Archive

LEIGH Miners Rangers U7s remain undefeated after drawing with Thatto Heath. Leigh's tries came from Tyson, Hayes, Parry and Ashton. Man of the match was Marc Parry, top tackler Joe Hayes and best supporting player Charles Tyson.

SOLID defence and strong running set up Leigh East U11's 22-10 win over Folly Lane. Highlight of the game was a 40 metre barnstorming run by Ryan O'Toole which saw him score between the sticks. Tries: J Lythgoe, S Grainey, R O'Toole, D Gunning. Goals:

LEIGH Miners Rangers U12's marched into the quarter- final of the BARLA Lancashire Cup with an away victory over Woolston. Their defence held solid again to nil their opponents. At half time they led 16-0, tries coming from S Marsh (2) and Fazakerley.

AN EXCELLENT team effort saw Leigh Miners Rangers U8s demolish Wigan St Pat's 48-4. Twelve tries were scored by eight different players. Mark Nicholson (2), Louis Cooke (2), Thomas Worden (2), Ellis Grimes (2), Adam Hall, Lewis Helme, Shaun Myers and

I HAVE written to the Home Secretary, Mr David Blunkett, at Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9AT regarding the firework menace that we are all having to endure. I have also sent copies of the letters which you have published on the firework issue. I am

IS Blackburn with Darwen Council going to spend another £30,000 on Christmas decoration for Darwen? If so, why don't they ask the families in Elm Grove for advice on how to decorate? Also, as we pay our council tax to the same council, how come, when

YOUR article on fireworks was a good example of how toothless our laws now seem to be in combating hooliganism. On Thursday evening (Oct 31) I was kept awake until 1am with 'banger' type fireworks and on Friday/Saturday morning it went on until 3.15am

A SELECTION of musical gems is on offer next week, courtesy of Thornton Cleveleys Operatic Society. The successful amateur musical theatre group is presenting Songs from the Shows 2002 at Fleetwood's Marine Hall for five nights, starting on Tuesday, November

TAKE two handsome gondolieri, a glittering musical score and 'a pair of sparkling eyes' and there you have the unmistakable elements of one of Gilbert & Sulllivan's best-loved comic operettas. Following their acclaimed visit to The Grand Theatre with

ANCIENT parts of a historic hall will be revealed at Astley's Dam House. Partitions put up in the 19th century at the former hospital and manorial home will be removed to uncover the Long Gallery. Further work planned includes timber frame wall restoration

A GRANDAD died after being dragged from his smoke-filled home by soldiers less than five hours after the firefighters' strike started. The 83-year-old -- named by neighbours in Sutcliffe Street, Harle Syke, as Alan Smith -- was pulled from his house by

LEIGH Centurions' army of fans are mobilising themselves in the hope of persuading popular prop Dave Whittle to stay at Hilton Park. The fans have bombarded the club's websites after the Welsh international announced his shock retirement - hoping their

ROVERS hit-man Andy Cole has set his sights on gunning down Celtic in tonight's UEFA Cup 'Battle of Britain' after rediscovering his scoring touch against Southampton at the weekend. So far this season, Cole has struggled to reproduce the kind of form

THOUSANDS of Celtic fans turned Blackburn into a sea of green and white today as Battle of Britain fever gripped the town. Some of the 150 coaches carrying Hoops fans started arriving late in the morning at Blackburn Boulevard to soak up the pre-match

BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today insisted Rovers have the fire-power necessary to triumph in tonight's Battle of Britain part two with Celtic - even if the Scottish champions were to nick a vital away goal at Ewood Park. Rovers currently trail the

What on earth was our council thinking of? Could someone please explain to me how it is that the council has seen fit to defer payment of business rates by the power stations at Heysham? We all know that their parent company, British Energy, is broke,

A CHAMPION slimmer spoke of her joy this week after shedding an incredible 11st 7lbs! Slimline Victoria Ellis, 28, was more than 21st when she took on her battle with the bulge four years ago after hating the way she looked in a passport photograph. She

A DISTRAUGHT widow, whose husband died on Remembrance Sunday 23 years ago, went to visit his grave this weekend only to find it desecrated by vandals. Barbara Holland went to Our Lady and St Gerard's, Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, to lay flowers on her

A BAMBER Bridge charity, established more than two decades ago to care for terminally ill people, could be forced to close if it fails to attract new staff. Bosses at Tender Nursing Care (TNC), based at the Ryan Medical Centre, St Mary's Road, say they

POLICE in Preston are calling on business leaders in the city to dig deep and back a new initiative to cut crime. Officers from the city's central division want kind-hearted business owners and managers to stump up a few pounds to fund new reflective

A DRUG-addicted mother who went shoplifting was sent back to jail -- where she had picked up her heroin habit. Burnley Magistrates heard Andrea Taylor, 26, was introduced to the drug when she went into custody earlier this year and went on committing

A SHOPLIFTER said to have attacked a store detective told the police the man had assaulted him, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard prosecution claims Anthony John Horrocks, 27, had struggled violently and struck the guard in Burnley Woolworths

A DRUNKEN father-to-be, responsible for a two-part attack on a pub landlord in front of the victim's little girl, has kept his freedom. Dylan Sagar, 26, had become angry and aggressive after Terry Egan told him he would not serve his girlfriend because

BOSSES at supermarket chain Tesco today denied rumours it is pulling out of Burnley and said the town's latest store could be open within 12 months. The supermarket, which also has a store in Blackburn, was granted planning permission to build on land

FOLK clubbers will no doubt be asking "Who knows where the time goes" at the end of what promises to be another cracking night in Leigh. On Friday, November 22, Vikki Clayton is Leigh Folk Club's guest. She has performed with the magnificent 'Fairport

