A NEW round of truancy sweeps are promised. In the weeks running up to Christmas police officers and education welfare workers will patrol the streets to round up youngsters who should be at school. The children will be taken back to the classroom and
POST Office bosses today revealed Salesbury Post Office in Blackburn will shut permanently on January 3 after a gradual decline in customer numbers. The Church View office is to close as part of a national programme of urban closures and follows an extensive
ELECTRONIC message signs on the motorway network across the North West are to be used to remind drivers of new legislation that makes it an offence to use a hand held mobile phone or similar device when driving. The new legislation comes into force on
WOULD it upset too many of the 'criminal brotherhood' to have the major insurance companies placing a 'contents cover premium' on any person's and direct family to discourage harbouring thieves? Smokers are demonised, 36mph drivers are demonised and may
THE headline 'Santa's Grotto axed' (LET November 21) is, as we all know, a sad day for the children of Blackburn. The report quoted Blackburn with Darwen councillors Sir Bill Taylor and Paul Browne, who both failed to mention Darwen's beautiful grotto
AS a resident of the Longshaw Estate I read with interest your article on the proposal by Marlzaz-Ul-Loom College in Park Lee Road, Blackburn, the former NHS hospital, to apply for permission for use as a place of religious worship (LET November 19).
Special report by Lesley Richards: THE future of Atherton's controversial year-old pedestrianisation scheme will be decided on December 11. Council planners will rule whether the experimental order should be made permanent following discussions for and
A PADIHAM vicar campaigning to save the bells of his church has been given a helping hand by friends in another parish. The Rev Mark Jones, the vicar at St Leonard's, Church Street, wants to raise the £40,000 needed to refurbish the church bells. And
LIGHT up a life and let hope flicker through in a heart-warming Christmas display... That's the call as St John's Hospice and CancerCare are once more illuminating trees in Lancaster's Dalton Square in time for Christmas. And every light is a celebration
Bus stops with brains were launched this week - as the latest gadget to cut delays and keep passengers informed was unveiled. The £100,000 Rural Intelligent Bus Stops system (RIBS) was officially launched at Carnforth railway station after operating on
HUNDREDS of people queued for hours at the weekend to get a glimpse of plans for the future of the Midland Hotel. The doors to the art deco icon on Morecambe's seafront were thrown open to the public for the first time in more than three years as would-be
FIFTY-SIX people could lose their jobs and a listed building become redundant over a piece of land worth £500, says a Lancaster businessman. Bernd Konemann says Lancaster City Council have left him with no option but to close his company, which operates
A MASSIVE £16 million development poised to change the face of a riverside city blackspot will start next year. The go-ahead to revolutionise 16-acres of land at Lancaster's Luneside East will lead to around 200 jobs and 350 houses - including 70 low
A MORECAMBE man has been hailed as a hero after risking his life on a busy motorway. Ray Richardson raced into speeding traffic in a bid to prevent carnage after a man jumped off a bridge into the carriageway. But he says he didn't do anything special
RUSH hour drivers were diverted off the M65 this morning following a crash involving a lorry and five cars. The westbound carriageway was closed between junctions 13 and 14 for more than an hour after the incident, which happened at at 7.15am. Firefighters
A DRUNKEN man twice jumped in front of a police car as amazed Sunday morning churchgoers looked on. Burnley Magistrates were told how Andrew Gerrard Elliot, 38, also staggered down the road causing oncoming traffic to swerve. Elliot was told by the magistrates
SHAHZAD Hussain has the chance of winning a £10,000 home makeover after he was announced as a national finalist in B&Q's annual employee awards scheme. Shahzad, a customer advisor at the B&Q store in Nelson, has been short-listed in the Best of
A PUB landlord was allegedly butted in the face after he barred a customer for life, a jury heard. Burnley Crown Court was told how Keith Thompson, boss of the Lord Nelson, Nelson, fell to the ground and was then repeatedly punched in the face and head
POLICE have issued a fresh appeal for help on the first anniversary of the murder of a 40-year-old father from Radcliffe. Mr Shane Eckersley, who lived in Gingham Park, died after he was attacked as he left the Saigon Oriental restaurant in Pendleton,
GOOD tenants could be rewarded for their behaviour by being included on a register, following a review by Pendle councillors. The housing regeneration and community review committee has recommended the register in a review of the Pendle Landlord and Tenant
