A GOOD Samaritan was slashed across the face while trying to save a pensioner from being attacked in her home. Last night (Thurs Nov 16), police last night sealed off a section of Church Street, Ainsworth, following the bungled burglary shortly before
WHAT a depressing attendance figure at the Bury v Luton game on Nov 4. It was less than 3,000 and only one other club in the Nationwide League had fewer and that was bottom club Halifax. The Bournemouth connection, as reported in the BT of Nov 10 was
IF there were ever any doubts about the reality of global warming then the increasing severe weather of recent years should be proof enough. The devastation caused to thousands of people's lives and homes, as well as the economy, by the current floods
READING about the ultimatum given by Mr Gubay and North Western Properties regarding Elms Precinct in Whitefield, I am forced to wonder what hold Mr Gubay has over our local council. I do not live in Whitefield and am not personally affected by the dereliction
HOW pleasing to read that Mr Gubay has decided not to proceed with his plans for Whitefield town centre. It came as a great relief to myself and many others to know that this has happened before he achieved his ambition to become the town centre's new
SO, conjoined twins Jodie and Mary are now separated: Jodie lives and Mary dies. Our hearts must surely go out to the parents of these children and to all who have had any part in this heart-breaking story. When the story broke it was described as "a
I READ with dismay the report (Nov 3) regarding Albert Gubay's withdrawal from the planned development of Elms precinct in Whitefield. The only good thing to be said for this betrayal of Whitefield is that the Methodist Church and Elm Street Synagogue
QUITE unbeknown to the business people of Blackpool, and especially town centre retailers, they are to be engulfed by an enormous catastrophe. This is apart from the inevitable collapse of the Town Hall administration itself, which moves ever forward
I AM looking for potential science fiction fantasy writers who may live in the local area. We are running a contest called L Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest to give new SF writers the chance to make it into the big time . The contest was started
ERIK Meijer will be aiming to sign off in style with a goal at Watford as his loan spell at Preston comes to an end. It's the Liverpool forward's final game of his initial seven match spell -- and he has yet to get on the scoresheet for the Deepdale side
MARK Walsh has left Darwen under a cloud after a fall-out with manager Steve Wilkes. Striker Walsh, 36, hurled a volley of abuse at boss Wilkes after being substituted in Tuesday's 3-0 Marsden Lancashire Challenge Trophy defeat at Conference side Southport
BOLTON Wanderers' manager Sam Allardyce is rallying the troops ahead of the long trip for tomorrow's league match at Norwich City. He said: "It was an excellent performance against Barnsley last Saturday. I am looking for more of the same at Norwich.
TWO former Manchester United stars could stand between Bacup and the next round of the Second Division Challenge Trophy. Brent Peters' side entertain Castleton Gabriels tonight (7.45pm start) in a re-arranged cup tie where Lee Martin and Clayton Blackmore
ANDY Preece will be hoping to avoid the fate of two former Gigg Lane bosses. Former Bury managers Stan Ternent and Sam Ellis both suffered the indignity of losing to non League opposition (Blyth Spartans and Chorley respectively) whilst occupying the
STAFF, parents and youngsters at a Blackburn nursery did a great job filling shoe boxes for charity -- managing more than 50 in one week. The Nook Barn Nursery on Nook Lane in Cherry Tree put out the appeal for people to fill boxes with goods for the
THE dangers of storing petrol have been highlighted by Blackburn with Darwen Council. Despite reassurances that there will be no disruption to supplies, some people are storing fuel. The council says this is potentially hazardous and in some circumstances
A PLAQUE dislodged from Darwen Street Bridge, Blackburn, more than ten years ago has been replaced and officially unveiled. The plaque fell when a train derailed and hit the bridge abutment. Coun Ashley Whalley unveiled the new plaque, inscribed with
THE search is on for East Lancashire's favourite feline which could then go on to be named the country's top cat. Seven Seas Pet and Animal Health Care has launched its annual search for the most-loved moggie with a trophy and £200 of holiday vouchers
BLACKBURN West Rotary Club raised £235 for the town's Samaritans by holding a collection at Morrisons store, Blackburn. Rotary club president Tony Benson (left) is pictured handing over the cash to Samaritans' press officer John Killip and Samaritans'
THREE St Annes film students have proved that you don't need big budgets and superstars to make a movie because they have done just that! And the audience rated it a success at a special premiere held last weekend at St Annes Pleasure Island's cinema.
Blackpool: Boots, 28-38 Bank Hey Street, 10.30-4.30pm; Co-op Pharmacy (in Asda), Cherry Tree Road, Marton, 10-4pm; Moss Chemist, Morrisons, Squires Gate Lane, 10-4pm; Lloyds Pharmacy, 110 Talbot Rd, 10-5pm; Superdrug, Hounds Hill Centre, 10-4.00pm. Cleveleys
ONCE again the Sunday League are trailblazers in the campaign to bring better treatment for players who are injured, playing the game they love. In an unprecedented move, the football authorities have organised first aid classes at the home of the Lancashire
AN ATHERTON schoolgirl who emigrated to Australia has been appointed headmistress of the oldest private girls' school Down Under. Lynne Stone (nee Hayes) used to live in Argyle Street, Atherton, before parents Ken and Audrey took their young family to
THE War Research Society is run mainly by retired and serving police officers and ex-Servicemen as a charitable hobby. It was founded many years ago and supports a number of causes including the Commonwealth War Graves, Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
MASKED raiders stole two cars and drove at a police car in a bid to escape capture after a supermarket raid. The raiders were spotted driving away from a Co-op store in Hindley after they had ransacked a cigarette kiosk and stole almost £4,000-worth of
A LEIGH teacher blasted off the opposition in the Windy City to raise funds for the victims of war and poverty in Kosovo and Romania. Sue Rivers, of Knowsley Drive, gave up her half term break to cross the Atlantic for Chicago and to take her place among
By Brian Gomm JUST days after winning the world championship, powerlifter Mike Pyke gave away his trophy! But it's gone to the best possible home. Leigh-born wheelchair strongman Mike, who lives in Hindsford, has given his trophy to the parents of his
THE memory of tragic pupil Michael Gregory was kept alive at the Westleigh High School annual presentation evening last night. Peter and Kath, parents of the 13-year-old who was killed in a road accident on a Leigh by-pass crossing in January, presented
AN ARTIST fascinated by light and colour is to hold an exhibition of his work in Leigh. Steve Hollingsworth, who up until recently was a resident at the centre for contemporary art in Kitakyushu, Japan, is displaying his exhibition "somanomaneon" from
And locals are backing a club owner's eatery plans for the former Labour club at Garrett Hall Road. Transformed two years ago in to a private members club, the building dates back to the boom years of working men's clubs and Co-op stores. Almost 20 years
A NEW book and go scheme will give patients faster access to hospital appointments in the Leigh area. The Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust has launched a booked admissions scheme working with 10 pilot GP practices and outpatients' clinics across the borough.
