Archive

  • We're not prima donnas

    THE thinking behind the Blackburn People's Choir is simple. "We're not prima donnas," says Blackburn with Darwen's principle arts officer and choir member Rob Howell. "We're just ordinary people who work hard at making a great noise." The choir's programme

  • Loh to launch single at Arts in the Park

    SHE'S already appeared alongside Jackie Chan and Dennis Hopper and performed with Destiny's Child and Annie Lennox. Now Leslie Loh is set to entertain crowds at Saturday's Arts in the Park event, where she will launch her debut single Boom Bang Bang.

  • Sharron can't get it out of her head

    SHE'S got the same lace up dress and silver boots. She's even got the same bra. She's 34-year-old Sharron Rowe from Chester and she's going to treat the crowds at Arts in the Park to a hugely convincing impersonation of Kylie Minogue. Sharron has been

  • Are you sure it's not the real REM?

    BY day he works as the personal assistant for the boss of a haulage firm. By night he metamorphoses into Michael Stipe, lead singer of REM. His name is Rick Southern and so convincing is his transformation the real Michael Stipe has dubbed his band the

  • Forever Bury Bulletin

    PREPARATIONS for the new season at Gigg Lane continue apace. We welcome Joe O'Neill, a striker on a season-long loan from Preston North End, who chose Bury on the advice of Pawel Abbott, a firm fans favourite during his loan period here last season. Perhaps

  • Chairman aiming for jewel to shine

    LOOKING after the people that matter in football - the fans - is the top of the list of priorities for new Bury FC chairman Albert Doweck. The Manchester businessman took over the reins at Gigg Lane this week and spelled out just what he believes is needed

  • Mick was happy band member

    I WAS dumbfounded by the statement given out by the 'Burn' management regarding the axing of Mick Spencer from the band (LET, July 3) about him being 'unhappy.' The band was his life. After the Isle-of-Wight and Glastonbury festivals he was ecstatic and

  • Behaviour of bus driver outrageous

    REGARDING your report (LET, July 3) about a road rage incident, I don't condone any violence, but I can fully understand how it can happen. Bus drivers using the Whitebirk roundabout at Blackburn think that it's fine to use the right-hand lane to go round

  • MEP condemns Euro president

    THE European Union has been dragged into disrepute by its "bar room brawler" president, says MEP Gary Titley. The Radcliffe-based Euro MP condemned Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi's remarks when he likened a German MEP to a Nazi concentration camp commander

  • Merry men dressed to impress in musical.

    MOVE over Men In Black. The Men In Green have taken over Butterstile Primary School. Actually, it is the men in green TIGHTS that wowed audiences at the Year 5 and 6 end of term performance. The youngsters performed a musical based on the legendary story

  • Bus drivers to vote in strike ballot

    AROUND 250 drivers at Bury's bus depot are to be balloted over strike action in an on-going pay dispute. Together with 650 colleagues at First's other depots in Bolton and Wigan, they have rejected a proposed salary package put forward by the company.

  • Slow it down for Hawkshaw plea

    SPEEDING drivers are pushing villagers to the limit. Residents living in Hawkshaw are calling for measures to stop motorists exceeding the 30mph speed limit in Bolton Road and Ramsbottom Road. At last week's meeting of the Ramsbottom and Tottington area

  • Armed robbery at post office

    TWO armed robbers attacked a security van driver and sprayed petrol in his face before stealing thousands of pounds in cash. The men, described by police as very dangerous, were armed with a cosh and struck outside Helmshore post office, in Broadway,

  • Row over council's 'secret' payment

    A COUNCIL has been slammed for making a five-figure compensation payment over a planning blunder - and then trying to keep it secret. Ribble Valley Council leader Chris Holtom today defended the decision and denied the resident involved had been gagged

  • Gardener sparks off "bomb" alert

    A SCHOOL sports day was cancelled and residents were warned to stay in their homes after an "unexploded bomb" was discovered in a garden. The mortar round was found at the rear of Holcombe Road in Greenmount late on Tuesday morning by Mr Peter Jolley.

  • Brett fulfils his dream

    EWOOD new boy Brett Emerton today described his move to Rovers as a dream come true. The 24-year-old midfielder, who has left Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee, will report for pre-season training on Monday after signing a four-year deal at Ewood Park.