SOME 400 special constables were being deployed on patrols to prevent Christmas bandits stealing poultry, holly bushes and fir trees. The steps were revealed by police following a spate of thefts of chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks and trees. Stonyhurst
GUNS and helicopters are among the arsenal of weapons being used by police in a Christmas crime blitz on two Hyndburn industrial estates. Officers from Eastern Division's armed response unit will patrol Altham and Huncoat industrial estates in a bid to
A PRIMARY school is buzzing following an excellent Ofsted report. Government inspectors who were at St Catherine of Siena RC, Lowton, during summer have nothing but praise for the 210 pupil Cranham Avenue school. Head teacher Mrs Liz Connolly said: "Everyone
TYLDESLEY faces an on-street alcohol ban in a bid to cut town centre violence and crime. Now community safety experts want locals' views on the proposed prohibition. The suggestion is the latest in a series of measures devised by the Tyldesley Town Centre
WE RECEIVE no gifts from the European Union. On the contrary, we are net contributors - paying far more money into the EU then we receive back. Currently this works out at a payout by us of some £3 billion each year, while the total for our overall gift
I AGREE with the letters from Cllrs Denwood and Bray on the subject of the suspension of Cllr Gina Dowding (Citizen, last week). Rules are rules, and in May of this year I signed to abide by the rules as a new councillor. But it would seem that if you
I REFER to Geraldine Smith MP's consultation exercise about anti-social behaviour. Is it some kind of joke, or what? Is it not obvious what we need to stamp out vandalism and other similar behaviour - a change of attitude and common sense from both the
I READ with interest a key statement published last week from Tom Bloxham, of Urban Splash, concerning the regeneration of the Midland Hotel. He said Urban Splash needs the support of Lancaster City Council, English Heritage and the North West Development
POPULAR striker Wayne Curtis has moved from Christie Park to his home town club Barrow on a three month loan. The 23-year-old, who came to Morecambe from Holker Old Boys, was the Shrimps top scorer with 18 goals last term but has failed to progress as
HEYSHAM Atoms have a chance to become giant killers on Saturday - by winning a North West Counties cup tie at Langworthy in Manchester. The match is a welcome relief from the pressure of fighting relegation in the lower reaches of the league. And with
LIZZIE Jones returns to Atherton Heritage Society on December 2 with a talk on Lancashire witches. Lizzie will be at St Richard's Jubilee Hall, Mayfield Street, at 7.30pm. Admission of £2 members, £2.50 non-members, includes a Christmas buffet.
A CAROL concert has been organised to raise funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Clinical director Christine Duddle will speak at the event at 7.30pm on December 3, at Heath Street Methodist Church, Golborne. The church choir will lead the community singing
BURNLEY skipper Graham Branch is warning Sunderland that Stan Ternent's battlers are on the up. The Clarets are looking forward to a mouth-watering first ever trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend in the wake of a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Reading
RADCLIFFE is ready to party on Saturday when the town is lit up with festive fervour. The Christmas lights switch-on will be the centrepiece of a fun-packed day of family entertainment on The Piazza. Local schools and choirs will be singing carols with
SUNNYHURST ward councillor Dave Smith has praised the decision by Blackburn with Darwen Council to increase gritting on streets in his ward. Coun Smith and the other ward councillors have been asking for gritting on several extra roads in the area after
DARWEN'S own young gymnastics superstar has been crowned British Champion. Gary Aspinall, 14, a year nine pupil at Darwen Vale High School, Blackburn Road, scooped a couple of top awards at recent gymnastics competitions. During the British Championships
A FORMER old people's home will be transformed into private residential developments. Lancashire County Council has been granted outline planning permission to develop the 1.5 acre Whinberry View site in Bacup Road, Rawtenstall. Councillors were keen
A FRIENDS-style city centre caf-bar is set to open its doors in the heart of Rossendale next month. 'The Artisan' is the brainchild of Michelle Booth, former head chef at the Digby Trout restaurant in the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television
PUPILS from the junior school at the Royal Northern College of Music will perform at a Leigh Music Society presentation on Sunday, December 7 at 2.15pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library. Pay at the door, £6 adults, £3 children and students.