FRIENDS of a motorcyclist killed when he crashed in remote countryside have boosted a rescue helicopter appeal by £1,225. On Sunday family and friends of accident victim Michael Spencer from Astley Moss, presented a cheque to the air ambulance fund at
COUNCIL estates in Leigh have been labelled "hotspots" of decline by housing chiefs. Hag Fold North, Atherton, Higher Folds and the Plank Lane Estate have been named by director of housing Peter Gee as some of the most unpopular areas in the borough.
PIT village lass Margaret Blakemore's come-on look landed her a unique, high-class hooker role in Coronation Street. Seizing the opportunity to grab a slice of the limelight in Britain's top TV soap the sexy Golborne actress called-in eyewear guru Stuart
DRIVERS could face delays due to roadworks across the borough. In Leigh, work on Breaston Bridge continues with the warning that inconvenience may be experienced at certain times. In Lowton, off peak lane closures will be in force on the East Lancs Road
PUPILS and staff at Darwen Moorland High School were applauded by head teacher Richard Bridges at the speech night for their hard work and commitment. Mr Bridges said the number of students leaving with qualifications last year had increased, with 98
THE JOURNAL'S ever-expanding Internet coverage has taken another step forward. The archive facility of stories downloaded since we launched www.thisisleigh.co.uk in 1995 has been reactivated. A simple-to-use search facility allows immediate access to
A TRIO of young Tyldesley disco dancers have boogied off with Euro titles. The pupils from the 180 Dance Club lifted the trophies in the European Rock and Roll and Disco Championships 2000 in Prestatyn. Seven-year-old Paige Sheals, of Acresfield, Astley
SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is under no illusions as to how important tomorrow's Axa-sponsored FA Cup game is to Bury FC. Preece knows full well that tomorrow's home clash against Nationwide Conference outfit Northwich Victoria is a colossal game for the
A SPECIAL taxi service will help relatives visit their loved ones in hospital over Christmas. GMPTE's transport network committee is funding the service on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Although there will be the usual reduction in services
THE countdown is on for Leigh town centre's weekend Christmas launch on November 25 and 26. An action-packed schedule starts on Saturday at 10am when walkabout characters give away chocolates and balloons. At 11am street entertainers join in with yet
AN ASTLEY restaurant serves the best fare in town -- according to readers of the Journal and Journal Midweek. A competition run in both newspapers asked readers to vote for their favourite eatery. And Rendezvous 1, of Higher Green Lane, won hands down
BUSINESSES left feeling under the weather following the storms and floods have been advised to make risk action plans to avoid future problems. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) said the atrocious weather earlier this month had
A GROUP of 20 company directors and top executives from across the UK travelled to East Lancashire to share ideas on how to inspire their staff. Corporate uniform manufacturers Simon Jersey, of Altham, hosted the visit as part of the best practice Inside
WILLOWS 3 STAND ATH 3 (after extra time) IT took five weeks to finally get a match on, three of those weeks were involving this Manchester Cup tie. And after two hours of hard slog on a tricky Elms pitch, nothing has been decided, and it must now go on
RAMSBOTTOM Rascals have made the finals in the toughest competition of them all -- the National Speedo Swimming League. The club, enjoying its best season for a decade, won through at Radcliffe on Saturday. Under the direction of chief coach Rick Wesolowski
RADCLIFFE ATHLETIC CLUB THE South East Lancs Cross-Country League moved on to its annual fixture at Hopwood Hall, Middleton. The courses for all the races involved at least one dip in the swollen brook. Cold, wet feet did not deter Rachel Howard as she
YOUNG and old united on Sunday (Nov 12) as the towns in the borough remembered those who had fought and died in war for freedom. Bury town centre came to a standstill as more than 1,000 people turned out to pay their respects to the victims of worldwide
A MEETING to collectively condemn the death of Mr Tariq Javed will take place in the town next week. Ethnic community leaders, councillors, police, MPs and colleagues of Mr Javed are expected to gather in Bury Town Hall next Tuesday night (Nov 21) for
RESIDENTS are being given their first insight into next year's council tax figures. The first of the Bury Council budget roadshows hit Prestwich on Tuesday night (Nov 14) to explain how much money the borough's taxpayers could be asked to fork out. And
JET-SETTING firefighter Richard Warburton took a trip "down under" to take a cue from his Australian contemporaries. Richard visited the Sydney Paralympics, with colleagues, to get an insight into the potential problems facing the fire service during
FOR goodness hake! Some people will go to any lengths to prove they are good at art and these artists are no exception! Blackpool Sea Life Centre is playing host to three artists as part of the celebrations for "Year of the Artist", a programme which
BIRMINGHAM City powerhouse Dele Adebola might not be a wanted man, but Blues boss Trevor Francis isn't complaining. The big striker has been on the transfer list since the summer and almost moved into Spanish football until a move to Las Palmas collapsed
OUR guide to tomorrow's opponnents BIG MONEY MAN: Geoff Horsfield. Trevor Francis broke the Blues transfer record in the summer to sign striker Horsfield from Fulham for £2.25 million. The former Scarborough and Halifax forward bagged seven League goals
A BURY company is harnessing the Internet to become a global player in the sourcing and selling of surplus and liquidated stock. And the advent of e-commerce is poised to act as a major and invaluable trading tool for Euro Trading Stock Ltd. Based at
A BURY public relations man is on the move thanks to a fast-growing tour operator. For Andy Loynes, (35) from Bury, who was Sale-based Club Travel 2000's external PR consultant, has joined the company to become its group marketing manager. It's a new
CASH from the past will help provide a future for fledgeling Bury businesses and those wishing to expand. The vital finance is now available through The Bury Enterprise Loan Company Ltd, which evolved through the former Bury Partnership. Although the
DOUBLE help is now available to Bury businesses at www.chamberhelp.co.uk. For Bolton and Bury Chamber's Business Link has developed an essential new local and national business information service. Just click on the business network information icon to
