Archive

  • Deliveries vital to democracy

    SOME people might moan that too many leaflets come through their door at election time and would welcome any reduction in the volume of mail. Posters seem to appear everywhere, although we haven't quite reached the all-encompassing circus atmosphere of

  • Confusion reigns in postal ballot

    IN recent years, I have found it difficult to go to the polling station to vote, although I have always done so. This year, I thought it a great opportunity to accept a postal vote. On May 30, I received my postal vote envelope which I completed and returned

  • Where did the principles go?

    IN the run-up to the election we have often heard that those who do not vote are 'apathetic' and somehow pose a threat to 'democracy.' These arguments, like cliches, have little merit. Some of those who do not vote are keenly interested in politics, but

  • Peter Benson Ribblesdale Youth League

    ROUND-UP of the junior cricket scene. UNDER 15s Read...135-2 Whalley...73-6 A Tinker 31no, A Jeffries 36no A Whelan 30no Ribblesdale Wan...95-8 Padiham...53-8 C Wilson 30no, A Grey 4-10 R Gladwin 3-3 Clitheroe...74-3 Baxenden...71-3 C Waddington 30no

  • Akzo Juniors Annual Five-a-Side Competition

    Akzo are the perfect hosts AKZO Juniors annual five-a-side competition proved to be another huge success -- with the host side enjoying another trophy winning year. Nearly 100 teams from across the North West competed in the popular knockout event which

  • Byrom Supplies Blackburn and District Cricket League

    NQ (200 all out) beat Nabipur (194-9) Tariq leads the way TARIQ Hussain gave a commanding captain's performance to guide NQ to a thrilling last over victory against Nabipur. Hussain hit a classy 71 then took two vital wickets to clinch a six run victory

  • Blackburn Combination: Birtwistle Cup Final

    West End 4 Ewood Amateurs 1 THEY'LL be talking about this one at West End for years to come -- and no doubt hat-trick hero Stuart Durnan will be the main story-teller. For cup shocks don't get much bigger than this. West End, already relegated from the

  • Students gave it the works

    PHIL Winston's sensational students gave it "The Works" at their recent showcase at Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Paradise Room. Aptly opening with energetic anthem New Generation in eye-catching white and metallic outfits, these showbiz wannabes could have

  • Youth Theatre back on stage

    AFTER the success of A*L*I*C*E-Adventure in Wonderland, Blackpool Youth Theatre are back at The Grand Theatre with two shows. The Junior Youth Theatre will perform their adaptation of The Demon Headmistress at The Grand Theatre Studio tomorrow (June 8

  • A magical journey not to be missed

    GOBLINS, trolls and fire-breathing dragons took over Blackpool's Grand Theatre this week and transformed it into a mythical and magical playground for JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit. This superb Vanessa Ford production returned once more to take the town's

  • Mayor in love split 'sacks' his wife

    THE Mayor of Pendle today "sacked" his wife as mayoress and declared: "Our marriage is over." The announcement came as Councillor Fred Hartley revealed he had left the family home in Nelson just two weeks after he and wife Denise were installed as the

  • Cold summer guaranteed

    BURY CE High School's very own "ice maiden" is proving a cool customer when it comes to raising funds for a cancer charity. For while the rest of us look forward to a hot long summer, deputy headteacher Ms Fiona Guiver is preparing to undertake a freezing

  • Blues set to swap

    BLACKBURN Rovers and Clitheroe will swap training grounds this summer in a bid to give Rovers' stars of the future a shock to the system. Academy director Bobby Downes believes his young guns need a harsh taste of reality as part of their football education

  • In defence of Saints

    IN defence of Saints prices for children... my son attends every game home and away with a season ticket that costs just £30. At £1 a game, home and away, that is great value for money. He also travels on the Supporters Club coach. As a member it works

  • Good on you Shaun

    MY husband and I have lived behind the town hall for more than 20 years. During this time we have never ever been visited at election time by our MP or local councillors. That is, not until Shaun Woodward came on the scene. Yes, today Shaun knocked on

  • WHAT HAVE WE GOT?

    I SAW the other week that Councillor Caunce, a Haydock councillor for 50 years, was being recognised for his council work. What I would like to know is, what he has done for Haydock. We haven't a hospital (which we used to have) no police station (which

  • Irony of Raven stay

    SHAUN Woodward, Labour candidate for St Helens South has been staying at the Raven Lodge Hotel. He'd do well to pay heed to a chapter in its history. In 1819 the Raven was the base for the town's two magistrates and also housed the local lock-up. It was

  • Broad treads carefully after council slip

    CONTROVERSY hit Councillor Carol Broad is set to claim compensation from the council after injuring her ankle on council property. Cllr Broad is still receiving physiotherapy after the accident in March, in which she slipped on a carpet on Morecambe town

  • Hospice is lottery winner

    HOSPICE supporters from Burnley and Pendle celebrated the first anniversary of the group's lottery with a cabaret concert in Padiham Unity Club. The weekly draw -- with a top prize of £1,000 -- has netted £150,000 for patient care. It has built up to

  • Shops targeted in war on drink kids

    POLICE have pledged strong action against off-licences caught selling alcohol to underage drinkers, following a public meeting. The meeting in Duke Bar, Burnley, was called by residents and aimed to address their concerns on many issues, including juvenile

  • Date set for drugs trial

    A HEYSHAM man and nine others arrested in a major police operation all denied a drugs plot charge when they appeared before Preston Crown Court. All of the defendants pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to supply amphetamine sulphate between September 1999

  • City welcomes new Bishop

    THE new Bishop of Lancaster arrived in the city this week, fresh from his appointment by the Pope. The Right Reverent Patrick O'Donoghue, 67, currently Bishop in West London, takes over from the late Bishop John Brewer. He has already established a reputation

  • Millionaire duo come on board

    ENTERPRISING Saints' have increased the strength of the board to eight with the co-opting of two self-made millionaire directors. They are 45-year-old financial expert Eamonn McManus and James Hartley, aged 49, an antiques dealer who originates from Wigan

  • Young Recs emerge victorious

    PILKS Recs under 11s A team emerged victorous in a friendly tournament staged at Parkside Golborne. There was lots of good rugby on display from all teams with the City Road youngsters eventually triumphing with wins over Ashton Bears, Orrell and the

