Archive

LEIGH Royal Oak piled on the points as they underlined their title ambitions. They beat St Helens Crusaders 42-6 in Division Five of the NorthWest Counties ARL. Young full-back D Fishwick was always in the action with P Braterski the pick of the pack

WHAT a difference a week makes! Tyldesley RU turned on the style, destroying Oldham in their top-of-the-table clash. The foundation for the 34-7 victory was the dominant pack a pack, which took control of both the tight and loose phases of play, and a

BURY born but now living in Cleveleys, Mr Sidney Booth wants to trace the whereabouts of his sister, May, who was born on November 22 in 1921 or 1922. It is thought that May, who married a Jeffrey, or Geoffrey, Wood, changed her Christian name to either

LEIGH RMI suffered their first defeat in 10 league games - but manager Steve Waywell was still buoyant. Gainsboro scored a goal in each half for a 2-0 win, victory perhaps hinging on a referee's decision when he disallowed Ian Monk's header just after

SUPERFIT Samantha Greenhalgh and Alison Arnfield are offering to dress to impress your customers - all for a good cause. The women are in training for this year's London Marathon and are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research. Now they

MORE news on the music front this week. As you know, at the moment it's the return of all the oldies like Cher, Duran Duran and most recently, Blondie. And it looks like there's also another band that may be making a comeback pretty soon - remember The

THE tributes to John Filan's performances just keep rolling in as the Blackburn Rovers keeper turned in another top-class display at Chelsea in midweek. Tim Flowers can only watch and wonder from the bench as to how he might manage to win back his first-team

STAN Ternent faces another tactical poser as he bids to become the first Burnley manager to lead his side to victory at Wycombe. The Clarets have alternated between 4-4-2, 5-3-2 and 3-5-2 line-ups this season and, when chasing games, have also played

A DISABLED man suffered a catalogue of incompetence from Bury social services, according to a scathing report from the Local Government Ombudsman. Files went missing, records weren't kept and investigating officers had conflicts of interest as the grievance

Wycombe Wanderers v Burnley - Pete Oliver's big match preview BURNLEY will have to overcome the Wimbledon spirit if they are to extend their unbeaten away record to five games at Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow. The man recently installed in the Chairboys'

THEIR delivery vans were a familiar sight on the streets of St Helens 40 or so years ago. But how many, who munched the hot pies and fresh bread turned out by the Lee & Devanney bakery, can now pinpoint where their premises stood ? The challenge has

MEMBERS of the public in Bury and Prestwich will be given a vital say next week on policing priorities in their own area. And they will be asked whether these meet those of the police and the local authority which has drawn up five key areas to be tackled

McILVANNEY on Football published by Mainstream of Edinburgh is a book consisting of a collection of pieces about football. Hugh McIlvanney is a living legend in sports journalism. A regular winner of the UK Sports Writer of the Year award, he is the only

STAN Ternent takes his injury and suspension-hit side to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow anxious for a result to avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Wycombe are joint bottom of the Second Division, 10 points adrift of the Clarets. And Ternent

A DEVASTATED family were today waiting for medical experts to shed light on the mystery death of a 29-year-old man just weeks after he returned from a round-the-world trip. Peter Byrom, 29, died during the night after telling his mother he felt unwell

FRIENDSHIPS forged in uniform invariably stand the test of time. Further evidence of this comes from former sergeant Norman Donaldson, who writes in pointing out that he's keen to tie up again with a St Helens comrade from more than 40 years ago. He and

DEREK Fazackerley is still recovering from the shock of being plucked from the ranks of the unemployed and appointed to the England coaching staff. Sacked by Blackburn Rovers in December, following Brian Kidd's arrival, 'Faz' was named by Kevin Keegan

A RATHER nasty letter over Cllr Grattan's signature last week, having a go. I wonder who wrote this one for him. It's largely venomous nonsense, and I wish Grattan or whoever would get their facts right. I've never met, spoken or corresponded with Mr

THE art of communication is something most of us do not even think about. But for those who are deaf and hard of hearing, communication takes on a whole new meaning, so sign language and lip reading become increasingly important. Now, Bury Metro Deaf

PRESTON College's footballers have been busy restoring England's footballing reputation in America this week with a string of resounding results in a unique competition. Two teams of lads have flown out to Arizona to take part in the 20th President's

I read last week's article about the possibility of trams in Lancaster with great interest. I agree that the local rail system is under-used and that an inexpensive and reliable light tram system running the length of the district's urban corridor from

CHIEF Constable David Wilmot was this week asked to explain why Bury taxpayers apparently pay more coppers to fund its local "bobbies." The question arose during a visit by the police chief to Bury on Wednesday. Mr Wilmot met Town Hall chiefs after visiting

I HAVE already written to the Saints Board about the following matter which I find very annoying and to which I have still not received any reply. I refer to the fact that they are still selling the Adult Stand Tickets at the discount price of £168. I

ONE-time dashing wing-half Alan Crump has netted success at the first attempt after surfing the world-wide web and coming across the St Helens Star. Alan, now a long-time resident of sunny California, immediately contacted us to see if any of his old

A POIGNANT little note is struck by an anonymous reader of this column who found an unusual piece of 'litter' blowing around the streets of St Helens. On closer inspection, it turned out to be an original marriage certificate (in perfect condition) from

I understand that the city and county councils will borrow between £1-£2 million to supplement the Millennium grant so that the combined cycle and footway over the bridge can be built. This means some five pounds per household for the next 20 years to

BURY health bosses were given a pat on the back for their "open and transparent" approach in the latest performance review for 1998. The review compiled by NHS regional office examined performance in a number of key local health care areas. Bury and Rochdale

I AM writing with regards to your article 'Never on a Sunday' (Star, Feb 4) concerning playing golf at Sherdley Park Golf Course. Firstly, I would point out that the two clubs who play the course are Sherdley Park Golf Club and St Helens Golf Club. Also

LARGER-than-life characters are pretty thin on the ground these days, but the St Helens district once had them in abundance, as Billinge reader Roy Lally can testify. For he can trot out a list from his boyhood without even pausing to draw breath. "You'd

SHOCKED but overjoyed was how Deborah Coldridge described herself after being named Bury Times Bride of the Year at a spectacular Valentine's Day ceremony. The bridal extravaganza at the Elizabethan Suite in Bury Town Hall on Sunday reached a nail-biting

GRANADA TV newshound Paul Crone helped celebrity chefs Paul Heathcote and Dai Davies cook up a treat at Asda's Clayton Green store. Filmed by a Granada TV camera crew, the culinary duo, pictured with Paul, egg-celled when they were given the challenge

LEIGH is one of seven designated flood zone regions which will be put on alert next week. On Thursday the Environment Agency will issue a mock flood warning to test communication links. Warnings will be issued to any homes and workplaces which are registered

