Archive

  • Many firms unsure about Internet benefits

    THE Internet is failing to deliver results for North West businesses, according to new research by Lloyds TSB Commercial. The bank's twice yearly "Business in Britain" survey found that almost two-thirds of the region's companies advertise their products

  • Preston stilling pushing for play-offs

    The danger men to look-out for in tonight's clash at North End. DAVID Healy has proved a bargain buy, even though he's Preston's record signing at £1.5m from Manchester United. The Northern Ireland international signed at the end of December and has formed

  • Taylor-made danger, says Preston stopper

    ROB Edwards has picked out his former Welsh team-mate Gareth Taylor as one of the dangermen of the Burnley side ahead of tonight's Turf Moor showdown. The Preston defender knows the Clarets striker from their days together as internationals and is looking

  • Meeting off

    THE Astley and Tyldesley Cycle Speedway Club's 10th anniversary meeting, scheduled to be held at Astley & Tyldesley on Easter Saturday, April 14, has been cancelled.

  • Firs Golf

    CARLTON Cup: 1st A.Sweeting 39pts; 2nd B.Redmond 38; 3rd K.Raftry 38; 4th J.Colloby 38; 5th J.Brown 37; 6th M.Hill 37; 7th D.Grimes 37; 8th J.Maloney 36; 9th D.Grimes jnr 36; 10th J.Tull 35.

  • Stretton Leisure D&D League

    DARTS: Lowton Labour 2, Leigh Bowling 5; Leigh East 7, Leigh Arms 0; Bond Street CC 5, Leigh Harriers 2; Railway 4, Leigh Libs 3. DOMINOES: Lowton Labour 3, Leigh Bowling 4; Leigh East 6, Leigh Arms 1; Bond Street CC 4, Leigh Harriers 3; Railway 2, Leigh

  • Jobs axe falls at textile factory

    A RADCLIFFE textiles company is to axe 90 of its 210-strong workforce with a decision to cease manufacturing. The jobs at Bury Road-based Unified Dyed Yarns, formerly Intex Yarns, will go later this month to coincide with the closure of the company's

  • Show heart, Tony Blair

    FORMER labourer Jim Choularton is building a brighter future thanks to a life-saving heart transplant operation just eight weeks ago. And as a thank-you to dedicated medical staff at Wythenshawe Hospital transplant centre he is backing the threatened

  • Ex-nurse in needle blunder claim

    A FORMER nurse is considering legal action after a hospital blunder which she claims left her with an injection needle embedded in her leg. Mrs Joyce Mack, who is disabled, says that since the experience she is scared to go back in to hospital. Health

  • Reach for the sky

    BUBBLING Blackburn are literally flying high in their quest for promotion as they go in search of another vital victory at QPR's Loftus Road tomorrow. Ewood chief Graeme Souness is pulling out all the stops in his bid to lead the club back into the top

  • Smith set for derby return

    PAUL Smith is set for a derby-day return as Burnley look to banish their Blackburn blues against play-off chasing Preston at Turf Moor tonight. With Graham Branch out for the season and Lee Briscoe expected to have to wait a little longer to make his

  • Lights, camera, action!

    IT'S a case of "lights, camera, action!" for Preston as they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley for the local derby match. The game will be screened live on Sky TV and could see North End consolidate their position in the division's play-off places

  • New furniture store

    A MILLION pound furniture store is to be built at Blackburn's flagship retail park, the Peel Centre, at Whitebirk, creating at least 15 jobs. Sunderland-based ScS has commissioned a state-of-the-art building to provide 10,000 sq ft of retail space. MD

  • Tonic for shareholders

    MEDICAL group Smith & Nephew, which employs more than 400 people making gauze at its Brierfield site, is ahead of its financial targets, according to chairman Dudley Eustace. He told shareholders at the company's AGM that prospects for growth remained

  • Inside track to European adventure

    AWARD-WINNING corporate clothing specialist Simon Jersey has scooped another top accolade in a national competition. As a winner of the Inside UK Enterprise 2000 Awards, the Altham-based company will be taking the secrets of its business success to Germany

  • Get in line...

    A SIX week taster course in line dancing for beginners starts on Wednesday April 25 (1-3pm) at Mee Brow Community Centre, Warrington Road, Culcheth. Call Pam on 01925 765627.

  • ...and fun

    THE area's carers will benefit from an Easter fun night at St Paul's Labour Club, Westleigh, on Easter Monday. The event, which includes a prize bonnet parade and bingo, is on behalf of Wigan and Leigh Crossroads and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £1 and

  • High school pals' reunion appeal

    ANYONE who left Hesketh Fletcher High School in 1979 is urged to attend a reunion party on Friday May 25. Former pupils from the Atherton high school will meet at the Atherton Arms in Tyldesley Road at 7pm. For further details call Allyson Barton (nee

  • Writers' group

    SENIOR citizens who fancy making a few pals at a writing group are urged to join the Pensioners Link at Leigh Resource Centre. The small group will hold their first meeting on April 24 from 1.30-4pm at the centre in Charles Street, off Lord Street. Places

  • Charity stunt abseil plea

    LEIGH daredevils are urged to set aside a day to help out ChildLine North West and take part in a 90ft freefall abseil. The abseil on April 29 will take place at Manchester Velodrome and anyone wanting to take part must be aged 14 or over and raise at

  • Hardy Gigg hope

    NEILL HARDY starts a two-week trial with Bury on Monday -- and he couldn't be going to Gigg Lane at a better time. Striker Hardy hit his 20th goal of the season for Radcliffe Borough in their highly impressive 1-0 win over UniBond Division One leaders

  • Dogs' home in 'adoption' plea

    KIND-HEARTED animal lovers in Leigh who could offer a good home to a pet are urged to contact Manchester Dogs' Home. The home in Harpurhey has 160 animals on its sales row and the kennels are full. If your dog has gone missing in the Leigh area, you should

  • Easter music

    A PERFORMANCE of Easter music will be given at St Peter's Church, Hindley, on Good Friday. Wigan Choral Society will present The Crucifixion by John Stainer at 7.30pm. Artists taking part are tenor Gary Davis and baritone Kenneth Rees with director Ann

  • Heating boiler bandits

    DETECTIVES are on the look our for a boiler thief after nine have been reported stolen in the last three months. In the latest incident, a combi boiler worth £700 was stolen from an empty house in Avondale Road, Darwen, after thieves forced their way

  • New sales role

    MARRIOTT Worsley Park Hotel and Country Club has appointed a new sales and marketing manager. John Farrelly has taken over from Andrew Francis who has now been appointed area director of sales. Mr Farrelly, who is a keen windsurfer, already has a wealth

  • Witness appeal after street robbery

    POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man with special needs was robbed in broad daylight. The incident happened on March 21, when the man was walking along the Birch Hall area of Blackburn Road, in Darwen, and was approached by a man wearing a balaclava

  • Cash grant boosts cultural events

    THE Leigh community will be able to join in a cultural year of events thanks to a £12,000 North West Arts Board grant. The one year project based at Wigan will involve a variety of dance events. Special May Day events will be held over the Bank Holiday

  • Mother risks life to save her son

    A MOTHER who cheated death today relived the moment when she risked her own life to save her son and passers-by. Kate Hatzar, 24, of Maria Street, Darwen, escaped with minor injuries after her runaway car ploughed into a wall and pinned her underneath

  • Thomas back at school

    HIT and run victim Thomas Wilson, who a callous driver left lying injured on a pelican crossing, returned to school this week. Tough Thomas, aged nine, from Bond Street , Leigh returned to St Joseph's Primary School after recovering from a fractured leg

  • Chaos as cat Kaos settles in under the floor

    A CAT called Kaos forced a family to move into their kitchen for six days after setting up home under the floorboards of their home. The mischievous moggy didn't pause for thought and ran through a hole in the wall of the Sampson home in Sudell Road,