THE heartbroken wife of a man who died from an overdose described how she found him lying unconscious in the family's living room. An inquest into the death of father-of-three Gary Barnes, aged 35, of Carholme Avenue, Burnley, heard he had been drinking

A WOMAN who was barricaded inside her home by an arsonist boyfriend insisted "I still love him" after he was jailed for three years. And Emma Kelly pledged to marry Phillip Swarsbrick when he finishes his sentence. Swarsbrick attacked Miss Kelly and trapped

POLICE recovered a large quantity of drugs from two addresses in Nelson and Burnley after a series of dawn raids. Police obtained warrants and raided the addresses in Colne Road, Duke Bar, and Charles Street, Nelson, and recovered quantities of heroin

RESIDENTS in Pendle were thanked for taking part in a consultation exercise on the future use of land in the borough by being entered in to a prize draw. And Violet Smith, of Pendle Fields, Fence, was the lucky winner of a £50 voucher to spend at Boundary

CHRISTMAS celebrations in Radcliffe have been finalised, with the seasonal kick-off on November 30. The town centre will stage a fun-packed day of entertainment from 11.30am, with performances by local school choirs and bands, and a chance to meet the

SPORTS groups and their supporters are being invited to apply for a share of a pot of cash held by a leading county councillor. County Councillor Terry Burns was granted the money when Lancashire County Council appointed him Champion for Young People

HOPPERS had a frustrating first trip to Broadstreet and came away with nothing except three superb tries to show for their efforts. Injuries, non-availability and suspension robbed them of half the first choice pack. And although the replacements put

A SEX offender who failed to tell police when he moved could not understand he had done anything wrong, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates heard how Shaun Spencer, 22, had learning difficulties and had to have his aunt with him when police questioned

A TEENAGER who got his first taste of working in a recording studio after winning a Lancashire Evening Telegraph competition has been given £2,970 to make another CD. Aaron Titherington, a pupil at Primet High School, gets about in a wheelchair after

PRESTON will be twinkling bright next Thursday when Adele Roberts, of Big Brother fame, flicks the switch to turn on the Christmas street lights. Southport lass Adele, famous for appearing in the last series of the cult television show Big Brother, will

AN elderly woman was killed after a car accident. Annie Catterall, 76, was a passenger in a Fiat Seicento travelling along Cumeragh Lane, Whittingham, when it collided with a Mercedes 300 saloon. The Mercedes, with two occupants, was travelling from Longridge

THE man accused of killing Preston student Janet Murgatroyd is to face a retrial in February. Andrew Greenwood, 28, of Sephton Street, Lostock Hall, was remanded on bail until February 3 after Mr Justice Leveson ordered a retrial on Friday, November 8

A COUPLE of Walton-le-Dale love birds are set to visit romantic Paris after winning a break for two on a trip-of-a-lifetime in China. John and Winifride Leaver were in Beijing when they attended a banquet in the Great Hall of the People in Tiannanman

A BLACK belt karate ace, found dead in his bed with multiple stab wounds, killed himself, an inquest heard. Paul Kevin Garth Brewer, 43, of Colenso Road, Ashton, was found dead in his bed by police on July 18, this year. He had a wound to his chest and

TWO off-duty firemen saved the Royal Arms pub, Tockholes, while having a pint there. Nigel Yates, from Blackburn, and Howard Yates, from Darwen, leapt into action after fire broke out in the kitchen.

THE next performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is on Tuesday, November 26, at Preston Guild Hall, from 7.30pm, when the orchestra will be playing pieces by Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Brahms. For tickets call 258858.

YOUNGSTERS from an Oswaldtwistle primary school cleaned up in a logo designing competition for a new initiative to get people in Hyndburn healthy. Four children at St Mary's RC School in Mayfield Avenue took the top prizes after designing logos for the

A MAJOR purge on road tax evaders has come to an end but dodgers have been warned not to get complacent. Operation Clampdown was part of a joint initiative by police and traffic wardens who were joined by the DVLA in a large-scale blitz. Since Operation

VOTERS in Hyndburn's local elections next year could be taking part in a postal vote if proposals are accepted. Hyndburn Council is bidding to become one of several boroughs nationally to take part in pilots for alternative forms of vote-casting. The

A POLICE inquiry into a doctored council letter circulated to back opposition to an entertainment licence has concluded there was no forgery. The letter was formulated to oppose Paul Humphries' application to extend the hours at the Oaklea Club, Whalley

BIG-HEARTED regulars at the Three Crown pub will be pulling together this weekend to raise cash for one of their fellow drinkers. A charity day has been organised to raise cash to buy a motorised wheelchair for Albert White. Albert, a regular customer

A MAN who attacked another with a hammer has escaped a prison sentence. Michael Mifsud claimed his victim Peter Bailey had agreed to buy his car but crashed it and then refused to pay for the damage. Enraged Mifsud, 18, of Diamond Street, Leigh burst

SUPERBIKE ace Carl Fogarty has lodged an appeal with council bosses who ordered him to reinstate an ancient hedge he ripped down without permission -- and blasted his "nosey neighbours". The four-times world champion was rapped by Ribble Valley Borough

THERE are some great little sites out on the internet and the Zen Stories site is one of these. The site (www.rider.edu/ users/suler/zenstory/ zenstory.html) offers up ancient eastern tales designed to impart spiritual or philosophical wisdom. But what

JUNIOR football match action round-up BLACKPOOL RANGERS U10s 4 POULTON ST JOHNS 0 A CLOSE first half with Rangers struggling to find the net. A well-taken Matthew Berry goal giving them a slender half-time lead. Liam Beaumont doubled the lead soon after

STANLEY ground out a great victory against a very experienced Springview side on a rain sodden pitch where the rugby played wasn't for the purist as both sides made plenty of mistakes in the atrocious conditions of constant rain and wind. Early pressure