Following criticisms about the council and councillors I feel I should put before the public some achievements over the the last few years, which we have helped to promote and bring forward. In Morecambe there's a new railway and bus station, Morrison's

MORE than 170 lorries a day could be using the roads around Ramsbottom if Fletcher Bank Quarry at Shuttleworth is turned into a dumping ground. And if Biffa Waste Ltd get their way the quarry will be operating 11 hours a day, five-and-a-half days a week

STRICT checks must be made on anyone wishing to work with children. And Leigh MP Lawrence Cunliffe is backing the Child Protection Bill aimed at protecting children from physical and sexual abuse. Next week the Bill gets its second reading. Mr Cunliffe

DEALERS will be trading in clogs at the first Wigan and Leigh Local Exchange Trading Systems fair on Saturday. The event, which runs from 10am to 2pm at Ince Community Centre, follows on from the successful LETS awareness day in January, at which numerous

THE latest American teen sensation to hit Britain LFO (Lyte Funkie Ones) have come to Preston to promote their debut single. Dubbed the new 'bad boys of pop', the three-strong LFO - Brizz, Rich Nice and Brad has been on a four-week tour of British schools

WE seem doomed to have governments of contradiction. The National Health Service is short of beds - so the Government closes a hospital and gets rid of 106 beds. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland says she wants to rid Ireland of murderers and

A LEIGH super master was one of the country's top 14 head teachers called to Downing Street. Mr John Jones, 48, of Pennington, head of Ruffwood Community High School, Kirkby, and fellow principals met Prime Minister Tony Blair, Education Secretary David

ACCORDING to a recent report in the Bury Times, Bolton Road Methodist Church still lacks the money needed for a new church. Surely this divine intervention means there is still time for them to reverse the terrible decision to build on the existing sports

THIS genetically modified food issue is making me sick! Since it broke, I haven't relaxed enough to enjoy a meal. I know I am safe shopping at Iceland's with their own brand stuff, and I will endeavour to go there. But what about eating out? Even a salad

I FEEL I must alert Bury to a creeping, silent disease which is going to affect everyone in the town before too long. Some of us have already suffered, and who knows how many will fall victim in the near future. I am talking , of course, of the dreaded

I AM writing regarding the Citizen (February 11), about the disgusting state of the streets. I am a dog owner myself and my pets never foul the streets. I am also a big animal lover. But I'm sick of cat dirt in my garden. I remove a shovel full of it

I FEEL that readers should be made aware of the unfair proposal to split Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) into four groups. The budget fuel duty escalator is already being applied to fuel duty on environmental grounds: ie the level of duty is being raised

UGB Lions 10 Ashton 16 THE Glassmen slipped to defeat after making the perfect start. It came when Shaun Anders crossed the whitewash after only five minutes. But Ashton drew level before the break with an unconverted try. After the break the Ashton stand-off

IF the Bury Speakeasy group has to close, the effect will be devastating for many of the members whose only link with speech therapy, and contact with people with similar problems, is by attending the centre. Not only should it be encouraged to continue

A COPY of your favourite free weekly, the Citizen, will be read by future generations after having been included in a time capsule buried by Red Rose 999. Our newspaper was contained in the capsule, which also enclosed mementos from Preston North End

GREEN Party bosses have backed Chris Maile following calls by the Labour Party to sack him! They paid tribute to his work - particularly on the Leigh Guided Busway and Xanadu project - saying he was one of their most effective campaigners. The defence

I WRITE regarding Mrs Breakell's letter (Feb 11 edition) and the remark she made saying the streets of Lostock Hall are disgusting. I only want to comment on one aspect of what she said, that is "South Ribble have notices up, etc, ... so where are the

A PRESTON cancer consultant's ground-breaking book has won the endorsement of international opera star Jose Carreras. Dr Tariq Mughal, an oncologist at Royal Preston Hospital, wrote Understanding Leukaemia and Related Cancers to help sufferers and their

REAL life 'Stigs of the Dump' are risking their lives by building dens in a make-shift tip and terrorising a quiet Preston district. Despite the determined efforts of local councillors to keep youngsters away from the land, next to Tulketh Road, Riversway

A PRESTON pensioner living in a congested Moor Park street has hailed plans to stop rat-run traffic travelling at 'high speed' outside his home. Delighted Arthur Grey, of St Thomas Road, warned: "Something needs to be done before someone gets killed."

IN common with many residents of the Parish of Elton, members of PASE (Preservation of All Saints, Elton) read with deep regret the news that the church is to be declared redundant. The news comes as no surprise to this organisation, which for the past

THE number's nearly up for Preston's real-life neighbours from hell after plans were unveiled for professional witnesses to be deployed in the town's problem areas. Preston Borough Council is investing £20,000 on sending professional witnesses - or private

LEYLAND could be heading for a massive supermarket war after it was announced that Tesco plans to open a superstore in the town literally feet away from the entrance to an existing store. Tesco last week announced it was going to open a massive 55,000

RETIRING teacher Keith Howard has put away his chalk for the last time - after spending 25 years at the same school. Keith, deputy headteacher at Penwortham Priory High School, has spent the last quarter of a century teaching a generation of Penwortham

COUNCILLORS have told a Preston man to rip down parts of his new house on 'a matter of principle'. The man, who built a house on land in Regent Park, Fulwood, last year, may have to remove dormer windows in his sloping roof and patio doors at the back

LEYLAND'S pioneering shop-a-drunk scheme is to go Down Under after being declared a resounding success by local police. Drink Link, launched last year in a bid to track down persistent drink-drivers, is to be copied in Melbourne, Australia, after Ozzie

PROSTITUTES plying their trade in a Preston industrial estate should be allowed to stay there, according to a local councillor. Councillor Albert Richardson believes the police should stop moving the hookers around town and allow them to receive help

BURGER sellers could be forced off the roads of South Ribble if plans drawn up by the borough's mayor get the go-ahead. Coun Jim Owen wants all hot food vans to carry an official licence plate - similar to the scheme for taxis. His suggestion was put

ASHTON residents fear their area is turning into the Callon estate as portrayed on Neighbours from Hell - because troublemakers from the estate have been moved into their area and they are already terrorising people on the streets. A catalogue of crime

SOUTH Ribble's mayor could soon find himself leading the way in going green. If trials in the borough prove successful, the area's first citizen could soon be driven around in a car powered by LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas. South Ribble Council's environmental

BLACKBURN Hawks leading scorer Andrew Dickson could miss out on this weekend's double bill of English Premier League action. Hawks entertain Oxford tomorrow (face off 6pm) and visit Romford on Sunday. The hot-shot Canadian hitman has struggled with a

CULTURE Secretary Chris Smith throws the book at councils threatening to shut or cut the hours of public libraries. He is quite right. After all, they are sources of help and knowledge that have advancmed countless individuals and society itself. But

