OLD rivals Swindon Town arrive at Bloomfield Road this week with Colin Hendry admitting time is running out for him to turn the season round. Hendry continues to bash the phones to bring in the commanding central defender and ball-winning midfielder he
A PROTEST march is to be held in Bury town centre next month to demand Fairfield Hospital's special care baby unit is kept open. A date of October 16 has been set for the rally after 416 people crammed inside Bury Town Hall on Monday night to join the
THE players of Bury Schools' Goalball Team have scored another success with a new team strip. Goalball is an indoor game which enables people with visual impairments to play on an equal footing with their fully-sighted peers. It was started after the
I HAVE been following with interest and apprehension the proposals in the document Children and Families First. I am employed as an associate specialist in ophthalmology by the Pennine Acute NHS Trust, and have particular interest in the services for
THE appalling terrorist atrocity in the town of Beslan in the Caucasus marks a new depth of depravity in the history of global terrorism. The deliberate use of children as the terrorists' victims is unprecedented. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the
DISTURBED by rumours and reports in the newspaper, we attended the public meeting on Monday about the proposed closure of the special care baby unit and children's services at Fairfield General Hospital. We were shocked to realise that the proposals were
I HAVE just returned from the Babies First meeting at the town hall -- what a fabulous turnout. It was heartwarming to see so many health staff represented, despite apparently being warned against doing so. People in Bury are not apathetic, so take heed
I SHOULD like to thank Bury's Executive member for lifelong learning, Councillor Maggie Gibb, for her reply to my letter (September 3). It still remains that in spite of the most "intense scrutiny" cited by the councillor, the Strategic Review of Primary
PRESTWICH created a piece of history when they were crowned league champions on Saturday for the first time in 97 years. W.G. Grace was still alive the last time Prestwich had savoured league success -- winning the South Lancashire League in 1907. Befitting
WE WOULD like to thank everyone who took the time to come along to our Cleveleys Park Surgery this weekend. There were two subjects which members of the public raised over and over again. The first was juvenile nuisance and vandalism, which is of concern
THE recent implementation of new on street parking charges is yet another example of how this Labour controlled council are determined to drive tourists and shoppers out of Blackpool. The timing of the implementation of this scheme beggar's belief, it
COLNE Cricket will be the new champions of the Thwaites East Lancashire Premier barring miracles, with a staggering whitewash over R Utility and a massive 14 points. The gap at the top is now six points with one to play, mainly due to Bar Lane not being
JON Kennedy would be the first to admit that he isn't troubled by a lack of confidence. As a goalkeeper, it's necessary to have the courage of your own convictions to become established in any side. But the Accrington Stanley stopper has even more reason
LITTLE Ellie McAnish has been saved from a lifetime of deafness after a funding U-turn by health chiefs. And her jubilant parents thanked the Evening Telegraph and insisted a vital operation was only made possible after we highlighted her case. Today
IT IS less than two years since Milada Drapakova fled racist violence in Eastern Europe with her family. But last night the 16-year-old was among the high achievers presented with accolades at the eighth annual Further Education Awards at King George's
A NEW boxing club aims to put the city back on the world's boxing map -- while helping local charities to fight their corner. The Preston City Federation Boxing Team, which formed last week, is aiming to revive the city's historic links with sport. But
DETECTIVES are still hunting for a man wanted over a hoax bomb alert at a top Blackpool nightspot. Justin McAuliffe, 32, is wanted in connection with a series of suspicious and dangerous packages posted to addresses across the UK, including one to the
LOVERS in search ofa romantic getaway are the latest target for Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Big Blue Hotel. The award-winning hotel is to include four luxurious penthouse suites in its new Club Wing, a 40-room extension due to open next June. Juliet balconies
A HOST of stars are being targeted to join another new television series set in Blackpool. Funland, described as a 'darkly twisted comic thriller' is set to begin its run on BBC Three next year. State of Play star John Simm and League of Gentlemen writer
RADCLIFFE Cricket Club rounded off their 2004 campaign it not quite the way skipper Graeme Simpson would have liked, with a loss and a draw to finish fourth from bottom of the Central Lancashire League. "It was disappointing to finish without a win,"
THE BIG top is up and running for the Moscow State Circus in Heaton Park this week. Russian flare and panache can be seen in such acts as strongman Hercules, trapeze artists the Sky Travellers and clowns Foma and Yeryoma. Performances are this evening
