ONE has to ask if Euro MP Chris Davies has taken leave of his senses. His suggestion that we all grow a cannabis plant in our front room is at best slightly odd and at worst incitement to use what is still an illegal and harmful substance. Mr Davies,
WHAT sort of heavy-handed approach would Ron O'Keefe like to deal with the 'goths and moshers?' Perhaps he would like riot police in full gear running up and down Church Street on Saturday or a water cannon on the roof of the Pavilions, which could compete
AS a European truck driver working for a Belgium company, I have followed the debate on the siting and function of the speed cameras. Most people are correct in thinking that they are nothing more than entrapment. However, I am amazed that people get
A LAY preacher who sexually molested two girls has had his jail term cut by almost a third. Francis Fletcher, aged 66, of Twist Lane, Leigh, was jailed for three-and-a-half years at Bolton Crown Court last September. At the last minute he pleaded guilty
THE year 2004 will see increased pressure brought to bear upon the people of Great Britain to sign away their birthright. This will be done by the Government bowing to the will of their masters in Brussels and, by hook or by crook, introducing Regional
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness believes his players will be 'turned on' by the prospect of facing Chelsea's 'Roman army' in tomorrow's televised clash at Ewood Park. Rovers' woeful home form -- they have lost six times and taken only 10 points from as
STAFF at Burnley Crown Court have been on a two day strike after joining thousands of civil servants across the country to protest over pay. Three quarters of the employees were said to have downed tools and a picket line of members of the Public and
UNLIKE most Transco Lancashire League clubs, Todmorden Cricket Club have shown a profit of £1,211 for the year. And that is in spite of ground and building repairs going up from £8,358 to £10,612 and the cost of hiring the professional, Indian Gyan Pandey's
A BURNLEY nursery is helping parents quit smoking. Le Monde Petit Day Nursery, in Bank Parade, has teamed up with the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust's smoking cessation service to provide an information and advice session for parents
A FORMER mill site is to be transformed into a £9 million care home development. Proposals for the former Mons Mill site, in Burnley Road, Todmorden, include a 48-bed unit specialising in care for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Out of the
TORY county councillors have rubbished promises of a low council tax increase and claim an extra £5million can be cut from Lancashire's budget. Conservatives at County Hall spoke out after Lancashire's finance bosses revealed tax payers were due for one
JOBS Night 2004 will be held at Pendle Training, in Netherfield Road, Nelson, for young people wanting to gain vital career information. The event will feature more than 30 local employers with at least 70 jobs for people to apply for on the night. Recruitment
A RETIRED banker from Nelson has pledged to help a four-year-old suffering from a rare and incurable illness. David Lewis, 54, of Marsden Fold, is planning to take part in a 10km race and organise a concert to raise money for research into diamond blackfan
CAMPAIGNING East Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice was today "disappointed" the Government was refusing to put a minimum threshold on the number of electors required to vote in a referendum on Regional Assemblies. The Pendle Labour MP recently introduced
AN 89-YEAR-OLD man underwent a terrifying ordeal when he was robbed at knifepoint while sitting in his own home in Colne. The man was sitting in the lounge at 8.30pm on Thursday when he was startled by an intruder who was standing in the room clutching
BURNLEY and Pendle's most prolific young house breaker has been jailed for five years in a bid to help the public sleep safe in their beds. Dean Johnson, 25, an abuse victim said to be "troubled and damaged" and who has tried to hang himself in custody
FIREFIGHTERS have warned of the dangers of making malicious calls to the emergency services after they were called to Beech Grove, Accrington, just before 2am today. Firefighter Karl Blackledge said they discovered the call was not genuine when they arrived
A FATHER has found himself at the centre of a planning row after deciding to convert a garage into accommodation for his disabled son. John Hughes sought permission for stone to be temporarily stored at Highbrake Cottage, off Marshall Avenue, Huncoat,
TAXI drivers in Accrington today welcomed the news that they had won their battle to open the town's police station until midnight at weekends. The town's cabbies were outraged when the station reduced its opening hours from 16 hours a day to 12 in September
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 BLACKBURN: 10am-1pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road; 10.30am-4.30pm: Superdrug Pharmacy, 5 Stonybutts; noon-1pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 62 New Chapel Street, Mill Hill. DARWEN: noon-1pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 11 Church Street. ACCRINGTON:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: Moss Pharmacy, 314 Bolton Road; The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: Moss Pharmacy, 314 Bolton Road; The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst
THE first Ribble Valley Business Forum has been hailed "a great success". The event, organised by Clitheroe the Future in association with Ribble Valley Borough Council and Ribble Valley Enterprise Agency was held at the Clarion Foxfields Hotel, Billington