  • Boost for town's clean team

    BURNLEY is set to make a clean sweep thanks to a £150,000 cash boost which will create four new jobs to help improve the environment. The money from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund will pay for a community liaison officer, two community workers and a technical

  • Council sets up meeting before inspection

    A SPECIAL council meeting will be held at Nelson Town Hall at the end of this month to approve any outstanding policies or strategies in preparation for the comprehensive performance assessment inspection in September. It will also be used to discuss

  • Way opens up for bike riders

    PENDLE Council is hoping the borough's economy will receive a massive boost with the opening of the Pennine Cycleway -- the longest national cycleway in Britain -- at the weekend. The cycleway is 375 miles long and stretches from Derby to Berwick-upon-Tweed

  • Ten years ago

    IT was blooming marvellous for John Garathy who won a best allotment competition. John of Shadsworth Road won the prize from Blackburn Council for his plot in Queen's Park.

  • Five years ago

    VAN driver Jason Ashton was set to concentrate on a different set of driving. Jason, a member of Blackburn Golf Club, was competing against some of the world's top golfers in the final qualifiers for the British Open.

  • Haydon returns for US races

    THE Foggy Petronas Racing team is back at full strength with the return of James Haydon for the eighth round of the World Superbike Championship at Laguna Seca, USA, this weekend. Having been ruled out of action on the FP1 - the Malaysian superbike -

  • Crash motorcyclist badly injured

    A YOUNG motorcyclist had to have his leg amputated after a road accident in Leyland on Thursday. Matthew Peter Orrell, 23, of the Yewlands Drive area in Leyland crashed his motorbike into the back of a BMW on Stanifield Lane. His leg was nearly severed

  • School celebrates centenary.

    HAZLEHURST Primary School in Ramsbottom was officially opened this week after 100 years. The completion of the Ramsbottom school was never formally celebrated back in November 1903. So, as part of its centenary year celebrations, pupils and staff staged

  • £3.1m payout for road accident victim Jake

    TEENAGER Jake Mills is to receive £3.1 million in compensation 13 years after he was knocked down on a pelican crossing. The High Court in Manchester approved the settlement on Friday (4th) and the money should ensure that Jake, who is now 18, will be

  • Rent rise may force out group

    A PLAYGROUP could fold after its rent increased by nearly 400 per cent. Ramsbottom Pre-School Playgroup is a registered charity which has been caring for children for the past 30 years. But now, two weeks before the group is due to break for the summer

  • Wind farm would power 51,000 homes

    PLANS for a controversial wind farm on moorland north of the borough sparked a heated discussion at Bury Town Hall this week. Residents were invited as energy firm United Utilities explained their proposals to site 26 large turbines on Scout Moor, east

  • Drugs top new chief's hit list

    BURY'S new top cop has set up a special unit to tackle what he calls a major drugs problem in the borough. And Chief Superintendent Andy Holt said this week that failure to stem the flow of illegal drugs could see crime spiral out of control. In his first

  • Fergie told me I'd love Burnley

    IT took just 24 hours for Luke Chadwick to commit himself to Burnley for a year. But if the Manchester United winger has his way, he could end up staying in East Lancashire a whole lot longer. Chadwick yesterday swapped the Fort Knox-style security of

  • The rise of Liberty X

    A LOOK at the route to fame that one of the UK's biggest pop bands took. 2000 - 2001: The ITV show Popstars is aired, with Kevin, Tony, Jessica, Michelle and Kelli five among thousands of hopefuls hoping to be plucked from obscurity to win a place in

  • People's festival to showcase new talent

    SEVENTEEN bands are set to rock Accrington's Oak Hill Park in a seven-hour spectacular next month. The all-day extravaganza on Saturday, August 2 replaces the popular Sounds event which has been run by Hyndburn Council for a number of years. The emphasis

  • Acid House revival gets Tribal treatment

    THERE'S Tribal, then there's Tribal. And at the top of the Tribal Tree, sits Tribal Gathering. Regular sessions at Sankey's Soap keep the Tribal faithful happy, along with once-in-a-blue-moon events like the Tribal Gathering, which took place in Southport

  • Search for 'dishevelled' woman seen by roadside

    POLICE have launched a search for a 'dishevelled' woman after reports she was seen huddled on the ground next to a remote road. Officers and the police helicopter searched the area after a couple reported seeing the woman struggling to get off the ground

