market traders to shut up shop. Members of the city council's cabinet will meet with traders who oppose giving up their stalls in a bid to find
LEADER of Pendle Council, Councillor Azhar Ali, was due to meet with Gordon Prentice MP today to discuss the recent announcement of job losses in the borough. Weston EU Limited, in Foulridge, announced 45 job losses this week and Cleveland Guest (Engineering
NOVICE bike racer Alistair Haworth is celebrating his second major trophy after just two years in the sport. The Leyland-based engineer has finished runner-up in Preston and District Motorycle Club's annual championship, riding a Yamaha FZR400. Victory
PRESTON climbed to joint top of the North Premier Division Two following the thrashing of lowly Timperley at West Cliff on Saturday. And they can thank their mercurial young midfielder Sam Sinclair, who epitomised his undoubted class, with four well taken
THE Queen's Lancashire Regiment will receive the second Freedom of the Borough given by Pendle Council this weekend in a formal ceremony at Colne Town Hall. Police have warned motorists to stay away from the town centre to avoid congestion as the regiment
AMY'S view on the world, which gives the play its title, is one of unshakeable belief in the unconditionally of love and loyalty. The story centres around the relationship between Amy (Sara Griffiths) and her mother the popular West End actress Esme Allen
A PRESTON businessman is urging drug users to clean up their act and stop using his land as a dumping ground for dirty syringes. Andrew Quigley, owner of Quigley's Carpet Hypermarket, in Ribbleton Lane, Preston, is appealing to drug users to take a detour
A QUESTION mark hung over the future of Blackburn's multi-million pound ice stadium as an astonishing public row flared between its operators and owners. Trouble erupted after Blackburn Council received a fax on Arena notepaper saying it had ceased trading
A GINGER tom cat missing for five months turned up after an incredible journey from Guide to Accrington. Thomas went AWOL leaving owner Lynda O'Neill, of Haslingden Old Road, Guide, heartbroken. But the pair were reunited after he was found at his old
A MUSICAL taking a wry look at life in contemporary Britain is to have a re-run. "An 'L' of a Do", penned by Clitheroe songwriter and dance school proprietor Gladys Sutcliffe, will take to the stage at the Civic Theatre, Oswaldtwistle, on Friday and Saturday
A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been cleared of petrol bombing an Accrington nightclub after allegedly threatening to burn it down. David Poulton was found not guilty of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered by a Burnley Crown Court jury, on the
ARTISTS from an Atherton-based entertainments agency showcased their talents at an exclusive showbiz event this week. Pennington's very own Matthew Kelly, and Cher's double from Atherton were among the singers, tribute acts and look-alikes who took part
TWO dedicated brass enthusiasts have been honoured for their gold and silver service. Gordon Higham, tutor to Astley Youth Band, and its founder, Helen Minshall, have received certificates recognising 50 years and 25 years respectively, from the North
WIGAN's newest councillor, Mark Aldred, is on top of the world after narrowly winning last week's by-election. Cllr Aldred's victory means Labour will continue to hold the seat vacated by Graham Lingings, after beating Liberal Democrat Neil Hogg and Conservative
A GROUP of young people from Roman Catholic churches in Blackburn has visited an 18th-century chapel where priests used to hold Mass in secret in bygone days. Lee House, near Longridge, was the venue for youngsters from St Joseph's St Theresa's and St
I WAS VERY disappointed to hear that the Waring & Gillow memorial plaque had been removed from its location in the former Waring & Gillow building on North Road, Lancaster, without the knowledge or consent of the city council. Had planning permission
RESEARCH into the habits of British 4x4 owners shows a massive 65% of owners never go off-road driving. The most common use of vehicles like the BMW X5 is short urban drives, including trips to the shops. Almost three in ten owners (27%) confessed they
INSPECT the anatomy of Sarcosuchus imperator, or SuperCroc, the prehistoric 'emperor of the crocodiles' which swam the rivers of the world over 110 million years ago. The web site (http://www.supercroc.org/) is titled 'It Ate Dinosaurs', so be warned
A BLACKPOOL hotel is bowled over to be hosting the World Bowls Tour final in the resort this month -- one of the biggest televised indoor bowling events in the sporting calendar. 32 bowlers from around the globe will be competing in the BUPA Care Homes
