Archive

  • Nigel's a fish out of water

    RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans was involved in a fishy exchange in the Commons on Wednesday before a powder bomb blew Prime Minister's Questions away. And he didn't come up smelling of roses -- not even purple ones. He took deputy prime minister John Prescott

  • Tennis: Russian red tape ties up Brook star Julia

    BUREAUCRACY looks like scuppering Holcombe Brook Sports Club's hopes of recruiting Julia Lutrova for a crunch game in this summer's Kia National Clubs League Tournament. The Russian tennis ace has competed for the Longsight Road club's successful ladies

  • Cricket: Much better from Brooksbottoms

    THE weekend report reads A+ for Brooksbottoms, after clinical victories in both league and cup matches. Visiting Rylands were first to be put to the sword. After electing to bat they were quickly in the mire, courtesy of the blossoming new ball attack

  • Bury FC: Board secure shareholding

    SHAKERS' directors now hold the majority shareholding of Bury FC. That was the big news to come out of the club's annual general meeting, held at the Starkies Suite, Gigg Lane on Wednesday evening. The 'Save Our Shakers Trust,' which has overseen the

  • Cricket: Top weekend for Rams

    RAMSBOTTOM pulled off another unlikely victory when they defeated Milnrow by five runs in the Inter-League Cup at Acre Bottom on Saturday. Once again asked to bat first, they made an excellent start by putting on 51 before David Bell, who looked in good

  • Cricket: Stand CC: The only way is up

    IT proved to be a miserable weekend for Stand Cricket Club. Sunday's home league loss to Walsden anchored the club at the foot of the Central Lancashire League table, while the humiliating 191 run defeat at Rawtenstall the previous day put paid to their

  • Cricket: Prestwich out in front

    A FIVE-POINT victory over Longsight took Prestwich Cricket Club's points haul so far to 21- enough to see the club top the Lancashire County League table. However, it is only by virtue of having recorded more five-point wins, as Woodhouses and Denton

  • Chef Ramsey turns my stomach

    I WOULD like to see a TV industry voted award, The Mary Whitehouse Award, introduced. It would go to the person found to have a sense of responsibility for what hits our screens. It won't, judging by today's standards, be often awarded. For example within

  • Woman cleared of wounding

    AN Atherton woman who was alleged to have wounded her partner has walked free from court. Marie Lynch had denied the attack and Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday that the alleged victim, Martin Lynch, was not willing to give evidence against her.

  • Woman is cleared of cruelty

    A WOMAN from Leigh accused of child cruelty and assault has walked free from court after a judge heard that the children had lied. Tina McDonald, aged 27, of Stout Street, had been due to face trial next month, but Liverpool Crown Court was told the 10

  • Illegally parked cars are a danger

    I FEEL the need to write this letter before someone is killed or seriously hurt. I am referring to the state of illegal parking in Whalley Range in Blackburn. I drive through Whalley Range and Plane Street quite often and I would be totally surprised

  • On your guard in town centre

    ARTFUL dodgers are operating in Bury town centre. Now, police are urging shoppers to be on their guard after a rise in the number of reported incidents in and around the main shopping markets over the last few weeks. Although thefts from handbags have

  • Old Boys step into the studios

    BURY Grammar School "old boys" spent a night with the stars when former Granada TV production man Rod Taylor addressed their annual dinner. A total of 174 guests attended the event held at the school. The annual Founder's Day dinner is the premier calendar

  • Grammar juniors make a splash in gala

    JUNIOR pupils from Bury Grammar made waves in a swimming gala for schools across the borough. A team of boys and girls was one of 18 to compete in the event at Radcliffe Pool, attended by around 200 spectators. Bury Grammar School emerged as overall winners

  • Historic areas set for keeping

    TWO historic parts of Ramsbottom could be declared conservation areas to protect them from developers. Town hall bosses say the Tanners and Bury New Road areas are of special architectural quality, and official designation will help save Ramsbottom's

  • Karen pushes strapless bikini

    MODEL Karen McKay is lending maximum support to a new strapless bikini. The 27-year-old from Ainsworth is at the forefront of a promotional campaign for the Demikini, which suddenly thrust her into the international spotlight. Karen started modelling

  • Residents to get guide to health

    A NEW health guide, based on NHS Direct information, is to be delivered to thousands of homes in Bury. The 64-page guide is dropping through letterboxes with the Thomson Local directories. Since the free booklet was introduced in 1999, two million copies

  • "We're in touch"

    SEVEN Bury Market traders who are standing as independent candidates will be fighting their campaign on a range of common and personal issues. But the central plank of their manifesto which unites them is the retention of the market at its present site

  • Alternative way for the people

    THE Liberal Democrat bandwagon rolled into town as party members launched their campaign at Clarence Park in Bury. Councillor Vic D'Albert, local party leader, said: "People across the borough are disillusioned with the way the council is run. The Liberal

  • Back to basics is call from the BNP

    THE British National Party has published its manifesto in an appeal to voters, using the phrase BNP Back To Basics as an acronym. It stands for: B -- Bobbies on the beat: recruit more police officers and community wardens. N -- No more above-inflation

  • MP goes on the run to help local bone marrow charity

    BURY North MP David Chaytor is in the running for a place in this year's Bury Fun Run. This week, he picked up training tips from staff at Garden City Medical Centre, which is entering a 26-strong team. The sixth annual five-mile run in aid of the Anthony

  • Showing she has brains and beauty!

    TOTTINGTON model Naomi Whiteley will have the chance to show she has brains as well as beauty on a live TV show on Saturday night. Naomi is among a team of 30 models who will feature on BBC 1's Test the Nation. They will line up against groups of doctors

  • Blaze hits Pleasure Beach

    A BLAZE ripped through one of Blackpool Pleasure Beach's most famous rides last night (Thursday). Firefighters were called to the park's Grand National ride at around 9.30pm. The fire is believed to have started at the entrance to the ride and was spotted

  • National report praise for Fairfield

    FAIRFIELD General Hospital has been praised for its prompt treatment of heart attack patients. The Sunday Times "Dr Foster's Good Hospital Guide" singled out the Bury hospital for providing 86 per cent of heart attack admissions with clot-busting drugs

  • Strike ballot in new pay row?

    FIREFIGHTERS across the borough are set to be balloted on fresh strike action. The move follows the suspension of colleagues in Salford, Broughton and Ashton on Tuesday night after they refused to use new anti-terrorism decontamination equipment in a

  • £58m boost for Townside Fields

    TOWNSIDE Fields in Bury is set to be transformed with a £58 million plan to build flats, offices and a hotel. ASK Property Developments will partner Bury Council in a joint venture company designed to generate huge investment in the area and eventually

  • Turley eyes up goals record

    NEIL Turley is on the brink of setting a new scoring record. The Leigh Centurions full-back needs just five more goals to score the fastest century of goals in a season. Bobbie Goulding (St Helens 1966) and Andy Farrell (Wigan 2000) share the record of

  • Centurions experiment in a bid to boost attendances

    LEIGH Centurions are taking radical steps to increase home gates. Concerned at some relatively low early season attendances, officials have come up with an experimental idea to boost Sunday's Hilton Park attendance against basement club Keighley Cougars

  • Homes high and dry!

    HOUSES along a Bury road were left high-and-dry after they were hit with water and gas problems on the same day. It is claimed work on water pipes beneath Hebburn Drive resulted in a gas leak, leaving homes without gas for two days. United Utilities had

  • GARNER: Where have all England's keepers gone?