  • Attack by customer 'a disgrace'

    A DARWEN shopkeeper was subjected to a 'sustained and persistent' attack by a man complaining over a £5 top-up for an electricity card, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates branded Derek Robert Kilpatrick's behaviour 'disgraceful' and said they were

  • Public urged to air views

    WHITWORTH and Bacup residents are being urged to share their views at a special meeting. People living in both towns are being invited to speak up about issues which concern them. According to the council, Rossendale Area Forum meetings are already proving

  • Armed robbery at post office

    TWO armed robbers attacked a security van driver and sprayed petrol in his face before stealing thousands of pounds in cash. The men, described by police as very dangerous, were armed with a cosh and struck outside Helmshore post office, in Broadway,

  • All this and Robbie too

    IF you let him entertain you he'll make sure you get the whole Robbie Williams Xperience. His name is Gary Edwards and, as a former professional singer turned Robbie Williams tribute act, he is well-placed to give the crowds at Arts in the Park a real

  • She's a true fighter

    THE thing Nadie Keating most admires about pop diva Anastasia is her gutsy determination. For 27-year-old Nadie, a professional singer, knows better than most that the path to stardom is fraught with difficulties. And like Anastasia, Nadie is pleased

  • People's festival to showcase new talent

    SEVENTEEN bands are set to rock Accrington's Oak Hill Park in a seven-hour spectacular next month. The all-day extravaganza on Saturday, August 2 replaces the popular Sounds event which has been run by Hyndburn Council for a number of years. The emphasis

  • Jamie hottest property in jazz

    THE exciting news I was able to relay to you about the forthcoming concert in Southport featuring George Benson and Jamie Cullum has already had one hugely satisfying spin-off. Thanks to the efforts of Julia Brough who is handling PR for the festival,

  • Chippy sold

    A POPULAR Whitefield fish and chip shop has been sold. The sale of the chippy, in Victoria Square, Whitefield, was announced by Kings Business Transfer. Gerry Murphy, a partner with Kings who handled the sale, said: "The Victoria Square fish and chip

  • Inquest opens into death of asylum seeker

    AN inquest has been opened into the death of an asylum seeker from Afghanistan. Faizullah Ahmedi was found by a housemate in a house in Edmundson Street, off Johnston Street, Blackburn on Sunday, July 6. Mr Ahmedi, 19, was last seen alive by Zhami Wahid

  • Buses not for sale, but. . .

    COUNCIL bosses today moved to reassure workers at Blackburn Transport that the company wasn't up for sale -- yet. Faced by a barrage of questions at last night's meeting of the Blackburn with Darwen regeneration overview and scrutiny committee, regeneration

  • Rape accused 'paid for sex'

    A MAN accused of raping a prostitute at knifepoint has insisted that she agreed to have sex - and that no force was used. Andrew Fardella told how he picked up the woman at Blackburn and paid her £20 prior to intercourse taking place. The 33-year-old,

  • Pupils' mega bite of school meals

    BERNICE Reedy served up Blackburn with Darwen's 10millionth school meal yesterday and insisted: "My semolina is as popular as ever!" The 59-year-old dinner lady has been serving grub to hungry youngsters at Daisyfield Primary School, Clinton Street, Blackburn

  • Councillor's bin there, done that...

    A COUNCILLOR who decided to get his hands dirty and be a binman for a day is rallying support in the fight against the grot spots. Coun Paul McGurty worked for a day with the refuse collectors in Blackburn and Darwen after a number of complaints of rubbish

  • Threats 'led to over-limit drive'

    A 52-YEAR-OLD man who moved his car while over the drink drive limit has escaped a ban -- because he was being threatened by a neighbour. Blackburn magistrates heard that Edward McDonagh had failed a subsequent breathalyser but they agreed with Basharat

  • Come on Over Kym!

    A 12-YEAR-OLD Kym Marsh fan who entered a contest six times to meet her idol finally got to see her play live... at her mum's work. Charlotte McVittie, 12, won a competition to get pop star Kym to play her hits Cry and Come on Over at the Out of School

  • Wind farms: have you got a better idea?