A SENIOR Rossendale councillor is calling on health bosses to reconsider moving a community health provision out of the area after plans for a new surgery in Stacksteads were given the green light by planners. Developers Brian Boys, of Rossendale, applied
A CAROL concert has been organised to raise funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice. Clinical director Christine Duddle will speak at the event at 7.30pm on December 3, at Heath Street Methodist Church, Golborne. The church choir will lead the community singing
A DISPLAY in Culcheth Library features Newchurch WI successful entry in the Cheshire Show. At the branch meeting speaker Mrs R Turner talked about Christmas past and present and after an opening quote from Mrs Beeton suggested many ideas for festive success
CHRISTMAS lights are being turned on Friday in Hindley. Community PC Alan McKay and former town centre manager Annette Root will be guests at the 7pm switch-on at the town hall when Santa's sleigh will tour the town with a sackful of goodies for everyone
FATHER Christmas will be out and about around the Leigh area courtesy of Leigh Rotary Club His route and timetable is: Friday, December 5 Warrington Road; Monday, Dec 8 The Avenue and Holden Road; Tuesday, Dec 9 Firs Lane and Angus Avenue; Wednesday,
GREASE certainly was the word for fans of the hit musical. Bedford High School's production has played all week to sell out audiences. A cast of 30, with 10 leads, has delivered a superb performance which has had primary students rocking in the aisles
RADCLIFFE Boro may well be thankful for a free weekend this week after three days that saw them leak ten goals in just two games. This slip in defensive standards has coincided with two defeats on the bounce after the promise shown in the victory at Stalybridge
A FAMILY have paid tribute to a big-hearted entertainer who was dubbed "Mr Charity". Gary Greenall, who was better known by his stage name Bobby Day, died last week after a battle with cancer. The 68-year-old grandad-of-13, from Lindisfarne Avenue, Longshaw
BLACK puddings, Chorley cakes, tripe and hotpot were on the menu today as residents across the county celebrated Lancashire Day. The day marks November 27 in 1295 when the first elected representatives from Lancashire were called to Westminster by King
SCHOOLCHILDREN thinking of playing truant on the run up to Christmas should think twice as Blackburn with Darwen education authority launches its latest crackdown. A poster campaign has begun to educate children and parents on the importance of youngsters
PUPILS from the junior school at the Royal Northern College of Music will perform at a Leigh Music Society presentation on Sunday, December 7 at 2.15pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library. Pay at the door, £6 adults, £3 children and students.