    THE first thing I thought when I saw Sven's England squad for Euro 2004 this week was : 'Where did he get Ian Walker from?' Then I thought again. Starting at the top and working my way down, I was looking for English goalkeepers in the Premiership and

  • Wait is on for appeal result

    THE man convicted of killing 20-year-old Preston law student Janet Murgatroyd will have to wait for the outcome of his conviction appeal after top judges reserved their ruling. Andrew Greenwood, 30, of Sephton Street, Lostock Hall, near Preston, was jailed

  • Fun in the sun

    FAMILIES have taken full advantage of the recent good weather to enjoy events throughout the area. A fun day at St James's Church, Slater Lane, Leyland attracted crowds who had their pick of games and stalls on Saturday. Youngsters lined up for face painting

  • Battlebus at Longfield

    THE Liberal Democrat battlebus is coming to Prestwich and Bury on Saturday (May 22) as part of the European election campaign. Chris Davies MEP will be arguing his party's case and hoping to win more seats in next month's poll. The battlebus will be parked

  • Unofficial strike action

    FIREFIGHTERS in Preston and South Ribble could be facing half pay after joining unofficial strikes yesterday in protest at the suspension of 19 officers in Salford. Workers at stations in Preston, Bamber Bridge, Leyland and Fulwood joined the national

  • Soccer star guest at ball zone

    WHITEFIELD international footballer, Trevor Sinclair will be guest of honour at the launch of a new ball zone in Prestwich. Trevor, who attended Mersey Drive Primary School as a youngster, now plays for Manchester City and England. He will officially

  • £6m unit opens for stroke victims

    STROKE sufferers will be among patients to benefit from a new multi-million pound rehabilitation unit opened this week at Royal Preston Hospital. More than 150 doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists

  • Don't get alarming £200 holiday bill

    RESIDENTS could be hit with a £200 bill if they go on holiday and leave their burglar alarm to annoy the neighbours. Bury Council officers warn that they will take action against home owners and businesses whose alarms cause sleepless nights for nearby

  • Rosegrove Bulletin

    THE children's park on Owen Street has now been completed and the old equipment has been replaced with modern facilities. Money has come from the Elevate Project Rosegrove Action Group with help from Judy Yacoub from The Community Alliance and Lynne Blackburn

  • Dolly is a "soup-er" sensation at 101

    SOUP kitchen sensation Dolly Philips is to continue amazing her friends when she celebrates her 101st birthday on Saturday. Dolly is an inspiration to all who know her as she still plays an active role in the community and puts others before herself.

  • Blair's praise for Burnley anti-binge initiative

    TONY Blair has praised a Burnley scheme to tackle violent binge boozers. The Prime Minister highlighted Burnley Against Night Time Disorder (BAND) in his speech to the alcohol industry yesterday which warned that binge drinking was becoming the new British

  • Plants bear fruit for raising funds

    THERE wasn't a weed in sight when a bunch of Whitefield women decided upon a "blooming good" fundraising idea. Ladies from the Whitefield and District Flower Club featured a successful plant stall at their annual coffee evening and bring and buy sale.

  • Library bids to be"Simply the best"

    WHITEFIELD Library has been nominated for a "Simply the Best" award by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). Visual Impairment Librarian Anne Elton, who is based at the library in Pinfold Lane, has been invited to attend the awards ceremony

  • How to recover from a disaster

    MANY Greater Manchester businesses were hit by the recent BT fire in Manchester, losing all communication links and trade for five days. And with this in mind, BuryBusiness.NETwork will be holding a seminar at the town's Bolholt Country Park Hotel next

  • Child road accident toll is coming down

    THE number of children involved in road accidents in East Lancashire has fallen slightly, according to new figures. Figures published by Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group reveal a 6.2 per cent reduction in the number of child pedestrians involved

  • Barbara weaves her life into watercolour

    A FULL and varied life has led Barbara Harrison to a creative career on canvas. Mother-of-four Barbara, of Woodland Crescent, Prestwich, has tried her hand at a variety of jobs, from local government officer to new-age market trader. She now works part-time

  • Alarm over hoax callers

    GREATER Manchester Fire Service has to deal with the second highest number of hoax calls in the country. The county brigade received 5,740 (8.5per cent) of the 67,000 hoax calls handled by fire and rescue services in the UK. London receives the highest

  • Second lawyer on cash plot charge

    A SECOND Burnley solicitor has been charged as part of a police probe into alleged money laundering for an East Lancashire drugs gang called The Firm. John Greenwood, 47, of Manchester Road, Barnoldswick, is a partner at GHT in Nicholas Street. He was

  • 'Demolish these eyesore flats'

    RESIDENTS living near run-down flats are demanding urgent action to get the properties demolished. The flats, which are above a row of derelict shops in Calderbrook Avenue, off Manchester Road, Burnley, have been the subject of complaints from neighbours

  • Duo face court on 'fake data company' charges

    TWO men accused of taking part in an alleged huge data protection fraud have appeared at Burnley Crown Court. Father-of-three Mohammed Khatana, 43, and James Stuart, 53, were charged with swindling cash from UK firms through an official sounding organisation

  • Fashion student does it in style!

    A BRIERFIELD student is expected to wow London's fashion elite later this year after scooping a prestigious national award. Aitor Throup, 23, a final year fashion student at Manchester Metropolitan University, won the Australian Wool Innovation Travel

  • Helping elderly stay safe

    AGE Concern in Bury is to host an event to help older people stay safe in their homes and avoid becoming victims of crime. The Safe and Secure Day will take place at the charity's Jubilee Centre at Mosley Avenue,next Wednesday between 11am and 4pm. The

  • It's raining mac jobs

    WORLD-FAMOUS raincoat manufacturer Mackintosh is to create 36 new jobs in Nelson with the opening of a new factoryin Waterford Street. Mackintosh spokesman Daniel Dunko said: "At Mackintosh we have enjoyed huge success both in the UK and internationally

  • 50 years ago

    BLACKBURN and Accrington factories were set to get a large share of a £7million Russian order for textile machinery. Their main requirement for automatic looms was to be fulfilled by the British Northrop Loom Company which employed 3,000 people in its

  • 25 years ago

    LITTLE Craig Booth, of Kay Street, Oswaldtwistle made a miracle birthday recovery from a serious skateboard accident which left him in a coma for more than a week. Craig was critically ill for 10 days following the accident with a car and doctors had

  • Waht's on around Preston

    BRING a picnic to the idyllic surroundings of Hoghton Tower, near Chorley, on Saturday, July 3, and enjoy the sounds of the Northern Chamber Orchestra Symphonia. From 8.15pm, at the annual Symphony at the Tower, in aid of St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock

  • Playground £250,000 work is given go-ahead

    PUPILS are celebrating after being granted planning permission from Hyndburn Council for a new playground. Mount Pleasant County Primary School in Earl Street, Clayton-le-Moors will start work on the new playing fields in June. The work is estimated to

  • Students set to take up the Ramsay challenge

    SIX students from an East Lancashire College may soon face the wrath of scary TV chef Gordon Ramsay. In the latest of a series of celebration dinners at Horizons Restaurant, run entirely by Accrington and Rossendale College catering students, the trainee

  • Would-be drugs dealer jailed

    A 20 YEAR-OLD man told police he had dealt cannabis from his Oswaldtwistle living room to help pay his mortgage and fund his own drug habit, a court was told. But Alan Thomas Kirkley's second income earned him a spell behind bars when he appeared before

  • Driver on ecstasy 'courted disaster'

