LANCASHIRE County Council's much criticised plans to close 35 of their 48 care homes, including 19 in East Lancshire, are bound to put extra pressure on the private sector. It seems inevitable that, if the plans go through, some people who are unable
Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY I LOVE East Lancashire, the River Irwell, walking and steam railways, not necessarily in that order. In the area between Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom I discovered a fantastic quartet. I began early in the morning, starting
GLEN HUNT has gone from entertaining patients in hospital to playing records for up to a million radio listeners in the Liverpool area. DAVID HIGGERSON meets the DJ whose career is spinning in an upward direction. FOUR hundred feet above Liverpool city
THOUGH I don't live in Burnley, what pleasure I get from visiting Towneley Park. I am looking forward to the time when all the alterations are completed. It is such a popular place and is used by not only people from Burnley. I don't have children of
CHURCH Street, Blackburn -- so this is it then? When is somebody going to call Blackburn with Darwen Council's bluff and ask how they have dared to spend so much taxpayers money on an indulgent, naive and nonsensical folly? One must question the gullibility
A 15-YEAR-OLD boy appeared in court on Saturday charged with the murder of a great-grandfather during an alleged burglary at the pensioner's home. Retired engineer Harry Upton, aged 75, was stabbed by an intruder at his home in Culcheth, Warrington, on
OF the 14 letters on the issue which, according to my count, you have published since April 29, 11 were severely critical of the present policy of the Lancashire Constabulary regarding the enforcement of the speed limit, and three were supportive of it
A TAXI company boss who knocked down a pensioner, has had his sentence reduced. Joseph Knowles, aged 59, of Ashton Road, Golborne, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention in May, but appeared at Bolton Crown Court on Friday to appeal
TWO teenagers were today behind bars after a vicious attack on an innocent man they thought was a paedophile. Victim Andrew Myerscough was found covered in blood in an alleyway and was left brain damaged and unable to live on his own again following the
TWO men have appeared before Burnley magistrates after a 38-year-old woman was allegedly sexually attacked at the back of a shop in Brownhill Avenue. Ali Ahmed, 30, of no fixed address, is charged with rape. He was remanded in custody until July 12, for
A TRANS-PENNINE sponsored walk will take to the towpaths of Burnley this weekend as part of a 127-mile charity trek. The five day challenge is the first and longest of 22 Walk on Water events organised by British Waterways. Events are taking part by canals
TWO shoplifters left Mothercare with stolen property in their jackets, Burnley Magistrates heard. The court was told how Marie Josephine Niland, 34, took all the blame and said it had nothing to do with her accomplice, Antoinette Kelly Heap,39. Niland
SPECIAL drug enforcement patrols are taking to the streets of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale to carry out drug raids. The patrols will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, touring hot spot crime areas and taking part in drugs raids throughout
A MULTI-MILLION pound services improvement plan is set to cause further traffic problems this summer. Gas pipeline company Transco will spend nearly half a million pounds in Burnley replacing old iron gas mains with modern plastic ones, which have a far
FINANCE is one word that isn't usually thought of as interesting. But Nelson Community Credit Union took a step away from boring financial matters yesterday as they celebrated joining banks and building societies under new regulations. They now have new
PENDLE Wavelengths in Nelson is running special summer holiday activities throughout July. There's fun for all the family with Playscheme Swimming Sessions on July 8, 9, 10 and 11, between 9am and 10.30pm and a games-packed Pyjama Party Disco on July
A NATURE lover who transformed three acres of derelict land into a woodland paradise today urged Pendle Council to issue a tree preservation order, adding: "Years of work could be destroyed." Steve McBirney, 63, of Short Street, Colne, spoke out after
STUDENTS paid a silent tribute on their last day of school to a former pupil who lost his life in the mid-air collision on the German-Swiss border. Captain Paul Phillips died after the DHL cargo plane he was flying was in collision with a Russian jet
A FATHER of two created a rumpus in an ambulance on the motorway as it took him to hospital. Burnley Magistrates heard how drunken Craig Haworth-Hynes, 31, was sick and then tipped the bowl on the floor, lashed out at paramedics and threatened them. The
A DECISION on whether to approve plans for a controversial animal incinerator in Hapton has been deferred until at least September. Lancashire County Council's development control sub-committee has decided to visit the site of the proposed plant before
STAFF at Oswaldtwistle Mills have been celebrating after the venue was shortlisted as a finalist for the best shopping venue in the sixth annual Group Travel awards. The eventual winner was Bluwater in Kent but other losing finalists included Meadowhall
A SENIOR company manager who used violence towards his girlfriend during a car journey has avoided jail -- after she wrote to the judge. Preston Crown Court heard Adrian Clemson had over-reacted on seeing a friend leaving Maura Emmett's home one morning
