AMONG all the visionary efforts to regenerate Blackburn town centre and make it a better, brighter place to visit, shop, work, relax and live in, the project nearing completion in old-time Fleming Square stands out as an imaginative gem. It has entailed
REGARDING Lee Richardson's view that there is no justification for Darwen's name being on the M65 Services sign (Letters, September 18), I was born in Blackburn and lived there for 25 years before moving to Lower Darwen where I have lived for over 30
APPARENTLY, the A666 Bolton Road in Darwen shows one of the highest levels of pollution in the area, caused mainly by the gridlock that occurs regularly from the Darwen/Blackburn boundary to south of the Circus. This is not surprising to Darweners who
REGARDING your report (LET, September 19), how typical that two Labour members of parliament seem to be more concerned with retaining their seats than in representing constituents. I cannot see why Jack Straw is worried -- Labour could put up Donald Duck
THE information by Lancashire police on the sites for the mobile speed cameras (LET, September 13) was not worth the paper it was written on. What a waste of trees! We all know the real reason for the cameras. The last thing is road safety. The first
I THINK we already know that communications (except to take your money off you) are not a strong point between the general public and the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, but now it appears that the quango staff are not even communicating with
Morecambe 1 RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley: DILIGENT and resolute at the back, Leigh's run of games without a win was extended to five as ill fortune saw the resistance snapped by two late Morecambe penalties. With eight minutes to go, RMI looked value for the
A DINNER and dance to raise money for the mayor's good cause is being held in Burnley next month. The event, at the the James Hargreaves stand at Burnley Football Club, will raise money for Headway, the brain injury association and When You Wish Upon
A FUND-RAISING quiz takes place tonight in the Bay Horse at 8pm for the Keep Worsthorne with Hurstwood Rural campaign. THE Ramblers' Association,NE Lancs area, are organising a pre-meeting to discuss evidence to present to the Clowbridge reservoir wind
ROBBERS attacked a security guard with a brick during a raid on a Burnley shop last night. Two Securicor guards were taking money to a machine in the Spar shop in Todmorden Road at around 9.40pm when one of them was ambushed. As one was taking the money
A WOMAN is claiming victory in her War of the Roses court battle with a Yorkshire council, which gave her a parking fine when she was eight months pregnant. Lynsey Vickers was heavily pregnant when she parked her car in Huddersfield's market hall car
CYCLISTS of all abilities can enjoy a slow-paced guided ride from Nelson on Saturday. The route, which contains no steep hills, has been designed to cater for riders of all ages and abilities to show cycling is an ideal form of transports as well as healthy
ARCHAEOLOGY experts today congratulated residents who fought a council demolition order in Nelson West. The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) supported residents in Whitefield who blocked proposals by Pendle Council to buy and demolish 162 terraced
MORE than £500,000 is to be pumped into improvement works to sewers in Nelson to stop them overflowing. United Utilities is staging a public exhibition to show details of works to the sewer system in Roughlee, which will stop waste overflowing into the
A MAN accused of stashing a bomb kit in his kitchen and attic told a court that he was merely fascinated with fireworks. And an expert witness in firearms and explosives told Burnley Crown Court that, in his opinion, equipment seized by police officers
THE best bowlers in Pendle showed off their skills at the annual bowls championship. The event, in Alkincoats Park, in Colne, featured 16 men from eight clubs and 14 women representing four clubs from across the borough. Winners of each championship were
A SEVENTY-year-old war memorial was restored as part of centenary celebrations at a Burnley Working Men's Club. The paper and wood memorial bared the names of men from Daneshouse Unity WMC.
ROVERS fans were given the chance to pass their own verdict on referees at Ewood Park. Farleys solicitors printed 15,000 red cards to be handed out against a home clash against Sheffield Wednesday.