    A 32-YEAR-OLD man who was killed when his speeding car crashed on a notorious road had massive levels of ecstasy and amphetamine in his blood. An inquest heard that Michael Ian Jones, of Cattle Street, Great Harwood, broke his neck in the crash on the

  • They gave my mother dignity

    I WOULD like to pay tribute to the staff of Fairfield's Ward 21, where my mother recently died. The care, kindness and respect shown to her was wonderful and gave her dignity during her last few days. We hear so many stories of poor treatment of the elderly

  • We enjoyed our trip to Radcliffe

    MY husband and I have just returned from Radcliffe town centre and must say how much we enjoyed sitting on wooden benches, not backless pieces of concrete, as well as the greenery, rather than looking at the ugly features of the Longfield centre in Prestwich

  • Tories supported fountain scheme

    THE money for the Longfield fountain is effectively a ring-fenced "gift" of the Sainsbury site developers and when the new buildings are complete it will be the centre piece of the shopping piazza. I was a Sedgley councillor when the decision was made

  • Take "credit" for your failures too

    WHEN will our Labour councillors, who like to take credit for their supposed successes, apologise when they waste money on frivolities, such as the water feature at the Longfield Centre, Prestwich; the Metro News; and those seven-foot high promotional

  • Drivers are confused

    SOME months ago a new type of road marking started to appear around the borough. It consists of white lines painted around holes in the roads. These lines are beginning to wear out while the holes themselves are becoming larger and larger, and deeper

  • I paid £8.40 for a three-mile taxi ride

    RECENTLY, I visited my daughter in Sunderland by coach, and the return journey of around 300 miles cost me £12.25. I arrived back at Chorlton coach station and decided to take a taxi home. It was a black cab and was the oldest, dirtiest piece of junk

  • Lib Dems support PO privatisation

    I AM writing to condemn my fellow north west MEP, Lib Dem Chris Davies, as a hypocrite for attacking the level of post office closures while refusing to be open about his own policy, which is to privatise the Post Office as soon as possible. The policy

  • Let us make our own decisions

    LIKE MEP Gary Titley, I too would very much welcome a real debate on the EU constitution as, to date, all my letters of concern about our self-evident loss of sovereignty and democratic self-determination have met with accusations of scaremongering and

  • Town aims for fair deal

    A RIBBLE Valley town is on course to declaring itself 'Fairtrade' friendly after councillors approved plans to support a scheme which aims to eradicate global poverty. Clitheroe Town Council is to start working towards gaining 'fairtrade town' status

  • Protest woman: I've been gagged

    A CAMPAIGNER who claims a cement works is polluting East Lancashire has been told to shut up by Government officials after 10 years of constant complaining. The Environment Agency has told Mary Horner that it will ignore letters from her - and her immediate

  • Gone... but not for Cotton

    IT WAS a first visit to the Fylde Coast for Northern Premier League newcomers Barrow on Saturday but they left Fleetwood with their tails between their legs as they were convincingly defeated by eight wickets writes Gerry Wolstenholme. Batting first they

  • Charitable TNT pays cash on delivery of answers

    TNT is donating cash for questions! The express delivery service company employees have earned more than pennies for their thoughts. For they raised thousands of pounds for charity by completing a firm's questionnaire. Staff at the Ramsbottom depot in

  • MP Pike issues warning over tax

    EAST Lancashire MP Peter Pike has warned the government to be cautious and not rush into a new taxation system to replace the council tax. He told ministers to take time with the balance of funding review and ensure we get a new system that works. The

  • May warns Clarets board

    DAVID May has warned the Burnley board: Show more ambition or I'm off! I can reveal that May has already been contacted by several clubs after being told talks over a new Turf Moor contract are on ice until a new Clarets manager is appointed. The former

  • Wilko and Steve may be dream

    ROLL up and place your bets. The great race to become Burnley manager is on. Many names have been banded about in recent weeks, with Ronnie Moore still standing out to me as the obvious candidate. But there's another name not yet in the frame who I believe

  • Clamp down on road tax

    YOU have been warned! That was the message from the police and DVLA as they carried out a second clamp down on motorists not paying their road tax. Determined to stamp out the problem in Prestwich and Whitefield, the team took to the streets once again

  • Lancashire are under pressure

    LANCASHIRE will have to battle to avoid an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the students from Leeds and Bradford Universities. The Red Rose team slumped to 138 for nine in their second innings, a lead of 187, despite an earlier hat-trick from Chris

  • Bill is the hero of Hastings Road

    A VICTORY in the Battle of Hastings has been won by Prestwich residents. Hastings Road Area Residents Association is celebrating after being given a £13,200 grant to improve the streets and alleyways where they live. The group formed last year after suffering

  • McDonald given fitness deadline

    HASLINGDEN are on the verge of losing professional Andrew McDonald for a second time. The Australian, who missed out on joining the club at the start of last season because of work permit problems, has two weeks to prove his fitness. He has missed every

  • Dream comes true

    A FAMILY'S dream to create a unique holiday haven for the disabled is becoming a reality, thanks to the support of a Whitefield firm. Anthea and Dave Killen and their two children Kirsty (7) and Lee (6) are leaving behind their life in Bury next month

  • Talk is not cheap if you get paid for it

    A FLOURISHING Bury company is challenging the old adage that it costs nothing to give your opinion. For Real List is offering the chance to local people to express their views and get paid for them! The business, set up by market researcher Jacqueline

  • MEPs should live on their "patch"

    THIS autumn, the Government plans to call a referendum to ask people in Greater Manchester and across the north west for their views on its plans for an elected regional assembly. I shall be in the "No" camp. What is being offered is a body that will

  • Ref gives pupils a good send-off

    RUGBY League referees' supremo Stuart Cummings gave final year pupils a good send-off at Westleigh High. Year 11 students received their Record of Achievement certificates at a morning ceremony on Thursday to celebrate achievements and the success of

  • We are sailing...

    MEMBERSHIP of a Bury-based sailing club could increase at a rate of knots thanks to a successful series of open days. Elton Sailing Club threw open its clubhouse doors and its 56 acres of water to adults, teenagers and children to give them an insight

  • Pension anger teachers see MP

    TEACHERS' representatives in Bury have lobbied MP David Chaytor in a bid to protect their pension rights. The four met the Bury North MP as part of a nationwide campaign against controversial government plans to reduce their pension rights. The local

  • Tory councillor faces disciplinary action

    A BURY councillor could face disciplinary action following a national watchdog investigation into his conduct. The Standards Board for England says that Moorside councillor James Taylor failed to declare an interest during a council debate over the fees

  • Our workers are laziest travellers

    PEOPLE in Bury have been branded the laziest travellers in the region when getting to and from work. Just over 10 per cent of workers commuting in the borough go by foot or on a bike, compared to 19.4 per cent of people in Cumbria. The figures, collected

  • The haven of dreams

    A FAMILY's dream to create a unique holiday haven for the disabled is becoming a reality. Anthea and Dave Killen and their two children, Kirsty (7) and Lee (6), are leaving Bury next month to start afresh on the continent. The family have sold their home

  • £1.5m bid lined up for Norwegian winger

    BLACKBURN Rovers are poised to make Norwegian winger Morten Pedersen their first signing of the summer. Rovers are currently in discussions with Pedersen's club, Tromso, about a move for the 22-year-old wide-man. And if talks go to plan then Rovers are

  • Landmark as £400m sales barrier is broken

    THE parent company of Express Gifts has announced record pre-tax profits of £41.2 million after sales broke through the £400 million barrier for the first time. Express Gifts is the home shopping division of Yorkshire-based Findel plc and is by far its