Sir, PLEASE could someone answer a simple question? Where are the dog wardens of Leigh? I am sick of having to guide my two children and a pram through the obstacle course of dog muck en route from Angus Avenue to Twelve Apostles Infant School, in Nel
A LAST minute winner allowed Morecambe to steam through to the first round of the FA Cup, but they very nearly came off the tracks at Station Road. It was young Shrimps ace Wayne Curtis who finally secured the three points, with a last minute close range
Sir, With every innocent Afghan killed by American and British bombs, the moral case for the 'war against terrorism' is diminished. The world was united in its condemnation of the attacks on the World Trade Centre, but is deeply divided over the response
MORECAMBE have been handed a mouthwatering draw in the first round of the FA Cup. They take on the team who, if the league tables are to be believed, are the best in the competition at this stage. Jim Harvey and his men travel to West London on November
HEYSHAM rugby league ace Mark Edmondson is looking forward to his first international chance just a year after fearing his career was over. Even being sin-binned in a trial game didn't stop the big prop/second row winning selection to the England squad
A MORECAMBE woman suffering from a life-threatening illness has been told by the NHS that it is not their policy to fund the specialist operation she needs. Michelle Hartley, 20, of Sefton Road, has a rare diabetic condition and travels to a specialist
SATURDAY saw the Seasiders obtain another consecutive home win and at last a clean sheet at Bloomfield Road -- and then Tuesday night saw us push through to the next round of the LDV Trophy after a comfortable win (and another clean sheet) at Mansfield
LANCASTER'S Alan Warriner is officially the world's number one darts player after winning his first major title. The 'Iceman' had suffered four final defeats in major competitions before last week's Paddy Power world grand prix victory in Dublin. Alan
SPOOKY! Terrifying tales were the order of the day at Revoe Library in Blackpool on Tuesday night. A gaggle of ghoulish children, dressed in scary costumes, enjoyed the library's pre-Hallowe'en "spooky storytime" session with librarian Jane Berry.
A SEVERE fire which started in the frying range, rapidly spread throughout the whole ground floor of the Ava Bite chip shop in Dale Street. The resident of the first floor flat above the shop had to be evacuated after staff raised the alarm on Sunday
CONCERNED staff at the RSPCA centre on Division Lane, Blackpool, are desperately appealing for funding and sponsorship to keep the animal life-line open. The centre needs to raise a massive £43,000 in the next six months if it is to keep running. Manager
A LANCASTER based company hit hard by the foot and mouth crisis is relocating its offices and will be laying off local staff. Brasher Boot Company situated at the White Cross will move to Sunderland to operate in the same building as its sister company
A LANCASTER scout leader accused of raping and molesting boys and teenagers has told a court that he never abused the youngsters. Kevin Pilling, a divorced father of five and the former deputy district commissioner of the scouts in Lancaster denied ever
DEFENDING champions Charnock Richard made their tournament intentions clear at Atherton Collieries as they raced into the last four with a 5-1 thrashing of Eagley. Charnock stamped their authority on the tie when Nick Vosper's looping cross-shot found
ROVERS winger Damien Duff was today left reeling by a double-whammy as he battles back from hamstring trouble. The 22-year-old wide-man had hoped to return to Rovers' first team squad for Saturday's trip to Southampton. However, Liverpool's visit to Ewood
ACTING PNE chairman has warned managerless clubs that David Moyes is out of bounds. Derek Shaw let rip as speculation surrounding Moyes reached fever pitch in the press this week. The celebrated Scot has been reported to be favourite to succeed Trevor
A WHEELIE bin set alight on Monday night in Argyle Street, Hindley was extinguished by Atherton firefighters.
BURY chairman Terry Robinson has warned that more players wil be sold if the right offer comes along. Supporters were shocked when rising star Chris Armstrong was sold to rivals Oldham Athletic last month for £200,000. And it would have been even worse
THE Leigh, Lowton and District Committee of the RNLI wishes to thank everyone who contributed to its street collection which raised £563.87.