  • Town lads claim national crown

    Dewsbury-Batley 12 St Helens Schools u/11s 28 ALREADY crowned Lancashire champions, the St Helens lads produced an epic display to overcome their Yorkshire counterparts to claim the All England Schools Trophy. An early score settled the nerves and from

  • Saints 38 Bradford Bulls 26

    Bulls' stampede stopped by sizzling Saints' super show SIMPLY breathtaking! That was superb seven-try Saints as they tethered stampeding league leaders Bulls in this heart-stopping four-pointer on Saturday night. It ranked among the code's greatest games

  • Accountant has a way with words

    MATHEMATICAL master and wily wordsmith David Roe is number one today after winning TV's quiz Countdown. The chartered accountant and treasurer of St John Southworth Church in Nelson showed an Anglican vicar how the game should be played last night by

  • I'll not be grounded vows pub licensee

    A PUB licensee's dreams of creating his own helicopter pad have flown from his grasp once more after his application for planning permission was deferred a second time. But John Holmes, who wants a landing pad and parking area for two helicopters in the

  • Reflections in verse

    NOSTALGIA runs through the veins of poetic pensioner Mrs I. M. Cook. And she's kindly sent me a sheaf of her reflections in verse, including the one below, reminding our more mature readers of times when the nit nurse regularly searched for unwelcome

  • Riveted by cottage find

    KEEN history buff Damian Cummings admits to having become hooked by his research into a string of old cottages which stood in Parr at the the start of the 'fifties. And now, he's wondering if knowledgable customers of this column can assist in his historical

  • Mad Mac scourge of bikers!

    MAC was the dog that bit everybody. He was the scourge of the side-streets and could flatten an unwary cyclist in the batting of an eyelid. For most of the passing pedallers it was a case of once bitten twice shy, and they quickly learned to adopt a defence

  • Mad Mac - the biting dog!

    MAC was the dog that bit everybody. He was the scourge of the side-streets and could flatten an unwary cyclist in the batting of an eyelid. For most of the passing pedallers it was a case of once bitten twice shy, and they quickly learned to adopt a defence

  • ON THIS DAY 5 years ago June 7 1996

    A REPORT issued today said that claims for compensation amounting to around £32,000 were expected as a result of occupational deafness. Lancashire County Council held open days where 128 people out of 173 that attended made claims.

  • 10 years ago

    PRINCE Charles touched down in East Lancashire when he visited a nature reserve. The Prince of Wales landed by helicopter and spent 30 minutes strolling around the Foxhill Bank nature reserve, Oswaldtwistle. Crowds gathered as Prince Charles -- a keen

  • Nigerian wife must face another hitch

    A MAN whose Nigerian wife has finally been allowed into Britain after a year of haggling today said he had been forced to put plans for her arrival on hold. Robin Howarth was told last month that his wife Justina, whom he married in her native Nigeria

  • Ground Force moves in!

    LIVING next door to the Speak family has brought Carol Bennett and Bernard O'Brien a wholly unexpected surprise -- a brand new garden. And for a task of that size, who better to ask than BBC's crack Ground Force team? Armed with an array of equipment,

  • Samuel Cooke Burnley Amateur Cricket League

    THE local cricket results. Ronnie's Taxis...75-5 Rossendale Valley...74 Ash 15no and 3-5, Ajaz 19 R Bayley 22, D De'ath 17 Byerden House...95-9 General Gordon...93 R Fairbrother 17, A Farnworth 10no, C Gaskell 10no A McLoughlin 26, A Summerscales 16 and

  • Dynamos take the dynamic approach

    COMMUNIGATE users JFC Dynamos were formed in 1997 with just two teams under the name of Blackburn Dynamos Youth Football Club. The Darwen-based club now has eight sides from under sevens to under 15s in four of the local junior leagues. The club's commitment

  • Put bypass in your own backyard

    HAVING read the Citizen's letters on the western bypass over the years, there seems to be quite a clear divide between people who live in south and west Lancaster and people who live in Heysham and Morecambe on the issue of the Western Bypass. It may

  • Volunteers dish out information

    A DOZEN East Lancashire volunteer groups assembled in Clitheroe for the annual volunteers fair to dish out information and recruit new volunteers. The event, at Parish Hall, Church Street, was filled with stalls from various groups, including the Scouts

  • Vicious circle could get even worse

    READING the articles on the Warehouse nightclub and the way the police handled the situation does not surprise me at all. I spend some of my time on weekends in Lancaster in pubs and clubs and have a great time, people are friendly beer is cheep what

  • Police should raid this drugs party

    CAN I suggest that the battalion of armoured police officers who recently stormed the Warehouse Nightclub regroup to launch an attack on a far more strategic target in their war against drugs. Intelligence reports suggest that thousands of young people

  • Taxing time for drivers

    YOUR car emissions can now affect the amount of road tax you pay. From March a graduated tax system has been in place, if you were lucky enough to receive a check in the post with a rebate then you will appreciate the new system. The system covers all

  • Fine win for St Annes 2nd XI

    ANOTHER fine win for St Annes' 2nd team was set up with 51 from Iain Hill and a sound unbeaten 64 from skipper Andy Kellett who held the innings together after a mid-innings collapse. J. Iqbal (5-49) and Roger Banks (4-48) proceeded to take wickets at

  • Booths sponsor bowls team

    BOOTHS supermarkets are sponsoring the Elswick Crown Green Bowls team for the 2001 season. Situated on the Fylde coast, Elswick bowling club is one of the most reputable of its kind and will be sponsored by Booths for a 12- month period. Founded in 1991

  • Surprise accolade for club secretary

    NEARLY 300 people, including the 130 boys who play for the club, attended Lytham St Annes YMCA's annual Junior Presentation Evening in the main sports hall of the club's headquarters at St Alban's Road. Blackpool players John Hills and Jamie Milligan,

  • Losing draws for both local clubs

    LANCASTER and Morecambe both ended up with losing draws in the weekend's Northern Premier League cricket action. Chorley's Nigel Heaton was again in sparkling batting form against Morecambe in the match at Windsor Park, as the first part of a two game

  • Paul strides out for glory

    ST HELENS Strider Paul Demore broke his club's third record of the season when he ran the Walton five-mile road race and recorded a time of 27mins 11secs, knocking 19 seconds off the previous record held since 1996 by Mike Simm. Paul made his intentions