  • England fans on the run

    A GROUP of North-west England fans are taking steps to show the positive image of the national team's supporters. England fans have had a bad reputation for years because of high profile acts of hooliganism when the team plays abroad. But the well behaved

  • Russian red tape ties up Brook star Julia

    BUREAUCRACY looks like scuppering Holcombe Brook Sports Club's hopes of recruiting Julia Lutrova for a crunch game in this summer's Kia National Clubs League Tournament. The Russian tennis ace has competed for the Longsight Road club's successful ladies

  • Drunk prisoner attacked WPC

    A POLICE woman screamed out in pain when a prisoner grabbed her fingers and bent them back as he was being placed in a cell. Blackburn magistrates heard that a fellow officer had to bang Stephen Ribchester's hand against the cell floor to make him release

  • Village centre on target for 2005

    A VILLAGE community centre which has fallen into disrepair could be back in full use by next summer. The building in Hoddlesden has undergone a £40,000 structural overhaul over the past three months, and it is hoped the inside will be transformed during

  • Use your vote, electors are told

    COUNCIL chiefs in Rossendale are urging people taking part in this year's all-postal ballot to use their vote wisely. Each elector in Rossendale has received a letter guiding them through the voting process for the June 10 elections. 'Assistance points

  • Trust us to save hall...

    GROUPS using a closure-threatened public hall in Haslingden want to set up a trust to pay for its running costs. The organisations are hoping to forge a trust similar to Whitworth's CLAW which was formed to take over the running of the town's civic hall

  • Diana award for inspirational teenager David

    A TEENAGER who has battled against serious illness has been honoured by his school. Philips High School pupil David Naylor, 16 on Saturday was presented with the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for being an inspiration to other students. The teenager

  • Shoppers should have free parking in Leyland

    AS a Leyland resident and former councillor I am very worried about the damage to my home town which will be caused by the council's proposed car park and street parking charges and restrictions. These are my views on these proposals. Why must the council

  • Soccer star guest at ball zone

    WHITEFIELD international footballer, Trevor Sinclair will be guest of honour at the launch of a new ball zone in Prestwich. Trevor, who attended Mersey Drive Primary School as a youngster, now plays for Manchester City and England. He will officially

  • Grey invasion

    SENIOR citizens from across the country made the journey to Blackpool this week to debate the first ever pensioners' manifesto. The annual pensioners parliament drew an estimated 2,000 people, and kicked off with the traditional, colourful march down

  • Show's a real hit

    PUNCH and Judy might be a traditional British seaside past-time but one former Blackpool student has taken the outdoor sideshow across the Atlantic to crowds in the USA. Cheryl Willis, 32, plans to unveil the puppet booth characters at this year's 11th

  • DNA tests to trace Charlene

    DETECTIVES searching for missing teenager - Charlene Downes - have been carrying out DNA tests on male volunteers in target areas across the Fylde coast. Officers began the "unusual" task of conducting the non-compulsory saliva swab forensic tests acting

  • Novelty key ring was a flick knife

    A TEENAGE driver stopped in the early hours of the morning was found to have a flick knife. But Blackburn magistrates were told the weapon was a novelty key ring which included a lighter as well as the knife. Matthew James Harrison, of Fielding Crescent

  • Kids off to see stars - thanks to Liza

    LIZA Poynton is the toast of her classroom after winning tickets to see Girls Aloud and Blue for her and her Intack Primary School class mates. The year six pupil entered a competition run throughout schools in Blackburn with Darwen to design a poster

  • Thugs fined for attack 'with no motive'

    A MAN walking through Blackburn town centre was attacked and punched by three men for no apparent reason, a court was told. The town's magistrates heard that Kashif Mukhtar landed the first blow and then his two companions joined in. Mukhtar, 21, of Earl

  • Artist in school visit

    ARTIST John Hayward visited Blackburn's Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School sixth form art students to inspire them on impressions rather than illustration. John's works include the statue of Christ the Worker and the corona over the altar, both in Blackburn

  • Courier caught with cannabis is jailed

    A MAN caught in Blackburn with hundreds of pounds worth of drugs on two occasions has been sent to jail for 14 months. Mohammed Ahmed had more than 100 grammes of cannabis, on the first date, to share with friends. While on bail he was apprehended while

  • 'I will stamp out fraud'

    BLACKBURN with Darwen's returning officer has warned he will do everything in his power to stop fraud at next month's council elections. Since it was announced that this year's elections would be an all-postal ballot opponents have voiced concern about

  • Grandfather helped to design cathedral

    THE grandson of the architect who designed much of Blackburn Cathedral has made a pilgrimage to the building he had never seen. Andrew Forsyth is keen to find out about William Forsyth, who died in 1950. He never knew his grandfather, but he and wife

  • Agony as Cavanagh misses out for England

    ACCRINGTON Stanley captain Peter Cavanagh missed last night's National Game XI clash with Wales through injury. And it is uncertain whether he will feature again in the Four Nations competition, with England's final game being against Scotland on Sunday

  • Cheating pays

    IT appears that the road to riches these days is not via hard work and study but by selling "kiss and tell" stories to the tabloid newspapers. Such revelations then allow them to appear on all sorts of TV chat shows and "reality" programmes alongside

  • BOWLS: Duo are on the move

    THE MAJOR movers on the Evalast Merit leaderboard this week were Stuart Gall and Brian Tomlinson who both won important away games. Stuart has moved into seventh place following his fifth win of the season and up to number one in the Great Harwood club

  • BOWLS: East Lancs sunk by rivals Subs

    DARWEN Subs scraped a narrow six chalk victory over local rivals East Lancs to maintain the pressure on their rivals for this season's championship. Blackburn have shown some early form and ran the visitors close, not only in chalks but points as well

  • Lib Dems support Post Office privatisation

    I AM writing to condemn my fellow north west MEP, Lib Dem Chris Davies, as a hypocrite for attacking the level of post office closures while refusing to be open about his own policy, which is to privatise the Post Office as soon as possible. The policy

  • Nothing "swept under carpet"

    CONTRARY to Parkers' Watchdog's assertion (Letters, May 14) nothing has been "swept under the carpet" with regard to the inquiry into the recent controversy surrounding photographic evidence presented to the Parking Adjudicator. Whilst the two NCP employees

  • "40,000 support our stance"

    AFTER reading the Letters page on May 14, it is evident that not everyone appreciates the involvement of market traders in politics. It is an unusual situation, though not unique. The traders do have massive support for their stance on the future of the

  • Sport for all at Broad Oak

    A HIGH school is celebrating after being awarded a double dose of government and Lottery cash totalling nearly £700,000. Broad Oak in Bury received £444,854 from the Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, strengthening its position as the borough's Specialist

  • Why elections really can be donkey work

    IT'S amazing isn't it? You wait all year round for one and then three turn up at once. With the local elections weeks away I think we're in for a rough ride. Already the canvassers are making the evenings unbearable. Like door-to-door salesmen there is

  • EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, May 21, 2004

    A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. East Lancs ME/CFS Support Group, Wilpshire Methodist Church, Blackburn, 7.30pm. Speaker: Dr David Grimes. Shadsworth School Reunion -- 1983 leavers, Stanhill WMC, Oswaldtwistle

  • EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Monday, May 24, 2004

    A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Burnley Flower Club meet Central Methodist Church Hall, Yorke Street, Burnley, 7.30pm. First Monday of each month, except Bank Holidays. Jacobean Manor House, Gawthorpe