A BLACKBURN pensioner twice overdosed on tablets following a failed romance. An inquest heard that 72-year-old Kenneth Wood died after the second overdose when he took a massive quantity of tablets. But coroner Michael Singleton recorded an open verdict
A LEADING clergyman today moved to assure pedestrians that Blackburn Cathedral's grounds were a safe place, despite two robberies in two days. Canon Andrew Hindley spoke out after police said they would be lobbying Blackburn Diocese officials to think
PASSENGERS were left standing at bus stops across Blackburn after a company cancelled all its services. Blackburn Transport Ltd, which ran the Buzy Bus line and the Catch-Me-Bus.com website, stopped all services leaving its customers stranded. At the
AN ASYLUM seeker who was disqualified from driving was behind the wheel of a car which knocked down and killed a 12-year-old girl. Blackburn magistrates heard that Kurdish Iraqi Aso Mohammed Ibrahim, 25, ran off leaving Amy Louise Houston trapped under
COLNE earned a trip to Morpeth in the next round of the FA Vase with a fine 1-0 win over Hallam at Holt House, keeping the NWCL Division Two flag flying. In difficult conditions the Reds started the stronger having all the early pressure and had a penalty
DEREK Lee, of Darwen Dashers, and Richard Robb, of Blackburn, Harriers have landed the trip of a lifetime after being invited to represent Great Britain at the 2004 World Cross Country Championships in Cape Town, South Africa. They will be heading for
CENTURIONS' head coach Darren Abram is looking for a new coach to join the youth set-up following Mark Knight's decision to leave and take charge of Widnes U21s. Abram is looking for someone with the right qualities to take the Head of Scholarship role
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Children's Bingo Evening, Caton Room, Alston Lane RC Church, Grimsargh, 7pm. Accrington Camera Club meet Primetime Centre, Stourton Street, Rishton, 7.45pm. Blackburn
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Women's 'Henna and Fabric Painting' free course, Audley Community Centre, Chester Street, Blackburn, 1pm-3pm. Until December 11. Salvation Army Over-50s Club, Blackburn
JIM Bowen promises a nights "cheeky fun" as he stages two stand-up shows. The comedian, who compered our Pride of East Lancashire awards ceremony, is appearing at Colne Municipal Hall on Sunday and at the Thwaites Theatre, Blackburn, on December 14. He
A PETITION aimed at helping clear up landmines has been hailed a success after organisers managed to collect 750 signatures in just one day. Volunteers from charitable group Soroptimist International of Blackburn manned a stall at the town's market to
EVERY year I take my children to the grotto and now we are told there's no room. Christmas is about children, not money. In this world of terrorism, death and destruction how can you take some happiness away from those who choose to believe in a better
I HAVE every sympathy with the people of Edgworth regarding the windfarm the Government is trying to foist on them. They are victims of an attempt to have gullible people believe that they are doing something about severe climate change when I am sure
HAVING been ambivalent about the Iraq War from the outset, I admit I found it hard to take issue with some of the opinions expressed in 'Visit of Bush is an insult to country' (Letters, November 19). The tone of the letter graphically illustrates the
PEOPLE are being urged to celebrate Lancashire Day to keep the identity of the county alive. On Thursday (Nov 27) events are taking place across Lancashire to promote its national heritage. The Friends of Real Lancashire (FoRL) have been campaigning since
A SCHOOL has launched an investigation after a pupil was arrested on suspicion of trying to incite racial hatred on a bus by making a sign saying BNP. The 15-year-old Mansfield High School pupil was arrested after the incident on board a bus in Stanley
POLICE swooped on two addresses in Blackburn early today as part of the fight against international terrorism. The Metropolitan Police also conducted several raids across the country and arrested two men, one in Manchester and the other in Gloucester.