ON Bonfire Night (November 5) I should have been taking my five year old son to the organised firework display at Hilton Park. Up to this year he has always been frightened of the fireworks and preferred to watch them through his bedroom window. The night
Lytham St Annes 1 Springfields 2 LSA were pipped 2-1 at home to their local rivals Springfields in Division 1 for the Northern Counties Hockey League. They conceded a goal within five minutes of the start but responded quickly and forced many penalty
BLACKPOOL RANGERS U9s 6 STAINING 0 A SPIRITED performance by Staining but Blackpool Rangers were too strong for them. Rangers came out easy winners playing some great football. Goals by Jordan Holmes, Adam Beaumont and two each for Phillip Taylor and
IN response to Mrs D Bratton of Heysham (02.11.00) and her very sad attack on "Barbie". I would like to ask exactly what would she like business people to do, say nothing in defence of our town or sit back and wait till there is little left? The vast
I READ the article about who's doing the real damage to this town's chances of revival in The Citizen dated November 2. In response to Mrs Bratton's letter I would just like to point out that you were absolutely right about Barbie. She is a blonde who
I DO not like this country or anything it stands for. The 75p rise in pensions is insulting. How do they expect pensioners to live off £90 a week. MPs never think of the people at the bottom .The working class work their guts out for years, pay their
SOMEONE drew my attention to a letter in last week's Citizen concerning an idea for bulldozing a large area of the West End of Morecambe and decanting people on to the Ryelands Estate. The writer did not suggest from where the many millions of pounds
A SCOUT troop which kept going through two world wars may now have to close because there are not enough leaders. The 4th Leigh Scout Troop - founded in 1916 at Christ Church, Pennington - is the oldest surviving registered scout troop in Leigh. But the
THE Last Post sounded for Leigh's Royal British Legion Club on Sunday following the Millennium Remembrance Day Parade. The doors closed following Thursday's sad committee meeting when the old war heroes, who have worked hard to keep the club afloat, voted
ACTRESS Samantha Seager fears she is going to be typecast as a Neanderthal. Samantha who stars in a new production of Half a Sixpence is only half joking. The actress who was born and brought up in Atherton recently played a Neanderthal in the first part
THE Secretary of state for Transport will have to decide if proposed alterations to the road layout of a new Hindley Green housing development can go ahead. The council wants a minor adjustment to the previously approved access point to the proposed housing
LEIGH police have issued a warning to licensees selling alcohol outside of licensing hours following the conviction of a Golborne pub landlord. Last month a licencee was found guilty of serving alcohol outside of licensing hours and obstructing police
COUNCILLORS could be set for a rise, possibly nine times more than they currently earn, if they agree to proposals by an independent commission to overhaul the way they are paid expenses. Just minutes after members of Hyndburn Council's policy and resources
BATTLING Christian soldiers are taking their fight right to the top. Tyldesley Salvation Army members have called in the movement's UK leader to challenge a decision to condemn their home. This week Salvationists from the seemingly doomed Lime Street
A GRANDFATHER well known in local football circles has died of a massive heart attack while on a weekend away with his wife and friends. John Smith and wife Joan were with a group of friends who took a keen interest in line dancing and were spending a
CHRISTMAS festivities burst into life last night with fireworks, singing, laughter -- and an appearance by up-and-coming girl group Bliss. Alongside carol singing and blessing of the nativity crib outside Accrington town hall, Padiham three-piece Bliss
TEAMWORK is the key to success according to the headteacher of Hollins High School, Accrington. Speaking at the school's speech night yesterday, Mr Frank Havard praised the achievements and progress of the school's pupils. He told parents, pupils and
RABBIT breeder Janet Houghton was hopping mad after thieves stole valuable pedigree papers and championship certificates from her car. Janet , who had 22 pedigree rabbits, appealed to the public in the Shadsworth Road area of Blackburn to check their
A SEARCH was launched last night after a man was seen holding on to a bridge over a river in Colne. Police were alerted at 9.15pm and brought in the Rossendale Search and Rescue Team and the force helicopter to join in the search. Despite an extensive
CLITHEROE: have five first-teamers out for their NWCFL Division One clash at home to Skelmersdale. Carl Greenwood (ankle), Barry Hart (ankle), Mark Stewart (groin), Chris Whittingham (ankle) are all injured and Dave Worthington is suspended. Blues boss
CHORLEY have serious injury problems ahead of the Unibond Division One game at home to Stocksbridge. Michael Wallace (ankle), Adam Critchley (achilles), Steve Hook ('flu), Greg Challinder (ankle) and Peter Smyth (foot) are all doubtful. Boss Ken Wright
APPARENTLY, the Metropolitan Police intend to recruit "minor" criminal offenders, such as shoplifters, vandals, those convicted of drunkenness and, wait for it, car thieves. Leaving aside the question of whether a convicted car thief is a suitable person
A HEADTEACHER whose school was ranked the worst high school in Pendle in performance tables has defended his school saying the wrong results were published. Martin Burgess, of Edge End High School, Nelson, said if the correct results had been taken into
A WOMAN with a grievance against her step father stabbed him twice after trying to force him to make a "confession". Victim Barry Whittaker suffered knife wounds to the chest and back during a morning attack at his home. His life was only saved by skilled
POLICE in Lancaster and Morecambe have vowed to tackle the increasing problem of domestic violence. Last year more than 1,500 incidents of domestic violence were reported to the local police force but they fear that this could be just the tip of the iceberg
FOR more than 30 years world famous Geordie band Lindisfarne has been 'running for home' and entertaining hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. The folk/rock popsters, who since 1969 have been developing their own unique and original sound
POLICE were today hunting a suspected drugs courier after he abandoned a car containing packets of powder on the motorway. The incident initially prompted officers to call out the bomb squad to examine the white G-registered Ford Fiesta, which was left
A FATHER-OF-TWO who burned his bare bottom in a sauna while on holiday at Pine Lake has been awarded £1,000 compensation. Andrew Prout, 37, a BT manager, was naked while mopping out his family's sauna at their chalet in the holiday complex near Carnforth