  • Colin steps in as leading man

    From the Guide files of Friday, May 25, 1979: ACTOR Colin Griffiths stepped at the last minute in to join the cast of the "Merry Widow" after the leading man fell ill. Michael Openshaw had been rehearsing for the role of Danilo in the PADOS production

  • Voice that must be listened to

    IT'S fair to say Mary Horner has been a thorn in the side of the Environment Agency and Castle Cement for many years. For about a decade she has closely monitored what happens at the Ribblesdale Works near Clitheroe and deluged the company and agency

  • Blind psychic who 'sees' more than others

    FOR most clairvoyants the phrase second sight is no more than a marketing tool for what they call their gift. For Irish psychic Sharon Neill it seems wholly appropriate because she has been blind since birth. The 37-year-old from Belfast realised she

  • West Coast beckons for tough EastEnder

    Former EastEnders star Craig Fairbrass will miss his team's big game when he appears on stage in Blackpool -- and he couldn't be happier to do so, he told JENNY SCOTT. . . IT'S ironic that the day Craig Fairbrass's football team finally makes it to the

  • Making men of the boys in Blue

    IN the ephemeral world of pop they're practically the elder statesmen of the charts, with established careers and a string of hits behind them. But boy band Blue, who headline a concert at Blackburn's Ewood Park on Sunday, aren't about to accept the title

  • Cricket: Revenge is sweet and so Fitton!

    AFTER last week's disappointing exit from the Cross Cup at the hands of Atherton, Elton were determined to avoid a repeat performance when they faced them in the league. It was an excellent opportunity to exact revenge. Atherton batted first and again

  • Uniforms rule OK?

    THIS week troubled Darwen Moorland High School revealed it was cracking down on school uniform. According to new headteacher Gareth Dawkins it is a sign of the school's "health" and something to be proud of. Education Reporter CLARE COOK looks at the

  • Angling: Top sport on Top Lodge

    THE last few days have seen quality bream to 6lb, and tench to 5lb, taken from Parkers Top Lodge. On Thursday evening the third target match was held on the Bottom Lodge with improved weights of small bream. Top weight fell to John Fletcher 3-4-13. In

  • Cricket: Woodbank bow out of county cup

    WOODBANK picked up a single Lancashire County League point when they entertained Woodhouses at the Kenyons on Saturday. The visitors set a target of 190 to win, thanks to useful knocks from Britten (61), Hammond (40) and Wolfenden (34). Marcus McCheyne

  • Cricket: Mount wait on Knockout verdict

    GREENMOUNT are sweating on a Lancashire Cricket Board decision that could see them reinstated in the Lancashire Knockout. The village side went out to the Merseyside Competition's Huyton on Sunday, but the victors may have blotted their copybook by playing

  • Care questions halts inquest

    AN inquest was halted after two brothers questioned their mother's treatment in hospital after a hip replacement operation. John and Michael Clark said their mother Kathleen had lived for five days after intravenous drips had been removed and claimed

  • Park prices for next season

    SEDGLEY PARK have announced match admission charges for next season. There are separate rates for members and non-members, but, as previously, there is no charge for those who are 16 years old or under. Members: Adults £9, senior citizens £3. Non-members

  • Rugby Union: Park boys decide county clash

    CHESHIRE...26 LANCASHIRE...32 TWO tries each for Sedgley pair Paul Arnold and Ross Bullough, along with the trusty boot of Arno de Jager secured victory for Lancashire over county rivals Cheshire at Macclesfield. With both sides already knocked out of

  • Thanks for kind hospitality

    AS a Normandy veteran who attended the Darwen Parade to mark the 60th anniversary of D Day and tribute to Jack Banks, may I express my appreciation for such friendly hospitality. Special thanks too for the headmaster, staff and pupils of Holy Trinity

  • Textile fighter deserves statue

    YOU reported plans to erect a statue to Barbara Castle. Why? I started work at T and R Eccles in Lower Darwen Mill in 1948 (when cotton was king). I now live in Great Harwood and I am told that in 1948 there were 22 mills in this town. In 1989 I was the

  • Cricket: Unsworth progress on two fronts

    A GLORIOUS weekend for Unsworth Cricket Club saw them go second in the Central Lancashire League table and progress into the next round of the Inter League Club Challenge. On Sunday at the Crimble, Dion Taljard made his first appearance of the season

  • Racists not wanted here

    HYNDBURN Against Racism welcomes the fact that no candidates from racist political parties will be standing in the local elections in Hyndburn. We are pleased that these groups will not be able to use the elections to publicise their hateful prejudice

  • Mary, 90, waits 12 hours for a bed

    A 90-YEAR-OLD Leigh woman was left in a hospital corridor for almost 12 hours after having 27 stitches in a head wound. Mrs Mary Lee was admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital early one morning after she fell and struck her head on a radiator at her Charles

  • Damage at high school is denied

    A 19-YEAR-OLD has appeared before Bury magistrates accused of damaging windows at Elton High School, Bury. Matthew Gray, of Harvey Street, Bury, denies damaging 77 windows, causing £3,589 worth of damage, last August. The case has been adjourned to a

  • Man kicked police car

    A MAN who kicked a police vehicle, damaging the wing mirror, has been fined. Stuart Moxon, aged 22, of Robert Street, Bury, admitted causing criminal damage to the vehicle and was fined £170. He was ordered to pay £50 compensation and £34 court costs.

  • Carnival support needed

    ORGANISERS of June's Bury Carnival are still anxious for more stallholders to register their interest. The Bury Lions Club event will be staged at the car park at the town's Mosses Centre in Cecil Street on Sunday, June 6 between 11am and 4pm. Attractions

  • Helping elderly stay safe

    AGE Concern in Bury is to host an event to help older people stay safe in their homes and avoid becoming victims of crime. The Safe and Secure Day will take place at the charity's Jubilee Centre at Mosley Avenue,next Wednesday between 11am and 4pm. The

  • Remploy all set to celebrate

    WORKERS at Remploy have proved learning is a piece of cake. Disabled staff at the Radcliffe factory, in Eton Hill Road, downed tools on Thursday and tucked into a specially commissioned cake to help their company celebrate a nationwide success. Remploy

  • "Spies" wanted

    VOLUNTEERS are being sought by Bury Council to spy on the condition of its housing estates. The council is recruiting a team of "mystery shoppers", comprised of home owners, private renters and council tenants, to help pinpoint areas which need improvements

  • 10-page pledge for improvements

    LABOUR members are fully briefed for the campaign after the party launched its latest town hall manifesto. The ruling group saw its series of pledges given an official launch on Monday. Members were invited to familiarise themselves with the 10-page document

  • "It's time for a change" say Tories

    "ARROGANT" Labour have been in control for 18 years, and it's about time for a change! That's the clear message from the Conservatives in these elections, who have come forward with a raft of policies to appeal to voters. Councillor Roy Walker, Tory group

  • Top Tory reports council newspaper

    BURY Council's official newspaper has been reported to the standards board by the town's top Tory. Councillor Roy Walker has formally complained that Bury Metro News was delivered to households after April 30, when the notice of election was published

  • New chief nurse makes pledge

    FAIRFIELD Hospital's new chief nurse has promised to involve staff in shaping the future. Mrs Marian Carroll made the pledge as the new director of nursing for the Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, during a frontline tour of the Rochdale Old Road complex

  • Five appear on drug charges

    FIVE men charged in connection with the supply of drugs appeared at Bury Magistrates Court on Wednesday. A total of 12 individuals have been charged following a police operation last week in Bury, Bolton, Rochdale and Manchester. The five men, including