  • Singer helps raise £2,000

    BACUP'S own homegrown opera star Sean Ruane helped to raise more than £2,000 for charity when he performed in his home town. Sean, 33, topped the bill at the musical extravaganza at Bacup Leisure Hall last Saturday night and received a standing ovation

  • Centre villains set to face the cameras

    VILLAINS will soon come under scrutiny in Haslingden town centre -- thanks to the pull of people power. Six closed circuit cameras will start rolling later this month in a £108,000 crime-busting initiative in the centre. Haslingden has the highest level

  • Business connections come to end

    FAMILY business connections spanning three generations came to an end last Friday. That's when Christine Gregson closed her Tyldesley DIY business, effectively bringing to an end the Gregson family connection with the Milk Street builders' yard which

  • Transport champ Joe honoured once more

    PUBLIC transport champion the late Joe Clarke has been honoured again. The former councillor from Atherton, who represented Atherton UDC and Wigan MBC and chaired Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, has had a national award named in his

  • Tasty French lessons

    YOUNGSTERS in Hindley enjoyed a fun start to the school day when they tucked into a French breakfast. The 26 pupils at Mornington High School were treated to the tasty continental breakfast as part of their French Food and Drink studies and the annual

  • Man, 34 faces murder charge

    A MAN was due to appear in court at Burnley today charged with the murder of Bacup dad Gary Fletcher. Mr Fletcher, 40, was found dead in a flat at Hammerton Green, three doors away from his own home, at around midnight on Tuesday. Three men were arrested

  • 'Shining' school to be beacon for others

    A TOP Leigh school has been honoured out of the blue -- for being a shining example to others. St John's C of E Infants' School, Kirkhall Lane, has been invited to become a Beacon school, one of only 600 across the country selected to help others raise

  • Music man Chris aims to help children hit right note

    CHRIS Cull lists his top three interests as music, music and music. The father-of-three, who is Wigan Council's new co-ordinator for instrumental teaching, is obsessed with making music -- and passing on the fun and excitement to young people. Chris,

  • Health trust to merge with Wrightington

    HEALTH chiefs claim that patients in Leigh can look forward to a more efficient health service with the merger of Wigan and Leigh Services NHS Trust with Wrightington NHS Trust. The two services have joined together to form Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh

  • RSPCA probe after dog's emaciated body found

    THE RSPCA is investigating after an emaciated Rottweiler was found dead in a council house. A council bailiff discovered the dog's wasted body, which was so decomposed it had become stuck to the floor. The bailiff had called at the house Myrtle Avenue

  • Police appeal to find 'kidnap' victim

    POLICE are appealing for help in tracing a possible kidnap victim after he was seen being bundled into a van outside Lee's Bakery on St Helens Road. As reported in last week's Journal, shoppers watched as at 12.04 pm on Friday, March 23, a burly man leapt

  • Old Wealdens get-together

    I AM searching for Old Wealdens in preparation for a school reunion to be held on Saturday April 28. Anyone who attended Harrow Weald County Grammar School from 1933 to the 1980s eligible and welcome to attend. Old Wealdens are scattered throughout the

  • Another act of municipal vandalism?

    THE article Bus station ban lifted? (Citizen, March 22) was bad news for the town and in particular those who have campaigned to have the building "listed as being of architectural merit," bus users and those whose livelihood depends on the bus station

  • Death sentence for more animals

    MORE animals are to be slaughtered in Lancashire as a precautionary measure against foot and mouth after another farm was named as having a dangerous contact with the disease. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food confirmed that land at Dawson

  • Funeral of borough stalwart

    THE funeral was due to take place today of former Blackburn borough engineer Dennis Clark. Mr Clark, who leaves his wife Joy, daughters Christine and Shirley, four grandchildren and a great-grandson, held a number of senior positions with Blackburn County

  • Rate cut plan for firms in disease struggle

    BUSINESSES struggling to cope due to the foot and mouth crisis are to get extra help from Blackburn with Darwen Council. Reductions or deferrals in the business rates will be offered, being backed by the Government. A report to the local authority's decision-making

  • Mum is baffled by firebombing

    THE mother whose home was targeted by firebombers today said she was baffled by the crime -- as police renewed their appeal for information. Mrs Julie Lee today spoke publicly for the first time about the attack and said her family were innocent victims

  • Crime trail leads to a shooting!

    IT'S a long way from Hollywood, but a group of film-makers are hoping Blackburn could be the scene of the next smash hit. "Diary of a Bad Lad" is a film about the making of a film -- and the dire consequences for the unlucky film-makers. And writer Jon

  • Friends mourn death of 'CJD woman'

    A COUPLE today spoke of their heartache after their best friend became the first person in Blackburn to die of suspected CJD. Betty Riding, 75, was brought back to the UK by friends Edwin and Ena Shaw, of Woodlands Avenue, Cherry Tree, after she became

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Clitheroe need a win

    MANAGER Dave Burgess is hoping to welcome back Andy Cowking after a two week absence for tomorrow's clash with Prescot Cables. But assistant boss Lee Sculpher is touch and go after hurting his foot in midweek against Atherton. The Blues need a win to

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Five star Storks, Harwood have blank weekend

    GRAHAM Howarth's Padiham host neighbours Darwen in NWCL Division Two looking for their fifth consecutive win. GREAT Harwood's game at home to Mossley, which was due to be played at Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground last night, was called off due to heavy

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Peters: Support us

    BACUP Borough's Second Division Trophy final has been provisionally set for Thursday April 19. They will play either Squires Gate or Formby in the final at Skelmersdale after beating Daisy Hill 3-2 at West View on Tuesday night. Manager Brent Peters hopes

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Ramsbottom continue their quest for title glory

    RAMSBOTTOM United manager Mike Kelly reckons his side are on a mission: to win the league for Ken Bridge. The Rams have won seven out of nine games since the shock death of respected boss Bridge, who suffered a suspected heart attack just minutes after

  • Fine them heavily

    I AGREE with "Honest Driver" (Mar 20) concerning car tax dodgers. I think they should face heavy fines instead of the powers-that-be turning a blind eye. Maybe one of our MPs could do something about it if no one else will. CONCERNED

  • If you can't walk . . . drive

    IN view of the current foot and mouth crisis, as an alternative to country rambling why not take the opportunity to improve your driving? Bury Group of Advanced Motorists meet at the Mosses Centre in Cecil Street, Bury at 10am each Sunday. KATH JONES

  • Who runs the country?

    WILLIAM Hague started his "election campaign" in fine style by raising the important issues. Millions began to see some future in following him. He spoke about the collapse of the public services, the NHS, railways and housing, then immigration and the

  • Save us from silly judges

    COULD someone please enlighten me why we put up with stupid laws, as well as the stupid judges who dispense ridiculous judgments. I refer to the car thief who was reportedly allowed to keep a stolen car because the police could not trace the legal owner

  • Ask people what they want to pay

    ONCE again we have been lectured by Councillor John Byrne (Yours Truly, Mar 29) on how democracy is being dispensed to the electorate of Bury by his party. How magnanimous of him. He says he was behind the introduction of public questions at council meetings

  • Songbird Eva

    A LEIGH fan of Eva Cassidy wasn't too pleased with me when I knocked her interpretation of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" recently. I can't stand it. However, I can make amends this week. I heard her sing the beautifully haunting "Songbird" on Wogan. What

  • Where's Tyldesley gone?