RIBBLE VALLEY Council last night submitted a revised plan for the future of local councils which rejects all three of the Boundary Committee recommendations. It wants to turn its backs on plans to join with Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn and instead
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted in Boot Way, Burnley. The 26-year-old man was attacked from behind and hit over the head with an unidentified weapon, knocking him unconscious in the early hours of Monday. Police, who have
STAN Ternent has reiterated his backing for the winter break experiment due to start next season. At present, the Sven Goran Eriksson-backed two-year trial only applies to the Premiership, leaving the Nationwide League to take centre stage for a two-week
BURNLEY new boy Bradley Orr is convinced Stan Ternent can take his career to the next level. Magpies boss Bobby Robson persuaded Orr that a spell under Ternent's wing can help him make the leap from reserve team skipper to the first team at St James'
PARENTS were today coming to terms with the news that their children's school has been dubbed as failing by Ofsted inspectors. Darwen Moorland High School in Holden Fold has been criticised by the education watchdog and told to raise standards within
PLANS to turn a green space off Watery Lane, Darwen, into a hard-surface multi-play area have triggered complaints from residents. They believe it will ruin the area and take away another green space. But Lodgeside Community Association, which submitted
EAST Lancashire schools should brace themselves to be next on the Ofsted hit list, head teachers warned today. Darwen Moorland High School has been put under special measures after being told it was failing, by the education watchdog. The management team
AMBITIOUS plans for a multi-million-pound superstore in Rawtenstall have been unveiled. At an official launch yesterday Asda bosses revealed they are planning to have the contemporary new building complete by November. The old site at Bury Road, Rawtenstall
YOUNGSTERS from a Ramsbottom primary school have claimed a prize for collecting old Yellow Pages and turning them into cash. Pupils at Summerseat Methodist Primary School, in Rowlands Road, did so well in their mission that they scooped £200 for winning
BUDDING performers in East Lancashire could soon follow in the footsteps of a talented Rossendale family, thanks to a £600,000 cash boost to create the area's first fame school. Haslingden High School has received £500,000 in government cash and £100,000
LANCASHIRE families are turning their backs on giving traditional presents for birthdays, weddings and retirements and instead ask for donations to be made to their favourite charities. Fundraising manager for Barnardo's, Luen Thompson, said: "We are
LECTURERS at Blackburn college abandoned a walk-out plan after last minute talks, it was revealed today. Hundreds of lecturers were due to abandon their posts during a key Ofsted inspection after the college refused to agree to national pay agreements
AN 80-year-old woman was pushed over in her home by a thief she caught stuffing her handbag into his jacket. Luckily, she landed on the settee at her home in Whalley New Road, Roe Lee and escaped injury, although police said she was left shaken. The thief
A WARMING winter sun greeted Lancashire's cricketers at Brockhall - but Andy Flintoff is just a month away from facing a far more heated environment. All-rounder Flintoff was part of the Lancashire county squad who used Blackburn Rovers Academy coaching
SUNDAY Adult Beginners Dance Class, The Candy Club, Manchester Road, Burnley, 8.30pm-9.30pm. Victorian Industrial Landscape, The Weavers' Triangle, Burnley. Museum, Gift Shop and Tea Room, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford, Nelson. Fun Pop
Blackburn Breast Care Support Group, Beardwood Hospital, Preston New Road, Blackburn, 7pm-9pm. Chat Night. Breast Care Nurse in Attendance. "Fairport Convention" with Mundy Turner, Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley. Chetham's School of Music Recital
to cut bus waiting REGARDING your front page lead story on Monday, January 26. I have a fool-proof suggestion on how they can make money -- run the buses as per the timetable! No more half-hour waits for 10-minute buses might be a good place to start!
REGARDING the two Staffordshire Bull Terriers attacking a small girl, I totally agree with Ms Clemence that no way should they be put down. It was a mistake that the door was left open and the dogs were allowed to escape, but these dogs were probably
A FORMER air stewardess is flying high -- after becoming Greater Manchester Police's 8,000th officer. Police Chiefs launched a huge recruitment drive 12 months ago to attract an extra 900 police officers into the force by March. And they have reached
AN East Lancashire Euro MP today provoked outrage by calling for householders to be allowed to grow their own 'pot' plants. Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies wants people to be allowed to cultivate cannabis plants in protest at existing drug laws. Mr
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today said Damien Duff has the potential to become one of the game's all-time greats as Rovers prepare to face Chelsea this weekend. The Republic of Ireland international became Chelsea's most expensive ever signing when
BLACKBURN Rovers' latest signing, Michael Gray, today told supporters: 'Don't expect me to be the new Damien Duff.' Gray will make his Rovers debut against high-flying Chelsea at Ewood Park tomorrow. However, he won't come face to face with the man he
A NEW TransPennine rail service between East Lancashire and West Yorkshire is set to be launched on Monday. The TransPennine Express franchise, which will be run jointly by First Group and Keolis, is to be launched at a ceremony at Manchester Airport.
CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown has promised East Lancashire MP Peter Pike the Government is to step up efforts to ensure fair trade for Third World countries. He spoke out during Treasury Questions at the Commons this week. Burnley Labour back bencher Mr Pike
PLANS for a wetland conservation area aimed at alleviating flooding in Padiham have been put forward by an environmental group. The scheme is designed to stop areas of the town being affected by floods which have been a problem for the last few years.
A £30million scheme to improve facilities at Burnley General Hospital has got under way with a cutting of the turf ceremony. Burnley MP Peter Pike cut the first turf of the Phase Five development at the Casterton Avenue hospital, alongside trust chiefs
FORMER government spin doctor Alastair Campbell has revealed the real reason he is doing everything he can to help keep Burnley Football Club afloat. It's because Stan Ternent's First Division outfit, which is desperately seeking cash to stay in business
SHAKERS boss Graham Barrow's hopes that Saturday's home clash against Southend would beat the weather and go ahead were dashed when the match was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. The Shakers are currently on a three-game unbeaten run and manager
A FAMILY of five were evacuated from their home last night after a fire broke out in a child's bedroom. The incident happened at the family's home in Regent Street, Nelson, at 10.10pm. Firefighters said the bed was positioned too close to a gas heater
POLICE investigating the disappearance of a missing Accrington mother carried out a five hour search of the area around her home. But officers searching for mother-of-six Zainab Begum were unable to find anything which could help with their inquiries.
Family's tears after hit-and-run tragedy A HEARTBROKEN mum today told how she had cancelled her birthday until the hit-and-run driver who killed her son is found. Shaun Metcalfe, 34, of Ruskin Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, died after being struck by a car on
THE Bent and Bongs Beer Bash opened on Thursday night marking the start of what should be another cracking three-day event in the Formby Hall at Atherton. Since 1990 the Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table event has grown in stature attracting connoisseurs
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohens Chemist, 63 Whalley Range; To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 6.30pm: Donald Wood Ltd, 53 Fishmoor Drive
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; The Surgery (Chiropody), 132 Lammack Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: The
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst Road; Geloo Bros, Cleaver
be the new Chaplow! YOUNG Burnley fans are being given an amazing chance to follow in the footsteps of Richard Chaplow. In the vein of television's Pop Idol, the Clarets have devised their own version, 'Soccer Star', where children can win a one-year
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has resurrected his interest in Norwegian international Martin Andresen. The Stabaek midfielder flew into England last night and, despite passing a rigorous medical, has yet to agree personal terms. Souness is keen to ensure
CHILDREN at primary schools across Darwen have spent months preparing for an annual bulb and flower show. They have nurtured various bulbs, including narcissus and daffodils, at their schools in the hope of growing the best bloom for the Annual Schools
A BUSINESSWOMAN who started her career as a hotel receptionist 20 years ago has returned to her roots -- to buy a hotel. Jan Hampton has bought the Egerton House Hotel, in Blackburn Road, Egerton, for £1.7million. The 41-year-old snapped up the three-star
JANET Anderson has attacked Rod Liddle, the former editor of the Today programme, for criticising Lord Hutton's report into its claims that Downing Street had "sexed up" the Government's dossier on Iraq weapons of mass destruction. The law lord cleared
A MAN dubbed a "complete and utter nuisance" by a judge has been given six months to prove he can stay on the straight and narrow. Ryan Anderson, 25, the first adult in Rossendale to be made subject of an Anti Social Behaviour Order, was given a deferred
A COUNCIL under fire for the length of time it takes to deal with housing benefit is set to be inspected by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate. Rossendale Borough Council will be among 14 other authorities to receive a visit from inspectors who will be reporting
AN office worker at Asda Blackburn will soon be jetting off to America to represent the store at the annual company shareholders' meeting. Lisa Yates, 31 of Bombay Street, Griffin, will be joining 17,000 representatives of all divisions of parent company
YOUNG people are being urged to share a role in Lancashire democracy by joining their district youth council. Elections will be taking place throughout February and March to elect members of Lancashire Youth Council's Executive and UK's Youth Parliament
A CAR stopped by traffic police on a bypass could only be described as a "tin can", a court was told. The shell of a red Volkswagen Golf being steered by David Lamb, of Blackburn, had no engine, was without wings, bumpers, a battery, windscreen wipers
A BURGLARY victim today spoke of his disbelief after no one confronted a house breaker whisking away £3,400 of his property in a wheelie bin. Reg Nicholls cannot believe that the burglar was able to make several trips from his house on busy Accrington
A WOMAN tormented by her ex-husband's infatuation today asked "Where is the justice?" as he walked free from court after admitting his eighth and ninth breach of a restraining order. "He has a suspended sentence hanging over him while I face a life sentence
TWO NCP employees have been suspended during an investigation into how vital photographic evidence was doctored. NCP, employed by Bury Council to enforce car parking, took the action after the Bury Times last week revealed how identical photos -- but