A 78-YEAR-OLD woman found collapsed on the bathroom floor at her home in Rishton died of natural causes. An inquest heard that police forced entry to Edna Allan's house in Thornhill Avenue when neighbours reported that they had not seen her for a few
A YOUNG building worker from Accrington is hoping to build up his career by being voted Trainee of the Year 2003. Robert Ross is one of 43 trainees in running for the award, hosted by builders merchants Jewson, and plumbing specialist Graham. The event
THE trial has begun of two nurses, one from East Lancashire, who are accused of the manslaughter of an elderly nursing home resident. Dennis Latham, 33, from Rishton, the former nursing services manager of Ballastowell Gardens nursing home in the Isle
A RETIRED headteacher who wants to open a children's play centre has asked for help to fulfil her 30-year dream. Rosalind Gregory, former head of Whitegate Nursery school, in Victoria Road, Padiham, needs £1,000 and 100 people to sign up so she can set
A TEENAGER who breached an anti-social behaviour order FIVE times within a month of being released from detention has been locked up again. Lee Thompson refused the option of keeping his freedom while being fitted with an electronic tag when he appeared
LOTTERY funding is set to benefit communities in East Lancashire with almost £450,000 being distributed to disadvantaged local areas. Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS will receive £213,724 to improve areas with few community led services as part of the
SCOTT Taylor's sixth minute goal put Blackpool into the third round of the Carling Cup against previously unbeaten Premiership outfit, Birmingham City. The Seasiders go into Saturday's third round draw along with the cream of British football after a
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent is hoping for a repeat of last season's League Cup campaign after his side booked their place in the third round of the competition last night. The Clarets' hard-earned 3-2 success over Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park opens
THE key stats and moments from the match against Scunthorpe. BRIAN JENSEN: A performance that will have perplexed manager, team-mates and fans alike. He proved he can be very good, but also at times dangerously fallible when he is called on to be commanding
ALL the Clarets hopes of money-spinning cup ties might have gone West - but for a defender called Dean. Strikers will always tell you that scoring goals win matches, but at the other end of the field there is a feeling that goals denied can play a big
A BLACKPOOL mother and daughter missing for nine days have been found, Lancashire Police said today (Wednesday, September 24). Michelle Addy, 34, and eight-year-old Jenna Hargreaves were found 'safe and well' earlier today, a police spokeswoman said.
AS THE school speech night season gets under way in East Lancashire, stand by for a torrent of self-acclaim for their achievements -- as borne out by the ever-rising levels of success by pupils in the GCSE and A-level examinations. Congratulations, then
IF the views of half the residents of the new Blackburn with Darwen ward of Fernhurst to whom our reporter spoke are any indication, the affinity of people living there is, as Rossendale and Darwen's MP Labour Janet Anderson claims, with Blackburn and
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today said he's confident Rovers can pull off the perfect smash and grab raid in Turkey today. Rovers will attempt to win their first ever tie in the UEFA Cup when they take on Ankara-based outfit Genclerbirgligi. And Souness
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent is hoping for a repeat of last season's League Cup campaign after his side booked their place in the third round of the competition last night. The Clarets' hard-earned 3-2 success over Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park opens
COMMONWEALTH gold medallist Craig Heap showed off his winning techniques when he visited Darwen Moorland High School to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle. Pupils were given advice and tips from the Burnley gymnast during a session in the school's gym
A GROUP of schoolchildren in Darwen are learning to communicate with deaf people and those who are hard of hearing by learning how to do sign language. The Year Six pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School, Bank Top, are busy practising for a school performance
A POPULAR Darwen beauty spot was praised yesterday as a plaque was unveiled to mark its centenary. Darreners have been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening of Sunnyhurst Wood to the public throughout the year but yesterday an official acknowledgement
YOUNG people in Stacksteads will have plenty to do in the evenings now the kids club and youth night at Stacksteads drop-in centre has restarted after the summer break. The kids club is held on Tuesday nights, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, for children of primary
A ROSSENDALE bobby has thanked the generous people of the valley for digging deep into their pockets and helping raise money for a cancer charity. Haslingden Community Beat Manager PC Gordon McGeechan entered the Great North run alongside his brothers
FRIENDS of a World War Two veteran who campaigned against the closure of care homes say he died of a broken heart after seeing the home where his wife was a resident close. Norman Hickey, who won the hearts of Lancashire people for his role in campaigning
A LAST-gasp strike by Jamie Squires earned high flying Bamber Bridge all three points. Dale dominated the early exachanges but Bridge forced their way back into the match and Barry Massey scored with a header on 32 minutes. Dale equalised three minutes
LEIGH RMI ladies had a convincing 6-3 win over Manchester Stingers. Simone Robinson put Leigh ahead, but although the Stingers equalised RMI dominated and Joanne Wood gave them the lead again. Stingers levelled before Lou Sumner and Wood put Leigh in
BLACKBURN'S Magistrates Court is to undergo a £300,000 refurbishment. Planned improvements to the building in Northgate include new plants, paving and lighting. Parking facilities for shoppers are being improved and a new boundary wall has been built.