A DRUG addict who raided a pensioner's house after she went into a nursing home, is behind bars for nine months. Mohammed Afzal Khan, 33, was already serving an 11-month jail term, for offences including a house break-in. Recorder Philip Butler said domestic
HEALTH care in the district has been boosted by a massive £19 million cash injection for hospitals and family doctors. Health Secretary Alan Milburn has announced a 8.46 per cent increase in funding for Morecambe Bay Health Authority which is the first
WOLVES boss Colin Lee is a man caught in the centre of a storm as his injury-ravaged troops head for Ewood tomorrow. Almost two years to the day after taking over from Mark McGhee, Lee now finds himself in the midst of a deepening crisis. Before the season
DEVELOPERS who unearthed a 115-year-old time capsule at Peel Mills came up with a historical legacy of their own featuring a package from the year 2000. Last month a glass bottle from 1885 was found during the demolition of part of the mill. It had been
MILLWALL'S New Den is an intimidating venue - but not for Leigh RMI boss Steve Waywell and his FA Cup heroes. Having had to switch the tie to south London from Hilton Park, many may think Sunday's first round tie will be a foregone conclusion. Not Waywell
AGE Concern Metro Bury has launched two new mini-buses to transport old folk to and from its day care centres around the borough And it was all aboard for Bury's mayor and mayoress, Councillor and Mrs Bill Johnson, who were the guests at the launch of
PUPILS at Park View CP School put in double the effort to raise a whopping £1,637 for the NSPCC. With just over 400 children at the Prestwich school, organisers expected them to report back with a couple of pounds each. Deputy headteacher Mr Tony Knipe
KIND-hearted schoolkids weren't puzzled when their problem solving raised £374 for the Royal Institute for the Blind (RNIB). The children of Hollins Grundy primary school raised the money by completing a series of sponsored puzzles. Part of the money
A FORMER lay preacher who tried to stab his ex-girlfriend to death in a fit of jealous rage has been jailed for twelve years. Taxi driver Ian Hornby used four separate knives in his attempts to kill former lover Julie Hornby during which he shouted: "
POLICE were today hunting a suspected drugs courier after he abandoned a car containing packets of powder on the motorway. The incident initially prompted officers to call out the bomb squad to examine the white G-registered Ford Fiesta, which was left
REGARDING the cancellation of the watersports activity holiday by Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and the refusal of the teachers to allow a diabetic child on this trip (LET, November 11), my child was due to go on this trip and is naturally disappointed
I LEARNED with deep sorrow of the death last week of Mr Edgar Pickering (LET, November 8). Edgar had been a prominent Blackburnian for many years. He was the last surviving member of a group of three entrepreneurs who helped to save the industrial future
ON Tuesday, last week, you reported that Nigel Evans, the Tory Ribble Valley MP, wanted to save the albatross. On Wednesday, we read of Mr Evans' displeasure that the Ribble Valley's green fields were disappearing under housing. On Thursday, your front-page
ON Saturday, I received a letter from the Electoral Reform Services reminding me that I hadn't cast my vote in the Blackburn with Darwen housing transfer poll and urging me to do so. It appears that a list of names and addresses of council tenants married
REGARDING your report (LET, November 8) concerning a taxi driver being attacked by some teenage youths. It was completely out of order for the leader of Blackburn Council, Malcolm Doherty to say the Mill Hill district is becoming a no-go area, after commenting
BRAINS: The new Brain of Bury was 15-year-old Bury Grammar School pupil Nicholas Hoyle of Hilltop Drive, Tottington. Nicholas answered all questions correct in the local heat of the national Superbrain contest organised by MENSA, except for the second
1887: Field Marshal Viscount Bernard Montgomery was born the son of an Anglo-Irish vicar in the poor parish of Kennington, South London. In World War One , he was badly wounded and was nearly left for dead. He was awarded the DSO for gallantry. At the
KEVIN HULME was the saddest man in Radcliffe on Saturday night. For while the Boro were creating a little bit of history on an afternoon to savour, Hulme had the edge taken off his two-goal display for York against Torquay when he heard the Radcliffe
Finnair Manchester League Premier Division Elton Fold 0 Springhead 0 THE only drought anywhere in the country at the moment must surely be in Elton's 'goals for' column as they clocked up a fourth consecutive blank in what was also their fourth scoreless
Finnair Manchester League Premier Division Wythenshawe Ams 3 Prestwich Heys 2 TWO defensive lapses cost Heys the points at leaders Wythenshawe Amateurs and leaves them ten points adrift with three games in hand, writes Scott White. Heys started well against
BURY Athletic Boys made the trip to Mansfield last Saturday to compete against the best in the country in the English National Cross Country championships. The course was a fast one being mainly flat and through a wooded area. Surprisingly, it was reasonably
SIXTH form students at a Lytham school have received a personal insight into the current tensions in the Middle East. As part of their general studies programme the lower sixth form at King Edward VII and Queen Mary School welcomed John Levy from the
COMING soon after apologies were issued over councillors at Hyndburn being overpaid in error, it is revealed today that, under a proposed new system, their allowances could go up by as much as nine times. If they are to pay them a lot more, the public
POOL can forget their recent league disaster on Saturday , (November 18) when they face Telford United at Bloomfield Road in the first round of the FA Cup. The Nationwide Football Coference team beat Hinckley Town 4-1 on Monday after finally managing
I READ Councillor Guy Harkin's reply to Mrs Hesten (Nov 3) with dismay, disappointment and disbelief! This letter about the axed 560 bus service, from a GMPTE councillor who is elected to serve the general travelling public, was rude in the extreme and
YOUR back page article headlined "Council look to aid Shakers" (Nov 10), while welcome news to our fine football club, should be viewed with not a little caution. It is pleasing to see that the council in Bournemouth have been able to find ways of helping
GEORGE Abendstern and Linda Clair's inaccurate and offensive reply (Nov 10) to A. P Tobias does nothing to further the cause of the Palestinians. In their desire to belittle Mr Tobias and evoke sympathy for their cause they ignore historical facts and