    THE letter (June 27) about the proposed Scout Moor wind farm makes some good points. There is a need for much more investment in energy conservation alongside the moves towards renewable electricity supplies, and in this proposal it is wrong that the

  • Houses plan agreed by tenants

    I WOULD like to try to reassure J. Taylor (Your Letters, June 27) over his concerns about the recommendation for the creation of an Arm's Length Management Organisation (ALMO) to manage the borough's housing. The Housing Stock Options Board which made

  • I don't envy the better off

    I WAS amazed at the lack of response to the recent letter from Albion who attacked the "whingeing yuppies" in the north of the borough. Albion, whoever he/she is, has a wicked sense of humour. First of all, let me declare my interest. I live in Whitefield

  • I can't wait, says Bury FC's new boss

    THE long-term survival of beleaguered Bury Football Club has taken a giant step forward with the appointment of a new chairman, Manchester businessman Albert Doweck. Mr Doweck (65) replaces joint-chairmen Fred Mason and John Smith who stand down from

  • All take and no give with uncharitable lot

    WE all know the phrase charity begins at home. But why does it have to begin at my home all the time? Now I'm a firm believer that you should give to charity all the time in the world - it is the right thing to do - but why is my house seen as easy pickings

  • The public have a right to know

    IT seems clear that an individual or group of individuals at Ribble Valley Council have made a big mistake that is going to cost the district's residents around £70,000. But details of the planning decision that led to the council having to make a compensation

  • Pride in our streets

    THERE is an encouraging two-pronged approach to the new drive to brighten Burnley's streets thanks the council's successful bid for £150,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. Essentially, the money is to create four new jobs to improve streets and

  • All this and Robbie too

    IF you let him entertain you he'll make sure you get the whole Robbie Williams Xperience. His name is Gary Edwards and, as a former professional singer turned Robbie Williams tribute act, he is well-placed to give the crowds at Arts in the Park a real

  • She's a true fighter

    THE thing Nadie Keating most admires about pop diva Anastasia is her gutsy determination. For 27-year-old Nadie, a professional singer, knows better than most that the path to stardom is fraught with difficulties. And like Anastasia, Nadie is pleased

  • Nigel wants the night shift back

    NIGEL Evans is leading a campaign to return the "modernised" House of Commons hours to their old afternoon start and late night sittings. The Ribble Valley MP believes that starting in the morning and supposedly finishing at 7pm has been a mistake. Mondays

  • Simm-ply fantastic!

    THE last time he played in Blackburn he was singing Take That covers in local pubs and clubs. He returns to the town as part of a Brit Award-winning band, with a number one hit single to his name and a status other pop hopefuls can only dream of rivalling

  • Jamie hottest property in jazz

    THE exciting news I was able to relay to you about the forthcoming concert in Southport featuring George Benson and Jamie Cullum has already had one hugely satisfying spin-off. Thanks to the efforts of Julia Brough who is handling PR for the festival,

  • Two-day party with that added X-factor

    THE scene is set for the ultimate party in the park -- two days of music and entertainment for all the family. And it all starts tomorrow afternoon. Record crowds are expected to transform Blackburn's Corporation Park into a sea of colour for the free

  • Big weekend for Brook in national tourney

    HOLCOMBE Brook Sports Club will be fighting on two fronts in the last 16 play-offs of the National Clubs Tennis League this weekend. Both their mens and ladies teams finished top of the North League group to reach this stage - a superb achievement. The

  • Terrier Newbs so sad to go

    HE may have only just left Gigg Lane but Jon Newby can't wait to make a return visit with his new club Huddersfield Town early in September. Newby is just one of a handful of players who have left the Shakers this summer as part of a cost-cutting exercise

  • East Lancs end Rams' good run

    HAVING beaten a strong Burnley outfit on Saturday to make it four wins in a row, the Rams came unstuck the following day against Worsley Cup finalists East Lancs. After losing the toss on Saturday, and being asked to bat on a cloudy day, the Acre Bottom

  • Question of sex unbelievable

    I COULD not believe what I read (LET, July 4) about the medical that Lorenzo Amoruso had before he came to Ewood Park. What a terrible intrusion of privacy to ask whether he was homosexual or not. Do all football clubs ask this question in medicals, or

  • Medal tale brought back memories

    REGARDING the medal featured in Eric Leaver's 'Looking Back' (LET, June 26), which was presented to commemorate the royal visit to Roe Lee mills in Blackburn in 1913. I, too, possess one. It was given to my late paternal grandmother, who worked in the