  • Derby rivals share spoils

    EARLESTOWN tasted defeat at home to rivals Eccleston in their WLCL cup game. Scoring freely, the visitors finally posted a score of 156, I Conner (46) and K Smith (25) showing some good form. After losing J Allan (0) the home batsmen buckled down to the

  • Cathedral triumph for students

    STUDENTS from Blackpool put on a stirring performance of the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar this week in the evocative surroundings of Blackburn Cathedral. The talented young cast were all from Blackpool and the Fylde College and various other Blackpool

  • Playground for car park

    BLACKPOOL residents will turn a town centre car park into a huge playground for a birthday bash on Sunday to mark their first milestone on the road to a united future. The gala on Seed Street car park is being held to celebrate the first anniversary of

  • Bail for Warehouse proprietor

    THE owner of the Warehouse Nightclub in Lancaster, who was remanded in custody following a police raid at the club, has been released on bail. Mark Harding, 38, of Balmoral Road, who has been charged with permitting the use and sale of drugs on the premises

  • Crews called to flue fire

    BURNING material which fell from an open fire started a blaze at a house in Coniston Road on the Newton estate. The fire in the rear downstairs room ignited an armchair and there was also a fire in the flue of the chimney. On arrival two firemen entered

  • Carnival misery for dancers

    A GROUP of frightened young girl dancers were pelted with missiles by drunken yobs during the Radcliffe Carnival parade What should have been a highlight of the year for members of the Radcliffe Moriscos morris dancing troupe turned sour when at least

  • Blues set to swap

    BLACKBURN Rovers and Clitheroe will swap training grounds this summer in a bid to give Rovers' stars of the future a shock to the system. Academy director Bobby Downes believes his young guns need a harsh taste of reality as part of their football education

  • Weller raring to go for Clarets

    BURNLEY midfielder Paul Weller today warned his team-mates that the honeymoon period is over as he prepares for the harsh realities of First Division football next season. Clarets boss Stan Ternent did a magnificent job last term in steering the Turf

  • Strong start sparks jump in shares

    SHARES in JJB Sports, the sports retail giant founded by ex-Blackburn Rovers star David Whelan, have soared by more than 10 per cent following an upbeat trading announcement. The share price started the week at £7.80, but within 24 hours of the sales

  • Adrian's novel homecoming

    A FORMER Prescot Grammar School pupil who lived in St Helens as a teenager has returned to the town to promote his first novel. Adrian Caesar emigrated to Australia nearly 20 years ago and is currently Associate Professor of English at the University

  • Was it the Birdie Song?

    THE RSPB is launching a new poll to find the nation's favourite bird song after research found that listening to birds was more popular than EastEnders. People can vote for their favourite on the society's website, www.repb.org.uk or call 0870 577 0055

  • House fire woman praised

    FIREFIGHTERS today praised the life-saving actions of a mother after a fire broke out in her bedroom. The woman was at home in Kay Street, Darwen, with her two children when the fire broke out about 7.20pm yesterday. Officers arrived to find the woman

  • Secret weapons!

    THE big guns have been rolled out in St Helens in the climax to the election campaign. Conservative candidate for St Helens South, Lee Rotherham unveiled his latest political weapon in St Helens on Tuesday, while the Socialist Labour Party conscripted

  • Head is sent home in exam probe

    A PRIMARY school head teacher has been suspended while investigations are carried out into exam irregularities at his school. Peel Brow Primary School, in Ramsbottom, recently won praise from Ofsted inspectors who said the head Michael Duce provided "

  • Businessman issues sue threat to police

    A BUSINESSMAN is threatening to sue Lancashire police for a three-year unpaid debt for storing three vehicles which had been involved in crimes. Last year Raymond Stansfield successfully took Lancashire Police to court and was awarded nearly £50,000 including

  • Doors open in cats crisis

    A CAT crisis has forced an animal sanctuary to re-open its doors to potential pet owners. Foot and mouth restrictions closed Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, Edenfield, in February, dealing a hammer blow to the centre's income and ability to find good homes

  • Shopkeeper in gunman ordeal

    A 58-YEAR-old shopkeeper was threatened by a man with a handgun who stole £65 from his off licence in one of two armed robberies in Rawtenstall last night. The shopkeeper was in his off licence on Burnley Road at 10pm when a man came into the premises

  • Attacked youths 'scarred for life'

    TWO teenagers are likely to be scarred for life after they were slashed about the face and neck in an unprovoked attack. Today, the father of one of the two injured 17-year-olds, Darren Mounsey, pleaded for anyone who knows who attacked his son and his

  • Police need public trust

    CITIZEN Smith know's something is amiss when the post bag fills up with readers' letters expressing very strong views on a particular issue. Without knowing the full facts behind the Warehouse Nightclub raid, what can be ascertained is that many people

  • Clean hands - happy stomachs

    HEALTH chiefs are warning that poisoning your family could be as simple as forgetting to wash your hands thoroughly. National Food Safety Week starts on Monday and with the arrival of warmer weather it's an ideal time to warn of the dangers of poor hygiene

  • Arsonists condemned

    A BLACKPOOL councillor has condemned arsonists who set fire to a block of flats in Grange Park at the weekend. Councillor Les Kersh for Park Ward said vandals who deliberately started a blaze in flats on Easington Crescent on Sunday evening (June 3) could

  • Heart drive

    QUEEN'S Park Hospital, Blackburn, is opening its doors to highlight the factors that lead to Britain's biggest killer, coronary heart disease. Ward D3 will set up a Cardiac Health Awareness Stand today in the hospital's foyer. The event is part of their

  • Bridge work to shut road

    A BLACKBURN road will close for six weeks for bridge repairs. Blackburn with Darwen Council plans to close Primrose Hill Bridge to all vehicles from its junction with Back Henry Whalley Street to Back Bonsall Street. The alternative route is via Bonsall

  • Fine art of fund-raising

    A MELLOR artist put the finishing touches to his latest painting in a bid to improve the landscape for villagers. Mellor and District Community Association is busy fund-raising for the village's Community Building Project, which aims to improve and extend

  • Trial date set for three on murder charge

    A DATE has been set for the trial of three men accused of the shotgun murder of pub doorman Darren Bell. Anthony James O'Reilly, 36, of Albion Mill, Ewood, Blackburn and Paul McWilliams, 27, of Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, both appeared in Preston Crown