TWO teenagers were today behind bars after a vicious attack on an innocent man they thought was a paedophile. Victim Andrew Myerscough was found covered in blood in an alleyway and was left brain damaged and unable to live on his own again following the
EAST Lancashire Tory MP Nigel Evans has said its Ribble Valley constituency is a loser on the National Lottery. He said that it received just £4.2million since the national flutter was launched from the Good Causes and other funds against a national average
FIVE members of staff at Calderstones Hospital who were suspended for more than two months over allegations of ill treatment towards patients have been cleared. An internal investigation was launched after a former colleague made the allegations against
THE Football League have secured a £95million television deal with Sky - and the Clarets are expecting to receive around £750,000 of it. Clarets chief executive Andrew Watson today described the deal as 'a step in the right direction' as the club fights
KYLE HOGG has been handed a double international call-up - but that could mean he hardly plays again for Lancashire this season. The teenage all-rounder has been selected for the England under-19 team for the first of their three match series against
WORLD Cup hero Brad Friedel is ready to make Blackburn Rovers his last ever club after putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract. As we predicted earlier in the summer, the 32-year-old United States international has signed a new four-year contract
SHAKERS boss Andy Preece says his players are hungry to avenge last season's relegation after returning to full-time training this week writes Chris Hall The first team stars were put through their paces with some intensive 400m sprint training to kick-off
A DRINK driver who smashed into a vehicle and then claimed his car had been stolen has been jailed for four months. Burnley Crown Court heard how Andrew Bellusci, 38, also lied to the police in a statement and led them up the garden path. Bellusci was
A JUDGE has overturned his own order banning the identification of a teenager who had asked a court to alter the conditions of his Anti-Social Behaviour Order after he decided the public had a right to know. Judge Andrew Blake, sitting with two magistrates
THE hunt is on to find Blackburn with Darwen's jubilee baby. The Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Tony Humprhys and his wife Jacqueline, have teamed up with Portrait Place, based inside TJ Hughes in Blackburn, to launch a special competition
WORK is due start on the demolition of vandalism-plagued Talbot Mill in Chorley this month. And that will be welcome news for for both parents and emergency services. For the disused Chorley mill has become a serious safety hazard, with fears growing
HE has played at some of the most prestigious venues on both sides of the Atlantic but East Lancashire fans of controversial comedian Bernard Manning will have the chance to see him on a much more intimate level. Fresh from appearing before a couple of
A WOMAN'S delight at receiving her final divorce papers ended in tragedy when she fell downstairs after drinking half a bottle of vodka to celebrate. An inquest heard that mother of three Samantha Taylor, 33, was happy at moving into the new house which
COMMONWEALTH Games organisers were today accused of demeaning the people of Lancashire after volunteers were told to greet athletes with the phrase: "Hiya, our kid!" But organisers said there was to be no standard greeting at the event and the matter
ELDERLY residents are demanding to know why a crime-plagued footpath is still open despite assurances it would be closed. Housing chiefs, councillors and the police ruled in April that closing a 30-metre long ginnel linking Manxman Road and Heysham Crescent
TOP amateur golfer Gary Wolstenholme teed off at the Wilpshire Trophy at 9.30am this morning. The Walker Cup star, who is from Leicestershire, is taking part in the Northern Order of Merit event before travelling to the Lakes tomorrow to open new course
CHORLEY Lynx travel to West Yorkshire tomorrow looking for their fourth league win of the season when they take on mid-table Dewsbury at the Rams Stadium (3pm). Lynx coach Graeme West has been left to count the cost of a stormy encounter with Doncaster
with KINGFISHER SO this is summer! No wonder the fishing remains patchy. Few waters are responding in the way we have a right to expect at this time of year, but do not despair. A few waters have shown some signs of improvement and, thanks to the proliferation
FLAGS are flying at half-mast in memory of Mr Harold Taylor, former Mayor of Bury, who died on Thursday. Mr Taylor (86) had notched up nearly 40 years' public service during a long and respected term as a councillor. He had been ill for some time, and
This week with Coun PAULINE McCORMICK, Mayor of Pendle NEW Mayor of Pendle, Coun Pauline McCormick, is a busy lady. Not only will she be fulfilling her Mayoral duties for the next 12 months, she will carry on working on behalf of her constituents in Reedley
This week, with SHEENA EWING, principal and chief executive of Blackburn College MEMORY: Falling downstairs when I was two years old and getting some chocolate to console me (sugar was rationed at the time, therefore chocolate was a real treat). I'm not
One Fort in the Grave, with KEITH FORT WELL the festival of football is finally over. Doesn't life on the box suddenly seem dull? Unrelieved by the anti-climax of Wimbledon. Fans are already looking forward to the next World Cup in 2006, I believe. I
BURY physio Alan Raw has left the club to take up a new Premiership role with Manchester City.