  • Tak e adverts tongue-in-cheek

    REGARDING columnist Fred Shawcross's comments on mixing beer and sex in television advertisements (LET, June 14). Doesn't he realise that the humour encompassed in these advertisements sells beer? Surely, he can see they are to be taken 'tongue-in-cheek

  • Inequality in the towns does exist

    LIKE many Darwen people, I totally agree with the views of R Davies (Letters, June 23), M Bottomley (Letters, June 24) and M Callaghan (Letters, June 25) on the unequal spending between Blackburn and Darwen. Unfortunately, while Blackburn is still seeking

  • Road scheme 'too close' to cemetery

    A FAMILY have slammed the council over plans to build a new road just yards from their son's grave. The Rooney family, from Atherton, were told at a public meeting last week that the proposed A5225 "Gateway to Wigan" road to Lovers Lane would be built

  • Teenagers arrested after paper mill fire

    THREE youths have been arrested and bailed following a massive blaze at a Bury paper mill. Around 100 tonnes of recycled paper were destroyed by fire at the former Olives Paper mill site in Tottington Road on Wednesday evening. Four fire crews tackled

  • Blooms could land us top place

    THE judges are coming: prepare to bombard them with flower power! Town Hall bosses are urging residents to help the area succeed in this year's North West in Bloom competition. Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington have been entered in this year's tourney (

  • First water baby causes a stir

    NEWBORN Ruby Hooper's arrival created a ripple of excitement as she emerged into the world as Fairfield Hospital's first ever water baby! Delighted mother Jane gave birth to her 8lbs 1oz daughter in the hospital's maternity bathing pool after midwives

  • New £350,000 swimming pool opens

    RAMSBOTTOM Pool re-opens on Monday (July 14) complete with a gymnasium, following a £350,000 refurbishment. Over the past two months the swimming pool has been upgraded, the building refurbished and a gym facility fitted, with £150,000 of equipment installed

  • Traders keep criminals in focus

    TOWN centre publicans and traders have strengthened their resolve to stamp out crime in Radcliffe. Their partnership with police and the local authority has already helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through security cameras in the town. To

  • Think first, says "Wife Swap" Carol

    THEATRICAL agent Carol Godby would not swap her life with anyone ever again! As Channel 4's Wife Swap gets ready to hit our screens once again this autumn, Carol who starred in the series is urging would-be swappers to "think long and hard" before agreeing

  • Recycling award for Bury

    EFFORTS to set a new pace in recycling earned Bury a place on the winners' podium at a lavish green awards ceremony. Bury beat contenders across the Greater Manchester to clinch third place and a £6,000 prize in the county's "Race to Recycle Awards 2003

  • Rosegrove Bulletin

    ROSEGROVE Action Group has been successful in an application to the Community Chest Fund. A grant of £4,997 will enable the group to secure the rent for 12 months and decorate and carpet its shop. In two weeks' it will be open for formal coffee mornings

  • Charity gardeners hit by thieves

    A CHARITY has slammed thieves who stole hanging baskets destined for a regeneration project. Charity workers at the Freshfields garden centre in Cemetery Lane, Burnley, found nine hanging baskets - worth £180 - had been stolen overnight Wednesday. Management

  • Everything must go at Lorraine's

    A GRANDMOTHER'S prized possessions are to be put up for sale as part of an ITV show being filmed in Burnley next week. Lorraine Watson, 59, of New Hall Street, will star in daytime TV show Everything Must Go, a programme which organises house sales for

  • Shades day will benefit the blind

    STAFF at Pendle Council will be wearing their sunglasses to work next week for charity. They will be taking part in the nationwide Shades for a Day event on Tuesday, for the benefit of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Rachael Haworth, organiser

  • Girl hit by stolen car on the mend in hospital

    A PENDLE schoolgirl is recovering in hospital after being knocked down by a stolen car. The girl, who has not been named, was hit by a stolen Ford Fiesta in Reedymoor Lane, Foulridge, on Wednesday afternoon. She and four other teenagers were taken to

  • Two-pint drink driver 'a warning to others'

    A DRINK driver nearly twice the limit had only had two beers and his case should be a lesson to others, Burnley Magistrates heard. The court was told how father of two Michael Potts, 38, gave a breath test reading of 61 microgrammes of alcohol in 100