    DENNIS Nicholson asks if there's a conspiracy afoot to remove Tyldesley from the face of the earth. The Astley Street resident says the most recent example he received is a letter posted at Mount Pleasant, London, on March 13 with Tyldesley omitted from

  • Yob deserved a punishment

    THE yob who climbed Leigh's town centre war memorial last week and got stuck at the top should have been left there, then all the town's old soldiers could have pelted him with rotten tomatoes. Just think, everyone with a bit of respect passing the Church

  • These little terrors need a thick ear to sort them out

    I SALUTE a gutsy lady. She was perusing the racks in the NCH shop in Bradshawgate when she felt a hand on her handbag. She turned round and whacked the young suspect around the head. The lad and his gobby female sister protested profusely, she screaming

  • Countryside is open? Don't make me laugh

    TONY Blair says Britain is open for business, I'm afraid he's wrong. The PM is appealing to people to head for the countryside to help the struggling tourist industry recover from the foot and mouth crisis. However, when I went to an antiques fair at

  • Lloyd gets coach role

    LOCAL youth coach Lloyd Pugsley has joined the Hilton Park coaching set-up. Lloyd, with several years experience at Leigh East and Leigh Miners, will assist with the Under 14s, 15s and 16s scholarship and development squads that are attached to the Centurions

  • Advantage Centurions!

    LEIGH'S strength and depth of their squad gives them an advantage over most of their main rivals in the race for NFP glory. The Centurions saw that at first hand when the Cougars two major play-makers, Martin Wood and Nathan Antonik, were injured and

  • Hindsford still on title trail

    HINDSFORD U12s extended their unbeaten run with a 5-0 home victory against Horwich Town and kept their title hopes alive. In heavy conditions Hindsford produced some excellent flowing football and quickly mounted a series of attacks. Hat-trick hero Sam

  • RMI's gems sparkle at Diamonds

    Rushden and Diamonds 1 Leigh RMI 1 RMI provided the proverbial banana skin for Conference leaders Rushden at Nene Park on Saturday, and in claiming a much deserved point, played their part in what is becoming an enthralling championship race. With two

  • George Mutch dies, aged 88

    FORMER Bury inside forward and Scottish international George Mutch died this week of pneumonia in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, he was 88. Mutch made his name in the successful Preston North End side of the 1930s, scoring the dramatic extra time winning goal

  • Surgery scare for Collins

    BURY central defender Sam Collins may need surgery to cure the troubling achilles injury that has reduced him to a spectator. The big Yorkshireman hasn't tasted first team action since limping off against Notts County two weeks ago. His ankle problem

  • Super Leigh 2000

    £1000 - G.Lee, Leigh (6126); £250 - J.Parry, Leigh (0030); £150 - K.Sarsfield, Leigh (7380); £100 - RMI players, Leigh (6122).

  • East are tops

    LEIGH East Under 9s turned in another top performance to win 16-10 at Chorley Panthers. An early Chorley try stung East into action and by half time they had scored two tries. Although Chorley kept up the pressure throughout, East emerged worthy winners

  • Panthers terrorised

    A GREAT team performance by Leigh East, both in attack and defence brought Leigh East Under 10s a 22-0 win over Chorley Panthers. J.Unsworth,and G.Holloway terrorised the Panthers from the prop positions, with classy halfbacks K.Williams and D.Yarwood

  • Tigers suffer derby defeat

    LEIGH East Tigers Under 11s went down 22-10 to a strong Wigan St Pat's side. Man of the match Lyndon Robertson scored twice, once in each half, as the Tigers pushed St Pat's all the way. The most improved award went to Daniel Blakeley. Against a newly-formed

  • Today's the day

    1483/1530: Painter Raphael was born in 1483 and died on the same day 37 years later. 1874: Master escapologist Harry Houdini made his first escape on this day, from his mother's womb. 1580: An earthquake in London killed two people. It was Easter Wednesday

  • This week in 1976 25 years ago

    TOO BLUE QUIZ: A repeat of a BBC Radio Manchester pub quiz, featuring three quiz wizards from the Bird in Hand boozer at Blackford Bridge, was banned after bosses at the radio station felt the contestants and audience sounded as if they had quaffed a

  • Dancing kids put hearts into charity show

    THE beat goes on, and on -- for two hours apparently -- when Blackburn youngsters become dance floor maniacs in a two hour "jazzathon" to pop sounds such as S Club 7. The Zoe and Kirk Taylor school of dance have organised Dance 2001-The Beat Goes On in

  • Patient threw chair through window

    A PATIENT on a mental health ward at Queen's Park Hospital threatened staff and patients with a chair before barricading himself in a day room. Blackburn magistrates heard that Scott Kinlan eventually threw a chair through a window before he was subdued

  • Time off for staff of Rovers sponsors

    TIME Computers employees were in their element as they took part in a unique training morning at Blackburn Rovers' training ground. Staff from the blues sponsors faced each other in a nine-a-side match at Brockhall after coaching from Rovers' reserve

  • Infuriated at free computers

    IFULLY agree with E M Harwood (Letters, March 26). I and five members of my family paid to go on a computer course. After a full day's work we went to Blackburn College and spent two hours a week for 30 weeks learning computing. I was infuriated to read

  • Driven to Greens by bickering

    BECAUSE I got so fed up with listening to politicians, national and local, bickering and spouting yet coming up with no answers to the way society is today, I have just joined the Green Party. Let's take the foot and mouth debate -- it is the green view

  • Pull down the no-go properties

    IREAD with interest the article (LET, March 30) regarding the improvement of public housing in Blackburn and Darwen. All well and good, but how many times? Most council properties are good family houses ruined by the tenants who get the chance to have

  • Tory's pledge over weights

    JOHN Walsh, prospective Tory parliamentary candidate for Bury North, has pledged to fight for the right to keep pounds and ounces. Plans by the Government to ban signs showing imperial measures alongside metric figures has met with a weight of criticism

  • DVD ram-raid

    RA"AIDERS escaped with £2,000 worth of DVDs from a Radcliffe store. A van was driven at speed through the rear door of Choices Video in Outwood Road on Friday night (March 30) at 10.30. Several men were seen loading the discs into a second vehicle which

  • Driver foils carjackers

    A QUICK-THINKING motorist escaped a gang of masked raiders when he drove off at speed. The 48-year-old man was sat in his car with his wife in Browns Road, Radcliffe, at 7.30pm on Tuesday (April 3) when three men approached the vehicle after getting out

  • Bids are all in for Kickstart cash

    ALL the applications are now in for a share of Radcliffe's Kickstart cash. Groups, organisations and individuals with ideas about how to improve life in Radcliffe were invited to submit a bid for a share of the £25,000 up for grabs. Among the ten schemes

  • Help to clean up wood

    LOCALS in Prestwich are being urged to join a big community clean-up on Sunday (April 8). The Friends of Prestwich Forest Park, with assistance from Bury Council and BTCV, want residents to help them clear up rubbish strewn around Eagle's Nest Wood. Volunteers

  • Sky patrols in school vandals crackdown

    VANDALS and arsonists targeting East Lancashire's schools will soon find themselves being watched from above as a new crackdown takes to the skies. Lancashire Police's force helicopter will keep an airborne eye on vandal-hit schools across the county

  • Youngsters in bid for £1,000 prize

    ARTISTIC youngsters form Derby High School have been treading the boards in a bid to bring back a top award to Bury. Around 40 pupils performed an eight-minute play before a panel of judges in the final of Greater Manchester Police's "On the Beat" comp

  • Lisa lends a hand

    A GUEST appearance by bubbly TV actress Lisa Riley proved just the tonic at the re-opening of a Tottington pharmacy. Lisa, former star of Emmerdale who now fronts the popular You've Been Framed programme, carried out the ceremony at Cohens Chemist in

  • Latest ramble takes John into retirement

    CHARTERED accountant John Gorton hadn't "counted" on such a surprise when he turned up for his last day of work. Staff at Thompson, Gorton and Jones on Blackburn Street swapped their normally sober suits for walking gear in a light-hearted tribute to