  • Our workers are laziest travellers

    PEOPLE in Bury have been branded the laziest travellers in the region when getting to and from work. Just over 10 per cent of workers commuting in the borough go by foot or on a bike, compared to 19.4 per cent of people in Cumbria. The figures, collected

  • Second lawyer on cash plot charge

    A SECOND Burnley solicitor has been charged as part of a police probe into alleged money laundering for an East Lancashire drugs gang called The Firm. John Greenwood, 47, of Manchester Road, Barnoldswick, is a partner at GHT in Nicholas Street. He was

  • Highlighting the plight of epileptics

    TWO per cent of people still believe that epilepsy is caused by evil spirits, according to a local support group. The shock viewpoint was revealed by Rochdale Oldham and Bury Epilepsy Society (ROBES) during National Epilepsy Week, which finishes on Saturday

  • The welcome mat for asylum-seekers

    A BURY support group is extending the hand of friendship to asylum-seekers and welcoming them into the community. Solidarity is a 20-strong group which runs monthly socials at the town's Mosses Centre with a range of entertainment aimed at children and

  • Parking wardens ruling expected

    TWO former NCP employees at the centre of a "fake photograph" investigation will soon learn if they are to be prosecuted. The man and woman were arrested and interviewed by Bury police in connection with perverting the course of justice. A file was sent

  • Parking wardens ruling expected

    TWO former NCP employees at the centre of a "fake photograph" investigation will soon learn if they are to be prosecuted. The man and woman were arrested and interviewed by Bury police in connection with perverting the course of justice. A file was sent

  • Centurions show community spirit

    OVER the past year the community department at Leigh Centurions has made some big strides within the community. Added to the successful Curriculum Center is now a four-week primary Schools Touch Rugby programme, a six-week Secondary Schools programme,

  • £1.5m bid lined up for Norwegian winger

    BLACKBURN Rovers are poised to make Norwegian winger Morten Pedersen their first signing of the summer. Rovers are currently in discussions with Pedersen's club, Tromso, about a move for the 22-year-old wide-man. And if talks go to plan then Rovers are

  • Yobs target school buses

    CHILDREN could be seriously injured by stone throwing yobs who have been targeting buses carrying pupils to a Preston school. Buses taking pupils to Corpus Christi High, in St Vincent's Road, Fulwood, have been attacked three times in six weeks. The attacks

  • Fever pitch for bargains

    CAR boot fever hit Prestwich and Whitefield last weekend as bargain-hunters turned out in the blistering heat. St Mary's Park in Prestwich was packed with stalls and visitors at an event organised by the 401st Manchester Cubs and Scouts and the 5th Cheetham

  • Kind-hearted woman leaves £30,000 to charities

    A KIND-hearted woman has left almost £30,000 to three charities in her will. Alice Simpson, from Penwortham, who died in September, left £9,500 each to St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Hall, Galloway's Society for the Blind, Penwortham and Cancer Research

  • Big plans for new name centre

    THE new owners of St George's Shopping Centre have vowed to fill up all the empty stores by Christmas -- and they will rename it The Mall, after their own company name. The Mall, which owns 17 other centres in the UK, bought St George's this week for

  • Soldier held over fake photos

    MILITARY police are questioning a soldier at a secret location following his arrest in connection with fake photographs showing British troop abusing an Iraqi prisoner. The soldier is being held at a barracks in Bulford, Wiltshire according to the Ministry

  • Chance to vote for top fiction

    READERS are being urged to visit local libraries and have a say in this year's Orange Prize for Fiction. They can win a mobile telephone and copies of the shortlisted books by writing a review of one of these books using cards available at every Bury

  • Would you like to fly?

    EVER fancied having a bird's eye view of Preston from a hot air balloon? Well here's your chance. As part of the Preston International City Festival (ICE), there will be an massed balloon launch on Moor Park. And two lucky Citizen readers, each with a

  • Mayor honours musical pledge

    BURY'S "First Citizens" were serenaded when they kept their promise to visit the borough's young musical maestros. The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Wilf Davison and Mrs Maureen Davison, were guests of the thriving Bury Music Service when they visited

  • School for kids or jail for parents

    EDUCATION chiefs have pledged to use new powers that could see parents sent to prison if they persistently fail to send their children to school. The decision comes on the back of the latest truancy sweep carried out in Preston last Friday, which found

  • Housing estate "problem-shoppers"

    VOLUNTEERS are being sought by Bury Council to spy on the condition of its housing estates. The council is recruiting a team of "mystery shoppers", comprised of home owners, private renters and council tenants, to help pinpoint areas which need improvements

  • Blind Clarets fan Shaun dies at 37

    A POPULAR, blind, dedicated Clarets fan has died at the age of 37. And today family and friends paid tribute to one of the football club's most colourful supporters. Shaun Parker, 37, of Padiham, died at Burnley General Hospital on Wednesday morning after

  • Extra police in crackdown

    EXTRA police will be on patrol in Padiham this weekend as part of a crackdown on unruly behaviour and criminal damage. Officers from Pennine Division's support unit and special constabulary will join community beat managers on patrol in the town following

  • Identical sisters are twin strikers

    IDENTICAL twins Rachel and Sarah Walker are the toast of an East Lancashire girls' football team after netting in all three games to triumph in a national cup competition. The girls, members of the Under-13s football team of Ivy Bank Business Enterprise

  • Patrolling councillor's call to halt 'terrorising' teens

    A CONCERNED councillor has called for Burnley parks to be made an alcohol-free to get tough on teen yobs. Coun Gordon Birtwistle said police should act after reports juveniles were terrorising elderly bowlers in Scott Park. Police were called to the park

  • New life for old Triangle

    HISTORIC buildings in Burnley's Weavers Triangle have been sold off. Rossendale-based Hurstwood Developments Ltd has bought the former Clock Tower Mill site, Lord's Printers, Slater's Terrace and a site on Wiseman Street from Millview Developments. The

  • New deal for Flitcroft

    MIDFIELD enforcer Dave Flitcroft is the latest Shakers' player to put pen to paper on a new deal. The former Chester, Rochdale and Macclesfield man has signed a 12-month contract and is the third player to swell the club's ranks this week. Earlier in

  • Board secure shareholding

    SHAKERS' directors now hold the majority shareholding of Bury FC. That was the big news to come out of the club's annual general meeting, held at the Starkies Suite, Gigg Lane on Wednesday evening. The 'Save Our Shakers Trust,' which has overseen the

  • It's raining mac jobs

    WORLD-FAMOUS raincoat manufacturer Mackintosh is to create 36 new jobs in Nelson with the opening of a new factoryin Waterford Street. Mackintosh spokesman Daniel Dunko said: "At Mackintosh we have enjoyed huge success both in the UK and internationally

  • Park prices for next season

    SEDGLEY PARK have announced match admission charges for next season. There are separate rates for members and non-members, but, as previously, there is no charge for those who are 16 years old or under. Members: Adults £9, senior citizens £3. Non-members

  • Carnival support needed

    ORGANISERS of June's Bury Carnival are still anxious for more stallholders to register their interest. The Bury Lions Club event will be staged at the car park at the town's Mosses Centre in Cecil Street on Sunday, June 6 between 11am and 4pm. Attractions

  • On your bikes

    THE Ribble Valley Cycling Club, which covers the Preston, Leyland districts, is running a recruiting drive for anyone interested in cycling. The club has a wealth of experience to benefit the relative beginner, those who haven't cycled for some time and