A HOLLYWOOD film based on the life of an English drug addict is to have scenes shot on the streets of Preston. Around 20 years ago, Stephen Smith was a drug addict living rough on the streets of various towns - including Preston - before a chance meeting

HIS Opposition counterpart and some sectors of the media have poured scorn on Home Secretary Jack Straw's call for people not to walk on by when they see others committing crime or behaving anti-socially and to have a word with them instead. For their

BOOKWORMS at a Blackpool primary school burrowed through their favourite books to mark the National Year of Reading. Pupils and staff at St Kentigern's RC Primary School, on Newton Drive, went to the Zoo, worked with a drama group and even dressed up

YOUNGSTERS from schools across Blackpool have been making a splash in the swimming world. Points made prizes for those competing in the annual Blackpool Primary Schools Swimming Association annual gala. Held at Moor Park and St George's pools, the event

STUDENTS at a Lytham school had the chance to hear about the dangers of drugs at first hand. Former addict Ian Treasure visited King Edward VII School to talk about his personal experiences. The visit is part of the school's drug awareness programme which

MECHANICS drew level with Burscough at the top of the Under 18 Northwest Counties Floodlit League with a comfortable 4-0 home win over near neighbours Wren Rovers. The home side imposed themselves on the game from the outset and went ahead in the 15th

RUNNERS from King Edward VII School, Lytham, raced to individual and team gold medals at the Fylde Schools' Cross Country championships. Nick Hamilton in fourth place led Lytham to a bronze medal in the junior race and Mark Brierley recorded a personal

BENEAST Training arranged for pupils from Montgomery High School in Bispham to visit two Fylde employers as part of their media studies project. The site visits were arranged as a result of the extensive work carried out by Beneast Training and LAWTEC

HAVING read that Blackburn with Darwen Council intends to integrate disabled children from special schools into mainstream education, I wonder whether it has gone into the full implications and possible outcome of its actions. Has it looked at who would

St Helens Crusaders 6 Leigh Royal Oak 42 A WEAKENED Crusaders'side found themselves 24-nil down inside the first 10 minutes. It was a position they never recovered from. They did enjoy a 15-minute purple patch, but it didn't last. The Colliers Arms, Kings

LANCASTER old rogues Mr Pilling Dick and Dr Socrates Gripnerve want to put you in the stocks. It's all part of the city council's tourism department's attempts to attract the lucrative group market to the city at a stand of the The North West Tourist

A FINE hat-trick by man of the match Mark Alcock helped St Helens Hockey Club to a 5-4 victory at Manchester University. The success means they remain second in the table. However, the students struck first in this game, but St Helens hit back immediately

LOVESTRUCK Romeo Del Aspinall today put his hand on his heart and confessed to being the man behind a daredevil Valentine's Day stunt. Del, 24, is an industrial window cleaner who can be seen abseiling from some of East Lancashire's tallest buildings

LANCASTER City are inviting their neighbours to a special meeting to talk about the major ground improvements to their Giant Axe Ground. The meeting will be held on Tuesday night in the Dolly Blue at 7pm in advance of their planning application to the

YIPPEE Gladiators is getting the chop. The only trouble is what other shouting and screaming game can they dig up to annoy us on Saturday evenings? If I could have a One to One with someone famous, like Kate Moss, mine would be with Elvis. My second choice

A LANCASTER couple who ran "a corner shop supplying drugs" have both been jailed. Raymond Willis, 57, and girlfriend Kelly Forsyth, 24, of Fleet Green, admitted conspiracy to supply drugs. Wallis was jailed for four years and Forsyth for 15 months at

Reading 10 Liverpool St Helens 31 DURING the last few weeks there has been a huge transformation at Liverpool St Helens with greater confidence and self belief among the players. New members of the squad and returns from injury have brought back fighting

A MAN who duped football clubs out of match tickets to the tune of about £1,000 has gone to jail for eight months. Jobless Paul Wilkinson, 29, had hit on the idea of making phone orders after getting his hands on credit card receipts - in a scheme described

HARRY Russell's dream has finally come true - he can retire at the age of 65 after winning £104,000. His good fortune arrived on Monday (Feb 15) during a game of bingo and it has meant he can finally turn his back on the Squires Gate restaurant he has

A MAN who claimed he was protecting a woman when he punched another man has been jailed. Philip Tobin, 42, of Clarendon Road, Morecambe, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and was jailed for five months. The incident occurred outside the

Halton 2nd 8 Ruskin Park 2nd 32 WITH the First XV having no game, the seconds took the opportunity to strengthen the pack for this local derby, and it paid off handsomely, as they laid the foundations for the backs to run in five of the six tries scored

AFTER last week's heroic victory at Whitehaven, Carnforth were given a taste of their own medicine as they allowed Colne to snatch a late win. In the first half it was the visitors who had the more possession and should have scored but for gallant defending

FYLDE joker Phil Walker is throwing down the comedy gauntlet. The comedian has been busy testing the water at London's infamous Comedy Store and appearing on the cult TV show Live at Jongleurs. These two venues are the forums for Britain's alternative

THE Winter Gardens could become an expensive empty shell prone to vandalism unless a serious lottery bid is made, claim local campaigners. Friends of the Winter Gardens, which is now known as the Victoria Pavilion, are concerned the landmark building

SUTTON Leisure Centre is to host the national finals of sports hall athletics. To mark the competition's 20th aniversary and St Helens' part in its development, the Finals will be staged at Sutton on February27 from noon - 4pm. Representatives from all

SHRIMPS' boss Jim Harvey must be counting the days until Neil Morton's long-awaited debut on Saturday. The former Barrow striker was suspended from Saturday's game and was sorely missed from an attack which failed to make a single goal scoring opportunity

Pilkington Recs 10 Wigan Spring View nil THIS was not one of Recs more inspiring victories this season. But their solid defence that held the key to victory, while they lacked imagination in attack. Forwards Peter Cahalin, John Meadows and Mike Dennett

A TRAVELLING sales representative from Hest Bank looks certain to lose his job after driving 500 yards home while over the limit and losing his license. Philip Yoran, 40, of Brink Road, asked Lancaster magistrates if they would keep his driving ban down

ECCLESTON United's young stars found their shooting boots at the weekend. Their 14-goal tally in the St Helens McDonald's JOL under 14s section was the league's highest score. RESULTS Under 16s: Whiston Juniors 4 Bleak Hill Rovers 3, Gorsey Lane 2 Rainhill

Haydock 12 Farnworth 2 HAYDOCK maintain the pressure at the top of the North West Counties League after this nail-biting encounter. Farnworth put Haydock under early pressure but the Yickers' defence held out. Anders did a great run up field only to be