  • Plumbing firm still strong after blast

    A DETERMINED plumbing boss has moved to reconstruct his premises destroyed by an explosion last month. Paul Robinson's Joshua Grimshaw Ltd, of Bank Top, Blackburn was left a pile of rubble after the 3am blast at the next door Heena Takeaway. The building

  • GOLF: Pair indulge in marathon

    CLITHEROE pair Richard Atkinson and Roland Hailwood have accepted the Golf Challenge -- a marathon golf day in aid of the National Children's Home (NCH) charity. Richard, who is the Methodist minister at Clitheroe, and Roland, who is the Clitheroe Town

  • GOLF: Dougherty crashes out at Prestwick

    AMATEUR starlet Nick Dougherty crashed out of the Amateur Championship at Prestwick yesterday in the opening round of match-play at Prestwick. The 19-year-old Shaw Hill player had led the qualifiers by three strokes after two qualifying rounds but came

  • RUGBY: Balshaw blasts fixture pile up

    IAIN Balshaw has criticised rugby union's crowded fixture list ahead of the British Lions' game against Western Australia tomorrow. The 22-year-old from Blackburn has been out with a shoulder injury and hadn't trained for three weeks prior to meeting

  • RUGBY: Bracken skipper while Alex misses out

    FORMER Stonyhurst pupil Kyran Bracken will captain England for the second Test against Canada. Rossendale's Alex Sanderson, who captained the side in the 41-19 win over British Columbia in midweek, misses out. His brother Pat is named as one of the replacements

  • CYCLING: Two out of three for Snape

    RACING cyclist Fraiser Snape of Read, was winner of two of the three midweek time trials held on roads in our area during the past week. On Tuesday he was fastest in the Rossendale Road Club promotion on the Accrington to Burnley Road with 21 minutes,

  • P&0's defeat from victory

    PRESCOT & Odyssey managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at Ainsdale on Saturday, despite a magnificent feat by Ian Hayhurst. The experienced opening bowler took an incredible four wickets in four balls in his fifth over, eventually finishing

  • Rainford's woe carries on

    RAINFORD'S season of woe continued on Saturday as both senior sides crashed to defeat against Croston. Batting first, the 1st team could only muster 105 with 32 of these coming in extras. Dom Carter (25) and John Williams Jnr (14) were the only batsmen

  • St Helens slip up

    ST Helens 1st XI slipped to a nine wicket defeat at home to Formby on Saturday. Batting first, St Helens posted a score of 140 all out in 49.5 overs with Craig Horabin (30) and Ian Lawless (52) top scoring. In reply Formby hit 141 for the loss of just

  • Less choice, not more

    IN REPLY to the lady whose letter was published on May 3, she is right in what she says about British Gas. Since 1995 I have paid for their three-star service which is supposed to cover parts and labour. Now they tell me my radiators need flushing out

  • Unlucky Recs pay the price

    UNLUCKY St Helens Recs 1st XI slumped to a five wicket defeat after failing to get the rub of the green with a crucial lbw decision in their game at Worsley on Saturday. After winning the toss, Recs elected to put the home team in to bat first which looked

  • An injustice for pensioners

    EACH year thousands of pensioners come home from hospital to discover that their pension or income support has been cut. The rule that allows the Department of Social Security to ddo this is little publicised and can feel like the last straw for an older

  • Yickers put Southport in a spin

    HAYDOCK 1st XI paid a visit to table-toppers Southport Trinity on Saturday and sent them spinning to a massive 104-run defeat. Batting first, Haydock were in dominant mood with Shaun Lathom scoring a quick-fire 45 and the returning Scott Pickavance blasting

  • Stop cats from ruining your garden

    IF you are a keen gardener you may sometimes find your patience running rather thin when cats scratch where you have just sown seeds or planted out seedlings as they always make a beeline for any newly disturbed soil. Do not despair. Pelleted chicken

  • A blind faith in Euro Federalism

    READING Mr M J Turner's reaction to Mr. Roberts' letter regarding the EU's unwelcome interference in British farming affairs (Citizen May 10), it was obvious that the writer has developed a blind faith in European Federalism, believing that total acceptance

  • A menace stalking our streets

    ONE often reads in The Citizen a heart-rending letter condemning the cruel and bullying excesses of Blackpool's wheel clampers. We learn of a visitor's holiday being ruined by the unbridled behaviour of this menace which stalks the streets of the resort

  • Flammable ink causes concern

    FIRE crews were called to Secca Chemicals in Withens Road, Haydock, at about 2.20pm on Monday, June 4, when a large drum of flammable ink had to be cooled down after being exposed to the heat.

  • It's a Labour landslide - ITN

    ITN News predicted a Labour landslide with their exit poll when the General Election voting closed at 10pm The exit poll prediction was a 175-seat majority for Tony Blair, but with one of the lowest turnouts in history. The first results are expected

  • Shattered by a 'super sub'

    IT all seemed to be going so well when Blackpool declared on 211 for five after 59 overs of their Northern Premier League game at Leyland. The total was built around a knock of 51 by opener Gavin Armstrong and 52 from captain Mark Lomas. And Blackpool

  • Journey through time

    BLACKPOOL schools are being invited to take "an imaginative and informative trip through time" by visiting Rheged -- The Upland Kingdom Discovery Centre, at Penrith, Cumbria. The centre has developed an extensive education programme, including a primary

  • Sports dividends from Co-op

    PUPILS at Lytham CE Primary School have been bowled over by United Co-op's sports for schools scheme. The school, on Park View Road, has gained extra sports equipment after pupils, parents and locals collected more than 4,000 vouchers which they swapped

  • School's election a lot more fun

    THERE'S another election going on this week -- and its creating more tension than the real one! Hodgson High School Technology College is holding its own mock election with four Year 10 students chosen to represent the main parties. The candidates, along

  • Stamps would be appreciated

    MAY I appeal to readers to send me their used postage stamps to help raise money for the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals)? The PDSA treats sick animals whose owners cannot afford veterinary fees and the stamps are sold to raise money for this

  • 'Couch' views are enjoyable

    REGARDING 'On the Couch' (Letters, May 28), I have to disagree with Ian Hodgson on the subject. I like reading about ordinary people's likes and dislikes whether it is about viewing on the television or eating habits -- or anything else for that matter

  • 'Best value' means low Council Tax

    MR R Davies (Letters, June 1) believes external funding for regeneration in Darwen is restricted in favour of Blackburn and that people in Darwen also lose out in value for their Council Tax. His call for more regenerative funding is based on a report

  • Little Gemma beats the boys

    GEMMA Schofield has made Warburton's Youth League history after becoming the first girl to win a player of the season award. The 10-year-old Ighten Leigh star was handed her Outstanding Player award at a presentation night held at the Hargreaves Stand

  • Byrom Supplies Blackburn & District Amateur Cricket League

    A ROUND-UP of the local cricket results. A DIVISION Gujrat...161-9 Sansrod...165-4 NQ...200 Nabipur...196-9 Mayfield...113 Little Harwood...261-6 B DIVISION Bulls Head...124 Worth Ave...98 H Mercer 37, J Rahee H Mercer 5-22 Furniture World...133 Harangam

  • Golden oldie Sue's a double Euro star!