A RETIRED teacher has slammed a Government office over the new system for issuing pensions. Mrs Rosetta Sherr (76), of Kirton Lodge, Prestwich, disagreed with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) scheme of phasing out pension books but reluctantly
HUNDREDS of people packed into church to mark the funeral of tragic car crash victim Chantelle Petterson -- more than seven months after her death. Family and friends paid tribute to a "bubbly" youngster at the service held yesterday at St James' Church
A GROUP of youngsters who dedicated their spare time to tidying up Victoria Estate in Whitefield have been presented with certificates for their efforts. Four youngsters from the Junior Wardens scheme attended Whitefield and Unsworth area board on Monday
RESIDENTS have been left devastated after demolition plans were approved for 150 homes in their neighbourhood. Blackburn with Darwen Council last night agreed to begin buying up homes in the Redearth Road area of Darwen, using compulsory purchase orders
A PUBLIC meeting to discuss plans for wind turbines on the moors at Edgworth will be held at the Barlow Institute on October 15 from 7pm. Campaigners have organised the meeting to update residents ahead of an expected decision on the proposal by councillors
SPARE a thought for Greenmount bowler Mark Stewart, who finished the season just one victim short of 100 wickets. The paceman needed to dispose of four of the Farnworth Social Circle batsmen to reach the milestone at Brandlesholme Road on Saturday but
JENNY SCOTT talks to rock guitarist Charlotte Hatherley and finds out why she is surprised at all the acclaim her debut solo album is attracting. . . IT'S been branded the album of the summer - an outstanding mix of experimental pop-rock numbers that
STUDENTS of the game should have a field day tomorrow. While Leicester and Burnley do battle on the field of play, the titanic touchline tussle between Steve Cotterill and Micky Adams should make equally riveting viewing. For both managers, it's a game
RADCLIFFE Cricket Club has been forced to move the venue of its presentation evening from the clubhouse to Radcliffe Civic Hall for the first time in its history. The event, which takes place on Saturday October 2, will feature a huge array of presentations
A VOTE to outlaw hunting with hounds may spell the end for the country's oldest hunt. Members of the Holcombe Hunt -- which dates back to 1304 -- say that any outright ban will mean the end of a whole way of life. However, anti-hunt campaigners say that
HUNDREDS who attended the mass public meeting have vowed to voice their protests again this Monday to the local health authority. Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT) has organised a "come and have your say" public discussion at The Village Hotel and Leisure
A COMPLAINT that woodwork sessions at Bury Arts and Crafts Centre should not have been lopped off on health and safety grounds has been dismissed. The Local Government Ombudsman's office will not pursue a claim of maladministration against Bury Council
THE road to the Millennium Stadium is long and winding. But Clitheroe could be just a handful of games away from their own FA Cup final. Blues player-manager Lee Sculpher has set his sights on earning a place in the first round proper, with Wakefield-Emley
ASHLEY Hoskin remains convinced he can turn around Rossendale United's dismal early season form. Dale are currently rock bottom of the UniBond First Division, having picked up just two points from seven league games. Four successive league defeats, the
PADIHAM are looking to open up a gap at the top of the Division Two table as they turn their attentions to the league. The Storks, who earned a place in the FA Vase qualifying round with a 2-1 replay win over Poulton Victoria in midweek, entertain Cheadle
RAMSBOTTOM manager Derek Egan is preparing to delve into the depths of his squad. As one door opens with the return of Gareth Brooks and Chris Mackay, another closes with the news that Michael Saunders' suspension has coincided with him suffering a shattered
COUNCILLOR Vic D'Albert can issue as many hypocritical denials as he likes but the fact is the Lib-Dems wanted to throw the Prestwich Heritage Society and other groups off the area board. For years the Lib-Dems have masqueraded as the people's champions
A RETIRED teacher has slammed a Government office over the new system for issuing pensions. Mrs Rosetta Sherr (76), of Kirton Lodge, Prestwich, disagreed with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) scheme of phasing out pension books but reluctantly
MEMBERS of a Whitefield church have appealed to the community to be vigilant in a bid to end a 20-year catalogue of vandalism. The Whitefield and Prestwich Spiritualist Church in Victoria Avenue has been targeted by yobs who have smashed windows, sprayed
A GROUP of youngsters who dedicated their spare time to tidying up Victoria Estate in Whitefield have been presented with certificates for their efforts. Four youngsters from the Junior Wardens scheme attended Whitefield and Unsworth area board on Monday