BLACKPOOL Operatic Players are waiting in the wings to say hello to a set direct from the West End. The group is staging a production of Hello Dolly at Blackpool Grand Theatre and to add an extra professional edge is hiring an impressive three dimensional

LITTLE did busker Graham Edwards know he was about to be plucked from the streets of Lancaster to become a theatre star as he struck up his accordion one cold morning this week. "I was on Common Garden Street," remembered Graham, 59, "and this lady just

HE knocked out some of the greats of the boxing world as well as being a legend of the ring himself. And Ronnie Clayton proved he could still pack a punch when he posed for pictures with Blackpool Mayor Henry Mitchell (pictured) who had called at his

WOULD you let your children tuck into a plate full of genetically modified food? Tony Blair would and Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson says we should welcome scientific discoveries, Geraldine Smith has an "open mind" but despite repeated assurances there's

PLAY it again! That's the message to Whiston Juniors and Ravenhead. They meet this weekend in a Rainhill Junior League under 11s Cup replay. RESULTS Saturday Under 10s: Captains Lane 0 Rainhill United 7, Eccleston United 0 Agrevo 5, Knowsley South 1 Blackbrook

St Helens Town 1 Clitheroe 1 SATURDAY'S North Western Trains Challenge cup quarter final produced the result neither side wanted and means the pair will have to meet for a fifth time this season. The replay takes place on Monday, February 22 (7.30). This

HERE'S one newshound who's certainly in the know. Candy, the four-year-old Labrador cross, can't wait for the priceless Citizen to arrive each week at her new Lancaster home. A rescue dog from Animal Care in Scotforth, it took Candy four months to train

ST HELENS Star Premier Division outfit Rainford North End moved into the semi finals of the Hospital Cup due to a deserved 5-3 success at Sidac Social. The Division One side, with goals from Carl Pilling (2) and Andy Eaton gave a great account of themselves

LANCASHIRE will meet Durham in a under-21 Rugby Union clash at Ruskin Park on Sunday, February 21, kick-off 2.15pm. Admission is £2.50 including programme. Children accompanied by an adult will be admitted free. Further details from Brian Ball on 611955

GOVERNMENT moves aimed at preventing cases, like that of a psychopath who butchered a teenager in a Blackpool flat, have been welcomed by resort MP Gordon Marsden. Home Secretary Jack Straw on Monday (Feb 15) announced proposals to lock up indefinitely

PERMISSION to build a 50 metre chimney on Lancaster's Nightingale Hall Farm was granted this week. The decision by a government inspector overturns a city council judgment refusing the go-ahead last year. Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson has pledged to fight

GRAMMAR School past pupils of all ages will be entertained by former Ambassador David Wyatt CBE, at next month's Old Leighians' Association annual dinner. Leigh-born Mr Wyatt, an LGS boy in the early 1940s, entered the Diplomatic Service in 1949. He retired

Frickley Athletic 3 Lancaster City 2 LANCASTER'S new signing Kevin Barnes - who arrived at Giant Axe just last week - may leave before he ever plays for the club. The striker played for Blackpool reserves this week and it turns out the league club have

Huddersfield 78, Swinton 4 SUNDAY afternoon's Challenge Cup tie could well have been titled the 'Bobby Goulding Roadshow.' The little maestro was at his brilliant best as the Giants handed out a hard lesson in pace, power and finishing to the hapless

MECHANIC Chris Heaton and his fiancee Rachel Griffin have a deep seated romance. Sainsbury's employee Rachel, 18, from Telford Crescent, Leigh, won't ever forget Chris's New Year's Day proposal on Leigh civic square. That tender moment means so much to

STAN Ternent takes his injury and suspension-hit side to Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow anxious for a result to avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Wycombe are joint bottom of the Second Division, 10 points adrift of the Clarets. And Ternent

MEMBERS of the Sherdley Park Golf Club Ladies Section have saluted their champions. It happened at their annual dinner and awards night, when presentations were made to the following. Gross Championship winner: Jenny Marsh. Net Championship winner: Mel

TRAFFIC chiefs have slammed the brakes on raising car parking charges in Bury. Short-stay charges for parking both on and off-street will not be increased, thanks to new competition. The Mill Gate multi-storey car park, free parking currently available

COUNCIL tenants are to be targeted in a cross-party crackdown on Hyndburn's rent debt problem. The authority was recently named in a Government league of shame highlighting councils with the worst debt collection rates. Hyndburn was the worst performer

Portsmouth 2, Bury 1 NEIL Warnock has warned that watching Bury will not be pretty from now on. Fancy football will take a back seat in the 15-game run-in with Warnock deciding that spirit will come before skill in deciding who he throws into the heat

ATHERTON Councillor Jack Sumner was given an 80th birthday surprise by colleagues on Monday. They arranged for wife, Netta, and daughter-in-law, Valerie Sumner, to be at Wigan Town Hall for the party, which the former Mayor has described as one of the

NHS staff will come under stricter vetting procedures when applying for jobs in future. At a meeting last week the Bury Health Care NHS Trust chief executive, Mr Phillip Bacon, announced that a watchdog group had been set up to ensure that all the necessary

THE COUNCIL has told sacked Morecambe tourism boss David Christley that it would not be "appropriate" for him to address councillors to tell his side of the story. Mr Christley won a year long battle against the council for unfair dismissal after an independent

THIS wasn't one of North End's best performances but Preston once again demonstrated that they never give up and their reward was three points which has the Deepdale side sitting on top of the division. Preston came at Wycombe right from the opening whistle

A NEW multi-million pound partnership deal between Pilkington and ScottishPower, will see three new energy-efficient power plants installed at the glass company's sites. The 20-year deal is expected to help cut pollution by reducing carbon dioxide emissions

HEALTH inspectors are to investigate the sale of "Frankenstein" foods in Bury. And they are calling on the Government to impose a much longer moratorium on genetically modified foods. Town hall bosses are also to ask local people what they think, if it

SPORTING superstars are giving a confidence boost to a boy involved in racism allegations. Nine-year-old Elliott Stephens met Manchester United's Dwight Yorke on Tuesday, February 16, and next week he will travel to Sheffield to meet boxer Prince Naseem

THE annual St Helens Volunteer Awards 1999 will be officially launched at St Helens Town Hall today (Friday). The formal announcement of the awards, which are given to agencies and individuals who regularly give up their spare time to help others, will

TODDLER Courtney Fannon will have her first taste of fame at this year's Radcliffe Carnival. The 13-month-old tot has been named as the Radcliffe Baby of the Year and will receive her trophy at the 34th carnival on June 5. Parents and their children from

JOHN Lea's bid to give visitors to Leigh a colourful welcome have been given the go-ahead. Just the technical detail has to be worked out before the boundary signs (pictured) - backed by The Journal - can be made. And The Journal understands other areas