SHAKERS have confirmed another pre-season fixture. They will make the short journey to Chorley on Saturday July 20, kick-off 3pm, for the clash with the Unibond First Division side. They are already scheduled to take on Radcliffe Borough on July 27 and
SO Arthur Greenhalgh (Letters, June 29) thinks Blackburn's market traders are always complaining. I think I would complain if I had to pay rent while French market traders are setting up stalls rent free. Is Mr Greenhalgh sure he is in Blackburn when
STAFF, pupils, governors and parents of Westleigh Methodist Primary School are celebrating a glowing Ofsted report -- the culmination of a four-year effort to drive up standards. In 1998, the school, on Westleigh Lane, was placed under "special measures
AN inquiry was under way today after a Burnley man was found hanged in a prison cell. Convicted burglar James Michael Devers, 21, was discovered by fellow inmates at Liverpool Prison. Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to revive him.
WORLD Cup hero Brad Friedel is ready to make Blackburn Rovers his last ever club after putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract. As we predicted earlier in the summer, the 32-year-old United States international has signed a new four-year contract
A FOOTBRIDGE over Burnham Gate in Burnley may be replaced with a pedestrian crossing. Trinity councillors are now seeking views of residents about the proposal. Coun Liz Monk said: "I know that over the years residents in Trinity Ward have asked for the
AN inquiry was under way today after a Burnley man was found hanged in a prison cell. Convicted burglar James Michael Devers, 21, was discovered by fellow inmates at Liverpool Prison. Paramedics were called to the scene but were unable to revive him.
A SOLDIER who got behind the wheel after drinking about five lagers has lost his driving licence -- and about £9,000 into the bargain. Burnley magistrates heard how Scott Corser, 21, did not give a specimen of breath to police, despite being given several
A NEW support group for single parents is being set up by parents with help from Colne's Open Door Project. The first meeting will be on Wednesday July 17 between 2pm and 3pm at the Open Door Centre, Great George Street, and any interested parents are
PENDLE'S answer to Linford Christie and Rory Underwood have had a triumphant time at this year's Lancashire Youth Games. The year six rugby team from Sacred Heart Primary School, Colne and the Pendle Swimming Disability Team came away champions with gold
GOVERNMENT plans to consult on identity cards have split East Lancashire MPs. Labour left-winger Gordon Prentice has unexpectedly supported the plan for what Home Secretary David Blunkett calls 'entitlement cards.' His Labour colleague Greg Pope, is also
FORTY boy choristers from St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst, hit the high notes at Ripon Cathedral thanks to new set of robes. The new robes were bought after a fund-raising drive by parents and the choristers wore them to perform Evensong at the historic cathedral
STUDENTS at Stonyhurst are giving up a week of their time so that children with special needs can have a holiday at the college. Kind-hearted youngsters at the world-famous Jesuit college near Clitheroe have been raising funds to pay for the holiday for
DISPOSABLE nappies and waste from the manufacture of household sanitary products could be burned at a Clitheroe cement firm as an alternative fuel within the year. Castle Cement intends asking environment watchdogs for permission to burn paper and plastic
WHILE fans are getting frustrated about the weather at Wimbledon, spare a thought for the Transco Lancashire League. The tennis stars may have lost a day or three over the fortnight but rain has caused absolute chaos at the start of the cricket season
THE Football League have secured a £95million television deal with Sky - and the Clarets are expecting to receive around £750,000 of it. Clarets chief executive Andrew Watson today described the deal as 'a step in the right direction' as the club fights
CYCLISTS who completed a marathon ride from Bocholt in North Germany were delayed in their arrival in twin town Rawtenstall because of bad weather in the Peak District. A team of twelve cyclists, all of whom work in the town hall in Bocholt, completed
POLICE and Bury Council have joined forces to slash crime against taxi drivers. If a pilot project is successful,taxi drivers in the Bury area will have a CCTV camera in each cab linked directly to the police via a central control room. The new system
A MAN was so drunk he could not remember starting a fire which led to two families being evacuated. William Ackers, aged 20, stacked garden furniture at the back of a house, poured over engine oil, and set it alight. Luckily the blaze was extinguished
A CHORLEY resident is outraged at an advertising board placed outside his home which reads 'Hurt Me You Slag'. The board, advertising the latest range of Pot Noodles, appeared outside George Topping's front window on Sunday. George, 71, of Preston Road
A UNION and train company are going full steam ahead to win public support for their cause as a row over pay rolls on. The RMT and Arriva Trains Northern have been in dispute for seven months and 672 conductors are preparing to stage their fifteenth one
TODAY is annual National Kissing Day, where people should be puckering up with their partners or even getting fresh with strangers. But finding a kiss on this most romantic of days is not as easy as it sounds, as JAMIE DIFFLEY found out when he took to
PRIVATE nursing homes are threatening to turn away cases referred to them by Lancashire County Council unless they receive an extra £75 a week for each person from the authority. The Coalition for Care, led by Lancashire Care Association chairman Frank
ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman has added experience to his defence with the signing of central defender Mark Sertori. The Bury-based player has joined the UniBond Premier Division side from their divisional rivals Altrincham. Sertori has a wealth