  • Oak fall to mighty Folds

    LEIGH Avenue and AFC Limelight will contest the Redwaters Coronation Cup semi-final tomorrow looking for the opportunity to have a crack at Higher Folds in the Final. Last Saturday's clash between the top two sides in Division One, current leaders Royal

  • Swann is sky high

    WILLIE Swann feels for his old mates at Hunslet Hawks. But all sentiment will go out of the window on Sunday when the Centurions' scrum-half renews acquaintances. The Samoan international returns to South Leeds Stadium keen to cement his place in Paul

  • Less talk, more action

    MOANING residents in Prestwich are being encouraged to stop talking and start taking action to improve the area in which they live. A special volunteers evening will be held on Wednesday (April 11) to recruit help for a variety of community events. Organised

  • Keller set to leave Ewood at end of season

    FRENCH star Marc Keller has revealed he will quit Ewood at the end of the season after accepting an offer to become the new sporting director at Strasbourg. The former West Ham playmaker finally agreed to a move back to France yesterday after spending

  • Curtis happy to look up to Crouch

    BEANPOLE QPR striker Peter Crouch is hoping to cast his considerable shadow over Rovers promotion prospects at Loftus Road tomorrow. The 6ft 5in frontman is eager to add to his 10-goal tally for the season as he looks to fire the goals to save Rangers

  • Reach for the sky

    BUBBLING Blackburn are literally flying high in their quest for promotion as they go in search of another vital victory at QPR's Loftus Road tomorrow. Ewood chief Graeme Souness is pulling out all the stops in his bid to lead the club back into the top

  • Crisis club Rangers begin the fightback

    PETER Ndlovu's sizzling second half volley at Ewood on Wednesday night may have increased the pressure on Rovers in their battle for promotion. But, if it's tough at the top, then spare a thought for those currently toughing it out at the bottom. The

  • Our town is no-go area

    A RESIDENT in Leyland is so concerned that his town is becoming a no-go area after dark, he wants to set up a 'teenage forum' to sort the problem out. Sean Bradbury, of Balcarres Road, Leyland, says he is fed up of seeing gangs of bored youngsters turning

  • Thriller Queen

    PRESTON'S Charter Theatre is gearing up for a real Thriller who promises not to be Bad -- and it's all in aid of charity! For female Michael Jackson impersonator Mikki Jay is is set to wow audiences with a host of the star's greatest hits at a Charity

  • Disease blow to Trust plan

    PLANS to take a group of under privileged children on a trip to the Lake District for four days have been wrecked by the foot and mouth crisis. Although Prince's Trust organisers admit they are disappointed that their outdoor adventure scheme has been

  • Chalking up report success

    LEYLAND'S Runshaw College is top of the class when it comes to providing education for all, according to education inspectors. Following a recent inspection of the Langdale Road college, Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) chiefs found the proportion

  • Back to his roots

    THE great-great grandson of Preston cotton manufacturer Thomas Miller is to return to his ancestral roots later this month to plant a tree in the town. London theatre director Robin Miller will pick up a spade and dig deep to plant a tree in picturesque

  • End is nigh for the flats

    THE end is nigh for the high rise flats in Moor Lane after councillors voted to demolish all three of the blighted blocks. The decision follows a series of residents' meetings in which the majority of tenants said they did not want to return to their

  • Rose wins success by degrees

    A FORMER unemployed single mother is scaling the dizzy heights of corporate success in Preston -- and she puts it all down to the Open University. Rose de Carteret, (pictured) from Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to business analyst

  • Attacked mum fled down drainpipe

    A DRUNKEN father attacked a terrified young mum in the street, causing her to hit her head on concrete and leaving her bleeding from a gashed forehead. Burnley magistrates heard how Peter Swaine, 27, launched what the prosecution said was an "unprovoked

  • Glamour abounds

    COLNE Municipal Hall was transformed into the meeting place of the beautiful and glamorous when students from Nelson and Colne College decided to show off their creative skills. Students from the college's hairdressing and beauty therapy departments used

  • MP lends support to rights Bill

    WORKERS should be able to get new rights to find out about the future of their firms, Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said today. He is backing a new Bill introduced by a fellow Labour MP to give employees in companies with more than 50 staff the right to be

  • Season looks set to go down to wire

    PNE 0 Gillingham 0 THE NERVE ends were jangling as old rivals North End and Gillingham were left to share the points in a match which amazingly failed to produce a goal. Preston started and finished the match in sixth place in the division and they stay

  • Plea for help from festival committeee

    A LARGE section of Colne's popular Luther Greenwood Memorial Festival could be axed next year if volunteers can not be found to run it. This year's event will go ahead as planned but the festival's speech, drama and music section may come to an end in

  • Five years ago

    DRIVING instructor Kevin Robertson,from Crawshawbooth, tackled an armed robber in Bury Town Centre and got a ticking off from his wife Marie. Kevin received a certificate for his bravery from the High Sheriff of Lancashire as well as a cheque for £500

  • Horse is rescued after falling into flooded ditch

    STABLEHANDS jumped into a flooded ditch to help save a 31-year-old horse which had to be rescued from drowning by firemen. Prince, a chestnut cob, who in his youngers days travelled thousands of miles pulling a milk float and then a gypsy caravan, almost

  • Driver is jailed despite brotherly love

    ANDREW Rawes was forgiven by his brother after taking his van and crashing it when he was drunk, a court was told. But Blackburn magistrates were less understanding and sent Rawes to prison for a total of six months. Rawes, 26, of Royds Street, Accrington

  • Scooter duper!

    SHOPPERS stopped, stared and applauded as masses of scooters sped past on a famous mercy mission to brighten the lives of children in hospital. Around 1,000 scooters carried 1,500 riders and passengers on Saturday's 14th annual "Ginger's Easter Egg Run

  • Vicious robber handed two life sentences

    A VICIOUS criminal who preyed on the elderly this week began two life sentences. Bolton Crown Court heard how former Tyldesley man Gary Monks, 43, held a gun to the head of a terrified pensioner during a post office robbery on the border of Tyldesley

  • Gary nets a lottery catch

    LOWTON fisherman Gary Marland hauled in his biggest catch ever when he netted £54,519 in Saturday's National Lottery draw. Pleased as he is Gary must deep down be cursing his luck because his lucky dip £1 selection which won him a share of the jackpot

  • Tip could be animal dump

    FOOT and mouth epidemic cull victims could be dumped within a mile of one of Britain's top dairy herds. Shocked farmer Ian Patrick admitted he was not pleased to hear the Whitehead tip at Astley -- which is less than a mile as the crow flies from his

  • Hall's well that ends well for Dam House!

    AN HISTORIC hall which once seemed doomed is bursting with life after a multi million pound facelift. The future couldn't look brighter for manorial Dam House at the heart of Astley's conservation area -- thanks to seven years' endeavour by a small band

  • When the going got tough, Tough got going!

    AT the age of 85 horseman George Tough is cutting down his workload -- to six and a half days a week. The workaholic who has bred a dynasty of champions, and never had a holiday in his life, says the full seven days is killing him! But the happy octagenarian

  • Casualty on the mend

    A CLITHEROE woman who was injured when her car was crushed by a lorry is comfortable in the Royal Preston Hospital. Gillian Smith, of Moorland Avenue, suffered head and leg injuries in the accident on Whalley New Road, Langho, on Tuesday.

  • Why is Hag Fold a 'dumping ground' for asylum seekers?

    ONCE again Hag Fold estate in Atherton is being lined up as a convenient 'dumping ground' for asylum seekers, by both the New Labour government and Wigan Council (Journal March 23). Most people in the area will find it a disgrace that at a time when our

  • Screeching Murray

    I'M told the Brazilian grand prix was a cracker. It was certainly more relaxing without Murray Walker-- much easier on the ears.