ST HELENS Group of Advanced Motorists have demonstrated their appreciation of one of their most hard-working officials. Maureen Leonard, who has been secretary for the past 13 years, was presented with the IAM certificate and a bouquet at a dinner held

SO committed is Ann-Marie Dainty to her community that she's prepared to suffer having a freezing cold head over the winter weeks. Ann-Marie (pictured) decided to shave her head to raise £160 for Mount Avenue and Hill Road Residents' Association in Lancaster

RADCLIFFE'S East Lancashire Paper Mill Company is investing in new capacity for its manufacturing divisions. Following the highly successful relaunch of its flagship woodfree ELAN colour range of papers and the launch last summer of its new wood-free

CHILDREN in the "forgotten village" of Gin Pit, Astley, play on rat infested slag heaps because there are no other play areas, reported The Journal in August 1971. Several pit shafts in the "playground" were still open with children exposed to further

THE funeral takes place today, February 19, of a former Holcombe Brook man who died in a car crash. Student Scott Irving was killed when his Vauxhall Corsa car went out of control and ploughed through a fence on Honlea Road, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, on

IMPORTANT waste regulations will come under the spotlight at a special seminar in Bury next Thursday (Feb 25). The event, an update on producer responsibility obligations, is being staged by Bury's Business Environment Association (BEA). It will be held

POLICE are appealing for readers to help track down two men who stole £200 in cash after breaking into the home of a 79-year-old man. The pair fled from the pensioner's home in Sherdley Park Drive, Sutton, at about 8pm on Wednesday, February 10, after

A REVAMPED Radcliffe Town Hall is set to open its doors to needy youngsters. The once-derelict building has been transformed to provide temporary homes for vulnerable young people from the Radcliffe area. It includes ten purpose-built flats, a small communal

A BURY-BASED car dealership has gone techno by investing in the new millennium to the tune of £100,000. The cash has been used to fund state-of-the-art technology at the Rochdale Road headquarters of Bury Motors, a Renault dealership. More than £75,000

THE show will go on - at least for now - after a new temporary venue was found for the premier event on Bury's farming calendar. Months of searching has paid off for Bury Agricultural Society which this week finally found a ground to host its 58th annual

BOLTON and Bury Chamber is among the training and enterprise councils (TECs) in Greater Manchester whose work has been praised. The tribute is embraced within the first annual review produced by the North West Council for Training and Enterprise (NWCTE

BURY is bidding to become one of the country's first "super councils". Town hall bosses hope that their track record will persuade the Government to award the borough beacon council status. If successful, Bury will be among the few to show the nation

THE "quiet please" signs in Bury Library were replaced with drum machines and synthesizers this week as local youngsters got to grips with the latest technology. They were there in a bid to prove Bury's libraries really are cool by making use of a special

TRAFFIC chiefs are to spend £20,000 to scratch a persistent itch. A study has been commissioned to look into ways of easing traffic congestion around Bury Grammar Schools and St Gabriel's RC High during the "school run". Jams regularly occur in Bridge

STAR of stage and screen Robert Powell gave a scintilating performance in Ramsbottom. Both he and actress Helena Michell gave an evening's entertainment to a sold-out Theatre Royal, home of the Summerseat Players. Robert is perhaps best known for his

A TAXI driver needed hospital treatment after three youths beat him up when he tried to prevent them from damaging his cab. The driver was sitting in his cab outside a chip shop in Springfield Road, Thatto Heath between 9.30 and 10pm on Monday, February

TWO grieving Radcliffe students may have to tear down their floral tribute to their late father. Bury Council says the 9ft by 4ft memorial garden and others in the borough's cemeteries are too big and contravene the authority's 1997 cemetery regulations

BUSINESS leaders from the North West were among key figures invited to a briefing with senior Government ministers at the Millennium Dome. The team was led by St Helens Council leader, Mike Doyle, chairman of the North West Regional Assembly, and Lord

IAN MILLWARD proudly stood on the Barrow touchline as his team enjoyed the applause of the travelling fans. Not for 12 years have Leigh won an away match in the Challenge Cup - and Millward wanted the fans to know they were appreciated. "The players always

SURGEONS have saved the thumb of an off-duty doorman who was brutally attacked with a machete at a Whitefield pub. But detectives hunting the 31-year-old man's four attackers, say their inquiries have come up against a "brick wall." Meanwhile the injured

A YOUNG man was left needing dental treatment after being attacked on his way home from a night out. The 22-year-old victim was set upon as he walked along Duke Street towards the town centre between 2 and 2.30am on Saturday, February 13. After spending

THE Pilkington Glass Museum is to close its doors to the public for the last time on Friday, February 26, after more than 30 years. And the decision to close the museum, which was first established at the old Pilkington's head office site on Prescot Road

Tom Ankram of Leyland writes: WHAT is it about us and pitches, eh? First of all, we are the laughing stock of the league with our legendary plastic pitch - I really thought I had seen it all then - (which, I recall, was often more red with blood than

A WORKING party of local council, health, authority and voluntary organisation representatives has been established to further the new £452 million 'trailblazer' programme to create more opportunities for young children and their families. St Helens is

A DEVASTATED family were today waiting for medical experts to shed light on the mystery death of a 29-year-old man just weeks after he returned from a round-the-world trip. Peter Byrom, 29, died during the night after telling his mother he felt unwell

RE: the Midland Hotel... is this another political stunt so as to sell off this particular part of Morecambe to build flats? I think that this beautiful hotel should be restored to its former glory using council money to make it a training hotel for our

CHILDREN with special education needs are to benefit from a £50,000 government grant. The money will be spent on equipment to aid school management and curriculum support for pupils with special education needs. County councillor John Fillis, chairman

I WRITE regarding the threat of building on land at Spen Moor and I just wonder if the developers have realised the additional potential offered by Elton Reservoir. If they filled it in there would be room for hundreds more houses, perhaps even a shopping

THE Sky's the limit! That's the message from British Aerospace to Tracey Iddon, the 1,000th person nationwide to successfully complete the Business Modern Apprenticeship. Staff at BAe Warton hosted a presentation ceremony to mark the occasion for Tracey

St Helens Schools under 11s 12 Widnes 6 THE local lads staged a great comeback after trailing 6-nil at the break. Ste Bannister led the fightback with a fine try and goal, while Scott Holland repeated the act. C. Donnelly was a tireless tackler, while

VOLUNTEERS from the Princes' Trust, set to start a challenging new project, are appealing to kind-hearted building firms to come to their rescue with donations of tools and equipment. As part of a two-week building and repair project at Much Hoole CE

THE rain poured and the wind swirled but it didn't damped the spirits of those who turned out in Avenham Park on Sunday to mark the Defence of Kimberley. Veterans, TA troops, cadets and VIPs, pictured, marched on the memorial to celebrate a unique battle