WHILE clearing out my attic recently I came across a copy of Leyth Bent and Bongs peoples paper, Christmas 1982 edition. I note from this paper that Courtaulds had announced a date for closure, that David Browns were expected to close within the next

THE Clarets are expecting a final decision from Marlon Beresford about whether he will be signing a new deal when he returns to training today. It had been thought a decision would have been made yesterday but as the first team had a day off it was again

PLANS have been unveiled for the first of a new generation of integrated waste management facilities to allow recycling, composting, reclamation and reuse of materials by Lancashire County Council. The authority intends to submit a planning application

HIGHFIELD High School is supporting our on-going "Bibles for Zambia" appeal. If you have any unwanted bibles you would like to donate -- please leave tx hem at the school's reception desk, Highfield Road entrance. Thank you so much. Ms R Page Kingsmede

THE Gerrard Male Voice Choir will be in concert from 7.30pm on Saturday. November 23 at Wigan Road Methodist Church, Leigh. Entry costs £3.

THE classic story of The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been given a modern twist by Turnpike Community Theatre and transformed into a hilarious pantomime, being performed from November 27-30. Turnpike director Jo Shepherd has worked alongside writer and

THE Houghton Weavers will perform their annual Christmas Show at the Monaco Ballroom, Hindley on Sunday December 15. The music and comedy band will bring their own unique brand of entertainment for their 14th Yuletide production, with special guest, Tony

A CHRISTMAS fair will open at 2.30pm on Saturday, November 23 in St Paul's School, Westleigh.

WYRE councillors have selected their preferred developer for the Cleveleys seafront leisure park. The site includes the existing Jubilee Gardens plus the adjoining open land, beach bungalows and public car park. The chosen developer, who have not yet

One of your readers (Citizen, October 31) was horrified that John Whitelegg of the Green Party should be arguing for a wage increase for the firefighters. They complianed that he hadn't mentioned the Ambulance Service. I'm sure if Mr Whitelegg had tried

WIGAN and Leigh Pensioners' Link will pull the corks on a wine tasting evening on Friday (November 15) at 7pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, to raise funds for the Carers' Centre and the organisation. Tickets are £4.50.

LEIGH residents can air their views on policing and crime and disorder issues at a new style public consultation meeting. Greater Manchester Police Authority's Public Voice on Policing (PVP) for an area which includes Atherton, Golborne, Lowton, Tyldesley

Lancaster and Morecambe have waited long enough for their own skate park - and the city's mayor is hoping to make them a reality. Cllr Eileen Blamire is calling on local people and businesses to back a new campaign, which aims to raise £40,000 for two

Lancaster residents claim the historic Quay has descended into traffic chaos after one lane was closed to allow a large development to take place. The city council has agreed to temporary traffic lights being installed for nearly six months along part

Passers by on Morecambe promenade have been shocked to see a large boat moored off shore - but officials say there is nothing fishy about the recent arrival. The Dee estuary is closed to cockle fishing because of a fall in the cockle population, so many

The campaign to block 'big box retailing' on Lancaster's canal corridor has been boosted after councillors promised to reject unsuitable bids for its land, reports Steve Dunthorne. Cllrs Tricia Heath and Geoff Wilson told a well-attended meeting of the

COUNCIL Tax bills could go up by an average of £ 15 per household - just to keep Lancashire's Police's service at its current level. The Police Authority currently raises £33 million of its £209 million budget from council tax, but believes it will need

FIFTY jobs will be created in north Lancashire after the green light was given to plans to transform a former gravel quarry near Carnforth into a £15 million leisure village, reports Victoria Clark. This week the county council approved ambitious proposals

TWO Astley & Tyldesley Miners Welfare/CTA Direct had two members reach the final of the British Indoor Individual Cycle Speedway Championships at Cheslyn Hay, near Cannock. Becky Heslop turned in an impressive showing to total 12 points, including

Leigh Miners Rangers 22, Oulton Raiders 8: LEIGH Miners Rangers returned to the winners' enclosure after a dour struggle against Oulton Raiders. Raiders, third last year just behind the Miners, showed why they are struggling this year in a game that never

BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent is close to having a fully fit squad for the first time this season ahead of the match with Rotherham at Millmoor on Saturday. He took the opportunity to play a number of his first team squad in the reserves last night with the

PRESTON'S midfield go into Saturday's away game at Grimsby with the simple instruction from manager Craig Brown -- keep on shooting! Despite losing 2-1 away at Millwall last weekend, Brown told Citizen Sport there was plenty to be pleased about following

PEOPLE are urged to support an auction of antiques tonight in aid of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Magic Eye Appeal. It starts at 7pm in Belgrave Antiques Centre,Bolton Road, Darwen, when hundreds of items will be up for grabs. The public can also

THE Community Health Council last night met to discuss plans for Darwen's proposed new £11 million health centre. David Brunskill, director of corporate development for the Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust gave a presentation to the health council

BOSSES of a social club today reiterated their intent to continue with controversial plans to sell a bowling green to a property developer. Hollins Grove Liberal Club, in Falcon Avenue, Darwen, was refused outline planning permission for the green to

LIVES could be lost during the mass walkout of hundreds of firefighters, the county's chief fire officer has warned. Troops on ageing Green Goddesses are the front-line fire-fighting service today and tomorrow with more than a thousand fire-fighters in

WATERFOOT could be given a new lease of life if planning permission is secured for flats in a disused mill. Developers Built Ltd, based in Bacup, has applied to Rossendale Borough Council to transform the former Victoria cotton mill in Burnley Road East

TWO men who carried out a knife-point raid on an East Lancashire service station have both been jailed for over five years. One of the pair had over two-and-a-half years added on top of his sentence for burglaries of business premises -- bringing his

EMERGENCY 999 calls for fires are being handled by the police as call centre operators for the fire service are also on strike. Control room staff at the Hutton police headquarters will take details of any incidents and pass them on to a duty senior fire

A POPULAR tailoring businesses, threatened with closure by Christmas, has finalised a deal with a buyer who aims to create 20 new jobs in the next 12 months. Novak's, in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, was founded 51 years ago by Joseph Novak, but announced

A CHRISTMAS fair organised by the Leigh Support Fundraising Group in aid of Wigan and Leigh Hospice will take place on Tuesday (1-3pm) at Leigh Masonic Hall. Refreshments are included in the 50p admission charge.