  • Ey up...again

    THE 28th series of gentle Last of the Summer Wine got under way on Sunday. All the same things but in a different order.

  • Scots mist?

    I COULD have thumped the accountant on Blind Date who tried to disprove the myth that people in his profession are bores. He didn't manage it. However he was picked as the winner by a lass attracted by his Scots' accent. Bet she regrets it.

  • Electronics the key to success

    THE vital role that electronic learning can play in in the corporate world was underlined at the latest meeting of the thriving BURYBUSINESS.NETwork. Guests at the event, held at the town's Bolholt Hotel in association with the North West Development

  • Pride needed for festival

    ESTABLISHED for more than 50 years and as popular as ever with entrants, Colne's much-loved Luther Greenwood Memorial Festival is in danger of becoming a shadow of itself. For despite its acclaim, the annual event could lose major elements as its speech

  • Hospital fight almost over

    THOUGH it is not yet clinched, the plan to build a £14million new hospital for Rossendale now about to be put before the public by Burnley health trust bosses may ease the long-standing concerns of Valley residents over the erosion and centralisation

  • JUST JAMIE: Ebb and Flo of birthday tidings

    I'VE NOT mentioned them indoors for a while but I'm afraid they're back with a vengeance this week, Billy Boy, Big Sis, the Golden Boy -- the lot. We don't make a habit of getting together for tea, but only this week I made the effort. The occasion: Nana

  • Leigh RU Mini

    THE Under 8s returned from their Cardiff Tour with a record of three wins from three games. They beat Rumney 20-10 with tries from Oliver Farley (2), Peter Readwin and Thomas Lloyd with top defence from Sam Peet and Alex Quinn. On Sunday they travelled

  • East in struggle to show champ's quality

    Millom 10 Leigh East 16 LEIGH East kept themselves in the National Conference Division One promotion hunt, but at no time in this drab and scrappy game did they look true championship material. Instead they muddled their way to an unconvincing victory

  • Disguise didn't fool cashier

    A BLONDE wig and glasses could not disguise Andrea Oliver's crimes at a Blackburn bank. She tried to change her appearance when attempting to dishonestly withdraw money -- but did not fool a cashier. It ended in a six months sentence being passed when

  • Moles invasion is a problem

    IS there a reason why the countryside seems to be invaded with moles? Grass verges beside busy roads, hills and fields are all covered with soil deposits forming molehills. Is it that the soil is unusually soft because of the wet weather? And If they

  • Labour boss was offered new position

    REGARDING your article 'Councillors oust Labour boss in pact' (LET, April 3), Councillor Philip Walsh, who was interviewed, mentioned his understandable disappointment in not gaining a place on the new Executive which will operate in Burnley Council from

  • Parade called off

    DISAPPOINTED toddlers had their Easter bonnet parade cancelled after a flood at their nursery. The youngsters, who attend the nursery at Chapelfield School on Clough Street, had been looking forward to modelling their headgear on Wednesday (April 4) but

  • Minister met mail staff on special visit

    A POACHER turned gamekeeper when a Government minister visited Post Office staff. Alan Johnson, junior trade and industry minister, has special responsibility for the Post Office. He has also seen action on the other side of the fence as general secretary

  • Two cars torched

    POLICE in Bury are investigating two arson attacks on cars. A C registered Citroen Saxo, parked in Sion Street, Radcliffe, went up in flames around 11pm on Thursday (March 29). Lighter fluid had been poured over the seats and ignited. An hour later Whitefield

  • MBE for former Stand Grammar pupil

    A TOP honour has been awarded to former Radcliffe man John Gardner for his services to the Ministry of Defence. Mr Gardner (58), was presented with the MBE by the Queen in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. His delighted mother, Mrs Alma Gardner (78), of

  • Help out play scheme

    VOLUNTEERS are needed to help organise a new summer play scheme for youngsters in Radcliffe. The project will run for three weeks during the long holidays, and is open to youngsters aged from five to 11. A voluntary management group needs to be recruited

  • OAP hurt in kitchen pan blaze

    A PENSIONER suffered burns to her hands when she tried to extinguish a chip pan fire with a jug of water. Mrs Caroline Reeves (76) was taken to Bury General Hospital for treatment to her injuries, described as "not serious". Fire chiefs in Bury are again

  • Get this show on the toad!

    LIFE is quite literally hopping back to Barracks Lodge. The once under-threat wildlife haven, which was systematically destroyed by developers, is now teeming with a rich variety of amphibians and birds as well as flourishing with flora and fauna. And

  • Which Rangers pose a danger?

    A look at the key players out to dent Rovers' promotion hunt. CHRIS Kiwomya: The former Ipswich and Arsenal man moved to QPR three years ago and has been troubled by injury, but he was a prolific striker at Ipswich, and in Arsenal's reserves -- he never

  • New start for old club

    A YOUTH centre which was forced to close because of vandalism is ready to re-open its doors for a bright new start. The Phoenix Youth and Community Association in Catforth Road, on the Larches estate, Ashton, closed its doors after being targeted by gangs

  • Tom's tales of war

    A WAR veteran who was shot in the head and left for dead by the Japanese has written a book about his experiences. Pensioner Tom Taylor, 78, of Fox Lane, Leyland, suffered horrendous head injuries while defending his country in Burma during the World

  • Tea-room could be set for refusal by council

    PLANS to convert a three-storey mid-row cottage in Newchurch Village into a bed and breakfast and tea-room look likely to be refused by councillors tonight. The application suggests letting two of the cottage's three bedrooms to bed and breakfast customers

  • Squash league starting soon

    PRESTON College's sports centre is starting a new summer squash league. John Gibson, sports centre manager, said: "Our aims is to support the development of squash and raise awareness of the sport in the area." Matches will be played on Wednesday evenings

  • Ten years ago

    A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy was mugged by young thieves on a funeral directors' car park in Blackburn. Peter Bolton was with his six-year-old brother in their mother's car when three youngsters snatched a computer game from his hands and fled.

  • 'Vandal proof' school opens

    TYLDESLEY'S new vandal-proof primary school officially opened yesterday, 17 months after the children moved in. The new-look school, which caters for 240 primary pupils and 60 new part-time nursery tots, was built in under eight months at a cost of just

  • Clive's photo evidence seals parking victory

    A DISABLED man has won his battle to overturn a parking fine thanks to photo evidence. Clive Robinson's victory came after he successfully argued that the 'no waiting' restrictions were poorly marked. Mr Robinson, from Tyldesley, was furious when he received

  • Mobile mania

    THANK goodness the price of a mobile phone is increasing by 75 per cent soon. It'll hopefully mean less of them driving people bonkers on public transport and in the shops.

  • Making a mark

    EARNING top marks! That's Prestwich-based design and communications specialists Appleby Bowers. The company has created a colourful corporate identity for an organisation that forges closer links between the business community and school classroom. The

  • Nothing negative about Daniel

    A RADCLIFFE photographer is getting bags of exposure after snapping up a clutch of awards. Daniel Parker's conventional and digital prints have won top honours in two competitions open to professional photographers. The awards will enhance his already

  • Burnley want some derby delight

    FIVE down, one to go and Burnley head into tonight's final derby of the season looking to sign off with a flourish. The Clarets are yet to taste derby victory this season but have a double incentive to put the record straight against play-off chasing

  • Massey Transport Bedford D&D

    DARTS: Daten 113pts, Eastleigh 111, Leigh Miners 95, Boundry 94, Fir Tree 91, Three Crowns 91, British Legion 90, Foundry 90, Royal Oak 86, Rugby Union 86, Cart & Horses 82, Bulls Head 79, Standard Mower 70, Courts Hotel 66, Bedford Libs 65, Higher

  • £100,000 pension payout for Army vet?