FIFTEEN-year-old Hannah Greenough came third in the National Junior Chef of the Year competition judged by Gary Rhodes. Hannah, a pupil at St Wilfrid's was representing Blackburn College at the contest held in Broadstairs, Kent. College tutor Iain Steele
ONE of the UK's leading clothing and homewares retailers has announced a massive jobs boost in the run-up to Christmas. Matalan, which has outlets in Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley and Colne, is taking on 1,200 temporary staff at its 170 stores to cope
"EAT a Rainbow - Beat a Stroke" is the theme for Stroke Awareness Week when people in Blackburn and Darwen will be encouraged to tuck into more fruit and vegetables. The Stroke Association will stage hold a health awareness day in the foyer of the old
MUMS, dads and children are invited to be construction Workers for the day on Saturday, October 11. They are being invited to take part in a day of activities at Blackburn Central Library Learning Centre to include model building. The event is part of
A NEW support group for parents of children with special needs has been set up in Blackburn. 'What Children Need' runs at Roman Road Community Centre and was set up by parents with the help of the Barnados charity. Project worker Jonathan Burridge, said
A MAN who went back to a pub for his cigarettes was struck by a taxi as he crossed the road, a Bolton inquest was told. Grandfather John Sharrock suffered serious head injuries and later died after the accident outside the Royal Oak pub in Wigan Road,
ROBBERS attacked a security guard with a brick during a raid on a Burnley shop last night. Two Securicor guards were taking money to a machine in the Spar shop in Todmorden Road at around 9.40pm when one of them was ambushed. As one was taking the money
BONFIRES could be banned for the first time in an area of Blackburn because firebugs have made life a misery for residents and attacked firefighters. And if the pilot zero-tolerance scheme before and after November 5 in Higher Audley and proves successful
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today said he's confident Rovers can pull off the perfect smash and grab raid in Turkey today. Rovers will attempt to win their first ever tie in the UEFA Cup when they take on Ankara-based outfit Genclerbirgligi. And Souness
MIDFIELD maestro Tugay today said he's ready to sign a new deal with Blackburn Rovers as he prepared for tonight's UEFA Cup tie in Ankara. The Turkish international's contract is due to expire at the end of the season but the former Galatasaray star is
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness insists tonight's UEFA Cup clash with Genclerbirligi in Turkey holds no fears for his European adventurers - on or off the pitch. Much has been said and written about the potentially hostile welcome awaiting Rovers at the
A FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD boy died in his bed after a night spent drinking vodka with friends, a Coroner heard. Anthony Riley, of Brunswick Avenue, Burnley, died after inhaling his stomach contents on the morning of February 15 this year. Coroner Richard Taylor
RADICAL blueprints for Burnley's future are set to be discussed by councillors next week. The debate on the three preferred Neighbourhood Action Plans at the council's executive on Tuesday marks the next big step in the borough's long term future. The
A RECREATION ground in Nelson, which was closed on health and safety grounds, is to get a £40,000 facelift, it was announced today. The site at Netherfield Road -- dubbed 'the most popular in Pendle' -- was closed by Pendle Council in July this year to
MP Gordon Prentice is urging ministers to launch a nationwide tenancy deposit scheme to stop landlords illegally withholding money from rent book holders who leave their premises. The Pendle Labour MP wants the measure included in the forthcoming Housing
THE widow of John Doone, who died when a trawler sank amid espionage rumours, says she will continue her fight for the truth. Sheila Doone, of Sackville Street, Brierfield, spoke as it was revealed one set of remains from the ship are still unidentified