GREAT response to a Christmas appeal means Barnardo's Market Street shop in Atherton has lots of new and nearly new toys, books and gifts on offer. Barnardo's business manager Sue Bowers says: "The toys are all in immaculate condition." A sale begins

THERE was a buzz of excitement among 150 soldiers of the 21 Engineer Regiment yesterday as they took over. They had undergone eight weeks of training to become fire fighters and were eager to see if they could carry out the role. Now it was was 6pm and

A MAN has died in a house fire in Burnley, despite Green Goddess fire engines arriving within minutes of the emergency call. At 10.22pm the military was called to Sutcliffe Street in the Brierfield area of Burnley where an elderly man was pulled clear

A NEW chapter in the history of Hag Fold started this week. The world of literature landed on the doorstep of estate residents thanks to Wigan Council's mobile library service. The book bus started its rounds on Monday and will stop at Hag Fold Community

A GRANDAD died after being dragged from his smoke-filled home by soldiers less than five hours after the firefighters' strike started. The 83-year-old -- named by neighbours in Sutcliffe Street, Harle Syke, as Alan Smith -- was pulled from his house by

FORTY new jobs are being created in Leigh this month through the re-opening of a hotel. The 85-bedroom Sporting Lodge Inn, Warrington Road - formerly the Greyhound - will include a leisure complex, restaurant, meeting rooms and banqueting suites. After

FATHER Christmas will head next Thursday's festive parade in Leigh which begins the five week run up to December 25. At 6pm the grand old man will head a procession through town to the Spinning Gate shopping centre. His entourage will include elves and

PUPILS at Mereside Primary School were the first in Lancashire to work with London's famous Anna Scher Theatre on their unique Artshare project, which facilitates links between theatre professionals and schoolchildren. The theatre has nurtured the talents

TAILS will be wagging at Marton's Longview RSPCA animal home -- thanks to the generosity of North West companies. The Division Lane centre has been offered 100 square metres of anti-slip tiles free of charge by Manchester company Pilkingtons. The tiles

A STUNNING gown which Princess Diana wore to a Royal Variety Performance, has survived a Blackpool fire which damaged exhibits all around it. The dazzling outfit, designed by Belville Sassoon and described as 'priceless', was bought at an auction by Blackpool

THE battle is on to save Blackpool and South Fylde's sand dunes -- and the public are being asked to lead the fight. Local authorities and other agencies have started a working group to preserve the nationally important nature area. But in the meantime

LANCASHIRE County Council's new MARIO internet service has proved to be a massive hit --attracting more than 100,000 visitors in its first week. MARIO, which stands for Maps and Related Information Online, allows anyone to browse information about the

A NEW, tough test for learner drivers was today welcomed by road safety chiefs at Lancashire County Council. The Hazard Perception Test, introduced today, uses computer technology to check drivers' reactions to danger on the roads. Lancashire has pioneered

A £1MILLION black hole has appeared in Lancashire's budget after the number of claims for trips and slips on the county's roads soared. The high cost of paying up for injuries caused by potholes, sunken pavements and crumbling kerbs could increase council

FOUR Blackburn men have been jailed for their part in the kidnap and false imprisonment of a known heroin dealer. Birmingham Crown Court heard the four used a girlfriend to lure Akhtar Mahmood to Bradford where he was brutally beaten before being bundled

HOSPITAL waiting lists in Blackburn are to be cut after a successful bid for extra cash. Around £1.5 million has been given to Queen's Park Hospital and Blackburn Royal Infirmary to cut the overall waiting list by around a fifth to 4,000. By March 2003

POLICE in East Lancashire have labelled terrorism a priority crime as they seek public opinion on increasing council tax to fund services. Lancashire Police Authority says a rise of £15 a head will be needed for 2003/4 to maintain present policing services

FOR anyone trying to lose weight before the Christmas binge, Dorothy Prescott is something of a role model. The 63-year-old has managed to shed five stone in 18 months -- and drop five dress sizes in the process. The mother-of two and grandmother-of-four

GRANT CUNLIFFE made light of a characteristically muddy Charlotte Slater Memorial Fell Race to be a clear winner in the Under 12s category. As the competitors struggled to evade the Kelbrook course's sticky grasp, the 12-year-old Rossendale Harrier underlined

I WAS devastated to hear about the fire disaster of Grab City I visit Blackpool a lot and it is upsetting to see the town alter so much and as for 1,000 bedroom hotel and casino projects Leisure Parcs should stick the ideas back where they came from and

WITH reference to the letter (Citizen, 7/11) from J Croysdill, Labour Blackpool North -- having read this it was a case of not knowing whether to laugh or cry. The impression given was that Labour took over a country on the brink of collapse and led it

I AM writing to correct recent misleading media reports, stating that the trial of Euro-MP Chris Davies was funded by public money. I am a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and I am the solicitor instructed by Chris Davies in relation

CHRIS Lucketti could make a return to action this weekend to skipper Preston on their away to Grimsby. Lucketti, injured in the Worthington Cup game against Birmingham City a week ago, missed the weekend game at Millwall. And the one-match ban Colin Murdock

A DENTIST was responsible for "serious and cumulative failures" during a procedure to remove a milk tooth from a five-year-old girl who died under general anaesthetic, the General Dental Council (GDC) heard. Karla Selley was sedated because she had previously