    AN Army veteran from Radcliffe, who has been battling for a war pension, could be awarded more than £100,000. Mr David Pollard (46), of Church Street West, attended his sixth tribunal last week in his fight to claim a pension dating back 24 years. The

  • Council team's training triumph

    TOWN hall bosses have reached the final of the UK's blue riband of local government management training. The eight-strong team of senior officers saw off regional rivals in this year's Local Government Management Game. Not only did the Bury team take

  • Authors of their own success

    THE write stuff! That's jubilant teenagers of Castlebrook High School who have achieved a unique hat-trick in Bury's annual Young Enterprise awards. A dozen pupils who wrote and produced their own Adult's Guide to Teenagers, scooped the "best overall

  • Lynsey lands on her feet

    RTC Safety Surfaces, based in Barnoldswick, has appointed globe-trotting Lynsey Spragg as marketing executive. Lynsey has travelled extensively in Asia and Australia and will shortly follow the Inca trail on a holiday in Peru. RTC, which makes safety

  • Chimney row man meets company bosses

    THE man who came home to find a 29 metre steel chimney behind his house has met with company bosses to ask for compensation. Bob Leigh, of Belgrave Road, Darwen, found the exhaust stack had blocked his view of the Blacksnape countryside. Mr Leigh, who

  • Bill and Ben mania

    VISITORS to a garden centre will be able to take a trip down memory lane with a special week dedicated to the legendary flowerpot men Bill and Ben. Bents Garden Centre in Glazebury has got together with the BBC for the fun week starting on Monday April

  • A question of success

    A QUIZ night organised by Leigh Lions Club last month at the Conservative Club in Railway Road was such a success that another one is due to be set up this month. Culcheth Lions Club are busy organising an Easter egg raffle and are already recruiting

  • Jobs plan hope for Golborne

    PLANS for a new five-acre 'Manufactory' site next to a business park in Golborne could create up to 200 jobs. The town's regeneration goes from strength to strength thanks to the plan for companies to move onto the site of the old Golborne Colliery, next

  • Carol's £1,000 prize for 'lousy' story book

    HEALTH visitor Carol Wyatt has won £1,000 runner-up prize for her 'lousy' book. But the 32-year-old nurse and mum-of-two has no idea she has collected the NHS Health Challenge Award, community group section, for her new book on nits. She's on holiday

  • Newsagent tells of knife raid terror

    A NEWSAGENT has spoken of her terror after two masked men wielding a knife burst into the shop. Ann Crook, who runs Edge Green News in Golborne with her husband Stanley, froze with fear when one of the thugs walked towards her with the knife while the

  • JOURNAL COMMENT: Hall campaign is a credit

    CAMPAIGNS come and campaigns go. Some are won and many lost so it is especially pleasing when somebody actually gets the pot of gold at the end of their particular rainbow. Seven years is a long time but it was a worthwhile wait for the gallant group

  • Winning team 'beat' off the competition

    YOUNGSTERS from a Lowton school took Manchester by storm to win a police-backed regional drama award. The 43 pupils from Year Nine, 10 and 11 at Lowton Community High School were thrilled after winning first prize of a trophy and £1,000 for their moving

  • Tyldesley club breaks another model flying record

    THE SKY is the limit for a Tyldesley flying club after achieving their 15th British record in just 14 years. Members of Tyldesley Model Flying Club were over the moon after successfully launching a radio controlled sea plane which flew 3,480ft into the

  • TA called on to help cull

    TERRITORIAL Army members in Preston are being asked to give up time from work to help farmers cope with the foot and mouth crisis. Part-time troops are needed to join the permanent staff and regular soldiers from across the region who are co-ordinating

  • Fed-up ramblers want paths reopened

    RAMBLERS who fear they may be barred from vast areas of the countryside until October have called for more footpaths to be reopened in low risk areas. The North East Lancashire Area of the Ramblers' Association spoke after weeks of walkers being confined

  • Investment is the key to success

    BLACKBURN Rovers may be making greater strides to win promotion, but off the field, Burnley has moved ahead of its local rivals in a nationwide shopping league table for the first time. Last week, global information company Experian revealed that Burnley

  • SOCCER: Bury battle

    BURY could be without three top players for tomorrow's visit of Bristol City. Definitely out is Steve Redmond who begins a five game suspension. Striker Jon Newby, signed from Liverpool, is struggling with an ankle injury and could miss his first game

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Challinder in shock move, Dale on a roll

    INFLUENTIAL utility man Greg Challinder has signed for Conference side Northwich Victoria, in a move which shocked fans at the UniBond First Division side. Challinder played in the game against Southport in midweek. Ken Wright's side are at home to Trafford

  • SOCCER: Warhurst doubt for Bolton

    Bolton are sweating on the fitness of Paul Warhust as they bid to keep stop their promotion challenge going completely off the rails. Midfield man Warhurst was injured during Wanderers midweek home draw against Stockport County. And there are fears that

  • LOCAL SOCCER: There is still pride to play for, says Coleman

    ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman says his players still have a lot to play for this season. Stanley crashed out of the President's Cup at the semi-final stage on Tuesday -- effectively ending their season -- but Coleman says the season is not over

  • My time can be better spent

    I AM always ready to answer people's questions about any issue which in any way concerns the council, and to take responsibility for anything which is within the council's control or influence. However, in order to do my job properly, I have to work very

  • Rich man, porr man

    THE rich get ill and depressed if they live too close to poor people. A new study by shrinks claims that the wealthy experience guilt pangs and unease if they are exposed to people who eke out a more modest living. Don't you feel sorry for them? Why don't

  • Healthy options at school

    SCHOOLS have to offer a range of nutritious foods from this week. New legislation means dinners must include fish at least once a week and fresh fruit every day. Meals should also contain less sugar and fatty foods. It is the first time schools have been

  • My trip down memory lane made me sad for today's youngsters

    I TOOK a sad step back more than 40 years on Friday. I popped into Westleigh Park where I spent hundreds of happy days of my childhood -- and shock, horror -- where has it gone? It's still a green leisure site of sorts, but the central veranda, tennis

  • Street's back, but Purtill faces another lay-off

    FANS' favourite Tim Street is back in action and eager to make up for lost time. Prop Street should have started his comeback in the Alliance team on Wednesday after sitting out the last five weeks with a broken thumb. But that game was postponed, forcing

  • Normal service resumed

    Keighley Cougars...6 Leigh Centurions...16 THE team with the best defence and best attack in the NFP produced both elements by the bucket-load to re-assert their claims as the outstanding team in the division. Leigh's unexpected defeat at Doncaster the

  • Tip goes on foot-mouth standby

    A LOCAL tip is on standby to take carcasses from the foot and mouth cull. Dead sheep and pigs could start arriving at the former quarry off Pilsworth Road, Bury at just a couple of hours notice, Viridor Waste Management confirmed this week. The plan has

  • Deputy Head praises community scheme

    THE Leigh RMI Football in the Community scheme is progressing under full steam. The club's four FA qualified coaches have been working in local schools for the past two months passing on the benefits of their expertise to schoolchildren and working alongside

  • Colls face new bosses

    Atherton Colls entertain Newcastle Town at Alder House with management duo Dennis Haslam and Tommy Foster on their guard against a side under new management. The Potteries outfit was fully expected to be one of the NWCL Division One title front-runners

  • LR's form baffles Crilly Park boss

    THE current Atherton LR continue to confound manager Alan Lord. "I'm beginning to think we are a midweek side!" he joked over a month ago as he watched his team show little sign on a Saturday afternoon of the top drawer performances produced in a night