  • CRICKET: Last pair secure thrilling victory for Preston

    A LAST wicket stand of 18 saw Preston home to thrilling victory against Morecambe on Saturday. It looked unlikely they fall short of the visitors total of 171 but the late heroics secured 12 points to leave Preston in third place in the Northern Premier

  • Reviews of the latest sounds

    KATHRYN WILLIAMS: Relations (East/West) AN album of cover versions is either a sign that the creative muse has gone or that you're a very confident individual. I'd like to think that in Ms Williams's case it's the latter. Her acoustic style is eminently

  • Bloom's peat vow

    ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have congratulated Pendle Council for choosing a sustainable route to making Colne bloom. Bosses of the Colne in Bloom project announced this week they will use an alternative to peat during planting. Pendle Friends of the Earth

  • 10 years ago

    A VILLAGE postmistress was left holding a "parcel bomb" when armed robbers escaped with a substantial amount of cash from a Cliviger post office. Part of the village, near Burnley was sealed off, and around 120 villagers evacuated from their homes while

  • Man charged with killing corporal

    A PRESTON man appeared before magistrates in Preston on Friday, May 14, following the death of a 32-year-old soldier. Terrence Biggs, 26, of Chindits Way, Fulwood, is charged with the unlawful killing of 32-year-old Lance Corporal Richard Fox after an

  • QLR welcomes plan for Pals memorial

    THE Queen's Lancashire Regiment today welcomed plans for a permanent memorial to the Accrington Pals, as plans for a street party to remember the tragic soldiers were unveiled. Coun Malcolm Pritchard, Labour representative for Milnshaw, today announced

  • Fireworks ban is welcome

    STRICT laws are planned and are welcome to stop yobs letting off fireworks late at night and offenders face up to six months in jail or fines up to £5,000. Fireworks will be banned between 11pm and 7am, though the curfew would not begin until 2am on special

  • Three-legged Lab should be called Lucky...

    A LOVEABLE Lab is lucky to be alive after being struck by a lorry on a busy bypass. The poor pooch was left with a shattered left back leg which has had to be amputated after vets unsuccessfully tried to pin it together. The black Labrador-cross with

  • Firms get together to rethink waste management

    BURY businesses are being urged to "go green" by rethinking waste. Groundwork Bury, with its North Manchester environmental business support partners, is giving companies a fantastic opportunity to increase their knowledge of waste minimisation and recycling

  • Public did not pay for fountain

    THOSE who attack the new fountain feature in the Longfield Centre should not be allowed to get away with spreading falsehoods and myths for political or any other reasons. The project was funded through a combination of sources, mainly a grant from the

  • Peace offering for wife lands man in court

    A MAN wanting to make amends with his wife after a long drinking session was arrested for stealing flowers from a petrol station. Roger Evans, aged 43, of Beechcroft, Sedgley Park, Prestwich, admitted stealing bunches worth £21 from Hilton Park Service

  • Tory quit London in election rumpus

    A PRESTWICH Conservative candidate was suspended by a London council after he gave a local newspaper a sack containing town hall electoral registration documents. Shneur Odze, who is to fight in Sedgley on June 10, resigned as a member of Hackney Council

  • Safety plan hits buffers

    PLANS to improve security at two Ribble Valley railway stations have hit the buffers. County Council bosses had hoped money from the Strategic Rail Authority would fund CCTV and other safety improvements at Whalley and Langho railway stations, but this

  • Survey to probe housing demand

    A SURVEY to work out what housing demand in Clitheroe is likely to be in the future will get under way within the next two weeks. Ribble Valley Council will be sending questionnaires to every house in the town as part of its borough-wide assessment of

  • Hall being 'privatised'

    A COUNCIL has agreed to give up control of one of its civic halls after being told the move could kick-start a town's regeneration. Ribble Valley councillors have approved plans for Longridge Civic Hall to be transferred out of their control and into

  • Chance to be big-league rugby mascots

    PROFESSIONAL rugby league makes its return to Blackpool next weekend -- and two lucky youngsters will be part of the big occasion, thanks to The Citizen and Oldham RLFC. Thousands of Oldham fans are expected to make the journey to Bloomfield Road a week

  • Does the iceman cometh for the Seasiders?

    BLACKPOOL'S boss hunt is continuing, with another name joining Colin Hendry amongst the favourites for the post. Former Iceland national team boss, Gudjon Thordarson, has emerged as a serious contender for the post. He was, more recently, in charge at

  • Your opinion is well worth hearing

    A FLOURISHING Bury company is reinforcing the old adage that it costs nothing to give your opinion. In fact Real List is offering people the chance to express their views and get paid for them! The business, set up by market researcher Jacqueline Feasey

  • Cilla has trouble in store for Janice

    SCHEMING Coronation Street character Cilla Brown wreaked havoc in a Prestwich shopping centre at the weekend. The soap bad girl, together with other cast and crew, spent most of the day on Sunday (May 16) at the Longfield centre, filming an exciting new

  • Corrie bad girl films at Longfield centre

    SCHEMING Coronation Street character Cilla Brown wreaked havoc in a Prestwich shopping centre at the weekend. The soap bad girl, together with other cast and crew, spent most of the day on Sunday at the Longfield Centre, filming an exciting new storyline

  • Diana award for inspirational teenager David

    A TEENAGER who has battled against serious illness has been honoured by his school. Philips High School pupil David Naylor, 16 on Saturday was presented with the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for being an inspiration to other students. The teenager

  • Darwen look to make it another double

    DARWEN will be hoping to maintain the fine form that secured them two excellent victories last weekend when Kendal arrive for their Northern League fixture tomorrow. Last Saturday they over-ran Leyland Motors to secure a six-wicket victory in the league

  • Local women get top praise

    TWO Prestwich women have been praised for their services to sport and the community at a top awards ceremony. Greater Manchester Police worker Lona Williams was nominated for the sport category at the Winning Women Awards 2004 after devoting her adult

  • Fears of fire strike grow

    FIREFIGHTERS in Whitefield are to be balloted on fresh strike action. The move follows the suspension of colleagues in Salford, Broughton and Ashton on Tuesday night (May 18) after they refused to use new anti-terrorism decontamination equipment in a

  • Casino bid is blocked

    A BID to set up a new casino on Blackpool promenade has been blocked by magistrates. London Clubs International had hoped to set up the casino at 75-87 The Promenade, but were blocked by the resort's licensing magistrates last Wednesday. London Clubs

  • Princely effort rewarded

    A TEENAGER who has battled against serious illness has been honoured by his school. Philips High School pupil David Naylor, who celebrates his 16th birthday tomorrow (Saturday, May 22), was presented with the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for

  • Sport for all at Broad Oak

    A HIGH school is celebrating after being awarded a double dose of government and Lottery cash totalling nearly £700,000. Broad Oak in Bury received £444,854 from the Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, strengthening its position as the borough's Specialist

  • Tory councillor faces disciplinary action

    A BURY councillor could face disciplinary action following a national watchdog investigation into his conduct. The Standards Board for England says that Moorside councillor James Taylor failed to declare an interest during a council debate over the fees

  • Winning the crime war

    BURY Police has a new second-in-command: and the first major announcement for Superintendent Peter Scofield was to insist that his staff are winning the war against crime. But he warned that more still needs to be done to ensure the borough remains the

  • Cycle Speedway: Bury tough it out in the midlands

    A SADLY depleted squad travelled to Leicester for the Midland/North Regional fixtures, which were always going to be tough for the Bury-Pedalsport riders, and for the second successive week they suffered heavy defeats to a Premier League club. With only