BRIAN Gregory, chairman of the Association of British Drivers, draws our attention to the Millennium Dome now being a "car friendly zone" and relies on this to promote further provision for the motor car (Your Letters, Nov 10). However, the motor car,
I HAVE just read Mr George Bancroft's letter in your paper and I wonder is this the same Mr Bancroft who was on the front page of the other paper in July this year with a two page spread inside explaining to readers the "facts" as to why all the rest
RE the letter from Jeff Tilton (Citizen, October 26), might I take this opportunity to correct his almost total inaccuracies. I was never involved with North West Tourist Board, other than as a basic member who, on recognition of its failings, withdrew
AS a result of the fuel blockade not long ago the country was brought to its knees. Please don't blame the people who had to take direct action. Blair and co haven't the common sense to realise enough is enough at the constant raising of the price of
JUST to let your wonderful readers know that Thompson, the large "mature" ginger tom, has settled into a happy family home as a result of his photo appearing in the letters column. Not only that, his photo produced many enquiries for older cats and five
ROSSENDALE'S keeper Mark Andrews had the safest hands in the North West Counties First Division last month -- and has a new pair of gloves to prove it. The 22-year-old shotstopper won the First Division 'safe hands' award after keeping three clean sheets
ALEX Sanderson will watch England's clash against Australia tomorrow from the comfort of an armchair at his parents' Padiham home. But the 'gutted' 20-year-old will think only of what might have been. The back row forward, tipped as a future England captain
IT may be a weekend off for Nelson but there's no rest for manager John Bailey. The Blues boss would have been spotted at Colne against Ramsbottom last night if the game had gone ahead, will be at Bacup against Castleton tonight and will make the short
ACCRINGTON Stanley defender Carl Bell has left the club after losing his place in the first team. Bell is thought to be lining up a move to St Helens Town in NWCFL Division One. Stanley boss John Coleman says the player wanted first team football. "It
Blackburn Hawks are up for the cup this weekend, with back-to-back action home and away. Tomorrow the Hawks entertain arch-rivals Altrincham Aces in the defence of their North West Challenge Trophy, just days after a tight 6-6 league clash with the Cheshire
A MAN dragged his girlfriend around a pub car park by the hair, knocking her to the floor on several occasions before slamming her against the side of her car. Blackburn magistrates heard that, as Laverne Wickers tried to drive off, David Alan Ainsworth
A HEADTEACHER has criticised a minority of parents for shunning their responsibilities towards their children once they have walked through the school gates. Speaking at last night's Our Lady and St John High School, Blackburn, speech night, Mike Humphreys
A WOMAN who accused Blackburn with Darwen Council of sex and race discrimination has withdrawn her case after agreeing a secret deal with the authority. The council worker, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been offered £15,000 last week
PLANS to introduce crime-busting wardens to rid Blackburn and Darwen of "neighbours from hell" are being drawn up by councillors. The Neighbourhood Warden Scheme would mirror the one run in Hyndburn three years ago which slashed town-centre crime and
MOTHER-of-five Andrea Poynton was sent to prison for the first time after Blackburn magistrates said they had been left with no alternative. Poynton pleaded guilty to three offences of shoplifting which solicitor Paul Schofield said had been acts of desperation
I AM driven to write this letter after having been to the South Ribble area committee meeting on Wednesday, November 2. I'm outraged by the misrepresentation of facts about Lancashire County Council's draft Waste Management Strategy as portrayed by the
THE one and only Chesney Hawkes gave music lessons and let schoolchildren play on his guitar during a recent visit to the borough. Chesney, who enjoyed chart topping success with his song "The One and Only" which was number one for five weeks in 1991,
FAR from councillor Alcock being a 'scaremonger' and 'Billy Bandwagon' as mentioned in some reader's letters, he and his colleagues seem to be the only ones concerned about the health of residents in the South Ribble area. If Coun Gore had been able to
By Brian Gomm LEIGH Infirmary will undergo an extensive upgrade as part of a near £25m building boost announced this week. By the end of next year the overcrowded out-patient department at Wigan's Royal Albert Edward Infirmary should be rehoused in the
LEIGH'S devastated market traders have called for a rent reduction to help them survive. The stallholders are also planning to seek compensation from the developers of the multi million pounds Spinning Gate Centre extension for lost trade. Since they
SANTA is taking a break from wrapping presents to come to Hindley town centre to start Christmas festivities. More than 100 premises will be twinkling with specially decorated Christmas trees and festoons of sparkling lights. A special Christmas tree
YOUNGSTERS from across the region have told North-west politicians and decision makers what they think about a wide range of issues at a special meeting at Goodison Park. Leigh, Lowton and Golborne young people led the way at the Backchat conference.
COUNCIL officials are trying to introduce a dress code in a bid to stop hanky panky at a sauna which was listed as a meeting point in a gay magazine. But the move has been slammed as ludicrous by a councillor who witnessed the incident between two naked
LATEST local planning applications submitted to Wigan Council include: Hillcroft, Lightshaw Lane, Golborne - convert bungalow in to two storey house; 2A Elmridge, Leigh - extension to residential curtilage; 5 Melling Close, Leigh - rear sun lounge extension
A-LEVEL league tables do not reflect all the achievements of schools and colleges, according to Accrington and Rossendale College. Gordon Coates, promotions manager of the college, said that, although they were placed bottom in East Lancashire according
A CIVIL engineer who claimed somebody else had been riding his motorbike when it was caught on a speed camera, was dubbed a liar by a stipendiary magistrate. Paul Andrew Sparks, 26, told Burnley magistrates court a man he did not know had taken the bike
A DISABLED Leigh pensioner is hoping to raise cash for a charity which provides free holiday accommodation for sick youngsters. Kathleen Boland, of Hope Carr Lane, is planning a concert on December 15 at Eastleigh Labour Club, for Donna's Dream House.