THIS week Brian Moore, 97.4 Rock FM's 'man in the morning' is offering even more exciting prizes to Citizen readers. You could win one of three hot 'Wicked Women' CDs, which are recorded by a collection of the world's leading female artists to raise money

I WRITE with regard to the story headlined "MP calls for more students" (Bury Times, Jan 29) and to express my disappointment - one could almost say dismay - at Mr Chaytor's obvious enthusiasm for heavily subsidised further education at universities and

AN ambitious multi-million pound design and technology centre is being planned by the University of Central Lancashire. The Preston-based university is planning to start demolishing the buildings close to their existing campus and Students' Union off

YOUNG skaters sought sponsorship from local businesses to help them reach the top by training with skating champions Steve and Karen Barber. Danielle Guppy, eight, was one of the young athletes training at the Blackburn Arena with potential for stardom

LOWERHOUSE CC have signed South African Martin van Jaarsveld after Matthew Mott announced a few weeks ago that he was unable to return to the club. Van Jaarsveld, 24, who plays for Northern Transvaal is a right handed batsman, right arm off spin bowler

HUNCOAT United's Under-14s marksman Adam Laycock hit a superb hat-trick at Haslingden after his side had gone in at the break with only a slender one-goal advantage. A very tight first half was followed by a mini collapse by the opposing defence during

THIS Sunday (Feb 21) Blackpool rally ace Neil Wearden will be strapping himself into his Vauxhall Astra Sri to compete in Silverstone's eagerly awaited 1999 RallySprint season opener, the TV Masters Challenge. The 26-year-old rising start of British rallying

ACCRINGTON STANLEY must win eight of their last 13 matches if they want to survive. That's the target being set by manager Wayne Harrison as the fast-improving Reds prepare to face championship contenders Gateshead at the International Stadium tomorrow

I AM heartily sick, every time I switch on the television, of seeing Tony Blair telling the British people what is good for them. So he eats genetically modified foods, does he? Well, if that's the case, he can eat my share, as I would not risk any of

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with your comments (LET, February 10) on Blackburn councillors calling for a discussion regarding the Glenn Hoddle affair. Then, the following night you reported on their refusal of a disabled persons' access ramp at a bank and

Hull Dockers 50 Haresfinch 1 FINCH were beaten by the sheer pace of the National Conference Division Two side. But it was a wholehearted and committed performance by the losers which didn't reflect in the final score. For the first 20 minutes it was finely

WITH reference to the article about the rise in council house rents (The Journal, February 11). I would first of all like to congratulate Geoff Roberts, Housing Chairman. I have just received a pension rise of £3.79, plus Cllr Roberts' 8% Council Tax

ANOTHER home shopping magazine dropped through the door this week. I just love 'em. You could spend a fortune on needless gadgets, but there's some brilliant creations. If I was buying anything from this edition it would have to be a pet memorial stone

BUSINESSES in Blackpool South Shore are backing a radio link system designed to beat shoplifters. Fifteen local businesses have already joined the scheme, which was officially launched at the end of last week (Feb 12). The radio network will allow participating

THE 1999 rally season starts this weekend with the first round of the local RSM Championship at the North West Stages. Only a handful of the Bay's crews are contesting the event, with most using next weekend's Bay Stages at Flookburgh as a shakedown for

Thatto Heath 34 Distington 6 HEATH turned on the style to cruise through to the fourth round of the BARLA National Cup. Full-back, Wayne Jackman, kicked Heath into a two point lead after 12 minutes following a penalty for offside 40 yards out. Midway

WHY, I wonder, do I get the feeling that the powers-that-be, who are pushing for the guided busway, think we who live in this area are all stupid? Could it be because almost 12 months after they first revealed their grand design to the public, these people

THE stress of fighting the closure of Whiteacres old folk's home in Burnley contributed to the death of a war veteran who led the campaign, it has been claimed. And the grieving family of Eric Calvert, 89, who led the fight to save the Burnley home, on

AN evening of fundraising fun went off with a light-hearted swing last Friday (Feb 12). Blackpool Mayor Henry Mitchell held a Valentine Ball to make pots of money for the British Heart Foundation. Held at, and sponsored by, Blackpool's plush newly-refurbished

A WONDER-strike from Steve Bushell sank Sam Allardyce's Notts County at Meadow Lane on Saturday (Feb 13) for Blackpool's fifth away win of the season. And Bushell's fifth minute goal was the highlight of his superb performance. Throughout the match he

Westgate Redoubt 18 Blackbrook 26 BLACKBROOK ensured their passage into the Fourth Round of the BARLA National Cup with a converted try in the sixth minute of added time. The visitors showed what character, heart and fight they had in a seven-try cracker

AN Anchorsholme resident is counting the cost of a dream trip to Paris which never came true. Just after New Year, Mrs Jean Roberts answered publicity from a Fleetwood travel company for a Blackpool Tower to Eiffel Tower coach trip, said to be helping

THE town's schoolboy footballers scored a great double success. The under 11s team beat Kirkby 5-1 thanks to goals by Dempsey, Horton, Hale, McCracken and Smith. And the under 11s B side beat South Liverpool 5-0. Scorers were Robinson (2), Bathurst, Doherty

MIKE Smethurst has been named as Edenfield's professional for the forthcoming cricket season. Smethurst played last season with Middleton in the Central Lancashire League whilst completing his degree course at Salford University. He also played with Lancashire's

THE boss of outdoor clothing firm Karrimor today predicted a bright future for the firm in East Lancashire as workers waited to hear if the sale of company had gone through. South African leisure and DIY group Cullinan Holdings was today due to complete

DARREN Bullock signed on the dotted line at Gigg Lane this week then vowed - 'I'll help lead Bury to safety!' The 30-year-old midfield powerhouse took part in his first training session with his new teammates yesterday and was quickly focused on his debut

EURO students from Wigan and Leigh College who have completed work experience abroad received their awards this week. At the annual prizegiving ceremony four local students were presented with their UCAPE (Union pour la Culture at L'avenir Professionel

NADINE Williams and Karen Mitchell are going against the grain! For the two girls have become the first in the country to achieve an NVQ level two in woodmachining. Nadine, 18, who works at Senator International, Altham and Karen, 20, who works at Ipec

WORK to expand Bury's network of cycle lanes begins in the spring. April 1 has been earmarked for the introduction of the green paths on Manchester Road between Parkhills Road and Bury Town Hall in Knowsley Street. The new cycling facilities will link

POLICE seized a quantity of stolen goods after raiding two homes on the Polefield Estate in Prestwich. Up to 15 plain clothes officers, involved in a joint operation between Whitefield and Prestwich townships, took part in the swoops. They recovered a

FIRMS are being urged to go down Mexico way to find new business. The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has invited a Mexican firm to meet local firms interested in supplying goods and services into the country. The firm is offering to represent locally

THIS is your last chance! Entry forms for the first quarterly final of the 1999 Lancashire Evening Telegraph East Lancashire Business Awards must be returned to us by Monday. The awards build on the success of previous years but this year we have introduced

AN estimated £1,000 in cash was stolen from fruit machines in the Wheatsheaf pub in Mill Lane, Sutton, overnight beteeen Friday and Saturday, February 12 and 13. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost

A FED UP father wants the Council to step-in and adopt a bomb-holed road. Mr Douglas Richards labels pot-holed Commonside Road a 'car wrecker' which taxi drivers have branded out-of-bounds. Now, after years of in-action, he wants something done for those

A GIANT DIY and garden centre plus a drive thru' restaurant are on the menu for Hindsford. And by Spring 2000 big-name operators are likely to be offering burgers and fries, trees, tiles and tools on the Rectella factory site on the Tyldesley border.