  • May warns Clarets board

    DAVID May has warned the Burnley board: Show more ambition or I'm off! I can reveal that May has already been contacted by several clubs after being told talks over a new Turf Moor contract are on ice until a new Clarets manager is appointed. The former

  • Historic night with hitmakers

    IT'S being described as the biggest night in the history of the club -- and who are we to disagree? On Saturday, May 29, Bliss nightclub in Skipton welcomes one of the country's biggest dance acts of the year so far on to the stage. LMC, who scored a

  • Harris blow for Walshaw

    BOLTON Association champions Walshaw have suffered a major blow to their hopes of retaining the title. They go to Clifton without their captain and wicketkeeper Anthony Harris. The opening batsman fractured and dislocated a finger while keeping against

  • MP welcomes deal on veterans' passports

    DARWEN MP Janet Anderson has welcomed the announcement from Home Secretary David Blunkett that all British passport holders over 75 will be eligible for free ten-year passports. The move was made as a way of thanking them for their wartime efforts and

  • Town ready for live festival

    FINAL preparations are under way for the Darwen 2004 live music festival. Crowds of people will flock to the town centre during the Bank Holiday weekend for the fifth annual free event, organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council in association with Darwen

  • Lotto cash boost for drivers

    NEARLY 50 motorists and motorcyclists have taken advantage of a Lotto windfall to improve their driving standards in Wigan Advanced Motorists' "Skill for Life" course. And there is still just enough time to sign-up for bargain price tuition. The course

  • Firm's award over young staff

    A LEIGH-BASED glass company has received recognition for its work with young people in the area. Regency Glass, located on Butts Street, won the prestigious Greater Manchester LSC award for its continuing commitment and support to the nationally recognised

  • Stop to it

    ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour will not be tolerated in Blackpool. That's the message from Blackpool Council, which launched the draft of its first anti-social behaviour strategy last week. The council says the three year strategy will 'help provide a co-ordinated

  • Blaze hits Pleasure Beach

    A BLAZE ripped through one of Blackpool Pleasure Beach's most famous rides last night (Thursday). Firefighters were called to the park's Grand National ride at around 9.30pm. The fire is believed to have started at the entrance to the ride and was spotted

  • Womble on TV

    A FYLDE pensioner dubbed the 'Blackpool Womble' over his penchant for hoarding other people's rubbish is set to feature in a new '...from hell' ITV documentary. Dennis Bostock, 67, achieved notoriety as the Fylde's very own 'Great Uncle Bulgaria' after

  • It's sun, sand and decks!

    BLACKPOOL'S deckchairs are here to stay -- and could soon have a bright new look thanks to commercial sponsorship. Bringing in commercial sponsors to improve the appearance of the promenade deckchairs is one option being seriously considered by Blackpool

  • Thieves strike at farm twice in a year

    THE MANAGER of a Blackpool horse sanctuary has condemned heartless thieves who stole a quad bike and trailer from the centre on Thursday night. Penny Farm manager, Tony Fleming, said thousands of pounds may now have to be spent on CCTV cameras and other

  • Bus and them!

    EURO-ELECTION candidates rolled into Blackpool this week in a bid to win votes in next month's poll. With just three weeks left before the election, major party candidates were in the resort to boost their chances of winning some of the regions nine seats

  • Gloves off!

    THE (gardening) gloves are off in an ongoing battle between Fylde councillors and campaigners fighting to prevent development in a St Annes park. Councillors met in the sunshine at Ashton Gardens on Friday to condemn 'some members' of Supporters of Ashton

  • Stanmore in merger

    THREE insurance brokers have merged to considerably strengthen their foothold in the market. Radcliffe-based Stanmore Insurance Brokers have amalgamated with fellow brokers Doherty Turner of Stockport and Royle, Tyrer, also based in Stockport. The merged

  • Disaster recovery plan

    MANY Greater Manchester businesses were hit by the recent BT fire in Manchester, losing all communication links and trade for five days. With this in mind, BuryBusiness.NETwork will hold a seminar at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel next Tuesday (May 25

  • Tees-y does it in all-night challenge

    A BLACKBURN accountant is teeing up to take part in a round-the-clock charity golf challenge on some of the world's most northerly courses. And the gruelling 24-hour competition - which incorporates 90 holes and 17 miles of trekking from tees to greens

  • Police cool over plan for arcade

    A NEW amusement arcade in Blackburn town centre would put a burden on police resources and could add to already rising levels of disorder, a report claims. Blackburn with Darwen councillors will meet next week to decide if a leisure company should be

  • 'Don't imitate dangerous craze'

    ARMED response police officers have been into the classroom to warn Blackburn teenagers of the dangers of playing with imitation guns. Officers are targeting secondary schools to raise awareness of new laws governing ball-bearing and airguns. They visited

  • Coleman hopes Howson will bolster defence

    ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman hopes new signing Stuart Howson is exactly what he's been looking for to boost his defence. Howson, who played more than 50 games for Second Division Chesterfield before his release at the end of the season, joined

  • BOWLS: Alexandra make an impact

    ALEXANDRA were the only local team to make a significant impact on the Super League last weekend when they shared the spoils 3-3 at Preston club Frenchwood. Although the Alex have been inconsistent so far this year, they can take heart from a well deserved

  • Why Aldo is the right man

    JOHN Aldridge is the man to take Burnley Football Club forward. Ronnie Moore, Steve McMahon, Phil Brown and Brian Flynn are some of the names in the frame, but chairman Barry Kilby should make a phonecall to Merseyside to end his search for a new manager

  • Park swoop for two Springboks

    SEDGLEY Park have made their first two signings for next season, front rowers Petrus du Plessis and Jan Lourens. Both South Africans, du Plessis joins the Tigers from fellow National One club and Lancashire rivals Orrell, while Lourens makes the move

  • It's plastic, not gold!

    MAY I suggest to correspondent Mr S. Holt (May 14), and any other sad people who may paint their house numbers on their bins or black recycling box, that they go the whole hog and fit a tracker device in case it goes missing. Get a grip, man; it's a box

  • Mayoralty: Labour supported Tories

    I READ with interest Councillor Roy Walker's comments concerning the Labour nominations for the Mayoralty, and his assertion not to abide by the decision should the Tories take control on June 10. He needs reminding that when Labour took control in 1986

  • Refuse policy was agreed by all

    HAVING attended the recent council meeting, I noted the hypocrisy of Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors. I had thought that only Labour supported the new refuse collection policy. However, it seems the policy was agreed by all parties as long

  • Grammar juniors make a splash in gala

    JUNIOR pupils from Bury Grammar made waves in a swimming gala for schools across the borough. A team of boys and girls was one of 18 to compete in the event at Radcliffe Pool, attended by around 200 spectators. Bury Grammar School emerged as overall winners

  • Diana award for inspirational teenager David

    A TEENAGER who has battled against serious illness has been honoured by his school. Philips High School pupil David Naylor, 16 on Saturday was presented with the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for being an inspiration to other students. The teenager

  • Reservoirs are too deep to fish

    KEITH Talbot's letter (May 20) headlined "Make no mistake, filling-in IS an option" makes our Association wonder if he attended the same meeting of Bury West Area Board as we did. The only "mistake" is that of Lowercroft Fisheries. When purchasing the

  • Businessman's 'no strings' offer for 3 reservoirs

    BUSINESSMAN David Jennings has stepped into the row over the future of Lowercroft lodges -- with a £25,000, no-strings-attached bid to buy them. His shock offer comes after owner Keith Talbot's public "fish them or fill them" ultimatum to councillors