STUDENTS of the game should have a field day tomorrow. While Leicester and Burnley do battle on the field of play, the titanic touchline tussle between Steve Cotterill and Micky Adams should make equally riveting viewing. For both managers, it's a game
JASON Wilcox is determined to make Burnley the latest victims in his fight to cement a first team place at Leicester. Former Blackburn Rovers winger Wilcox came in from the cold in midweek to score the winner in the 3-2 win over Sheffield United. Wilcox
RAIN had the final say on the Northern Premier League season on Saturday as none of the First Division games were completed and all sides took four points, writes Gerry Wolstenholme. The only consolation was that Fleetwood, who had gone into the final
A PILOT project to allow Ribble Valley residents to access council services from their armchairs goes live this month. Ribble Valley Council has joined forces with other authorities in East Lancashire to launch DigiTV. The interactive digital television
A PREGNANT woman needed hospital treatment for shock after watching masked car thieves beat up her husband. Mrs Heather Sharples was violently pushed by three men who then launched a savage attack on her 28-year-old husband Adam as he sat in his Audi
Leaving a violent relationship isn't easy, that's a fact. Recent research by The Body Shop showed that women across the UK think they'd pack their bags straightaway if their partner hit them. Yet the shocking truth is that a woman is beaten an average
LAST Friday in Bury Bus Station, I was waiting behind a long queue. A bunch of schoolboys walked calmly to the front and pushed their way on when the door opened. They then occupied all the seats meant for old people and mothers with prams or stood bunched
A £1 million industrial development, which will breathe new life back into a derelict site, has received a significant cash boost. Bracken Trade Park, located in Dumers Lane, Bury, has received £50,000 from Bury Council's Business Investment Programme
WHAT has our mean-minded society now brought about? At 9.25am on Thursday September 8, I witnessed a traffic warden place a ticket on a car, parked correctly, on the car park at Fairfax Road, Prestwich. Of course, the grasping warden deemed it parked
AIRWAVES and brainwaves have won praise for Bury-based Pennine Telecom from the UK Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA) Constabulary. For the Salford Street company has received a pat on the back following a major contract to introduce a new airwave and
CHAMBER Business Connections is staging a Bury Gala Dinner at the town's Elizabethan Suite next Thursday (Sept 23) at 7.30pm. Guest speaker will be ex-Coldstream Guard John Welsh. Representatives from member companies of the North Manchester Chamber will
PLANS for a mobile phone mast in Altham have been blocked by Hyndburn Council. Mobile phone operator Hutchison 3G UK Ltd applied for permission to put a 20-metre mast on the side of a building on Altham Business Park. But the plans were rejected by the
POLICE have been called into Baxenden to sort out parking problems plaguing residents. At a public meeting, officers revealed so many cars were being parked in Manchester Road advertised for sale, that concerns had been raised a business was using the
A VOLUNTARY group for Asian women in Accrington has been granted permission to turn a terrace house into an office - despite opposition from local residents. The Aawaz Women's Voluntary Group plans to use the property in Empress Street to provide information
DETECTIVES hunting a sex pest who attacked a woman in a Colne park believe there may have been a witness, it was revealed today. Police are desperate to talk to a man who they think could help track down the menace. A 36-year-old woman has been walking
JOHNNY HILAND: Johnny Hiland (Favoured Nations) COUNTRY guitar picking of the highest order from a true virtuoso. It's an album which will leave the amateur guitarist gasping with disbelief at the technical genius on display. A great backing band mean
AFTER their relatively easy win last week against Liverpool St Helens, Hoppers found Yorkshire club Morley a much sterner test. Although sharing eight tries, Hoppers fell prey to the kicking prowess of ex-Wales fly-half Colin Stephens who kicked seven
VISITORS to Christ Church in Walmersley will be going "bananas" on Saturday. For as part of a barbecue, families are being asked to bring along the fruit so a giant banana split can be created. The family day at the Walmersley Road church is being staged
SEDGLEY had the wind at their backs in the first half but were hampered by lack of line-out ball and were guilty of kicking away possession . However, Chris Brown scored an excellent winger's try and hooker Mike Cave completed a team try after an impressive
THERE are a couple of vacancies in Soccer Zone's new six-a-side Tuesday night league at the Ball Zone in Whitefield. Teams play one 40-minute game each week and play each other twice over a 14 week season. At the end of each season there is a cup competition
A CAMPAIGN to encourage people to shop in Nelson is to be expanded -- just two weeks after its launch. Following a meeting with tenants, Pendle Council launched 'Keep It Local' to promote the facilities at The Admiral's Market Place. Now the council is