CHILDREN receiving trendy new powered scooters for Christmas may be driving straight into trouble with the law. Council chiefs have warned that these electric or petrol-powered scooters, which can reach 35mph, come under the same category as regular motorbikes
AFTER weeks of on-off transfer talks, Leigh Centurions young scrum-half Lee Sanderson will finally get a crack at Super League with London Broncos. Twenty-one-years-old Sanderson rejected Leigh's offer of a new one-year deal to stay at Hilton Park and
BLACKBURN Rovers' latest signing Matt Derbyshire was today tipped to go all the way to the top. That's the view of Great Harwood boss John Hughes, one of the men responsible for unearthing the teenage goal-machine. Derbyshire fulfilled a life-time's ambition
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has scrapped his plans to sign Romanian international Adrian Ilie. The former Alaves striker has spent the last few days on trail at Brockhall as he pursues his dream of a move to the Premiership. However, Souness has decided
A TEENAGER who pointed an imitation firearm at two police officers has been sentenced to eight months youth custody. Mark Shaw, 19, of Howard Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to possession of the imitation firearm with intent to
POLICE want the public's help in catching vandals responsible for ripping the mirrors off an elderly couple's car. Gannow Community Beat Manager PC Linda Haywood said the car, parked in Wavell Street, Burnley, had the nearside wing mirror damaged sometime
ORGANISERS of this year's Burnley Festival are planning to repeat the event in 2004 and have pledged to make it bigger and better. The Reach 1 festival was declared a resounding success after the event in Queen's Park was attended by more than 8,000 people
BRITISH Energy is in talks with the Government to raise the level of its £200 million loan - by another £100 million. The loan, which enabled the company to see out a financial restructure, dates back to September last year. Spokesman Andrew Dowler says
A RAIDER drove off in a Burnley mother's new car after getting into her family home in the early hours, a court heard. Burnley Crown Court was told how Lee Watts, 33, a £50-a-day heroin addict, then led police on a chase before escaping on foot. He had
LANCASTER City Council has given its blessing for the first phase of work to revamp Morecambe's historic Winter Gardens theatre. It is backing plans by the Friends of the Winter Gardens to raise and level the floor of the auditorium. Members of the planning
A MOPED rider was sent "bouncing down the road," after he was knocked off his bike by a teenage driver. Burnley magistrates heard how motorist Michael Balmbra, 19, had never taken a driving test and was not insured. After the crash, he drove off and did
THE Lancashire Sinfonietta is offering Lancaster audiences a veritable musical feast featuring the three finest composers of the Baroque era next month. The county's finest musicians will perform at the prestigious Lancaster International Concerts Series
NATIONAL Youth Work week is taking place and young people of Padiham are heavily involved. The main project is centred on the Padiham Youth Centre and the group will welcome any information they can get about the centre in its former days. At one time
ARMED with her magic mirror, the Snow Queen leaves her ice palace in the land of everlasting night and embarks on a campaign to freeze the hearts of men and women everywhere. Her aim is to destroy spring and summer forever, leaving the earth in the grip
PLANS for a hot food takeaway are likely to be refused when they come before councillors next month. The proposal is for conversion of part of a large grocery shop, the Eastern Touch, in Macleod Street, Nelson, into a cafe and takeaway which would be
A SCHOOL has launched an investigation after a pupil was arrested on suspicion of trying to incite racial hatred on a bus by making a sign saying BNP. The 15-year-old Mansfield High School pupil was arrested after the incident on board a bus in Stanley
THE cultural spotlight is to fall on Radcliffe in more ways than one in a unique festival of light. Two award-winning top artists have been enlisted for the "Lighting the Way" event, which will also see a huge lantern procession through the town centre
A COUPLE in Barnoldswick have launched a petition to defend the right of disabled drivers to use parking spaces allocated to them. Steve and Frances Allen, of Gisburn Street, have launched Disabled Parking Barnoldswick to campaign for Pendle Council to
A DANCE troupe from Clayton-le-Moors was competing in a world disco championships in Budapest, Hungary. The youngsters, aged between 15 and 17, from Shapes Dance Centre were performing a unusual Japanese rave version of the Phantom of the Opera. Their