    VETERAN badminton star Sue Whittaker has been crowned a double European champion just 18 months after returning to serious action. For Sue picked up gold in both the ladies over 50s singles and doubles and won a silver in the mixed doubles event at the

  • Lancashire Girls U-14s League Play-Off Final

    Double trouble for Clarets girls. Burnley FC Girls 2 Bury Girls 3 Burnley's hopes of achieving an historic 'double double' were destroyed by the left boot of Charlotte Higginson. For while Hannah Bailey grabbed two first half goals it was Higginson's

  • Steve Tinniswood's Park Patrol

    I THOUGHT that the only thing I had in common with Superman was the fact that we both pretend to be journalists. Now I admit that I can't fly through the air and I'm not in the least bit scared of Krytonite. But my actions on Friday night drew up more

  • Burnley and District League: Harry Walsh Cup Final

    Michelin 3 Padiham 2 Ash the Bash WING wizard Ashley Waddington guided Michelin to cup glory with a lung-bursting display to set up all three goals. Waddington was tormenter-in-chief as he ran Padiham ragged down the right flank making sure left back

  • Cyclist robber

    POLICE are hunting a teenage cyclist who stole a handbag from a woman in Prestwich at the weekend. The 55-year-old victim was walking along Rectory Lane at 4pm on Saturday (June 2) when the thief rode up behind her and grabbed her handbag before pedalling

  • Thieves target garage

    A MECHANIC was pushed to the ground during a struggle with three robbers. The 54-year-old was working at a taxi repair garage in Warwick Street, Prestwich, when the attackers stormed the building and attacked him at 10.30am on Saturday (June 2). The victim

  • Motorway research

    THE public will be involved in a 15-month study of the M60 corridor through North Manchester, one of the busiest motorway stretches in the country. The focus of the study will be junction 12 at Worsley and junction 18 at Simister, which carries 190,000

  • Life on a war ship may have caused death

    LIFE aboard a mine-sweeper during the Second World War could have ultimately led to the death of a 77-year-old Radcliffe man. Retired clerk Mr George Crook, of Arley Street, had been a petty officer on a Navy mine-sweeper, working in the engine room,

  • Ground Force moves in!

    LIVING next door to the Speak family has brought Carol Bennett and Bernard O'Brien a wholly unexpected surprise -- a brand new garden. And for a task of that size, who better to ask than BBC's crack Ground Force team? Armed with an array of equipment,

  • Headteacher suspended in exams probe

    THE headteacher of a Ramsbottom school has been suspended following allegations of exam irregularities. Mr Mike Duce was asked to leave Peel Brow Primary School after the governors contacted the Local Education Authority over irregularities concerning

  • Asian leaders back fight against drugs

    ASIAN community leaders and parents have joined the fight against drug abuse with the launch of a new awareness campaign in the borough. The scheme, which will target information and advice at different community groups, started with an open day for Asian

  • Friedal set to play

    ROVERS keeper Brad Friedel looks set to get the nod for the United States' friendly with Ecuador at Columbus Crew tonight. US national coach Bruce Arena has named the 30-year-old in his 18-man squad as he looks to put the finishing touches to his prepartions

  • Rovers Deny Viking Raid

    EWOOD chief executive John Williams today denied reports linking Rovers with an 11th hour swoop for Norwegian starlet John Arne Riise. A couple of stories in today's tabloids had suggested Rovers boss Graeme Souness was about to join the race for the

  • It's a Labour landslide - ITN

    ITN News predicted a Labour landslide with their exit poll when the General Election voting closed at 10pm The exit poll prediction was a 175-seat majority for Tony Blair, but with one of the lowest turnouts in history. The first results are expected

  • Cancer checks highlight sun dangers

    SPOT checks on visitors to Burnley General Hospital's dermatology unit aimed to increase awareness of the dangers of over-exposure to the sun. The unit was taking part in European Melanoma Day when people were invited to attend to have any worrying moles

  • Two injured in car crash

    A 20-MONTH-OLD girl was taken to Burnley General Hospital after a road accident at 12.30pm yesterday. The crash, at the junction of Queen Victoria Road and Thursby Road, Burnley, involved a Renault Laguna and a Mercedes. The Renault was driven by Jeanine

  • Beware of man with fake van

    A THIEF conned a disabled woman out of the wheelchair by dressing his van up with the logo of a well known disabilities charity. In what police say was a well planned crime, a man approached the house of the 34-year-old woman on Howgill Avenue, Lancaster

  • We want to work together

    NEIGHBOURS living close to a housing and training project for young people claim the rowdy behaviour at the Morecambe Foyer is making their lives a misery. They claim noise, vandalism and general anti-social behaviour is adversely affecting the community

  • Cliff plunge boy glad to be home

    AN eight-year-old boy told today how he plunged 30ft down a cliff and ended up stranded in water and unable to move in 20 minutes. Craig Brereton, of Thirlmere Avenue, Burnley, had been with pals and had gone into a wood off Lower Manor Lane to get down

  • Association wins battle with 'problem' family

    A HOUSING association has won its 11 month legal battle to kick a family of 'problem tenants' out of their Morecambe home. The Collingwood Housing Association has evicted the Ibbitson/Knott family from their home on Bartholomew Road after numerous complaints

  • Amnesty bids to halt flogging

    HUMAN rights charity Amnesty International are backing an appeal by a Lancaster man against a sentence of 500 lashes for dealing in alcohol in Saudi Arabia. Kelvin Hawkins will become the first Britain to be flogged since the mid 1980s if the brutal sentence

  • Career in balance for aspiring lawyer

    A TRAINEE barrister from Lancaster has appeared before Preston Crown Court charged with harassing a man he wrongly accused of having an affair with his ex-girlfriend. Kevin Murtagh, of Watery Lane, Scale Hall, pleaded guilty to causing fear of violence

  • What's taking you?