STAFF at the Pilsworth-based Command Performance (CP) Hair Salon can certainly hold their heads high. The business, which is based at the Asda store, reached the finals of their company's Salon of the Year awards. Around 700 guests, including team members

BLACKPOOL'S famous Winter Gardens could be re-born as an emporium which would allow visitors to take in a show after a day of indoor shopping. The whole future of the complex is under scrutiny after entertainment giant Leisure Parcs launched a 12-month

A MOUTH-watering tie no one wanted, but we can make it into the last eight! That was the positive response from Saints' when Sunday's Silk Cut Cup fifth round draw handed them a daunting trip to Leeds on Saturday, February 27, kick-off 3pm. Saints have

A PERVERT subjected three terrified young girls to an indecent assault as they played on a housing estate in Clock Face. The youngsters, aged nine, seven and six, were on Millersdale in the Four Acre Lane estate between 8 and 8.30pm on Monday, February

IAN MILLWARD proudly stood on the Barrow touchline as his team enjoyed the applause of the travelling fans. Not for 12 years have Leigh won an away match in the Challenge Cup - and Millward wanted the fans to know they were appreciated. "The players always

POLICE are once again urging householders to be wary of callers posing as officials. The alert, aimed particularly at the elderly, follows an incident in Kershaw Way, Newton-le-Willows on Tuesday, February 9. Three men called at the home of a 73-year-old

By RESHMA KARIA PENSIONER William Heaton was charged £5,000 for a £350 job done by cowboy builders. And he only kept hold of his life savings thanks to the quick thinking of a suspicious manager at his local bank. A court heard this week how 79-year-old

A look back at events in history on February 19 with Mike Badham. 1473: Astronomer Nicholas Copernicus was born in Poland. By 1530 he had worked out that the earth went round the sun, and not the other way about. This got him in trouble with the Church

FURIOUS Leigh MR coach Ian Taylor saw red as he feared for his players' safety. And he pointed the finger of blame at referee Colin Morris as his side crumbled to a 52-0 Challenge Cup defeat after two dismissals. The flashpoint came in the 50th minute

CARELESS drivers are to be taught a lesson in safe motoring. Bury's Seedfield Centre in Walmersley is to be made available to accommodate a local branch of the new Greater Manchester Driver Improvement Scheme. Under the project, drivers who commit a wide

MYSTERY still surrounds the origin of a chemical smell in Edenfield which left 15 people needing treatment by paramedics. Blackburn Road was closed to traffic for three hours on Wednesday night after residents in a block of terraced houses called the

TV licensing investigators are waging war on East Lancashire businesses. Officials have been contacting local firms to find out if they have a television set on their premises. And those that don't face a visit from the detector van. Although the vast

TOWN Hall bosses are trying to make sure the Millennium Bug doesn't bite in Bury. The local authority has underlined its commitment to beating the clock by signing up to Pledge 2000. The organisation aims to bring together a wide variety of groups and

POLICE have claimed that car crime in the county is falling - despite a report which says rates are the highest in the country. The study by the British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association said car crime was higher in Lancashire than in any other

Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield Wednesday - Peter White's big match preview BRIAN Kidd already seems to have established his preference for buying British in the shape of his first four forays into the transfer market. And you might expect Sheffield Wednesday

I WOULD just like to say a big thank you to The Citizen for all the help and support we have received in setting up the new Morecambe Bay branch of the Manchester City Centenary Supporters' Association. Without you help, it is probable that our efforts

A LEYLAND man is to marry a woman injured in the Omagh massacre after romance blossomed in the wake of the atrocity. When Mark Blackwell, who lived in Leyland until two years ago, heard that Sandy Smith, whom he had met just once on holiday in Devon,

LABOUR councillors in Blackburn and Darwen last night hit back at claims they were "intimidated" into voting to close two homes for the elderly. The social services committee last night took the final decision to close Shadsworth House in Dunoon Drive

MARLON Broomes vowed today to learn from his mistakes after suffering a red-card "nightmare" at Stamford Bridge. The 21-year-old Blackburn Rovers defender was involved in a confrontation with veteran Gianluca Vialli on Wednesday and paid a heavy price

So Charles Grattan stands by his statement about David Christley does he? And all the council's external advisors tell us they still think they were right do they? What a surprise! They were all mute when their expert advice and testimony was ripped to

DURING the recent cold spell I visited my regular supermarket in town and had to do my shopping in conditions that are not fit for Eskimos. Whenever I have complained about it, I am always given the same reply: "We are getting someone to fix the heating

MY youngest-ever correspondent has dropped a line in the hope that someone can provide details concerning his heroic great-grandad. The intriguingly-named Clayton Clay, aged seven, wonders if any veteran Suttoners can recall his forebear, John Fairclough

I WAS delighted to see space given in this week's Citizen to David Bousfield's proposed ultra-light rail transport system linking Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham with potential for extension to Bailrigg (Citizen: February 11). I was privileged to be

HOLLYWOOD romance has mirrored a real-life love story for Ramsbottom accountant Andy Lawson. Millions of cinemagoers in America have swooned at the latest blockbuster romance You've Got Mail, which stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as a couple who fall in

HI, my name is Angie and I am a St Helens native. I now reside in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. I have been surfing the web in hopes of finding the St Helens Star when finally I did. I used to live on Borough Road till about five years ago when I had the

A LEIGH pest control business has carried off a top national prize. Pestokill, owned by Mr David Clements, and based on the East Lancashire Road, has beaten off strong competition from all over the UK to take the DATAS Professional Pest Controller of

FOLLOWING on from the examples set by Councillors Heath and Broad did any any readers notice in last week's Citizen a Lancaster City Councillor acting responsibly and in the interest of public purse? I refer to your article on page 3 "Airey's Auditor

I JUST had to reply to the letter by 'Angry' in the Star (February 4). While sympathising with him over the incident that happened, I would like to speak up for the elderly I meet while shopping in St Helens. As I am of the next age of senior citizens