EAST Lancashire lawyer Sajjid Karim is bidding to become the Liberal Democrat first elected non- white politician in the European election next year. The Blackburn-born son of a Tory councillor, who now runs a solicitors' partnership in Nelson, believes
THERE are just a few days left to nominate potential winners for our Pride of East Lancashire Campaign. Our hunt for the area's greatest achievers and unsung heroes is drawing to a close but there is still time to put pen to paper. This campaign is about
BURY FC: Things went from bad to worst for Bury when they suffered another home defeat. This time, Watford inflicted a 2-1 loss on the Gigg Lane outfit. Watford star Luther Blissett was a real thorn in Bury's side throughout and it was against the run
BURNLEY bowler James Anderson's gruelling summer looks set to rule him out of England's tour to Bangladesh next month. The 21-year-old pace bowler has a knee problem which team spokesman Andrew Walpole described as "nothing serious", but the selectors
YOUNGSTERS helped improve a 22km stretch of the popular, long-distance Rossendale Way. The work, which has been carried out over the last ten months, was part of an Environmental Task Force training scheme run by Rossendale Groundwork to give unemployed
PRIMARY school children are to get extra help with their studies. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is to open its first primary study centre for nine to 11-year-olds . The aim is to assist with homework, projects, preparation for tests and moving
TWO councils are to reconsider their policy on sunbeds in leisure centres following new advice. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has told local authorities it is "inappropriate" to make money from sunbeds after research showing the link
MORE than 200 North West soldiers took part in a huge crackdown on weapons smuggling in southern Iraq today. In an early-morning swoop, hundreds of troops from the Queen's Lancashire Regiment surged into the rural town of At Tannuma, north of Basra. Their
A BARBER is offering a reward to trace thieves who stole plants from a regeneration showpiece outside his business. Jeff Stone, who owns a hairdressers in Fleming Square, Blackburn, has posted a £500 reward for information leading to the conviction of
THE campaign to urge vulnerable people to get their free flu jabs is set to be launched in Blackburn and Darwen. Health chiefs from the area's primary care trusts hope the elderly and people with chronic illnesses will get vaccinated well before the winter
HIKER Richard Gidlow took his lifelong ambition to new heights -- by trekking across the French Alps in an amazing solo journey. The 59 year-old, a social worker for Blackburn with Darwen Council, battled bad weather and illness to complete the exhausting
ST Wilfrid's CE High School, Blackburn, is undertaking a £13million redevelopment. It is on schedule and the 1,600 pupils are now in two-thirds of the buildings. But, as headteacher David Whyte explains to SIMON HAWORTH, the toughest part could be yet
A MAN in a drunken rage with his ex-wife bit through the telephone wires to stop her calling police. Blackburn magistrates heard that at one stage David Ainsworth grabbed his former partner by the throat and banged her head against the wall. He also took
BONFIRES could be banned for the first time in an area of Blackburn because firebugs have made life a misery for residents and attacked firefighters. And if the pilot zero-tolerance scheme before and after November 5 in Higher Audley and proves successful
GARY Jackson's late goal ensured Clitheroe gained a point after they fell behind midway through the second half. The opening 45 minutes was a quiet affair as Alsager got men behind the ball and looked to hit Clitheroe on the break. Steve McDonald had
JOHN Coleman must have a crystal ball stashed away somewhere at the Interlink Express Stadium. For the Accrington Stanley manager predicted Steve Hollis would score last night, based on, he freely admitted, "just a feeling". The left back, who was sidelined
BE alarmed, be very alarmed! So say local fire chiefs who are urging people to fit smoke alarms and check that existing ones are working properly. Statistics show that in the 12 months from April 2002, there were 209 accidental house fires in the borough