FRIDAY, November 17: Albert Tatum Siddow Common Community Centre, Hope Carr Road, Leigh (6-6.30) K Anderson, M Hale, Mrs L Liptrot; Howe Bridge Sports Centre (6-7) Mrs S Loudon; The Sanctuary Church at Bethel, Hindley Green (6-7) S Murphy, S Simmons,
FOOTBALL enthusiasts are dashing around every football club in the country to raise money for Children in Need. David Poole, managing director of Screenprint in Leigh, a Manchester City supporter, is visiting 92 football clubs in the UK within 92 hours
SALES adviser Kristianne Edmondson told today how she played cards with an armed robber and ended up in dangerous Harlem -- on the trip of a lifetime! The 31-year-old has just returned from a 29,000-mile round the world trip and is back behind a desk
A POLICE superintendent posed the question "Are all young people bad?" in an address to local youth yesterday, Thursday. Mary Vaisnys, sub divisional superintendent at Leigh, gave the keynote address at Lowton Civic Hall. Cllr David Kelly gave an introductory
AN exhibition of Glazebury village life past and present goes on show this weekend. A walk-through exhibition of memorabilia and photographs through the ages will be open to the public at T and T Thompsons, Albion Park, Warrington Road, on Saturday and
A YOUNG mugger left a 75-year-old woman with serious injuries after he threw her to the floor and snatched her bag as she walked along a main road in Leigh. The pensioner, who wishes to remain anonymous, is recovering in hospital with a broken wrist,
HEALTH experts from Leigh are among the last three in Britain's top doctor awards. Practice manager Renee Cadman and her support team's vision for the future has led to Grasmere Street Health Centre being shortlisted for the finals of Doctor Awards 2000
WIGAN Metro is seeking friends to be there for the lonely people being cared for by social services. It has launched a befriending scheme and is calling for people with time on their hands to offer regular companionship to people who find themselves isolated
AN Atherton driver who was talking on a mobile phone when she rammed into a motorcyclist has banned from driving. Witnesses claimed they saw Victoria Hopkins, 23, using the phone as she passed other cars travelling at 50 mph. Motorcyclist Tony Columbine
A HORSE riding school for the disabled in Lowton is to benefit from police pedal power. Eight members of the Royal Navy Police Headquarters, Scotland, are taking part in a sponsored cycle ride from Helensburgh, Scotland to Lowton. They aim to complete
BODYBUILDERS at Cosgroves Physio-Fit Gym pumped their way to the top awards at the Mr and Miss North West Manchester 2000 competition. Six men and women from the Atherton centre took part in the event at Formby Hall and all the contestants managed to
STILL singing after all those years! That's 100-year-old Mary Ellen McDonough, who was the smiling birthday girl on Wednesday at Richmond House nursing home in Mitchell Street, Leigh. "She's lovely," said Richmond House Sister Amanda Waterworth. "Mary
A SUPERSTORE in Hindley is staging a special Christmas shopping night for elderly and disabled customers. The Co-op, on Hamner Street will be open between 6-8pm on Tuesday, December 5, when there will be a free tombola and music from Hindley Junior and
A CHILDREN'S playground is going to get a welcome face-lift at Marsland Green. The Marklands Road play park off Green Avenue is due to get an upgraded football area, climbing frame and swings after consultations between Bedford/Astley ward councillors
AROUND 50,000 new jobs are set to be created over the next three years in the UK's creative industries, according to Darwen and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson. The jobs boom will not be confined to London, she added. Northern cities will also benefit as
BURNLEY battler Lennie Johnrose plans to push his injury nightmare even further into history with a starring role at top-six rivals Birmingham City tomorrow. The tough-tackling midfielder was injured on the eve of the new campaign when he damaged a knee
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today revealed he will not be pursuing his interest in Finnish international defender Hannu Tihinen. Rovers' chief scout Alan Murray flew over to Dublin on Wednesday to watch the 24-year-old in action for his country during
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED travel to Kidsgrove tomorrow, hoping for some match action after suffering two postponements in the last week. Last Saturday's home game against Cheadle Town was hit by the weather, as was last night's Lancashire Marsden Trophy tie at
A JOURNALIST from Prestwich, who has campaigned for six years to free a convicted killer, has won an Appeal Court hearing into the "miscarriage of justice". On Wednesday (Nov 16), the Criminal Case Review Commission agreed to an appeal on behalf of Stephen
BURY schools have once again proved they are above average in the GCSE performance league tables. A total of 53 per cent of pupils sitting their exams this summer gained five or more GCSE A*-C grades, which are equivalent to the old O-level pass. The
PEOPLE who have neither enthusiasm nor responsibility for what they do are a danger to everyone. That was the warning from Philips High School headteacher Mr Chris Trees. He was speaking at the Whitefield school's annual prize-giving evening, held this
BURY Art Gallery and Museum is the venue for a unique new exhibition by innovative young national and international artists. And the people of Bury will themselves be invited to participate in this revolutionary artistic "happening". Paradise Revisited
DETECTIVES have seized drugs with a street value of £350,000 in one of the biggest operations staged by Bury's police force in their continued fight to curb dealing in the area. Twenty-six people have been arrested and are being questioned as a result
A WAR hero has "returned" to his Radcliffe primary school just days after the nation paid tribute to his bravery and the courage of thousands like him. A photograph of Private James Hutchinson, who received the Victoria Cross in 1916, was presented to
YOU'LL be pleased to know I eventually solved the wardrobe dilemma I was wrestling with last week -- and with literally minutes to spare before the big night out -- which was nice. Or, no, it wasn't really, now I think of it. It was a bit of a nightmare
BURNLEY battler Lennie Johnrose plans to push his injury nightmare even further into history with a starring role at top-six rivals Birmingham City tomorrow. The tough-tackling midfielder was injured on the eve of the new campaign when he damaged a knee
HOME tickets for the East Lancs derby go on sale on Wednesday. And derby rivals Burnley and Blackburn Rovers have held the second of a series of meetings aimed towards ensuring a trouble-free game at Turf Moor on Sunday, December 17. The two clubs have
A RADCLIFFE engineering company has strengthened its foothold in the paper and board industry with the announcement of a significant acquisition. Following successful negotiations, Eton Hill Road-based Parsons Skillforce is to acquire the paper products
Barnet 7 Blackpool 0 POOL travelled back from north London after suffering nothing short of disaster at the Underhill Stadium. Barnet's new player-manager Tony Cottee making his debut watched his side knock a total of seven goals past Pool without reply
HI-TECH Bury company Flexsys UK is celebrating after winning the national Investors in People (IIP) award. The company, which has branches in France, Germany and the USA, employs 42 people at its headquarters in Victoria Chambers, Silver Street, Bury.