  • Banned driver's prison term cut

    A BANNED driver who took a car from his father's garage and was involved in a smash, has had a jail term cut. Burnley Crown Court heard how Asif Iqbal, 22, had got his uncle to claim he had been at the wheel but later owned up when police arrived. Iqbal

  • Nelson sale is the end for me

    FOR once I actually believe the chairman of Bury Football Club, John Smith, when he announces that the sale of Michael Nelson will be the last of the summer. This, however, is not because I believe the chairman would refuse it if an offer for a player

  • CD reviews

    A LOOK at the latest CD releases. THE SLEEPY JACKSON: Lovers NOW don't be put off by the fact they're Australian, this is a wonderfully melodic offering which is well worth a listen. The country and folk influences are obvious but there's a haunting lyrical

  • Hospice fund-raiser will be a smash

    A GREEK restaurant in Colne is hoping to give people a smashing time next month, when it holds its latest fundraising venture. The owners are already preparing for the event, at the Original Greek Restaurant, in Church Street, on Wednesday, August 13,

  • Extra time plea on post office closures

    A GOVERNMENT minister has promised to ask the Post Office to extend the consultation period over post office closures in Colne after the initial announcement was made just before the town's holiday weeks. Lord Matthew Evans of Temple Guiting is to write

  • Pat the Pied Piper

    WHEN Pat Hood moved to Oswaldtwistle from her native Scotland she became involved with the Sunday School at St Oswalds Church. But as her own children grew older she retired from her role and the weekly meetings soon folded. There was a dramatic impact

  • Police alert on missing pills

    POLICE are appealing for the return of potentially lethal drugs which went missing along with a bagful of shopping. The 56 7mg tablets of Zimpovanne sleeping pills and Citalopram anti-depressants were lost in Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors in the afternoon

  • Scrap metal dealer guilty of assault

    A SCRAP metal dealer may be facing jail after being convicted of attacking a father of two. Thomas Smith, 26, of The Oaks, Meadow Street, Great Harwood, was found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm, after a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court

  • Drinks licence for shop goes ahead

    MORE than 30 residents packed a courtroom in a failed protest over a council leader's decision to sell his town centre shop to an off-licence chain. Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe was criticised in May when it emerged he had received an

  • Council questions PM over European changes

    A COUNCIL is to write to Prime Minister Tony Blair requesting a referendum on the proposed European Constitution. Ribble Valley Council is calling for the referendum after Tory member Richard Sherras revealed the constitution would give control over a

  • Row over council's 'secret' payment

    A COUNCIL has been slammed for making a five-figure compensation payment over a planning blunder - and then trying to keep it secret. Ribble Valley Council leader Chris Holtom today defended the decision and denied the resident involved had been gagged

  • Clarets away travel times

    BURNLEY Football Supporters Travel times -- Gillingham v Burnley: Depart Colne bus station 7am, Nelson bus station 7.10am, Queensgate 7.20am, Turf Moor 7.30am, Tim Bobbin 7.40am, Rawtenstall 7.55am. Prices: Non members £21, members £19, concessions £18

  • Fergie told me I'd love Burnley

    IT took just 24 hours for Luke Chadwick to commit himself to Burnley for a year. But if the Manchester United winger has his way, he could end up staying in East Lancashire a whole lot longer. Chadwick yesterday swapped the Fort Knox-style security of

  • New group set to run council homes

    A NEW organisation is set to take over the day-to-day running of Bury's 9,000 council houses. Councillors have decided to set up an Arm's Length Management Organisation (ALMO) which they hope will attract millions of pounds for improvements. Housing bosses

  • Fusiliers victors in battle for arts centre

    ADULT learners bemoaned the "end of an era" as passionate late pleas to remain in Bury Arts and Crafts Centre were turned down. Councillors agreed to turn the historic Broad Street centre into a top regimental museum for the Lancashire Fusiliers. They

  • One care home saved

    WHITTAKER House old folks home has been saved, but it's the end for Warthfield as we know it. The Bury home will be closed and the last four residents moved into the Radcliffe home while social services bosses look at developing a varied "campus of care

  • Mayor's chaplain resigns in protest

    CATHOLIC priest Monsignor John Allen has quit his post as Mayoral Chaplain in protest at Bury Council. He claims the local authority insulted residents in giving the go-ahead to controversial plans for the former Sainsbury's site. Monsignor Allen, priest