THREE raiders tied up a Haslingden garage attendant and stole £1,300 of takings from the safe. They entered the Globe Garage, in Blackburn Road, and asked for de-icer. When the attendant went to get it, two men jumped out of a van and overpowered him,
FATHER Christmas will be out and about around the Leigh area courtesy of Leigh Rotary Club His route and timetable is: Friday, December 5 Warrington Road; Monday, Dec 8 The Avenue and Holden Road; Tuesday, Dec 9 Firs Lane and Angus Avenue; Wednesday,
POLICE were today still trying to identify a man who plunged to his death from a motorway bridge. The man, who was aged between 16 and 30, jumped from Stanhill Lane, Oswaldtwistle, to the hard shoulder of the M65 and died from his injuries. He was white
A NIGHTCLUB manager is hoping it will be third time lucky as he prepares to relaunch one of Accrington's most renowned nightspots. Lar de Dars in Willow Street will reopen on Saturday under the same manager who ran it twice before. Ken Marland will manage
A HOUSE-BREAKER helped himself to treasured jewellery of sentimental value when he raided a home in Accrington. Burnley Crown Court heard how Marco Freeston, 32, took a gold locket with a picture of the victim's grandmother and a gold wedding ring belonging
A TOUGH alley cat with an heart of gold -- and tipped for a top feline title -- has gone missing. Owner John Ridyard last saw rescue cat Spencer on Tuesday , November 18, and is appealing to anyone who may be caring for him to get in touch. It is hoped
UP TO £20million of government money could transform homes in Hyndburn if a council bid is approved. The bid is part of the Elevate East Lancashire initiative which aims to solve problem housing in East Lancashire. Bids of £40m and £27m have already been
AN East Lancashire family today welcomed the announcement of a new Bill to prevent the Alder Hey organ scandal ever happening again. The government wants to introduce legislation which would force surgeons and medical staff to get permission before removing
TRUANCY sweeps in Leigh and Wigan earlier this year paid off with less pupils found wandering the streets than in the previous 12 months. As the latest round of patrols hit the truancy hotspots for the next two weeks figures released show that the number
A FATHER today spoke out over the neglect which contributed to his son's suicide in Preston Prison. The move came after an inquest jury decided that there was a system defect at the jail when Andrew McKee, 32, from Clayton-le-Moors, hanged himself in
ATHERTON is the unlikely home to one of the world's leading internet multilingual translation and marketing services. From a bedroom in the town, husband and wife Stephen and Nataliya Hall set up the service which they claim has expanded into the UK's
FORMER Leigh police detective Harold Baskeyfield is mourning the love of his life. His wife Muriel, 68, died suddenly just three days before the couple celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary and a week before they were due to head off on holiday to
A CRACKDOWN on crime is working in the Hindley area. In mid-summer police began Operation Mountain to stem rising crime in the Borsdane area -- and latest figures show key crime totals down by a third compared to the same period last year. Township Inspector
WESTLEIGH High School this week handed out prizes to over 400 people aged 11 to 85. At Tuesday night's second Adult Education Learning presentation over 100 people received prizes, certificates and trophies for their evening class success applauded by
FIFTEEN years ago, plant mechanic Tony Matthias fulfilled a South Pacific dream to visit the place where the sun rises first in the world. After reading about Tonga, he packed his bags and set off from his Wash Lane home in Leigh for the island paradise
I AM suspicious of the letter from Labour's Cllr Sheila Denwood (Citizen, last week). Her attempt to undermine the overwhelming public support for Gina Dowding's actions could have been written by the power station itself. Cllr Denwood is something of
A NEW book delving into the history of Clitheroe will launched this weekend - two years after the death of its author. Clitheroe, from Burbage Plots to Boundary Stones, was written during the final years of its author, Cyril Ainsworth. Cyril, who lived
PRIME Minister Tony Blair is indulging in a penny pinching, miserly agenda according to an East Lancashire MP. Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for the Ribble Valley and Fulwood, was speaking after yesterday's Queen's Speech, and said government proposals
A PLAN to demolish an early 19th century Ribble Valley chapel to make way for a new village hall has been withdrawn following insurmountable opposition. The Slaidburn Property Trust tabled an application to Ribble Valley Borough Council to demolish the
A 23-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist overtook his girlfriend's car seconds before crashing into a 4 x 4 vehicle leaving a garage forecourt. An inquest heard that William Karl Robertson died instantly as a result of the high-speed impact in Whalley New Road, Wilpshire