HOPING to reach for the stars! That's Bury College's Blue Moon Young Enterprise mini-company which is certainly banking on success. The squad has been presented with a sponsorship cheque for £150 from the Bury branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Blue
IN reply to Mrs Parkinson's letter (The Journal, November 3), let me first say that I deeply resent her insulting suggestion that the people represented by Chris Maile are 'rent a mob'. I have always believed in making my opinions known and have never
I was surprised to find that your staff followed up assertions made in an anonymous letter regarding the artefacts stored at the Sailors' and Soldiers' Association premises in Atherton. As a result incorrect information has been published and this will
I HAD to smile at the letter from Mrs P. Parkinson (The Journal, November 3). In it she stated the busway would be a great help to mothers with prams and disabled people as well. I've never met anyone yet who wants the busway, except the Parkinsons. I'm
Lytham Ladies 3 Springfields 0 TO ENHANCE their position in the Premier Division of the Lancashire Central Womens Hockey League Lytham took the lead after a bright start. This came when Lian Atkinson picked up a through ball from Michelle Singleton and
I THINK it must be something to do with Halloween, but the usual suspects seem to be out in force. There's Jean Yates charging an imaginary windmill two weeks in a row, there are various other Labour creatures trying to pretend that everything is everybody
TWO projects are celebrating National Lottery awards of almost £160,000. Ribble Valley Borough Council gets £99,000 from the Lottery's Small Scale Capital Fund and the Dugdale Memorial Bowling Club in Blackburn has received almost £60,000 from the Sport
IT disappoints and appals me when I read public statements of misinformation from councillors elected to represent local ratepayers. I refer to the letter published in last week's Citizen from Cllr Ian Barker who attempts to justify why he voted to accept
HOW refreshing to read in last week's Citizen the interview with Morecambe Labour MP Geraldine Smith's condemnation of the terrible state of public transport in Britain after decades of wilful neglect and over-emphasis on road transport. This country
THE CITIZEN'S campaign to stop electric goads being used on elephants at Blackpool Zoo received a boost this week as a motion about their use was raised in the House of Commons. Liberal Democrat Mike Hancock, MP for Portsmouth, raised an Early Day Motion
A £1.6 MILLION extension scheme for Lowton Community High School has provoked mixed reactions. Extra facilities and classrooms are urgently needed at the already over-subscribed school in Newton Road, Lowton, but some local residents say building works
YOUNG boys in the Leigh area can learn how to be "a man" in a new rites of passage programme that will challenge macho behaviour. The programme, launched in the town this month, is being piloted in five schools in the area including Kingshill, Westleigh
EDUCATION chiefs are congratulating Leigh schools for improved results in this year's league tables. Local education leader Brian Wilson, Wigan's cabinet member with responsibility for lifelong learning, is happy with the performance of local schools
WHEN Kathy Unsworth's busy teaching career came to an end she found herself rattling around her home, alone and lost. The former personnel officer and lecturer, who was used to a busy life, wondered what to do next. She decided she had to carve out some
A FORMER lay preacher who tried to stab his ex-girlfriend to death in a fit of jealous rage has been jailed for twelve years. Taxi driver Ian Hornby used four separate knives in his attempts to kill former lover Julie Hornby during which he shouted: "
PARENTS and MPs are demanding that a pioneering new scheme to provide free fruit for young schoolchildren is extended to East Lancashire as a matter of urgency. The Government is piloting the project in Leicester and Inner London this term. In the Spring
THREE youths who took part in a "pack attack," on a mother of four's neighbour, are all behind bars. Burnley Crown Court heard how Clarke Townsend, 19, of Brooke Close, Baxenden, Alex Marsland, 18, of no fixed address, and Michael Wood, 20, of Lydia Street
FIREFIGHTERS were called to clear a chemical spillage after a tank was damaged and started to leak. The managing director of James Raistrick Foundry, Graham Pagett, said about three tonnes of the chemical had been spilt but it was not a health hazard.
SAFETY-CONSCIOUS school children from the Ribble Valley came out on top of the class in an annual fire service quiz. The team from Brennands Endowed School in Slaidburn beat 95 other junior school teams from all over the country to take the title, after
RAMSBOTTOM United go to Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday looking to play their first match in a fortnight. United have had their last four matches postponed, including last night's Marsden Lancashire Trophy clash at Colne, so will be hoping for better luck
PADIHAM boss Graham Howarth will pick up his manager of the month award for October before their game at home to Stone Dominoes. Stone top NWCFL Division Two but have already lost at the Arbories once this season, in the Second Division Trophy. Only Ian
GREAT Harwood Denis Underwood's struggling side should have Andy Taylor, Les Thompson and Paul Walker back for the visit of Fleetwood Freeport. Underwood is looking for his NWCFL Division One side to lift themselves away from the bottom of the table.