MY poor little dog has lived in fear for a fortnight, and she's lucky to be a run of the house pet. She has spent most of the time squashed shaking between the wall and the settee as rockets explode around the house. The idiots who continue these ridiculous

BUSINESSES in Leigh which refused to sell poppies for the Royal British Legion should be feeling a little red faced this week. I'm told a store and a garage turned down the chance to help the appeal this year. Their reason - thieves. Neither businesses

SOME people have money to burn. As the Children in Need extravaganza got underway this week, Wogan listeners were competing in the annual auction for lots that cash can't usually buy. Listeners have been coughing up thousands for one-off prizes like a

SUNDAY Shows at the Grand, Opera House and North Pier. Blackpool Grand Theatre (01253 290190) I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue -- SOLD OUT -- Radio 4's award-winning antidote to panel games, with Humphrey Lyttelton, Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor

Barnet v Leigh RMI preview by Martyn Hindley LEIGH RMI have long been pointed out as a nemesis of Barnet since the Bees were relegated from the Football League 18 months ago. And there is no reason why that run cannot continue when the two sides meet

Northwich Victoria 0 Leigh RMI 1 By Martyn Hindley A WONDER goal from Tunisian striker Dino Maamria catapulted RMI out of the Conference relegation places. Maamria's van Basten-like volley shortly after the hour mark stretches RMI's Conference run to

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Oscar Bears Nursery, Pleasington Street, Blackburn, 1.30pm-3pm. Proceeds to Children In Need. Grand Auction, Rhyddings Methodist Church, Oswaldtwistle

Terrible tragedy has marked the start of the firefighters' strike, with three people killed in its first day in fires across the country, including an 83-year-old East Lancashire man, who died in a blaze at his Brierfield home. And though there is nothing

AS I write, it is 7.10am on a Sunday, and on the nearby 'rec' someone is letting off fireworks in the teeming rain. Ah, well! The rest of us may be missing out on something... I don't think! CAROLE ATHERTON, Howard Street, Rishton.

I HAD a similar experience to one of your readers as regards German trains -- only on a smaller scale. I bought an LGB model train from a shop in Shaw. After having it one month, I broke the front bogie off in an accident which was my own fault. After

AS a former Great Harwood resident now living in Australia, I am disgusted with how the Church can call British Legion members un-Christian for what they believe in. I, too, have been to the church service at the Parish Church on many occasions in the

A CONTROVERSIAL new road system has claimed its first serious accident victim. Twenty-three-years-old Philip Barnes suffered a fractured skull when he was hit by a bus as he tried to cross Atherton's new two-way Mealhouse Lane near the Bag Lane junction

A PERFORMER who has been labelled 'as good as Victoria Wood' stars in a top drawer show at the Grand Theatre for one night only. The aply-named Elaine Pantling stars in 'Gusset' next Friday (November 22)and offers a blooming hilarious performance as Paula

NEVER work with children or animals, so the old saying goes. But there's always an exception to the rule... Monday's performance of Annie at Blackpool's Grand Theatre was vibrant, entertaining, and over-the-top, with no doggy disasters or precocious child

ROTHERHAM United are one point and one place above us ahead of our trip to Millmoor on Saturday and that is in a large part down to a good pal of mine, striker Alan Lee. Alan is having a fantastic season, he is second top scorer on 11 goals and all of

THE new official Bury Guide is available from Bury Town Hall, council information desks and local libraries, Bury Council said today. The £2 guide is packed with facts, figures and information about the town, including sections on famous Bury people such

A GRANDAD died after being dragged from his smoke-filled home by soldiers less than five hours after the firefighters' strike started. The 83-year-old -- named by neighbours in Sutcliffe Street, Harle Syke, as Alan Smith -- was pulled from his house by

PEOPLE living around a planned new Metrolink station are being urged to attend a specially arranged consultation meeting next week. Residents in the Buckley Wells area of Bury will be asked their views on a number of options concerning the construction

MIDFIELD star David Thompson is ready to put club before country as Blackburn Rovers go in search of Euro glory at the expense of Celtic tonight. The former Liverpool schemer might be on the threshold of the England team after being called up by Sven

Full time Rovers 0 - Celtic 2, the Scots win the Battle of Britain, read the key moments from the game. 21:46: 2 minutes of extra time will be played giving Celtic the chance to make it three as they continue to push forward. 21:40: 5 mins left and a

The market traders in Morecambe have every right to feel aggrieved in light of the letter they have received from the council. To impose these restrictions on the traders in relation to the size of their market stalls just adds insult to injury. To threaten

It seems that every week the local press contains letters and articles reporting acts of anti-social behaviour. litter, dog fouling, graffiti, vandalism, intimidation, drunks, beggars, flashers, muggers and worse. The image that this presents, to visitors

I am writing to express my outrage at Lancaster City Council's decision (excluding the Green Cabinet member, Cllr Gina Dowding) to pour £18,000 of taxpayer money down the drain of British Energy. What's almost more shocking is the notion that significant

MANCHESTER United may be down on their luck but one of their Preston fans has managed to scoop a trophy ahead of local rivals Bolton Wanderers. Jeremy Gorick, boss of two Preston companies, has been hailed as the 'International Leader of the Year' at

SILENCE fell over Preston and South Ribble on Sunday as thousands gathered at various locations to remember the fallen of two world wars and other conflicts. Preston Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Saksena and Mayoress, Jean Al-Seeraj, paid their respects

A SCOUT hut that has stood for more than 60 years might have to close -- leaving the community groups that use it stranded. More than 100 children use the hut in Liverpool Road which is home to the 2nd Longton Scout Group. The wooden building is about