  • Events in East Lancashire on Saturday, April 7

    Easter Fair, Accrington and District Blind Society Social Room, Bank Street, Accrington, 10am-3pm. Whitworth Civic Dinner and Dance, Civic Hall, Whitworth. Spring Fair, Masonic Hall, Deardengate, Haslingden, 10.30am-1pm. "The Merry Widow," Charter Theatre

  • Apology alone is not enough

    THAT 65-year-old East Lancashire cancer sufferer Albert Hearle has received an apology from the police after waiting almost two weeks for them to investigate a break-in is no more than is deserved -- as he has been treated disgracefully. But that should

  • OPEN HOUSE - Call to take hols in UK from local MP

    A light-hearted look at our MPs' life in Westminster. Janet Anderson has upset her fellow ministers by saying they should spend their holidays this year in Britain to help repair the tourism industry after foot and mouth. Colleagues who prefer warmer

  • East win again

    LEIGH East Under 8s ran out worth 40-18 winners over Chorley Panthers to extend their unbeaten run to five games. East's tries came from Hellam (3), Carta (2), Duffy, Payne, Ogden and Cunliffe with goals from Payne and Ogden. Man of the match was Hellam

  • Day of frustration for Miners as Redhill don't show

    LEIGH Miners Rangers were left kicking their heels last Saturday when scheduled National Conference Premier Division leaders Redhill suffered a coach breakdown en route and were unable to complete the journey to Twist Lane. With Miners in fine form they

  • Super sub fires a hat-trick

    TYLDESLEY RU made another successful trip to South Manchester but were made to work hard by an awkward Bedians side who never gave up despite the obvious difference in class, particularly in the back division. For the first quarter the home side worked

  • Leigh's narrow win from Lee's boot

    LEIGH RU picked up a narrow 6-3 home win over Wilmslow on a heavy pitch saturated by overnight rain. After an even start, Leigh began to pressurise their opponents and were awarded a simple penalty chance which was wasted when they elected to tap the

  • Plan for school reunion

    FORMER pupils of Pleckgate High School in Blackburn are being sought for a school reunion. Organisers Peter Eastwood and Nick Walwinholm are looking for people who left the Blackburn school in 1980 although other pupils are welcome. The reunion will take

  • Man killed by drugs and drink

    A MAN killed himself by taking a cocktail of prescription drugs and alcohol. An inquest, which heard evidence from four women, was told that 49-year-old labourer Gerard Francis Boyle, from Blackburn, had been upset after being evicted from his mother's

  • Pupils' garden design shear delight

    A NEW garden at a primary school in which the children were instrumental in helping design and build has been officially opened. Groundwork Blackburn Education Team has been working with a group of children at Roe Lee Park Primary School calling itself

  • Special thanks for Swimathon

    IWOULD like to thank all those who took part in this year's Swimathon at Padiham Leisure Centre. The theme this year was 'Swim Against Cancer' and the aim nationally is to raise £2million for cancer charities. Many put in a great deal of effort to get

  • Lib-Dem election cheer

    THE Liberal Democrats were celebrating today after winning the traditional Labour safe seat of Atherton. The Labour strangle hold was broken last night when Bob Splaine narrowly defeated Mark Aldred and Conservative Rosina Oxley to win a seat on Wigan

  • Council fears over cattle tip plan

    SERIOUS concerns about the use of the landfill tip at Astley Green for disposal of animal carcasses slaughtered to prevent the spread of foot and mouth have been raised by Wigan Council. A formal request has been made to the government's Department of

  • Bus girl injured

    A 12-year-old schoolgirl from Radcliffe needed hospital treatment after she was in collision with a car while running for a bus. Rachel Poole from Dukes Street suffered bruising when she ran into the path of an oncoming Citroen ZX in Manchester Road,

  • Break-in victim's police delay fury

    POLICE today launched an investigation after a 65-year-old cancer patient revealed he had been waiting almost two weeks for officers to investigate a break-in. Albert Hearle, 65, branded police 'a disgrace' after claiming he called them six times over

  • Student nurses come from far and wide

    A DRIVE to train more student nurses at Bury General Hospital has attracted recruits from as far away as South Africa and Kenya. In a bid to boost numbers, nursing chiefs at the hospital have more than trebled the number of trainee nurses they take on

  • Council will sue Bank of England over BCCI

    BURY is hoping to win another slice of BCCI money on the tenth anniversary of the bank's collapse. Liquidators have been given the right to sue the Bank of England for damages over the affair. They are asking for £550 million, which could top £1 billion

  • By-election falls victim to the foot and mouth

    THE foot and mouth crisis has claimed the Radcliffe South by-election which has been put back to June 7. Tony Blair's decision to delay the county council elections, and the anticipated General Election, means that the local poll has to follow suit and

  • Top marks for new centre

    CHILDCARE providers in Preston have given the thumbs up to a new project that makes child's play easy for people who look after tiny tots. Lancashire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, based at the Business and Enterprise Business Park

  • Man injured as he tried to stop bus

    A MAN who tried to flag down a bus fell underneath it. Andrew Chippendale, 38, of Charles Street, Nelson, was taken to Burnley General Hospital with a broken leg and ankle. The incident happened at 7.37pm on Wednesday at the junction of Sagar Street and

  • Rail death witnesses sought

    INVESTIGATIONS are continuing in to the death of a 20-year-old Nelson man whose body was found next to the railway tracks at Nelson Station. British Transport Police are not disclosing his identity until relatives are informed. PC Richard Herbert said

  • Youth in vicious attack

    A 19-YEAR-OLD white man suffered facial injuries after being attacked by a group of seven or eight men in Nelson town centre. He suffered a broken nose, a broken front tooth, cuts to his lips and swelling and bruising to his face at around 7.30pm on Tuesday

  • Child charity appeals for garden helpers

    VOLUNTEERS with green fingers or a horticultural hobby are needed to help with an open garden scheme to raise funds for local children. Childline's Open Garden Scheme needs people in Blackburn and Burnley to answer questions, take entry fees, liaise with

  • Child charity appeals for garden helpers

    VOLUNTEERS with green fingers or a horticultural hobby are needed to help with an open garden scheme to raise funds for local children. Childline's Open Garden Scheme needs people in Blackburn and Burnley to answer questions, take entry fees, liaise with

  • Drinkers are toast of saved brewery

    EAST Lancashire drinkers are being hailed the toast of Cumbria after helping a small brewery crippled by the foot and mouth epidemic. Former Hyndburn councillor Bill Goldsmith returned to his native area last week to try and sell on some of the brews

  • Tail back bus stop moving

    A CONTROVERSIAL bus stop which councillors claim causes serious congestion problems in Oswaldtwistle town centre is to be moved. Across from the town hall on Union Road, it was only installed last summer but quickly drew criticism because of how close

  • Police aim for faster response

    RADICAL changes to the policing of the Ribble Valley have begun to provide more officers in trouble spots and at crucial times of the week. A combination of eight and 10 hour shifts between 41 constables and six sergeants based in stations in Clitheroe

  • Julie asks for help to boost children's lives

    AS our cold, wet winter moves slowly towards Spring, I write to ask Journal readers to help the world's poorest children. One in four children around the world live in poverty, that's 600 million children. The odds are stacked heavily against them. Here

  • No ban on horse riding

    MANY activities in the countryside are curtailed because of the foot and mouth outbreak. But one activity can continue and that is horse riding. Horses are not affected by foot and mouth, so it is perfectly okay to go riding at a riding school. Most riding

  • 200 meet up with minister for dinner

    MORE than 200 Bury and Bolton businessmen and women had the opportunity to meet the Secretary of State for Industry, Stephen Byers. And they were able to make their voices heard when the trade and industry chief attended a dinner hosted by Bolton and

  • Smith set for derby return

    PAUL Smith is set for a derby-day return as Burnley look to banish their Blackburn blues against play-off chasing Preston at Turf Moor tonight. With Graham Branch out for the season and Lee Briscoe expected to have to wait a little longer to make his

  • Tyldesley back in home water

    TYLDESLEY Water Polo Club return to their home pool for the first time since 1997 and celebrated with an 11-6 win by the Under 16s in the Northern Counties League. Tyldesley had previously beaten opponents Fleetwood 9-8 and they were again off to a flying

  • Big boys don't cry

    HEALTH campaigner Richard O'Neill mingled with ministers on a trip to Westminster for the launch of a parliamentary group dedicated to male welfare. Richard, of Tamworth Drive, Brandlesholme, is an executive member of the Men's Health Forum campaign group

  • Trio of awards for crusading journalist

    A CAMPAIGNING Prestwich journalist who helped free a convicted killer is celebrating a unique hat-trick of Press awards. These latest tributes come after Don Hale's personal crusade was instrumental in freeing Stephen Downing, pending an Appeal Court

  • Musical youth put on a show.