    RESIDENTS living near the closed Shaw Street canal bridge are bewildered that repairs to fix it could take months. The footbridge across Lancaster Canal near Bath Mill has been closed after the council said they could not guarantee public safety. But

  • Crime rise blamed on recording criteria

    RECORDED crime in Lancashire increased by 8.1 per cent for the year to March 2001. The figures mean police recorded 8,800 more crimes across the county in the last 12 months, but the local force claims that the surge reflects changing in recording standards

  • Women have bags snatched

    TWO women had their bags snatched in Nelson and Brierfield last night. In the first incident at 10.50pm a 56-year-old woman was getting into her car at the junction of Farrier Street and Manchester Road when she was approached by an Asian man. He demanded

  • Joe follows on at the Shooters

    CRICKET ace Joe Scuderi has delivered a few shooters in his time and now the Lancashire star is planning to take in a delivery or two -- at the Shooters! For 32-year-old Joe is the new tenant at the Shooters Arms, Nelson, the town where his cricketing

  • Mayor in love split 'sacks' his wife

    THE Mayor of Pendle today "sacked" his wife as mayoress and declared: "Our marriage is over." The announcement came as Councillor Fred Hartley revealed he had left the family home in Nelson just two weeks after he and wife Denise were installed as the

  • Alliance go down at Odsal

    The Alliance side lost 34-24 against Bradford at Odsal. Saints' tries were scored by Chris Giles, Radney Bowker, Gareth Price, Dwayne West and John Braddish, who also kicked three goals. Team: A. Hughes; Stubbs, Giles, West, Kirkpatrick; Bowker, Braddish

  • And here's an echo of that song

    SHE'LL never forget the eucalyptus bath she was given before leaving the old infectious diseases hospital at Peasley Cross. Now, reader Mrs E. Kenyon recalls her experiences as a nine-year-old diphtheria patient. She was reminded of it by the recent piece

  • Nostalgic reflections in verse

    NOSTALGIA runs through the veins of poetic pensioner Mrs I. M. Cook. And she's kindly sent me a sheaf of her reflections in verse, including the one below, reminding our more mature readers of times when the nit nurse regularly searched for unwelcome

  • Echoes of old hospital song

    SHE'LL never forget the eucalyptus bath she was given before leaving the old infectious diseases hospital at Peasley Cross. Now, reader Mrs E. Kenyon recalls her experiences as a nine-year-old diphtheria patient. She was reminded of it by the recent piece

  • £2m for real Alice artefacts

    UNIQUE photographs, books, and letters belonging to the "real" Alice in Wonderland from East Lancashire have raised more than £2 million at auction. After marrying Jonathon Hargreaves, the son of wealthy a mill owner, at 28, Alice Liddell lived at Oak

  • Worshippers say a prayer for sunshine

    WORSHIPPERS in the Accrington Team Ministry of Christ the King are praying for sunshine on Sunday June 10 when they set off on their annual walking day. This year two processions, each headed by a hymn playing band, will set off at 2pm and later converge

  • Tourism hope for old folk's home

    THE owner of a hotel which is set to expand into a neighbouring residential home today pledged to attract more tourists into East Lancashire. Staff at Willow Lodge Residential Home were put on a month's notice nearly two weeks ago, just months after the

  • Hypnosis ordeal mother's fury

    A MOTHER-of-seven whose "life was turned upside down" by an East Lancashire hypnotist is looking forward to rebuilding her life after the week-long court case. Lynn Howarth, 40, said that despite her happiness at having the won the case to prove the hypnotist

  • Route change for carnival's parade

    A LAST-minute decision by traffic police has meant that the biannual Accrington Carnival has had to change the Grand Parade's route, just two weeks before the big event. Preparations started two years ago and several meetings were held between organisers

  • Council makes warden pledge

    A COUNCIL today promised its pensioners that they would not suffer when a warden call centre is privatised later this year. Last week, Hyndburn Council revealed its plans because it cannot afford to bring it up to national standards. The warden call monitoring

  • Surface water refunds

    WITH reference to a letter from one of your readers regarding the refund of surface water charges from United Utilities. United Utilities was the second water company to offer households a refund for the surface water charge on bills once it has been

  • Station to get smoking ban

    LANCASTER City Council has responded to calls for a ban on smoking at the city's bus station by imposing a "No Smoking" policy at the Damside Street building. The ban was supported by members of the council's Finance and Corporate Policy Committee who

  • Police trying to keep youngsters safe

    REGARDING all these letters of protest about the way the police entered the Warehouse club to look for drugs and by all the reports these were found. I wonder if any of your readers saw the photographs only two weeks ago of a young girl whose parents

  • Who pays for police PR exercise?

    THANKS to its owner, Mark Harding, the Warehouse is a valuable asset to the nightlife of Lancaster and stands alone as an independent venue amongst the corporate stranglehold which threatens to squeeze out choice from the city centre. I am a regular at

  • Poorly cat strays off again

    A CARING animal lover is looking for a poorly stray cat that homed in on her for treatment and then vanished. Mrs Carol Bennett, of Whalley Road, Langho, is hoping to find the mysterious Persian cat again so it can have six stitches taken out and its

  • Music memories

    IF you were young in the eighties then you will remember the men dressed like peacocks and freeze-dried synthesizer sounds dominating the airwaves. There were compensations. The arrival of MTV coincided with the New Romantics sharp visual sense, meaning

  • Money no object for 'cash-strapped' Police

    I AM writing to express my absolute disgust at the tactics employed by the police in their raid on the Warehouse night club a week last Friday. Anyone familiar with the club will be aware that it is the only independently run nightclub left in Lancaster

  • Get the election low-down

    IF you don't want to miss any of the election mayhem then have a look at thisislancashire.co.uk for all the information and up-to-date news. The team at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph will be in the office throughout the night to update the website

  • Tim lands US coaching job

    A SOCCER player from St Annes has headed off to sunnier climes to check out the footballing skills of young American hopefuls. Tim Greaves (right) of Wood Street, has won a ten-week contract to coach football in North Carolina. The ambitious 20-year-old

  • Rose hits golden jackpot

    CIVIL Servant Rose Gradwell, of Thornton Cleveleys, is the first Blackpool FC Gold Bond winner of a new design Vauxhall Corsa Expression. She is seen collecting the car from Moorland Motors' Steve Cross watched by Blackpool FC Commercial Director Geoff

  • Harvey releases Leon Smith to Stevenage

    FREED Morecambe youngster Leon Smith is set to join former team-mate Steve Walters at Stevenage Borough. The 21 year old academy graduate joins the ambitious former conference champion after being released by Shrimps boss Jim Harvey two weeks ago. Stevenage

  • Contracts exchanged

    IT'S official - Morecambe's famous art deco Midland Hotel has finally been sold. Cash has changed hands for the Grade II listed hotel but the new owners remain a mystery. It has been bought by an East Coast leisure company who intend to refurbish the

  • Promotion party!