FRIDAY night the ten finalists of the South Ribble Borough Council's Search for a Star competition will take to the stage in front of a panel of six judges. The judges have been carefully selected and represent a cross-section of society, and includes

A GREAT grandmother lost a treasured present from her dead son when she was mugged and had her bag stolen. Maria Garcia's purse contained a treasured conker which her 13-year old son Robin gave her just before he died of a rare form of bone cancer nine

THE Mayor and Mayoress of Padiham, Councillors Granville and Pat Lord joined the town's branch of the Royal British Legion at the Remembrance Service on Sunday. It was a poignant event for the British Legion as it is now to join with Burnley after 85

A 60-year-old man in hospital after a minor heart attack died after falling in a bathroom on the ward. Mian Khan, of Gordon Street, Burnley, fractured seven ribs in the fall at Burnley General Hospital on June 9. He was later transferred to Blackpool

A CHARITY playbus for children across Burnley and Pendle is facing the end of the road after transport bosses withdrew its free garage space. The bus has been housed at the Burnley and Pendle Transport depot in Queensgate, Burnley, for more than 20 years

BUSINESSES in Brierfield are being encouraged to have their say about the proposed Brierfield Spring Festival. The festival is planned for mid-March 2003, following the inaugural event in March this year, and aims to be a showcase for businesses in the

BAMBER Bridge suffered their sixth consecutive defeat when they were beaten 3-2 by Marine in the first round of the Marsden Lancashire Trophy on Tuesday night. Brig dominated the early stages and and were unlucky only to be level 1-1 at half-time with

LOCAL young climbers scaled the heights when one of three British Regional Youth Climbing Series heat finals was held at West View Leisure Centre. The competitors were divided into boys and girls and into three age categories. Each climber had to do three

THE dentist who operated on a five-year-old Leyland girl, who died after the operation, has faced a General Medical Council hearing into his work. Karla Selley was put to sleep for the removal of a milk tooth at the Towngate Dental Practice, Leyland,

HEART-THROB Robbie Supreme, a dead ringer for the former Take That front man, will be appearing live at the Flag Market on December 5 for the official opening ceremony by popular radio station Rock FM. The Robbie Williams sound-a-like, whose real name

HELEN Meadows, of Greenside, Ribchester, and her mother Margaret Shaw, of Slaidburn, got the top marks on the flower arranging course at the Lancashire College of Agriculture and Horticulture.

FATHER Christmas will head next Thursday's festive parade in Leigh which begins the five week run up to December 25. At 6pm the grand old man will head a procession through town to the Spinning Gate shopping centre. His entourage will include elves and

ROY Potts' Five-a-Penny jazz band are playing at the Grasshoppers Rugby Club, Lightfoot Lane, Preston, on Sunday, November 17, at 8pm. Tickets are £4 on the door.

AN Indian music recital is being held at the University of Central Lancashire Arts Centre, Fylde Road, Preston, on Wednesday, November 27, at 7pm. Irshad Kahn will treat visitors by playing the sitar and surbahar. Tickets are £5-£8. Call 893958.

THE next meeting of Clayton-le-Moors and Altham Area Council will be at 7pm next Thursday. On the agenda will be issues which include the demolition of Sparth Road bus shelter, Christmas trees in the area and feedback on Lark in the Park. There will also

PARENTS of youngsters named for causing a nuisance in Golborne and Lowton have been informed of their children's bad behaviour. The area's cycling community beat bobbies, who are targeting trouble hot spots, have written letters to numerous offenders'

A RESCUED puppy will compete to become a Kennel Club champion on Saturday. Two-years-old JJ, a border collie cross, who gives high fives, will be vying to become the first ever "Companion Dog of the Year" at Earls Court, London, on Saturday, with his

TRAVEL fanatics Margaret and Albert Kettle are looking forward to a break at a surprise destination as a Golden Wedding present. The 69-year-old Leigh couple met at Pennington Dance Hall when they were both 16 and married three years later on November

POLICE are targeting known criminals in the bid to beat rising shed and garage burglaries. Thieves are snatching bikes, fishing tackle, golf clubs and power tools in overnight raids particularly in the Leigh, Astley and Tyldesley areas. Det Sgt Bill Nelson

TRIBUTES have been paid to a sadly missed volunteer who collected thousands of pounds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Described as a big man with a big heart, Arthur Campbell Emmett, of Stretton Road, Lowton, died recently in Whiston Hospital. He was 83

HEARTBROKEN family and friends of Atherton teenager Daniel Berry have had their worlds shattered after doctors discovered his leukaemia has returned and told the family there is nothing more they can do. The bad news comes exactly six months after Daniel

THE FYLDE could get Britain's first new pier for 100 years in a £20million investment announced this week. The plans will transform well-known Pleasure Island in St Annes into The Island -- a one-stop entertainment venue. The development will include

A SCHOOL was twice left without power yesterday after a network malfunction. United Utilities apologised and blamed the power cut on "a high voltage fault" which affected properties in the Billington and Langho areas. Anthony McNamara, headteacher at

GOVERNMENT promises to improve the criminal justice system were attacked today by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans. The Tory front bencher said closing magistrates courts would only be to the detriment of local communities. Mr Evans also fears that court

THE BA London Eye web-site has had a make-over and is well worth a visit if you can't get to the actual attraction itself. This really is a fantastic site (www.ba-londoneye.com) with a lovely colourful design and simple navigation and with everything

THE latest must-have piece of computing kit looks set to be the Tablet PC. You might already own a lap-top and enjoy surfing the web or checking your e-mails without ever having to get up from the sofa. But with a Tablet PC you can go absolutely anywhere

ST ANNES Ex Servicemens Club will play host to the first St Annes Open darts tournament on Sunday April 20, 2003. The Sponsorship arrangements have all been finalised and the competition will boast a £1500 prize fund with the eventual winner picking up