FLIPPIN' good catering students, Chris Tarr and Laura Shepard, both 19, donned their pristine chefs outfits and floppy hats, to toss up a tasty Pancake storm in the middle of Winckley Square. As scholars at Preston College on Winckley Square, Preston,

I AM happy to know of Dave Watts' anger and frustration at the Government's decision to overrule his opposition to planning permission granted to H. J. Banks of County Durham. Maybe Mr Watts will understand what the townsfolk have had to endure for the

SIDDOW Common flat plans brought a howl of protests and a promise. Locals fear the English Churches Housing Group scheme for 12 flats alongside Mather Lane canal bridge, in Leigh, might present problems. The housing corporation shelved controversial housing

I AM a person returning to live in Morecambe after an 18 year absence and I am greatly disturbed by the articles I have read recently with regard to the Midland Hotel. If the Midland has to be closed and boarded up it will be the beginning of the end

THERE'S in an old English saying which refers to a person, if he is utterly outrageous as having "The Cheek of Old Nick" or "The Cheek of the Devil." I have no doubt whatsoever that one new and comprehensive expression will soon be replacing both. In

LEIGH Euro MP Terry Wynn has taken the problem of phoney timeshare touts to the European Parliament. He has warned local holidaymakers that they are still making illegal claims and using improper methods in southern Europe. But under strong pressure from

CHILDREN'S author Peter Hayden stopped off at Brownedge St Mary's RC High on a tour of Preston secondary and primary schools. Peter has written several books including Stringy Simon, The Day Trip, and The Headmaster's Daughter, and is founder of the Crazy

LOCAL agencies have come together in a bid to redeploy the 350 workers who face redundancy at Alstom's Preston site. Preston Borough Council, the Central Lancashire Development Agency, LAWTEC, Preston Job Centre and Enterprise plc hope to put together

ST HELENS' two surviving teams in the Barla National Cup have both been given home ties in the next round. Blackbrook meet Thornhill, of Dewsbury, and Thatto Heath entertain Park Amateurs (Halifax). Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some

A TEENAGE boy nearly lost his eye on Monday night after being shot in the face with an air gun. Brian Hurst, 14, was playing in a back garden at a friend's when the horrific accident occurred. According to Brian's dad, also called Brian, the youngster

LEIGH lecturer Julie McKiernan is organising a college reunion 20 years on. Julie, head of drama at Leigh Community Sixth Form College, wants anyone who was there in 1979 to get in touch. She said: "It's 20 years in September since you started your studies

THE number of cremations at Wigan is to be be cut from the middle of March. The council is carrying out essential work, costing £250,000, to comply with the new Environmental Protection Act, and includes changing the two cremators and associated equipment

DO any Citizen readers feel so strongly about an issue or an injustice that they would like to investigate it for our new series of Private Investigations on BBC2. The series, which will be transmitted later this year, will feature reports by members

HOW much does our green belt matter to us? Recently-highlighted local issues in the Bury Times - such as green belt land at the Seedfield Centre, the lodge off Greenhill Road, Bury, and landfill sites rear to homes further up the Rossendale Valley - well

IF Preston has serious aspirations to become a city in the new millennium, it needs arts facilities worthy of the status. That is the message from Preston Arts Association as they attempt to establish a community arts resource centre in the town. Over

AWARD winning textile firm Enfield Manufacturing Company was set to lose 40 workers, one-third of its staff at Britannia Mill, Blackburn. Management blamed cheap imports of linen from Yugoslavia and the strength of the pound against the dollar for the

DARWEN have been handed a place in the semi-finals of the NWTL Floodlit Trophy after Rossendale were kicked out of the competition for fielding a cup-tied player in their quarter-final clash. Rossendale won Tuesday night's game 3-1 but included recent

REVELLERS hoping to party like it's 1999 are in for a shock - the area's major restaurants and hotels are planning to close for the historic event! Very few restaurants in Preston and South Ribble are going to open their doors for December 31, 1999, leaving

BLACKBURN Harrier Pauline Powell is aiming for a top-six finish in the national trials tomorrow to book her place at the World Cross-Country Championships next month. Powell will run in the four kilometre invitation race in the final leg of the Reebok

TWO teenage boys who had been fishing on the banks of St Helens Canal were threatened and intimidated by two youths who stole £5. The victims, aged 15 and 13, were just finishing off a morning's fishing at the side of the canal near to the former steel

CLITHEROE must pull off one of the biggest shocks of the season to keep their Wembley dreams alive. That's the message ringing loud and clear as the Blues prepare to take on free-scoring Tiverton Town in their FA Vase quarter final showdown in the South

WIND FARMS, it appears, are being planned for sites around Ramsbottom - on Harden and Holcombe moors. Objectors are already drawing up plans to have these developments stopped. Their reasons are: The appearance and height of the turbines and disruption

Blackpool Stanley 46 Parr Hare & Hounds nil THIS was another painful learning experience for a young Hounds outfit - with no less than nine teenagers in their 15-man squad - at the hands of a big and typically robust Blackpool outfit. And once again

IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes small-sided soccer league The Untouchables take the lead after a 4-0 win over Sporting QCS, while one point behind Team Macprint have moved up into second place after beating Coop Late Shop 2-1. Supreme Plastics, in

Clock Face Miners 6 Bank Quay Bulls 13 CLOCK lost ground in the title race to their Warrington rivals after this defeat Both teams started briskly in the heavy conditions, and defences on both sides were severely tested but held firm, and so it was left

AS Blackpool FC march another three places up the league table courtesy of a 0-1 win at Notts County, managing director Gill Bridge once again shares with Citizen readers the news and views from Bloomfield Road: What a great result at Meadow Lane on Saturday

LYTHAM ST ANNES 1ST XI 2 CITY OF YORK 4 AFTER recent performances which have helped to consolidate the local team in the middle of the league table, LSA met the top of the table team full of confidence. York, however, took the lead from a breakaway goal

Maghull 2 Garswood United 2 UNITED had to setle for a replay after this Liverpool Challenge Cup quarter-final. A mistake by 'keeper Flood gave Maghull an early lead through Paul Jackson. But Garswood hit back when Simon Corns fired home the equaliser

IF you're a proud owner of a dog, you could be in with a chance of feeding fido free for a whole year. Publishing company Psychic Frog, is scouring the country for photographs of our four-legged friends for possible inclusion in a new book. All entrants

I SEE the pigeons are not to be fed in Railway Road, Leigh, because of the mess they make. Once again the pigeons are a nuisance. Well, what about the litter everywhere. I have yet to see pigeons dropping pizza plates/coke cans, leaving bottles on pavements

I'VE nothing against fund raising for charity, but why do we have to put up with stupid antics for Children in Need and even dafter ones for the biennial Red Nose Day? The event raised £27 million on the last outing. That's brilliant and I salute Lenny