I WISH to comment on a few points made in the letter published last week regarding the bus depot in Heysham. First, I do share concerns regarding the number of dwellings proposed for the site due to the lack of infrastructure in the area, mainly doctors
A SOLDIER accused of trying to kill his lance corporal by swinging a pick axe into his head has told a jury: "I wouldn't wish that on anybody." Private Grant Kenyon, of Blackburn, said he wasn't trying to kill Konrad Bisping when he struck him with the
JOYOUS and triumphant after watching England become rugby world champions, I rushed off to view the Midland Hotel's bright new future. Previous entrepeneurs who had gone down this road put on a lively show with sound track and moving pictures supporting
AFTER an FA Cup adventure ended only by Division Three Cambridge United, the Dolly Blues are back in cup action this Saturday - with a home FA Trophy Round Two fixture against Hednesford Town. The Pitmen stand sixth in the Dr Marten's League Premier Division
A WOMAN from Lancaster has picked up a bronze medal in Britain's biggest indoor sport event of the year. Nicola Beet rowed to third place in her category at the Axa PPP healthcare British Indoor Rowing Championships at Birmingham's NEC. More than 2,500
JIM Harvey's Shrimps are back in business... After waiting nine games and almost two months for a win, two have come along in four days to resurrect hopes of another historic season. And the three priceless Conference points brought home from deepest
I SWEAR it only took a millisecond. Old Trafford had its largest gate of the season -- over 67,000 -- for last Saturday's game. Before the announcement was complete, a good-humoured chant went up from the ranks of the blues and white, directed at the
LANCASTER cruised to their second consecutive national league title in convincing fashion with two awesome displays of controlled team water polo against nearest challengers Rotherham and Bristol. The local team proved to be a class apart in claiming
LUKE Chadwick was the shining light as Burnley Reserves picked up their first win of the season at the ninth attempt. The on-loan Manchester United winger stepped up his return from a recent toe injury with two goals and an assist in a Clarets side containing
BURNLEY skipper Graham Branch is warning Sunderland that Stan Ternent's battlers are on the up. The Clarets are looking forward to a mouth-watering first ever trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend in the wake of a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Reading
CUT Glen Little and Paul Weller bleeds. It's a friendship that has blossomed during their time together at Turf Moor, ever since the winger arrived in 1996, to quickly form a little and large bond with Weller. Seven years later the duo now live on the
GREASE certainly was the word for fans of the hit musical. Bedford High School's production has played all week to sell out audiences. A cast of 30, with 10 leads, has delivered a superb performance which has had primary students rocking in the aisles
warning to rivals CONFIDENT: Clarets skipper Graham Branch feels his side are improving BATTLE: Delroy Facey WE'VE TURNED THE CORNER BURNLEY skipper Graham Branch is warning Sunderland that Stan Ternent's battlers are on the up. The Clarets are looking
POLICING in Radcliffe is to undergo a shake-up after the town's new inspector took over on Thursday. The town will be sharing Inspector Steve Clark with Ramsbottom in the wake of the retirement of Inspector John Higson, who has been head of the township
THE cultural spotlight is to fall on Radcliffe in more ways than one in a unique festival of light. Two award-winning top artists have been enlisted for the "Lighting the Way" event, which will also see a huge lantern procession through the town centre
CARRIE Smalley damaged a parked car by hitting it with her friend's head. Blackburn magistrates heard that the impact left a football-sized dent in the wing of the Ford Ka which a garage had estimated at £800 to repair. Smalley, 18, of The Lee, Darwen
AN 18-month battle to build 34 bungalows in Bacup was brought to an end when councillors threw out the proposals. Planners at Rossendale Borough Council's development control committee were concerned about the development being built on a greenfield site
CHICKEN broth, warm mince pies and black peas will welcome guests to a Victorian Christmas Fair at Bag Lane Methodist Church, Atherton, on Saturday, December 6, between 11am and 3pm. 2-3pm. Santa will arrive at 11.30am. Admission is 30p.
LIZZIE Jones returns to Atherton Heritage Society on December 2 with a talk on Lancashire witches. Lizzie will be at St Richard's Jubilee Hall, Mayfield Street, at 7.30pm. Admission of £2 members, £2.50 non-members, includes a Christmas buffet.