POOL wil not be retaining the LDV Vans Trophy this year as opponent's Crewe eased to the next round with a 2-0 victory. More significantly it was Pool's fourth defeat in a row and third game with a goal, a far cry from the promotion form of just a few

WIGAN rode their luck to inflict a 3rd consecutive defeat on the Seasiders at Bloomfield Road. The Seasiders were the better side and a point each would had been a fairer result. But goals from Tony Dinning and Mike Flynn pushed the visitors to the top

BURNLEY'S ticket office was extremely busy yesterday as tickets went on sale for the match against Manchester United in the Worthington Cup. The club sold 2,400 tickets in the first day and demand looks set to be high for the rest of the week. Ticket

BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent is close to having a fully fit squad for the first time this season ahead of the match with Rotherham at Millmoor on Saturday. He took the opportunity to play a number of his first team squad in the reserves last night with the

THE waiting is finally over. After spending the last two weeks climbing the walls in anticipation, we've now got the chance to set the record straight against Celtic following their last-gasp victory in the first leg at Parkhead. And I, for one, am just

IF you'd like to make a parachute jump and raise money for the MS Trust, call 01462 476700 or email hannah.jones@mstrust.org.uk. I'll send you a full information pack and everything you need to take part in the experience of a lifetime. Sites include

THE VICTIMS of war were remembered and prayers for peace were said as Remembrance Sunday was marked across the Fylde. There was also a two-minutes silence across the area on Monday as the 11th hour of the 11th month was observed. In Blackpool, the Monday

LOWTON community centre is now available for private and community functions. Details from 01942 275479.

WIGAN and Leigh Breathe Easy Group are having a fund raising coffee morning on Saturday, November 16, at Kingsleigh Methodist Church, Leigh, between 9.30am and noon. Chest consultant Dr R J Wolstenholme will be the guest speaker at the next meeting on

A young journalist from Lancaster University has been named Britain's best young reporter in a highly-competitive national competition. Jon Colman, who was editor of the university's student newspaper SCAN last year, was voted student reporter of the

A NEW chapter in the history of Hag Fold started this week. The world of literature landed on the doorstep of estate residents thanks to Wigan Council's mobile library service. The book bus started its rounds on Monday and will stop at Hag Fold Community

A FORMER Tory MP has quit the party after twice being snubbed in bids to represent Lancaster in parliament. Harold Elletson has joined the Liberal Democrats, just two months after unsuccessfully attempting to win selection as Conservative candidate for

ADMINISTRATORS running one of Morecambe's biggest employers say there will be no immediate redundancies as they begin the search for a buyer. PricewaterhouseCoopers took over Moll Industries' UK division on Friday, after financial problems at the Florida-based

BILL Rigby won the fourth winter merit at Pennington Park on Sunday by beating Bill Rowson in the final 21-17. Last week's Main Competition winner Alan Williams beat Jimmy Glover in the Consolation final 21-17. Main Competition: W.Rigby 21 B.Short 19,

LEIGH RUFC mini and junior section has appointed Danny Jones as their full time Youth Development Officer. Thanks to sponorship from Conrete TS Ltd, who gave the section £10,000, and a Sportsmatch grant of the same amount, they were able to employ Danny

TYLDESLEY Rugby Union Club has won a grant of £5000 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme. The grant will allow both the senior and junior sections of the club to provide new training equipment and increase the number of qualified coaches

Members of Tyldesley Rugby Club are celebrating today after receiving a grant of £5,000 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme. The grant will allow both the Senior and Junior Sections of the Club to provide new training equipment and increase

TWO Leigh-based boxers lost championship title fights despite class displays against tough opposition. In the East Lancashire area finals at Preston, Leigh Amateur Boxing Club's bantamweight Neil Boulton, 19, in the first final of his career fought the

Skirlaugh 21, Leigh East 12 DESPITE Saturday's defeat Leigh East are still in third place in the National Conference Premier Division, but only by virtue of a better points difference. At face value East played reasonably well with some quality individual

LEIGH Harriers continued their good start to the cross country season at Rochdale's Springfield Park. Lauren Howarth had one of her best runs, winning the Under 13s race in the second South East Lancs League meeting of the season. She made light of the

Full time Rovers 0 - Celtic 2, the Scots win the Battle of Britain, read the key moments from the game. 21:46: 2 minutes of extra time will be played giving Celtic the chance to make it three as they continue to push forward. 21:40: 5 mins left and a

THE Army today said the public was being put at risk after the Green Goddesses' first night was marred by hoax callers. As soon as the firefighters struck at 6pm, the control centre was hit by false alarms. Of 16 emergency calls received by 10pm, eight

LANCASHIRE fire chief Peter Holland has spoken of his frustration at the government as his firefighters went on strike for the first time in 25 years. Mr Holland said his staff were right to want more than the 11 per cent offered, but wrong to demand

AN ARMY captain told residents in East Lancashire today: "We are ready to protect you as best as we can." The 21 Engineer Regiment was eager to get going last night after spending eight weeks in training, during which time two planned strikes were called

THE Army today said the public was being put at risk after the Green Goddesses' first night was marred by hoax callers. As soon as the firefighters struck at 6pm, the control centre was hit by false alarms. Of 16 emergency calls received by 10pm, eight

A BIG 'thank you' has gone out to those who helped during this summer's Westleigh community centre survey. Chairman of the Westleigh Community Centre bid, Cllr Peter Turner said: "I want to thank everyone who completed the questionnaires and also those

CASUALTIES of war were remembered at parades and services throughout the Leigh area. Solemn ceremonies commemorating lives lost in conflict were held on Sunday. At Leigh marchers held a service at the war memorial in Church Street and in Atherton crowds