    TALBOT Square was awash with tangerine as hundreds of Blackpool FC fans gathered outside the Town Hall to cheer on their winning team. Excited fans of all ages decked themselves out in Seasiders' colours, chanted, sang and waved dozens of flags as they

  • Lucketti set to leave Terriers

    HUDDERSFIELD defender Chris Lucketti, who is highly thought of by the Burnley boss after captaining the Bury side when Ternent was manager, is being linked with a move away from the McAlpine Stadium. The 30-year-old moved to the Terriers for £1m from

  • Weller raring to go for Clarets

    BURNLEY midfielder Paul Weller today warned his team-mates that the honeymoon period is over as he prepares for the harsh realities of First Division football next season. Clarets boss Stan Ternent did a magnificent job last term in steering the Turf

  • CRICKET: Flintoff fit again

    ANDY FLINTOFF is fit to bowl again. The big all-rounder has been playing as a specialist batsman since tearing his side muscle in the Benson and Hedges Cup defeat by Yorkshire in Liverpool on May 6. But he passed a fitness test yesterday morning and returned

  • Meeting for Heath players

    THERE will be a meeting in the Springfield, Thatto Heath Road, St Helens on Tuesday, June 12 at 8pm for all Thatto Heath Crusaders' current under 16s and 18s players. Anyone else interested in playing in the National Youth League in the forthcoming season

  • Lauren voted top athlete

    RAINHILL High School pupil Lauren Morley was voted 'Athlete Of The Day' after winning three middle to long distance events in the Northern Championships at Formby. Lauren was first across the finishing line in the 800 metres, the 1,500 metres and the

  • Strong arm tactics on show

    THERE will be some strong arm tactics being employed on Saturday night at the Traveller's Rest, in Crab Street when the Grand Final of the St Helens Arm Wrestling Championships take place. Competition is open to men and women in the St Helens area. There

  • Sutton's six wicket defeat

    ON Saturday Sutton's 1st XI played host to Prestatyn CC at New Street but slumped to a six wicket defeat. Batting first, Sutton missed their regular opening partnership through injury and they struggled to 119 all out. Prestatyn found this an easy target

  • Bizarre flasher strikes in cemetery

    A BURLY flasher dressed in a leather skirt and fishnet stockings apologised after exposing himself to a woman in Halton cemetery. The 41-year-old woman was visiting her mother's grave at the cemetery on Foundry Lane at 9.15 pm on Tuesday when the man

  • Trio trail and rob lone woman

    A WOMAN was followed through the streets of Morecambe and robbed of £110 between 1pm and 1.30pm on Tuesday. The 30 year old woman was approached in a car park in Matthia Street, though she had been conscious of being followed before. Three men walked

  • Future is Orange for beauty spot

    COUNCILLORS have been advised to approve plans for a mobile phone mast just 60 metres outside an area of outstanding natural beauty. The 20 metre telecommunications mast on a playing field in Millhead, Warton has also been opposed by local residents.

  • Ultraframe bid to beat weather 'dip'

    CONSERVATORY roofing specialists Ultraframe reckon they have got to the bottom of the problem caused by wet weather hitting sales. The Clitheroe-based company, which employs more than 500 people, is looking at building conservatory bases to ensure future

  • Sarah seeks justice on Web

    A ST HELENS woman has set up a website in support of a man who is imprisoned in Japan. Patrick Loughlin, from Wrexham, is currently serving a sentence for bodily injury resulting in death, following a street brawl in Japan. Sarah Dixon, from Eccleston

  • Ex-Servicemen pay final tribute

    COUNTLESS ex-Service personnel are mourning the death of a popular personality who worked tirelessly for their welfare for nearly 50 years. Michael (Mick) McGann died at his home in Thatto Heath after a short illness. He was 72 Mr McGann, who leaves widow

  • Shakers miss out on Boro hit man Hardy

    BURY have lost out on the chance of signing Radcliffe Boro striker Neill Hardy. The prolific Unibond League hitman has signed for Stockport County instead after the Shakers failed to come up with an offer. It is believed manager Andy Preece was keen on

  • All they need is a chance

    THE ongoing campaign across the borough to find foster carers for children of all ages has been stepped up during National Fostering Fortnight which runs until Sunday, June 17. According to a national survey, most people are not aware of the desperate

  • Going mad for charity

    MIDSUMMER madness is being encouraged by the Meningitis Research foundation, which wants Journal readers to raise money while having fun. All activities can be given a fundraising theme and those interested should contact the charity on 01454 281814.

  • 400 make the running!

    MORE than 400 people pounded the streets of St Helens in the third Corporate Cup race. Organised by St Helens Council, in conjunction with St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority, the event attracted a wide range of teams including, fresh from the London

  • Writing's on the wall

    THE writing is on the wall -- literally -- in St Helens, for male violence against women and children. A six-foot high banner across St Helens Town Hall emphasise the support in the town for the Zero Tolerance campaign. The 'No more excuses' banner with

  • Land pollution strategy

    PROTECTING the health of future generations -- that's the aim of St Helens Council's future draft strategy to deal with polluted land resulting from the town's industrial legacy. The council is putting the strategy out for public consultation with the

  • Transfer Roadshow goes on tour

    ST HELENS Council is taking its housing transfer message out to tenants with a special series of open-door events around the borough. Each of the roadshows is designed to make it easy for council tenants who have queries about the proposal to transfer

  • Get down to area forums

    THE proposed merger of health services across the borough and neighbourhood policing are just two of the big issues to be discussed at the next series of Local Area Forum meetings on Wednesday June 13. The forums, which are open to everyone, give local

  • Ladies aim to net sponsor cash

    CHAMPION footballers are looking for kindhearted people in Darwen to sponsor them in time for next season. Members of Darwen Ladies Football Club, who train at the Anchor Ground, off Blackburn Road, hope to build on this year's successful performance

  • A sizzling touch

    THE British Meat Information Service has provided a recipe for Piri Piri steak which will provide you with a sizzling summer meal. PIRI PIRI STEAK Ingredients: Lean beef sirloin steaks Olive oil Chilli sauce Fresh thyme Lemon In a shallow dish mix together

  • Sunshine gala!

