IT is fundamental logic that efforts to get more people to give up their cars and use public transport will only succeed if services are more attractive -- affordable, efficient and frequent. Yet, when it comes to rail services in East Lancashire the
WHEN a private company decides to bring in contractors for a large project, all aspects of the deal are discussed - cost, materials, planning consents, and most importantly the completion date. Always, and I would think without exception, on the larger
POLICE have renewed an appeal for witnesses to a road accident as a 25-year-old victim is treated in hospital. Stuart Whitwell, 25, of Selbourn Mews, Blackburn, was crossing Bolton Road, Ewood, from nearby Tapestry Street when he was involved in an accident
ANGLERS are urged to give their views on the protection of fish stocks in the River Ribble and its tributaries. They would be helping the Environment Agency develop its Ribble Fisheries Action Plan (FAP), covering Chorley, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Burnley
A LORRY carrying a skip overturned and spilt its load yesterday after colliding with a bridge. Police have launched an investigation to find out if the lorry clipped the 12ft railway bridge in Fort Street, Blackburn, at 4.50pm with its loading arm or
JOHN Kimmons Walton (LET, July 30) sounds more like a member of the Labour Party than a historian at the University of Central Lancashire. East Lancashire isn't anywhere near being the Fascist capital of Britain. Perhaps Mr Walton travels around Lancashire
I READ with interest Blackburn with Darwen Council's newsletter concerning the disposal of litter and rubbish and the 'Thrash the Trash' campaign. I live at Brownhill, Blackburn and although residents, young and old, seem keen to use litter bins on the
A PENSIONER was nearly baked alive in a car on Saturday afternoon as her husband went shopping in Asda. With temperatures well into the 90s and the car exposed to the searing sun, the woman, who is believed to suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, was unable
PERVERTS caught with child porn on their computers received cautions instead of charges, as police were swamped with 7,000 suspects from Operation Ore. But Det Supt Mick Turner, of Lancashire police, today attempted to reassure the public, saying such
RAIL commuters have been hit with a double whammy by the Government, prompting fears that East Lancashire could be left with a 'third world' rail network. First, plans to bid for cash to increase the frequency and safety of the Bolton to Clitheroe line
GRAEME Souness has admitted Blackburn Rovers will struggle to repeat last season's magnificent sixth-placed finish. With just five days to go before the big kick-off, Souness insists his squad IS stronger on paper than it was at this stage last season
A PENSIONER who attacked his disabled girlfriend dragged her downstairs screaming and then suggested they have sex, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates heard how Jack Francis Smith, 67, left victim Carole Pickup in pain, shocked and bruised. When police
THE annual LSR Cliviger 6 road race was held on Sunday, starting from Mount Lane sportsfield. Around 150 runners enjoyed the slightly cooler, damp conditions on the day, and all completed the course through Red Lees and Towneley then back via Burnley
TRANMERE 1, SHAKERS 0: Shakers' dreams of another lucrative cup run in the newly-named Carling League Cup ended in the 89th minute when Eugene Dadi snatched the winner for Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park writes Phil Thorp Last year First Division Stoke
THE White Bear pub in Gisburn Road, Barrowford, will reopen its doors this week after a six-week refurbishment by Ember Inns. The pub has been transformed during its closure into a contemporary pub with cosy leather sofas and armchairs, real fires and
COUNCILLORS have refused permission for a new car park, entrance and exit and landscaping work at Sacred Heart Primary School, Colne. Members of the Colne and District Committee turned down the application by the schools governors on the grounds the development
FUNDRAISERS at Asda helped boost funds for Pendleside Hospice with a fun day. About£1,000 was raised at the Colne store after firefighters gave a display, police carried out phone marking sessions, and a mini-fun fair added to the attractions. Youngsters
BLUES fans are gearing up for this year's August Bank Holiday Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne. Opening night on the August 22 will feature UK acts the NuBlues and Scott McKeon, who will be joined by The Convulsions from the USA. This
BRAND new replica shirts, a full season ticket book and a sense of nervous but eager anticipation. All the tell-tale signs of the first day of a new campaign were there to see at Turf Moor on Saturday. Yet any pre-season optimism which had accrued between
WHEN Derek Dickinson had his leg removed two-and-a-half years ago he found a strong shoulder to lean on in local landlady Carol McLoughlin. Derek, 70, was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago and suffered problems with his left leg. After developing
THE daughter of a breast cancer victim has organised a bumper fundraising day for the hospice that cared for her mother during her final months. Tracy Hindle has enlisted the help of ex-Blackburn Rovers star David Dunn, who will join dozens of Great Harwood
PARENTS and children in Hyndburn will soon benefit from a multi-million pound package aimed at improving their lives. Sure Start, an organisation which helps pre-school children and their families, will open its new headquarters, in Buckingham Grove,
THESE tiny puppies were crammed into a closed box and left to die on one of the hottest days of the year. They and two other cross-breed pups -- no more than four weeks old -- were discovered terrified and severely dehydrated dumped in a field off Maple
THREE car-jackers threatened a 62-year-old man with a crowbar and dragged him from his car outside his home in Whitefield. He pulled up at his house in Wentworth Avenue at about 8.15pm on Monday night and was approached by the men. As he was getting out