DARWEN artist Walter McCombe stages an exhibition at Darwen Heritage Centre, Belgrave Square, from Monday. The bright acrylic paintings are inspired by artist Nancy Kominsky and feature still lifes, landscapes and flowers. Images of the Flying Scotsman
A LANCASHIRE family evening takes place at Sudellside Community Centre next Friday and everyone is welcome. There will be poetry from local dialect speaker Jim Atherton, plus quizzes, dancing and a Lancashire hot-pot supper. Community development assistant
FREDDIES is reviving its successful fund-raising sponsored walks. After a four-year break, the Tyldesley high school has organised another one for March 1 next year to raise cash for Campaign Namibia and the school library. Organisers are hoping to beat
POLICE have named the man who died after being involved in a hit and run incident on Sunday night. Terence Cushing, who was 57, was walking along Bolton Road, Blackburn, at around 6.50pm when he stepped into the road and was struck by two vehicles. Mr
PDSA -- the charity for pets in need of vets -- is getting into the festive spirit early by launching Christmas party and evening wear in its shops. Leigh's Bradshawgate branch will also be selling a selection of Christmas gifts, including Christmas cards
A FORMER student at Leigh Junior Technical School, in Railway Road, is looking to organise a reunion. John Melling, who now lives in Hindley, wants to make contact with any ex-students who attended the school in the 40s, 50s and 60s. "I was there between
AN army of cuddly bears is seeking new names and homes. Marie Curie Cancer Care, hit to the tune of £150,000 due to events being cancelled through foot and mouth, is using the bears to fight back. Bears will be placed in town centre shops, banks, pubs
A BUNGALOW is to be built on land that had been earmarked as a play area. Planning chiefs have approved plans to build a three-bedroom bungalow with a single detached garage on land on Carr Lane, Lowton. Previously, the land -- 960 square metres -- had
AMERICAN B-52s today began carpet bombing Taliban frontline positions in Afghanistan for the first time. The change of policy is designed to help the opposition Northern Alliance launch ground attacks against the Taliban. Rear Admiral John Stufflebeem
LEIGH authors may have more of a chance of seeing their work in print, thanks to a National Lottery win. A Wigan project is one of 22 to receive a share of more than half a million pounds handed out in the latest round of the Regional Arts Lottery Programme
PRINCE'S Trust volunteers from Groundwork Wigan and Chorley have been based in Atherton for the past month. The volunteers personal development programme lasts 12 weeks and gives unemployed young people aged 16-25 an opportunity to gain new skills by
A 22-year-old man died after a road accident just yards from his front door. Flowers left by mourners poignantly mark the scene near where Robert Huyton, of Cross Street, Atherton, was tended by paramedics after being involved in an accident with a white
WE'RE always glad to help our readers -- wherever they may live. And American Hazel Boldy is thrilled with the website response to a plea for information concerning her Journaland connections following a note posted on our www.thisisleigh.co.uk website
AS mayor of South Ribble I am writing to ask everyone to give as generously as they can to the 2001 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Councillor Norman Crossley, Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council, Leyland.
MANY road users must have been feeling particularly smug with themselves this week as they travelled along Atherleigh Way. The Twist Lane junction at Leigh has long been a talking point, nay, a danger zone, with accidents just seemingly waiting to happen
I'M not one to complain or even write letters to newspapers but I feel I must protest about the traffic coming into Preston. I have worked in the centre of Preston for more than 20 years and never have I experienced such chaos on the roads as this week
IT'S happened before and, with all the advanced weapon technology of today, the US Air Force still cannot get it right. In November 1942, moving forward from El Alamein, 8th Army HQ (advanced HQ), nearly a mile behind our front line, was bombed in broad
BRAVE Blackpool Scouts were involved in a cliff-hanger of a clean-up recently. 1st Norbreck Scout members donned climbing equipment for an innovative litter pick on the face of the cliffs around the Red Bank Road. Vandals and careless tippers had caused
A BLACKPOOL woman hotelier was sandwiched between two cars and robbed of a substantial amount of cash on a Blackpool street. The 46-year-old woman was driving down Clifton Drive, near the Pleasure Beach, at 9.10am on Tuesday (Oct 30) when the car in front
INDEPENDENCE is wheel-y great! Nine-year-old Gregory Rothwell, of Frobisher Drive, St Annes, who featured in The Citizen recently with a novel way of getting to school, now has a battery powered scooter all of his own. The youngster is often unable to
BLACKPOOL MP Gordon Marsden is calling for full steam ahead on improvements to Blackpool's rail services after a train he was catching was "significantly delayed". Mr Marsden said he will also be keeping an eye on First North Western rail services following
THE CITIZEN this week can bring you a first hand account of the appalling hardships currently being suffered by the people of Afghanistan. Shaun Walsh from Bispham is vice-president of Relief for Food for the Hungry International (FHI) and has previously
THREE crime-ridden estates in Preston will soon have full-time wardens, employed by the council, to help reduce anti-social behaviour and crime. Up to ten wardens will patrol the Fishwick, St Matthew's and Ribbleton areas thanks to a scheme given the