A JUNGLE war veteran spoke to Tyldesley Probus Club about his service with the Manchester Regiment in the 1950s in Malaya. Tom Boardman told how he went on patrol against Communist guerillas sometimes for up to 35 days and was supported by air drops.
A GREEN restaurant has contributed to the pub company scooping a top title for the second year in succession. The Atherleigh Way, one of the first Brewsters restaurants in the UK to introduce a no smoking policy throughout its eating areas, played a part
A PRIMARY school is leading the way in keeping its pupils fit and active in and out of lessons. Higher Folds Junior and Infants' School at Leigh is celebrating winning a national Activemark award which recognises schools that show a commitment to promoting
DISUSED coal mines could provide a gas supply to generate electricity and help fight global warming says Euro MP Chris Davies. He says methane from old mines -- such as Bickershaw and Parsonage in the Leigh area -- could perhaps be harnessed and used
Secretary Mrs Ruth Briggs confirmed a successful past year which witnessed the support of Associated Country Women of the World and bonds with Newchurch Women's Institute were strengthened in a joint promotion day. As a result, the group has now 62 members
A BUS station in the grounds of one of the area's biggest high schools will improve pupils' safety. Transport bosses agreed to contribute £20,000 toward the cost of new turnaround facilities at St Mary's RC High School at Astley with the work also being
HIGH School neighbours are calling for plans for an all-weather pitch to be kicked into touch. Atherton's Hesketh Fletcher High School is seeking planning permission for the sports field at the Hamilton Street school, but upset residents fear it will
FRANK Burns stopped going to watch Blackburn in 1980 - but has has written the type of book only a true fanatic could produce. And after reading Blackburn Rovers, A Football Odyssey, it becomes clear he is a Rovers nut who was compelled to write by his
CHICKEN broth, warm mince pies and black peas will welcome guests to a Victorian Christmas Fair at Bag Lane Methodist Church, Atherton, on Saturday, December 6, between 11am and 3pm. 2-3pm. Santa will arrive at 11.30am. Admission is 30p.
FLU cases continue to rise in the North West but levels are still normal for the time of year, health chiefs have revealed. In the week ending November 23, 74 GP practices reported 369 flu consultations, equivalent to 64.4 cases per 100,000 of population
A 27-YEAR-OLD man died after fire swept through the living room of a Blackburn house. Barbar Hussain was found lying on the floor of the terrace home in Longton Street, Audley, by firefighters just before 4.30pm yesterday. Police and fire crews have launched
MIDFIELD marvel Ged Brannan has revealed Accrington Stanley's ambitions soon dispelled any doubts about dropping four divisions and out of the Football League. Brannan confessed he did have one or two qualms about joining the Nationwide Conference club
BLACKBURN Hawks celebrated a memorable sporting weekend with back-to-back wins to boost their play-off hopes. The Hawks grounded the Billingham Bombers with a convincing 9-3 win at the Arena and 24 hours later, travelled to Humberside and disarmed Kingston
SARAH Willimott made her England debut in the Reebok Margate International Cross Country Meeting. The 22-year-old Blackburn Harrier described her selection as a "complete shock", but it was just reward for her recent fine form following her recovery from
AMANDA Parkinson narrowly missed selection to the Great Britain European Championship Cross Country Team when she finished eighth senior woman in the trial race at Sefton Park in Liverpool. The former Hyndburn star gave up the chance to run for Britain
HIGH School neighbours are calling for plans for an all-weather pitch to be kicked into touch. Atherton's Hesketh Fletcher High School is seeking planning permission for the sports field at the Hamilton Street school, but upset residents fear it will
LEIGH Centurions will get an early chance to test themselves against relegated Halifax when the new season kicks off after Christmas. Leigh and Halifax have been paired together in the same Arriva Trains Cup qualifying group and will meet for the first
RESIDENTS in Bury could be looking at an increase in council tax of around five per cent next year. Although higher than inflation, such a rise would be less than half of last year's record-breaking hike of 11.7 per cent. That is the early indication