RIBBLE VALLEY MP Nigel Evans has criticised the Government over increases in the cost of passport due to come in October. An adult ten-year passport will rise from £32 to £42 while a child's will go up from £19 to £25. He has written to Chancellor Gordon
HIGHWAYS officials are looking at ways to avoid a repeat of traffic chaos in Waddington Road, Clitheroe after floods caused tailbacks. Rainwater routinely collects in a dip under Waddington Road Bridge during extreme weather because of drainage problems
A BUS company boss has told how one of his drivers had a lucky escape when a 60ft tree toppled on to his bus. Paul Hunt, 41, of Ribbleton, had just pulled into Whalley Interchange terminal when he heard a huge crash and thought he had been hit by another
A SCHEME to build 33 executive apartments at the site of a former garden centre and horticultural nursery in Clitheroe has been recommended for refusal by planners. Merewood Homes of Matland near Kendal has unveiled plans on behalf of a private developer
TWO football fans from Clitheroe will undertake a 3,000-mile charity car dash to visit all of the 92 clubs in the Football League. Ian Townson, 28, and Damien Hart, 23, both of Bolland Prospect, will scoot across England and Wales in a hire car visiting
STAN TERNENT is demanding a victory at Chesterfield tonight to boost his fighting fund. And in the meantime, the cash-strapped Burnley boss is hopeful of adding at least one loan signing to his threadbare squad later this week. Ternent recalls the excitement
RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans showed he has a refined taste for real ale as a judge at the Great British Beer Festival. Mr Evans chose the Champion beer 2003, 'Bitter & Twisted' by Scottish brewery Harviestoun, in the festival at London Olympia. As
FORMER wagon driver Kevin Booth has quit life on the road to become new landlord of the North Valley Hotel, Colne. Kevin has driven for Hapton-based haulage company Fagan & Whalley for the past ten months, but decided to give-up the driving and become
THE appliance of science got pupils from across the borough turning into budding Wordsworths. As part of National Planet Science Year, youngsters were invited to wax lyrical and submit either a poem or a drawing representing "Planet Science". There were
STAN TERNENT is demanding a victory at Chesterfield tonight to boost his fighting fund. And in the meantime, the cash-strapped Burnley boss is hopeful of adding at least one loan signing to his threadbare squad later this week. Ternent recalls the excitement
POLICE are warning Darwen residents to keep their doors locked despite the warm weather. The warning follows a house raid in Blackburn Road at 11am on Friday while the homeowner was in the back garden. The thieves walked in through an open door, stole
RESIDENTS are urged to get into the swing of gala preparations for Darwen this week. Costume making and float decorations are taking place at Earcroft Community Base, in Hawkshaw Avenue, from 1pm to 3.30pm, until Friday. Michelle Rutherford, event organiser
FRIENDS of Sunnyhurst Wood are sending out a big thank-you to the 2,000 people who attended their centenary gala on Sunday. The gala, celebrating 100 years of the woods, featured a dog show, brass band and children's activities. Deputy mayor Coun David
WAR has been declared as councillors unite to boycott the M65 services after company bosses revealed the sign would not be changed. Darwen councillors said today they had reached the end of their tether on hearing the news that the 'Blackburn Services
SHOPS and pubs in Bacup were mopping up yesterday after torrential rain caused flooding in the town centre. A manhole cover in the Day and Nite store, in King Street, burst off and flooded the shop at about 10am yesterday. It took staff until 2pm to clear
RESIDENTS living in council houses in Ramsbottom have been urged to lend their support to a body set up to run their homes and bid for government cash. They will be asked for their views on Bury Metro Council's progress in improving their homes during
THE FAMILY of an 88-year-old woman recovering from an alleged hit-and-run accident have spoken of their double heartache after her disabled son died on the same hospital ward. Annie Ritson, who was recovering from neck and head injuries at Burnley General
A 31-stone professional disc jockey was convicted of a serious sex attack on a teenage boy, after a five-day trial at Manchester Crown Court. Frederick McClure, aged 40, of Wigan Road, Leigh, was remanded in custody for a medical report. He will be sentenced
BLACKBURN with Darwen education authority has won praise from an education watchdog. The council was today told it was setting an example for others when it comes to its ability to conduct business as openly as possible, produce effective action plans
A SPECIES of fish is flourishing in the River Lostock after a successful scheme to reintroduce it. The brown trout is breeding in the river for the first time in living memory thanks to work by the Environment Agency. Although the upper parts of the Lostock
DREAMS of million pound contracts and playing in front of thousands of fans could come true for East Lancashire youngsters. The second round of Soccer Idols will be in Blackpool on September 14 as the search continues for the next Rooney or Ronaldo. Anthony
THE daughter of a breast cancer victim has organised a bumper fundraising day for the hospice that cared for her mother during her final months. Tracy Hindle has enlisted the help of ex-Blackburn Rovers star David Dunn, who will join dozens of Great Harwood
CLITHEROE Tennis Club juniors enjoyed an outstanding 4-0 victory over the East Lancashire League leaders Burnley 'A'. The Chatburn Road quartet of Ben Dyer, James Bonner, Callum Gunn and Daniel Turner overcame the stifling heat as well as experienced