    THE borough's young musical maestros have been raising the roof in Whitefield. For a special open day staged by Whitefield-based Bury Music Centre gave parents, relatives and friends a gilt-edged chance to hear and see the cream of the district's young

  • Kevin's £2.5M smile says it all!

    A RADCLIFFE boy left badly brain-damaged when he nearly drowned in a holiday swimming pool has been awarded £2.5 million. Kevin Roberts, of Calf Hey Close, was just six when the accident happened at a Majorcan hotel in July 1993. He can no longer speak

  • Warning for bosses

    EAST Lancashire bosses have been urged to improve management skills and communicate better with their workers. The advice comes from recruitment consultancy Office Angels following a national survey. Research also found that training should be available

  • Police counter goes mobile

    BUILDING alterations at Leigh police station mean the reception counter has been relocated to a mobile unit at the rear of the complex and is accessible via Henry Street. Chief Inspector Ken Dickson explained: "The unit is open 24 hours a day and after

  • Staff bowled over at party

    STAFF at award winning bakers, Waterfields (Leigh) Ltd were bowled over by celebrations to mark its 75th anniversary. Almost 300 staff turned out to GX Bowl in Worsley to compete in an inter-company 10 pin bowling competition. Forty five teams from Waterfields

  • Christine is top of the colour class!

    CHRISTINE Moffatt, proprietor of Headmasters hair saloon in Waterfoot has proved she is top of the class when it comes to hair colour. She has just qualified for a Master Colour award run nationally by Weller and is only one of five in the country to

  • £14m hospital plans unveiled

    HEALTH bosses are putting the finishing touches to plans to build a £14million new hospital for Rossendale -- and to ask Valley residents just what they think of the idea. Burnley Health Trust managers plan to launch major public consultation on the proposal

  • Mental health group backs week of action

    A LEIGH mental health group is backing a national week of action. The Oasis Club has organised an open day today in the Chapel Street drop-in centre between 1pm and 6pm. A group spokesman said one in four adults will experience mental health problems

  • School's good eggs

    LEIGH'S Bedford Methodist Primary School pupils are good eggs. They have shown their 'eggs-cellent' grasp of knowing value for money by winning the borough's annual Easter Competition. Over 130 children from local schools took part in the event, which

  • Schoolgirl Lauren chosen for cricket tour of West Indies

    A TEENAGER from Tyldesley was bowled over when she was chosen to represent Lancashire playing cricket for the county tour of the West Indies. Lauren Aldred, aged 15, a pupil at Fred Longworth High School, has jetted off to Trinidad with a squad of 20

  • Can you help cinema project?

    I AM researching cinemas in the 1950s in the Preston, Bolton, Blackburn area and would very much like to hear from readers who went to the cinema, or who perhaps worked in local cinemas, and who would be willing to share their memories. This will result

  • Tennis fans will play in top courts after club boost

    TENNIS players in Leigh can look forward to playing in style over the summer thanks to a half-a-million pounds cash boost for the grounds of the town's top sports club. Work on six new floodlit artificial grass courts at Leigh Cricket, Tennis and Bowling

  • Write to us

    AT the National Centre for English Cultural Tradition, University of Sheffield, we are working on a project assessing traditional types of English over the last 50 years. We are looking at proverbial usage; traditional sayings; rhymes and riddles; blason

  • Help us beat estate pests

    HARD core troublemakers are being targeted on a housing estate where unruly teenagers are making life hell. Families on Hindley's Borsdane Estate, who are hoping innovative Police action will have the desired effect, have received a first newsletter from

  • Post us a card

    MAY I ask readers going on holiday here and abroad to add another postcard to their list and send it to Dr Hadwen Trust c/o 18, Fletton Avenue, Peterborough, PE2 8AU. These will be auctioned to raise funds for research into cancer, diabetes, heart disease

  • Plans for new life in tatters

    THE pregnant girlfriend of Anthony Eaves, who was killed while out celebrating his 32nd birthday, today spoke of her devastation at his death. Anthony, known to friends and family as Tony, was stabbed in the early hours of Saturday morning in an incident

  • Election date switch brings holiday chaos

    THE change to the date of the local elections has thrown all three main parties into holiday chaos. Blackburn with Darwen Council party leaders Malcolm Doherty from Labour and Paul Browne of the Lib Dems have both had their holiday plans disrupted by

  • We have been told to spend

    THERE have been several recent letters regarding the inflation-busting council tax. I am both an employee of Bury MBC and a council tax payer and can therefore see both sides of the issue. An an employee, I understand that the only way services can be

  • We can learn from those who are persecuted

    THERE has been much written about the planned closure of Sainsburys in Prestwich and the suggestion that it might be used for asylum-seekers. Some of the comments have given me cause for concern about an underlying attitude towards people in need. It

  • 20mph limit is a waste of money

    THOUGH I failed in my attempt to persuade the highways committee to delay the implementation of the 20mph speed restriction in the Fishpool area, I would like to explain why I objected to what is, on the face of it, a "traffic calming" measure. Because

  • Macabre job...

    VICTORIAN graves should be reopened and reused for burials MPs have recommended. The plan would solve the shortage of new cemeteries and stop old graveyeards falling further into disrepair. In the plan old coffins will be buried deeper to allow new bodies

  • Weight too far!

    WHAT has former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell done to herself? She may have shed 28lbs with a tough fitness regime, but, my goodness, I've seen more meat on a rusty fork. There's really nothing attractive about turning into a Posh type beanpole -- all skin

  • Newsboys making the news...

    LOCAL newsagents Len and Susan Cloake of Corner Lane, Leigh, always keen to help and support amateur sport, persuaded their newspaper delivery lads to enter the National Federation of Retail Newsagents Newsboys National Five-a-Side Football Championships

  • Leigh Youth League

    Under 16s: 1st Lowton 0, Pennington Athletic 8 (Ward 3, Manning 2, Crompton, Cankalis, Sadiq; Culcheth Athletic 1, Dynamo Boys 4 (Pennington 2, Bennett, Stott); Hindsford Rovers 10 (Fitzmaurice 3, Cubbin 2, Nuttall 2, Riddley, Valentine, McMullen), Pennington

  • Just 351 see Leigh move up into fourth place

    Leigh RMI 1 Kettering Town 0 LEIGH RMI took all three points to complete a league double over last years FA Trophy finallists Kettering on Tuesday, but were handed a few scares along the way. As the Railwaymen provided a disappointing display, the 'Poppies

  • Close shaves for title hopefuls

    TWO victories in seven days, 3-2 at home over fellow title contenders East Manchester last Saturday and 2-1 to Elton Fold on Tuesday, have moved Atherton Town moved to within one point of Premier Division leaders Wythenshawe Amateurs with a game in hand