A LUCKY couple will soon be hula-ing their way to Hawaii after winning the star prize in a nationwide competition at their local Texaco fuel station. Stephen and Danielle McNeill from Astley won the fantastic holiday for two when they drove into Texaco

THE new Blackpool Pleasure Beach executive has forsaken the big screen in favour of the Big Blue Hotel. Loughborough University honours graduate, Philip Crowther, says he's looking forward to the latest project to be launched by Britain's no 1 tourist

THE public is being warned about fake bottles of whisky. The bogus Johnnie Walker Black Label is contaminated with methanol and could cause severe abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision leading to blindness and coma with breathing difficulties

FORMER Blackpool North Conservative MP Harold Elletson has switched to the Liberal Democrats -- and has come under immediate attack from his old party. Mr Elletson, MP from 1992 to 1997, says that the Conservatives are out of touch with the public and

THE CHIEF executive's position at Wyre Borough Council is being made redundant as part of council cutbacks. The current chief executive, Michael Brown, will leave, along with the council's secretary and solicitor, Roger Bowden, when the post becomes redundant

FIREFIGHTERS on the Fylde were due to walk away from their stations yesterday as they began their first national strike for 25 years. And the mood locally was described as 'angry and determined' as crews were left disappointed by last-minute talks which

IT IS one of the great stories of British heroism. On a cruel night in 1912 the SS Titantic was slowly slipping below the bitter waters of the north Atlantic. As those unable to find room in the lifeboats contemplated their fate the strains of the ship's

A NEW glossy magazine could soon become fresh grime for Preston's binmen as Town Hall chiefs rustle up plans to distribute it to 60,000 homes across the borough. Under plans currently being considered, the city's refuse workers would be expected to drop

LOCAL groups and organisations are being urged to take advantage of an award-winning paint scheme. Blackburn with Darwen Council is working in partnership with Akzo Noble, to promote their ongoing paint recycling scheme -- Paint Donate. More than 1,250

EAST Lancashire MPs are urging Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to reopen the visa office at the British High Commission in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, after likening a journey from there to the UK to a scene from 1940s film Casablanca'. Greg Pope and

AN innovative course which helps squaddies from as far afield as the Falklands get jobs on civvy street has put Blackburn College on the map. The Vocational Education Training Programme (VET) initially started in 1995 with only 100 students. It has been

TWO freak goals helped Accrington Stanley towards what boss John Coleman described as a "massive win" against in-form Celtic. Prior to last night's encounter, Stalybridge were on a nine game unbeaten run while UniBond League leaders Stanley were suffering

AT page 2 your correspondent Nikki Masters presents a picture of hypocrisy and vandalism that is typical of 'political Blackpool' . Despite all his own government directions Gordon Marsden M.P. did not raise a breath of foul air when Blackpool Borough

IN March 2002 Devonshire Junior School will be celebrating its centenary. There will be displays on aspects of life in school both now and in the past. If you once attended the school either as a pupil or member of staff we would like to hear from you

AT A general meeting last week Steven Bate was elected Chairman & Communications Co-ordinator of BCAGE. Members donated £150 to fund coalition activities. National laws allowing 450 extra casinos will not be passed before late 2004. This gives BCAGE

THE prosecution of Chris Davies MEP for possession of cannabis while campaigning for safer drug laws cannot be justified. The law prohibits the use of the safest recreational drug known, cannabis, while allowing the m ost dangerous drug known, tobacco

ALL praise to Euro-MP Chris Davies for highlighting the ludicrous nature of our drug laws. His campaign to promote the separation of soft and hard drugs, and ensure that cannabis users never have to come into contact with heroin dealers, will make a great

THERE has been much recent debate about the funding of the Disability Information Service, which has been run by ourselves since 1995. Statements by Mr Cavill of Blackpool Challenge Partnership and others simply give the impression that this service was

YOUR readers must by now be overly familiar with the rantings of Val Cowell (letters 7th November). Chris Davies will doubtless respond to the specific issues, but it is rich indeed for the UK Independence Party get all excited by the allegation that

BLACKPOOL North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble is backing a national campaign for doorstep recycling for every home. The campaign, run by environmental group Friends of the Earth (FoE), claims that increasing recycling levels through a doorstep scheme "

COULDN'T you just bop some drivers of flash cars? Why do they think the law is different for them and that they can get away with abusing rules? I was attracted by a new metallic green Jag in Bold Street, which I fancied, as a woman got into the passenger

I was unloading heavy carrier bags into the boot of my car and after I'd put the first two in I turned round to notice the wheeled monster had vanished. I looked back in amazement to see it rolling down a slight incline towards the petrol pumps. Thankfully

SHOWS at the Winter Gardens, the Tower and more. Blackpool Tower (01253) 292029 Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas Circus -- Stunning combination of fun and thrills in this Christmas treat. Sats and Suns Nov 30-Dec 22, Weds Dec 4-18 and daily Dec 26-Jan

THE Centurions made a double transfer swoop this week as next season's squad starts to take shape. They have landed wide-running second rower Bryan Henare from Oldham and try poaching wingman Damien Munro from Widnes. Kiwi Henare, 28, will replace Chris

AN 85-YEAR-OLD man bravely challenged a bogus official who had tricked his way into his home. The conman, posing as a workman, called at the pensioner's house in Parkhills Road, Bury, at 3.45pm yesterday. After he had walked into the property, the elderly

STEVE McMahon leads his side into the fixture with Barnsley at the weekend calling for his players to become 'more ruthless'. The Pool boss says he's sick and tired of people telling him what good football his charges play and yet still coming away with

Leigh RMI 3 Wrexham 4 (aet) by Martyn Hindley THE term 'glorious failure' tends to be moronic more than oxymoronic, but if ever it should be used, it is in Leigh's tantalising 'near yet so far' defeat to Wrexham. As Steve Waywell continued to claim his