DAVID James proved that West Ham still have a few premiership gems left, pulling off a string of fine saves to ensure victory over Preston at Deepdale. After been let down by his defence after just two minutes, when hesitation from the Hammers' backline
ANDY Procter will go down in history as being the first player to score for Accrington Stanley in the Nationwide Conference. In front of almost 4,000 supporters at Aldershot's Recreation Ground and thousands more watching the game live on Sky Sports in
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Shruggs Wood fishing competition, Fishing Pond, West Paddock, Leyland. Draw for pegs 8.30am. Tickets available from Stones Tackle Shop, Golden Hill Lane. Summer Kids
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Summer Kids Club (4-6years & 7-11 years), Helmshore Christian Fellowship, Carr's Industrial Estate, Haslingden. Lancashire Family History & Heraldry Society meet
BLUES fans are gearing up for this year's August Bank Holiday Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne. Opening night on the August 22 will feature UK acts the NuBlues and Scott McKeon, who will be joined by The Convulsions from the USA. This
WHEN a private company decides to bring in contractors for a large project, all aspects of the deal are discussed - cost, materials, planning consents, and most importantly the completion date. Always, and I would think without exception, on the larger
A MAJOR recruitment drive to get people to work with mental health patients has been launched by Lancashire's health chiefs. The You Can campaign is being co-ordinated by the Cumbria and Lancashire Workforce Development Confederation on behalf of Lancashire
EAST Lancashire Hospice, which cares for terminally ill patients in Blackburn, Hyndburn, Darwen and Ribble Valley, is opening its first charity shop. Hospice staff are looking for volunteers to help out at the shop, which opens in six weeks in King William
A FURNITURE upholstery factory is expected to be closed for at least a week after a fire at the premises. The blaze at Euro Upholstery, in Boland Street, Little Harwood, started after a mattress was put against the door and set alight around 9.30pm on
ON November 11 the local community and the country at large on Armistice Day will once again be paying tribute to those who gave their lives on our behalf in battles throughout the world and continue to do so to this day. Lest we forget, locally and elsewhere
YOU'VE nothing to fear, was the mantra on the opening of Blackburn's new lap dancing club (LET, July 31). We've everything to fear is the truth. People must look back across the decades and see the undeniable decline of morals in our society and recognise
REGARDING your article (LET, August 5) about the council's summer schemes for children, I was surprised to read about the complaints of one parent that her eight-year-old child had been allowed to leave the summer scheme at Darwen unchallenged. I think
METROLINK operators have been told to tighten up their "command controls" after two trams ended up on the same line. The drama happened on May 30 in Crumpsall when two trams came to a halt just 50 metres apart. An independent panel has been examining
RAMRAIDERS fled empty handed from a designer shoe shop after failing to disable a state-of-the-art security system. Specialist children's footwear shop Mini Me on Holcombe Brook Precinct was broken into just after midnight on Sunday. Business partner,
THE challenge of a Welsh slag heap proved no problem for experienced Bury teacher Janet Brady. While her pupils were playing in the sun, Janet was getting her hands dirty on an unusual summer field research project. It was her reward for winning one of
Leigh Centurions 38 Oldham 2: PAUL Terzis and team have long memories. Using an early season defeat at Oldham as motivation, the Centurions ruthlessly exacted revenge to keep up the pressure on National League One leaders Salford. Oldham made a determined
A ROW over visiting rights got an angry dad arrested at his former partner's home, Burnley Magistrates heard. The court was told that Christian Pollard, 28, was upset over access to his baby son. The defendant, of Springfield Road, Burnley, admitted threatening
THREE men, one charged with attempted murder, and a teenager have appeared in court after street violence said to have left a man in intensive care. Shiraz Khan is recovering in hospital with a deep stab wound, which missed his heart by half an inch but
SCORCHING temperatures not normally experienced in East Lancashire have led to people spending more and town centre shops and supermarkets reaping the benefits. Shelves have been emptied in the mad rush for all things cold and Asda in Colne sold out of
THREE men - one charged with attempted murder - and a teenager have appeared in court after street violence which was said to have left a man in intensive care. Shiraz Khan is recovering in hospital with a deep stab wound, which missed his heart by half
A BLUEPRINT setting out council plans to boost communities and the local economy across Burnley has been welcomed by councillors. Burnley Action Partnership's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy looks at the challenges facing the borough and the priorities
BURNLEY Council says it has no plans to demolish a new £400,000 community health centre. Council bosses have said the future of the Howard Street Centre is not under threat -- despite Neighbourhood Action Pans showing it being replaced by a play area
BURNLEY could have four new state-of-the-art schools if a bid for £80m government cash is successful. The funding would trigger a radical review of secondary school organisation in the town and would tackle many long-standing problems, such as the annual
A PREGNANT woman had her handbag snatched by a phoney beggar who stopped her in the street and asked her for money. The 36-year-old victim, who is six months pregnant, was walking down Cobden Street, Nelson, near the driving test centre, when she was
THE famous White Lady reputed to haunt Samlesbury Hall was the inspiration for a sculpture. The work of art by Susan Coughlin was on display at the hall.