NOT a blade of grass has been cut on the soccer pitches on Manchester Road playing fields in Bury. For the first two weeks of the football season, back in September, the weather was fine, and they should have been cut then. However, I do accept that in
IN reply to "Disgruntled ex-police officer" (Your Letters, Nov 3), I would say that my first thought would not be about the wasting of public money but would be to ask why the police officers concerned were being followed. Everyone who works has at some
RESIDENTS in one of the most deprived areas of England have been told 169 of their houses will be demolished in the first phase of a regeneration scheme. Pendle Councillors voted to demolish houses in Whitefield, Nelson, at a special meeting of the Pendle
PASSENGERS on a double decker bus had to shout and scream at the driver as they headed towards the restricted height bridge on Torrisholme Road. Instead of turning into Scale Hall Lane, the bus driver continued along Torrisholme Road towards the bridge
THE new boss of the Pennine Division road policing unit which covers all of the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale districts, is Inspector Dave Shepherd. He has taken over the wheel from Insp Dave Holden who has retired after 30 years police service. Blackburn-born
THE new boss of the Pennine Division road policing unit which covers all of the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale districts, is Inspector Dave Shepherd (pictured). He has taken over the wheel from Insp Dave Holden who has retired after 30 years police service
CLARETS fan and Prime Minister's official spokesman Alastair Campbell has ruled out ever becoming MP for Burnley. He told a lunch of political journalists at Westminster that his denials of wanting to take over the seat would apply even when Peter Pike
OUR guide to tomorrow's opponents. BIG MONEY MAN: ROBERT TAYLOR: Wolves boss Colin Lee shelled out £1.5 million for burly striker Robert Taylor in the summer. But he has yet to see much of a return on that investment as the former Manchester City striker
WOLVES midfielder Simon Osborn has appealed for calm amongst the club's disillusioned supporters as the men from Molineux attempt to become party-poopers at Ewood tomorrow. Frustrated fans demanded the head of owner Sir Jack Hayward and chief executive
ROVERS have quashed Preston's attempts to take out-of-favour defender Simon Grayson on a one-month loan. North End boss David Moyes had hoped to sign the 31-year-old as cover for the suspended Graham Alexander. But Ewood chief Graeme Souness has put a
DERBY rivals Blackburn Rovers and Burnley have held the second of a series of meetings aimed towards ensuring a trouble-free game at Turf Moor on Sunday, December 17. The two clubs have been in dialogue with each other and the police to put arrangements
A SUNDAY school project has sparked a mass exodus of teddy bears from the Stand area. The project, at Stand Unitarian Chapel on Ringley Road, has mushroomed beyond all expectations after grabbing the imagination of children. "We decided that a good way
PUPILS from Derby High School were among several Bury representatives at Monday's (Nov 13) Young World Concert 2000 at Manchester's MEN Arena. The special performance was aimed at raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Derby High School choir
HEALTH bosses have been given an inflation-busting boost to improve NHS services in the borough in the next year. The Government has awarded Bury and Rochdale Health Authority £297 million for next year, a rise of £23 million. This represents an 8.67
GETTING it all wrapped up. That's the owners of a popular Bury shop who have been rewarded for raising more than £1,600 for Bury Hospice. The certificate of appreciation has been presented to Ron and Kate Eccles of the Paraphernalia shop on The Rock.
POLICE are investigating claims by a Radcliffe man that he was kidnapped and robbed during the early hours of Friday (Nov 10) by two Asian males. The 20-year-old has told officers that he was bundled into a car in Moss Street in Bury at 2.30am, hours
ELDERLY residents at threatened Killelea House will have to wait a bit longer to discover their future. Plans to turn the Bury OAPs' home into a resource centre have been delayed until the New Year. A feasibility study is taking longer than expected due
VAMPIRES just never go out of fashion. They simply get a new twist every couple of years. Now we've got under age undead in the shape of The Little Vampire and, as tasteless as the idea of a child being drained of blood and rising from the grave to become
XANA-do or Xana-don't -- that's the agonising question still waiting to be answered. Four years after the £210 million Xanadu snow dome leisure complex proposals for Leigh were revealed, Secretary of State John Prescott is still undecided whether or not
I SUPPORT and endorse everything that W Soley said about Remembrance Day (Letters, November 2). I would go further and ask people who have never heard a shot fired in anger what is so glorious in being dead. Perhaps someone can tell me who wrote the words
DON'T write off Radcliffe Borough! That's the message from skipper Mark Dempsey as they prepare for Sunday's historic FA Cup showdown with York City at Gigg Lane. Dempsey, who saw service with Manchester United, Sheffield United and Rotherham, knows all
RFU NATIONAL LEAGUE THREE (NORTH) Sedgley Park 57pts Nuneaton 3 NUNEATON have begun their league campaign well, but on Saturday they were completely out-played by a sharp and hungry-looking Sedgley team. One minute into the game, Nuneaton were penalised
NEWLY-installed Northwich Victoria boss Keith Alexander is keen to make a mark on the managerial side of the game after hanging up his boots -- and a victory over the Shakers would go a long way to help achieve it! The 42-year-old former Lincoln City,
BURY...20pts, OLD BEDIANS...10pts BURY met the Didsbury-based Bedians for the first time this season and went behind to a sixth minute penalty, writes MIKE JONES. The visitors were unlucky not to increase their lead in the 18th and 25th minutes, but Bury's
EVEN without Kevin Hulme, York City can boast a pretty powerful attacking line-up writes STEVE BOTT. Hulme, who started his career at Boro, is suspended, but the Minstermen can still call on former Newcastle and Ipswich hitman Alex Mathie, current top
THE rescue of a 71-year-old woman missing on moors above Nelson has again brought attention to the relationship between man and his best friend. The policeman who helped find the woman in freezing conditions was given a bravery award yesterday. But he
ADY Lewis's hopes of regaining his British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles will have to wait until the New Year writes PHIL THORP. The cut the Bury boxer picked up in a clash of heads, that controversially saw him relinquish his belts to Ulsterman
Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy THERE are many places within easy reach of East Lancashire which provide excellent walks in winter. One such place is Hardcastle Craggs (pictured), near Hebden Bridge. This gets very busy during the summer and also the
PUPILS from St Mary's Catholic High School in Blackpool had a change from the four walls of the classroom to explore the great outdoors on their recent Outward Bound course in the Lake District. A seven-strong group of Year 10 pupils took a trip to Ullswater
AFTER a secret deal between them halted the hearing, we do not know what satisfaction now exists between Blackburn with Darwen Council and the woman employee who took the authority to a tribunal, alleging that she suffered sex and race discrimination
YOU JUST know you are going to come home aching after a Bill Bailey gig. His one-night Charter Theatre appearance on Sunday was no exception. If you catch up with him at any of his forthcoming Wilderness Tour dates prepare to be kick-boxed into delicious
Autumn fair, Thwaites House, Railway Road, Blackburn, 10am. Father Christmas visits at noon. Christmas fair, Trinity United Reformed Church, Brownhill Road, Blackburn, 10.30am-2pm. "Trial By Jury" and excerpts from other Gilbert and Sullivan shows, Civic