A YOUNG woman who admitted taking a tractor without the owner's consent has had her case adjourned for background reports. Kelly Veevers, 21, of Broughton Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to taking the tractor on March 31 last year and also admitted a
CHORLEY MP Lindsay Hoyle said he has received assurances that a military aircraft project will go ahead despite problems with Italian production. The A400M is a project between Britain, Italy, Germany, and France. Recent reports said the Italian government
ENVIRONMENTALLY-friendly households across the North West are doing their bit for the environment, and recycling more than ever before. In June a drive was launched by the County Council to try recycle more household waste, to cut down on the amount being
THE husband of Evelyn Lund today spoke for the first time since a woman's body was found in his wife's car in a lake close to his French home to insist: "I have committed no crime." And in an exclusive interview Robert Lund also complained that police
A LOOK at forthcoming cross country races across the county. Sat November 3rd: Mid Lancs Cross Country League - Wilsons (Hyndburn), The Harry Clayton Memorial Fell Race (formerly the Felldancer Shepherds Skyline Fell Race) 6M/1150' (Todmorden), SE Lancs
THE historic London to Brighton veteran car run which takes place this Sunday dates back more than 100 years making it one of the oldest events in the motoring calendar. In the strange world of ultra distance running, the London to Brighton has become
CLAYTON'S over 55 ladies won the British Veterans Cross Country Relays at Darlington on Saturday. Val Lawson, Janet Ryan and Kitty Garnett spearheaded a fine club effort which yielded a total of four medals. The over 35 team of Anna Kelly, Andrea Barraclough
NEIL Tattersall celebrated his call-up for the North of England cross country team with another comprehensive win, this time in Sunday's Accrington 10K Road Race. Pendle's new recruit blasted round the difficult course in 31:44, the third fastest time
THIS letter is for a private taxi-driver, who drove me to the Swan Hotel, 25 Holmfield Road, Blackpool. I got out my purse to pay you and unfortunately left my purse on your back seat. I would be very grateful if you would return it to me at the Swan
MANY of us enjoy Bonfire Night, but please remember that animals don't and can become terrified when fireworks are let off. They have excellent hearing and loud bangs and whistles can cause them pain and distress, resulting in panic, running away or getting
DURING my professional career I would never have had the audacity to tell a tailor how to cut a suit, an electrician how to wire a house or a candlemaker how to make candles -- yet tailors, electricians and candlemakers, plus just about everyone else,
I WRITE in reply to the letter you published in your last but one issue from Mr Robert Patrick in which he referred to our office in King Street as "a masquerade and a joke". First of all, may I make it clear that we are not the "National Carers Association
EX-COUNCILLOR Major Frank Hoyle would do well to climb down from his high-horse and pay attention to the lower ranks. In writing of the council's shameful plans for Ashton Gardens (Oct 18) he tells us that councillors "should be left to decide on matters
I CANNOT believe that Mrs Pat Simpson (Letters, September 27) has the nerve to talk about her "principles" and animal welfare in the same breath. Mrs Simpson was forced to resign her position as a Trustee of Care for the Wild International after it was
THESE are hectic times -- yet another midweek away match -- this time at Coventry City. They, like us, are going very well at the moment, and this had all the ingredients for being a 'cracker' . Let's hope lots of PNE fans were there to shout the lads
NORTH End came away from Highfield Road with a hard earned point after twice going behind to the former Premiership club. Preston went behind after just three mniutes to a 20-yard rocket shot from fromer Liverpool player David Thomson. But it could have
POLICE and army officials were scouring St Annes sand dunes following the mystery disappearance of a man. Shane Collier, 21, was reported missing from his home in Kendray, Barnsley, on October 8 and has not been seen since, according to South Yorkshire
I LAUGHED 'till I cried at a clip on the new You've Been Framed on Sunday. Evelyn Bird falling on the zig-zag fairground amusement and not being able to get up was the funniest thing I've seen for a long time. More like that and I'll be happy with the
THE Royal British Legion has turned to a drop of the hard stuff to boost poppy day funds. The ex-war heroes' charity is marketing its own brands of beer and whisky through selected Safeway supermarkets from this week. Poppy Pride beer costs £1.49 a half
BRIDE-to-be Pauline Muir has bought a £1,000 wedding dress which is six sizes too small. She hopes to slim into it before her big day next year. She must have some willpower. It can be done and good luck to her, I hope she makes it. But how many of us
LUX soap flakes, the detergent that revolutionised the laundry, is to be confined to the wash tub of history. The product is to cease production at the end of the year after 101 years, but thankfully, no jobs will be lost at the Warrington plant. Lux
POLICE have reported 25 youngsters to their parents following a three-day undercover operation to tackle problems with gangs of youths in Radcliffe. But they say they have been shocked by the lack of interest shown by the mothers and fathers of those