IT'S eight games into the new campaign and Bury boss Graham Barrow is looking for something extra from his new-look side. And Saturday afternoon's visit of second-placed Scunthorpe United is as good a time to start as any. So far, the Gigg Lane men have
SHAKERS' manager Graham Barrow finally got his man on Wednesday when Paul Scott put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Gigg Lane to the end of the season. The 24-year-old former Huddersfield Town defender has made a big impression since arriving
DAVE Challinor is gearing up to face his old club in the LDV Vans Trophy. The Shakers have been handed a trip to Coca Cola League One side Stockport County in the first round. Bury captain Challinor moved to Gigg Lane from Stockport during the summer
RESIDENTS worried about plans to develop an industrial area into a college campus are to employ a private planning officer to investigate their fears. Last night people in Healey Wood, Burnley, held a meeting to discuss the scheme, which would see the
A MOTHER-OF-TWO who won't even go up a ladder to clean the windows is to launch herself from 100 feet in the air. Mrs Lorraine Boswell is terrified of heights but she will take part in a sponsored abseil on Sunday (Sept 19) from the roof of Manchester
A MOTHER and two three-year-old children escaped unharmed from a rented house in Whitefield after a fire broke out in the kitchen. The family, who had only recently moved into the Glendevon Street property, fled as the cooker burst into the flames at
MEMBERS of the Nicky Alliance Day Centre enjoyed an afternoon of fun and laughter thanks to fundraising executive Sonny Warner. Mr Warner presented "Laughs Galore" to an audience of elderly, frail and disabled members and the show certainly lived up to
A MUf-eight will this week celebrate completing her nursing degree -- 35 years after she first began her training. Margaret Cronin will finally achieve her life-long ambition to become a mental health nurse when she qualifies on September 17, her 52nd
A PENSIONER is appealing for sponsorship to travel to South Africa next year to represent England in the blind bowling World Championships. Doris Bryant, 69, of Withy Grove Crescent, who plays for Preston Blind Bowling Team, is hoping to go to Johannesburg
A MUSICAL priest will have crowds rocking in the aisles when brings he his show to a Preston church. Father Francis Maple, famous for his rendition of The Old Rugged Cross, will come to St Walburge's Church for a 'gig' on October 13. The funky father
SPORTS therapy students at the University of Central Lancashire will be treated to the expertise of British Olympic Cycling team's top physiotherapist. Gavin Thomas, 39, from Cumbria described his experiences in Athens this summer as "a dream come true
MARK Hughes started work as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers today - and he immediately spelled out exactly what he expects from his players. Hughes will take charge of his first game when Portsmouth visit Ewood Park tomorrow and the 40-year-old's
BLACKBURN Rovers caretaker manager Tony Parkes today hailed Mark Hughes's appointment. Hughes was officially unveiled as the permament successor to Graeme Souness at a Press conference this morning. And he will take immediate control of team affairs from
MARK Bowen is determined to play his part in replenishing Blackburn Rovers' trophy cabinet. Rovers' new assistant manager remembers well how Mark Hughes lifted the Worthington Cup with Rovers in his homeland a little over two years ago. Bowen hailed Ewood
LEIGH Centurions' fight to join RL's elite in Super League has gone right to the top. Leigh MP Andy Burnham this week tabled a House of Commons Early Day Motion congratulating the Centurions on their success in clinching the National League One league
THE region's medical professionals at Fairfield Hospital will soon be able to hone their skills in a state-of-the-art facility. Fairfield General's education centre was officially handed over to the Pennine Acute Trust this week after a £1.8 million renovation
RAMSBOTTOM "pud" on a spectacle to savour when it hosted the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships. Organised by The Royal Oak Pub in Bridge Street, a record 500 contestants attempted to knock down the highest number of giant Yorkshire puddings stacked
AROUND 400 visitors attended the recent two-day Bury Horticultural Society annual flower and vegetable show. Society president and Bury North MP Mr David Chaytor presented the prizes and trophies at the event, held at the William Kemp Day Centre. The
CAMPAIGNERS for a north west regional assembly are calling for a referendum date to be set immediately. Those in favour of an elected body say that the Government's promise of a vote "before too long" is not good enough. Local and regional government
THE marching band of the Lancashire Fusiliers beat the drum for a £520,000 project for old people in sheltered housing. They played at an open day to mark the integrated extra care scheme on Falcon Close and Griffin Close in Bury. The traditional sheltered