  • Radcliffe's title pointer

    RADCLIFFE underlined their championship challenge as they moved to within a point of leaders Werneth at the top of the Central Lancashire League table. The five-wicket victory over Littleborough at the Racecourse was an impressive performance and there

  • Chelsea make two bids for Duff

    NEW Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has launched an official bid to sign Rovers winger Damien Duff. I can reveal Chelsea have faxed TWO official bids for the Republic of Ireland winger in the last 48 hours. So far, Rovers have turned down a £15 million

  • It's Chemical warfare

    THE line-up for Creamfields, one of the big summer events, just gets bigger and bigger. The latest names to be added to the list is that of the undisputed festival wizards the Chemical Brothers. Tom and Ed will be guaranteed a heroes welcome, having never

  • Lucy syndicates her route to stardom

    BLACKPOOL will boast an attraction even more statuesque than the tower this weekend as stunning chart-topper -- Lucy Carr -- makes an appearance at The Syndicate nightclub. Lucy, whose debut single, Missing You, made it straight into the Top 30 in January

  • 60 seconds of terror

    DRAMATIC footage from CCTV, recording the minute of terror when an armed robber pulled a gun on a bank worker, has been released by police. Police are appealing for more witnesses to come forward after the release of the footage, which shows the gunman

  • Village green wish to be decided

    A COMMUNITY'S attempt to get a space of open land declared its official village green is set to be decided at a hearing later this month. Lancashire County Council's Commons and Town Greens sub-committee will meet on July 21 and 22 to decide the fate

  • Concern at Bury's plans for authority

    COUNCIL bosses in Burnley have expressed concern after hearing that officers in Bury and Rochdale are trying to make Rossendale part of Greater Manchester. Stuart Caddy, Burnley's Council leader, said he was deeply concerned about Bury's proposals. He

  • It's Chemical warfare

    THE line-up for Creamfields, one of the big summer events, just gets bigger and bigger. The latest names to be added to the list is that of the undisputed festival wizards the Chemical Brothers. Tom and Ed will be guaranteed a heroes welcome, having never

  • Acid House revival gets Tribal treatment

    THERE'S Tribal, then there's Tribal. And at the top of the Tribal Tree, sits Tribal Gathering. Regular sessions at Sankey's Soap keep the Tribal faithful happy, along with once-in-a-blue-moon events like the Tribal Gathering, which took place in Southport

  • Sharron can't get it out of her head

    SHE'S got the same lace up dress and silver boots. She's even got the same bra. She's 34-year-old Sharron Rowe from Chester and she's going to treat the crowds at Arts in the Park to a hugely convincing impersonation of Kylie Minogue. Sharron has been

  • Are you sure it's not the real REM?

    BY day he works as the personal assistant for the boss of a haulage firm. By night he metamorphoses into Michael Stipe, lead singer of REM. His name is Rick Southern and so convincing is his transformation the real Michael Stipe has dubbed his band the

  • Simm-ply fantastic!

    THE last time he played in Blackburn he was singing Take That covers in local pubs and clubs. He returns to the town as part of a Brit Award-winning band, with a number one hit single to his name and a status other pop hopefuls can only dream of rivalling

  • Two-day party with that added X-factor

    THE scene is set for the ultimate party in the park -- two days of music and entertainment for all the family. And it all starts tomorrow afternoon. Record crowds are expected to transform Blackburn's Corporation Park into a sea of colour for the free

  • Drink driver had an option

    DRINK driver Lynn Grunshaw would almost certainly have escaped prosecution if she had taken the advice of a police officer, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard she narrowly failed a breath test and was encouraged by the police to exercise her

  • Driver in pain refused to give a specimen

    A 52-YEAR-OLD man who refused to provide specimens of blood or breath at the police station claimed he was disorientated and under stress because of the pain he was suffering. Sian Hall, defending, told Blackburn magistrates Meredith Bert Taylor's ailments

  • 'Let there be light' - police tints crackdown

    FORTY drivers in East Lancashire have been snared so far in a heavy police crackdown on tinted windows. Drivers have been warned, given on-the-spot £30 fines and even prohibited from driving in their cars since the purge started at the end of April. The

  • It's a crying shame about gifted Gazza

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