    IT was carnival time in Poulton last Saturday (June 2) as a colourful parade of floats and fancy-dress turned out to take part in the annual gala. Hundreds of excited on-lookers lined the sunny streets of the town centre to cheer on the traditional procession

  • Council plans a slow down

    DRIVERS may have to put the brakes on as Blackpool Council gives the green light to plans to reduce the speed limits on four roads. The council's executive committee has considered and approved the suggestions of its officers to reduce St. Walburgas Road

  • Hurt in collision

    A BOY was taken to hospital after he was knocked down by a car on a busy road. Tristran Fielding, 12, of Beechwood Drive, Blackburn, was crossing Preston Old Road at about 3.30 yesterday afternoon when he was struck by the car. He received minor injuries

  • Body in field: man charged

    A 28-YEAR-OLD man was due in court today charged with the murder of an Asian woman found dead in a Lancashire field. Dilip Patel, of Tottenham, North London, was charged with the killing yesterday. He was due before Blackpool magistrates today. The partially-clothed

  • Illegal marriage fraud man awaits sentence

    THE sentence of a man who took part in an international marriage fraud has been delayed. Mohammed Nasar Nassib, 21, of Snow Street, Blackburn, was due to appear at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to assisting in the illegal entry into the UK

  • Trial date set for three on murder charge

    A DATE has been set for the trial of three men accused of the shotgun murder of pub doorman Darren Bell. Anthony James O'Reilly, 36, of Albion Mill, Ewood, Blackburn and Paul McWilliams, 27, of Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, both appeared in Preston Crown

  • Road opposition councillor's fury

    A LEADING councillor today revealed he had not been consulted over £2.5million plans to complete Blackburn's orbital route -- even though he is opposition spokesman on the town's regeneration. Conservative Coun Alan Cottam condemned plans to complete

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Chambers nets award

    PADIHAM FC's North West Counties Football League goal grabber Lee Chambers, scored again when he won the club's first team players' player of the year award at the end of season presentation evening held at the Arbories. Lee's 33 goal haul helped the

  • GOLF: Youngster Ben is Ryden on a high

    TOP amateur Ben Scott has been called into the England Boys squad. And he reckons he owes the call-up, in part, to the Harold Ryden Trophy, the title he won last year and hopes to defend this weekend. The 18-year-old from Burnley reckons his victory in

  • LOCAL SOCCER: Reds boss chases striker

    ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman may resurrect his bid to land Phil Eastwood after the former Burnley striker today hinted he may consider a move to the Crown Ground. As we exclusively revealed yesterday, Stanley have already had an enquiry for the

  • ATHLETICS: Shaun back in grooveAndy McAllister:

    A REJUVENATED Shaun Livesey won the 18th Althams Travel Burnley Boy's Club 10K on Sunday -- his first victory since rejoining Clayton Harriers. After a glittering career on the fells, which saw him represent England for well over a decade, Livesey became

  • Homing News by Red Check

    DUE to clubs not being in possession of distances from certain race points, results from some clubs are not available but will be published at a later date. Burtonwood H/S racing from Newton Abbott 2/6 1. R. B. Smith 1187,34 2. R. B. Smith 1181.94 3.

  • Information 'not dispassionate'

    I NOTE Mr Turner finds "dispassionate" EU material in the library (Letters, May 24). I hope he has looked carefully as the majority of information in the EU folder is produced by the EU and is not dispassionate. The Government only funds pro-EU literature

  • Rainhill secure victory

    RAINHILL 1st XI travelled to Liverpool Manweb and recorded a victory in a high-scoring game. Captain Mike Rotherham won the toss and put the home side in on a firm, flat wicket. Matty Dale claimed the first wicket with the score on only one but after

  • Legend Bish comes back to his roots

    A TEAK-tough Test scrum-half, who emigrated to Australia after starring in Saints four cups side of 1966, has returned to his Knowsley Road roots -- but only for a holiday. Local lad Tommy Bishop jetted in from Sydney and is staying for part of the three-week

  • Busy schedule for athletes

    ST HELENS Sutton AC members continue to be busy, both on the track and on the road. The club's girls travelled to Macclesfield for the first round of the McDonalds League with a pleasing turn-out of both under-13 and under-15s. For the under-13s, Jessica

  • Start of prestigious bowling event

    FIRST and second round matches in The Hamlet Bowling Championship at the Carr Mill Hotel, with a total of nearly £7,000 in prize money up for grabs, get underway this week with games on Sunday and Monday, June 10 and 11. Further first and second round

  • Crews called to leak

    FIRE crews were called to Secca Chemicals in Withens Road, Haydock, at about 2.20pm on Monday, June 4, when a large drum of flammable ink had to be cooled down after being exposed to the heat.

  • Blaze causes extensive damage

    A FIRE which broke out at SD Graphics Ltd. in Sutton caused extensive damage to one of the rooms in the single-storey detached building. Three fire crews were called to the scene at about 8pm on Thursday, May 31.

  • Funshine day in Prescot

    THIS year's Prescot Carnival will be held on Saturday, June 9, at King George V Playing Fields, Wood Lane. It will be preceded by a procession around the town, led by the Mayor and Mayoress of Prescot, starting at around midday.

  • New surgery for councillor

    TWO new ward surgeries have been set up for Grange Park councillor Janet Smee. These will be held at St Matthew's Church Hall, Grange Park on the first and last Thursday of each month between 6 and 7pm. The first surgery is being held on Thursday, June

  • Family in blaze drama

    A TWENTY-four-year-old woman, a seven-year-old girl and a baby boy aged 10 months were taken to Whiston Hospital for a precautionary check-up after a fire which severely damaged the kitchen of a house in Clock Face. Fire crews were called to the house