PENELOPE Keith enjoyed the Good Life when she arrived to film the charms of the Ribble Valley. Penelope smiled for the cameras as guest presenter in BBC 2's 'The Travel Show.'
IF, LIKE me, you've been wishing the summer away in anticipation of the new season, your frustration is nearly over. A home game with Wolves is a good way to start, infinitely winnable and a good atmosphere guaranteed with a sizeable following expected
A MOTHER of two caught over the limit was weaving all over the road in the early hours, Burnley Magistrates heard. The court was told how sewing machinist Andrea Riley, 34, who hit the kerb and at one point drove over the pavement and pulled up at a crematorium
STAN Ternent has roared his support for Brian 'The Beast' Jensen following last Saturday's double-whammy. Danish keeper Jensen was at fault for two of Crystal Palace's three goals as Burnley's First Division campaign kicked-off with a defeat. But Clarets
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent was hoping for better news on injured striker Gareth Taylor, who suffered a nasty eye injury against Leeds over two weeks ago. The Welsh hitman was due to visit a specialist to assess the damage caused to bleeding behind the
GRAEME Souness has admitted Blackburn Rovers will struggle to repeat last season's magnificent sixth-placed finish. With just five days to go before the big kick-off, Souness insists his squad IS stronger on paper than it was at this stage last season
THE rise and rise of Bolton boxing ace Amir Khan continued in fine style at the European Cadet Championships in Lithuania. After watching the rest of his England team-mates crash out in the preliminary rounds, the Bury Amateur Boxing Club fighter made
WHEN Derek Dickinson had his leg removed two-and-a-half years ago he found a strong shoulder to lean on in local landlady Carol McLoughlin. Derek, 70, was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago and suffered problems with his left leg. After developing
PERVERTS caught with child porn on their computers received cautions instead of charges, as police were swamped with 7,000 suspects from Operation Ore. But Det Supt Mick Turner, of Lancashire police, today attempted to reassure the public, saying such
A MAN whose private hire taxi company collapsed with debts of £54,000 has pledged not to hold a directorship of another company for at least three and a half years. But today Robert Hacking insisted that had he been given more time to turn the company
EAST Lancashire troops caught up in rioting in Iraq's second city are now at the centre of a massive operation to bring fuel to the people of Basra. Following Saturday's riots in which one British Ghurka died, soldiers of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment
A FORMER university law lecturer has appeared in court for the sixth breach of a restraining order imposed in November to protect his former girlfriend, who lives in Darwen. Blackburn magistrates heard that reforming alcoholic Michael John Dunbar succumbed
RADICAL plans to revamp rundown areas of Blackburn and Darwen go on public display this week. Roadshows are being held in the three deprived communities earmarked to benefit from a share of £500 million Government cash. And the message from council chiefs
RAIL commuters have been hit with a double whammy by the Government, prompting fears that East Lancashire could be left with a 'third world' rail network. First, plans to bid for cash to increase the frequency and safety of the Bolton to Clitheroe line
NORTH End kick off their first cup campaign of the season tonight, at home to second division Notts County. Last season North End got past Scunthorpe, Macclesfield and Premiership Birmingham City before being hammered 5-0 by Aston Villa on the same night
THE fiancee of freed bomb suspect Jimmy Lee has spoken of their two-year "hell" in Saudi Arabia. Gillian Barton was speaking at her parents' home in Middleton Drive, Whitefield, after the release on Friday of her 40-year-old fiance. Jimmy is one of six
Leigh RMI 2 Dag & Red 1: A FANTASTIC double strike by new boy David McNiven earned Leigh a shock but well deserved win over much-fancied Dagenham. The former York City and Oldham Athletic striker secured all three points for the Railwaymen with a