LITTLE Ellie McAnish has been saved from a lifetime of deafness after a funding U-turn by health chiefs. And her jubilant parents thanked the Evening Telegraph and insisted a vital operation was only made possible after we highlighted her case. Today
A SHAMED former Burnley BNP councillor who was involved in a fight at a party festival has been banned from standing as a councillor for three years. But today Luke Smith said he was "not bothered" about the ruling and said politics was "boring". The
VISITORS to Christ Church in Walmersley will be going "bananas" on Saturday. For as part of a barbecue, families are being asked to bring along the fruit so a giant banana split can be created. The family day at the Walmersley Road church is being staged
SHOPS and businesses in Bury town centre faced severe disruption on Tuesday due to a blackout. Around 60 premises were affected by a fault on an electricity high voltage network just before 9am. A number of shops in Princess Parade were hit, as were other
A MAN admitted stealing a trolley full of goods from a supermarket, saying he did it to pay off a debt. Shaun Hillam, aged 38, of Wash Lane, Bury, told Bury Magistrates the £163 worth of goods he had stolen from Asda would be resold for £70 which would
The ANDY LOCHHEAD column EIGHT games gone and every supporter now knows just what Steve Cotterill's Burnley are all about. Tough to break down, neat in their approach play and, thankfully, finding their way in front of goal against Crewe last week. Forget
SEVEN post offices are set to close in Leigh. The axe is likely to fall in January, leaving just 10 post offices in the town. Post Office bosses say the closures are due to restructuring of the national network and there were too many offices competing
THE furore over the issue of free parking passes to borough councillors could have been largely avoided had proper respect been accorded to the feelings of the people of Blackburn and Darwen. Only quite recently has the council made just about every parking
IN response to your question of whether a Labour Government has failed in clearing up crime, well, according to the facts they most certainly have. Nigel Adams (LET, September 8) makes the point that to crack crime, we have to tackle the epidemic of drugs
HAVING finished the season in fourth spot, the Lions begin their assault on a place in National One via the dreaded play offs on Sunday, hoping to accompany league champions Barrow Raiders, who go up automatically. The first hurdle is Workington at Park
GATESHEAD THUNDER 23, LIONS 28: A TRY five seconds from time by Ian Sinfield got his side out of jail to take the points in an end-to-end tussle in the North East, as the Lions rounded off the regular season with a fourth win on the bounce. "I knew Thunder
STAND looked to bid farewell to the CLL in style on Sunday when they entertained former champions Rochdale at Hamilton Road. They won the toss and elected to bat, but it proved to be an innings to forget as they struggled to 38-8 by the half way stage
IT may sound obvious for a coach to say he's disappointed when his team loses, but in Tim Fourie's case it is a genuine reaction, having played in the same game himself and being acutely aware of just what his players are capable of, writes Peter Collins
AFC BLACKLEY...5, STAND ATHLETIC...2: WITH Walsh and Airey sidelined Stand were without two of their most influential players. And with league leaders Blackley not having dropped a point and widely accepted as being champions-in-waiting, it was always
NEWMAN COLLEGE 1, BURY AMATEURS 2: BURY were on their travels for the third consecutive game and secured another three points in Preston. During a superb first half hour they played some fantastic football and carved their opponents open at will. Pietro
SEDGLEY PARK U16...8, WEST PARK SH U16...7 SEDGLEY faced the strong breeze in a scoreless first half, and always looked marginally the better side, despite the size of the visitors' forwards. In the second half Sedgley were guilty of kicking too often
IT'S a hard life being a cycle speedway rider, when you're only eleven. Whilst the established veterans', seniors and top juniors of Bury Pedalsport, have been involved in a long and congested fixture list including several different leagues, cup and
NOBODY in the Bolton Association would have predicted that Elton would have won the title and especially with such style. However, captain Graham Bushell knew he had the gourmet blend of wily experience and youthful exuberance. They had a superb start
BURY RUFC...26, TARLETON RUFC...8: BURY started briskly enough, but were guilty of underestimating the opposition. The visitors have emerged from being a junior side playing at youth level, followed by emergence through the league system to gain promotion
WALSHAW completed their Bolton Association campaign on a high, with a comprehensive away victory at Little Hulton. The triumph was their sixth successive victory and gave them the league's 'Last Six' Trophy to go alongside the Cross Cup, which resides
HYGIENE in hospitals is never far from the headlines. Both locally and nationally, patients are aware more than ever of potential superbugs. Chief reporter DAVID HIGGERSON looks at what's happening in our local hospitals. . . WHEN we go into hospital,
THERE are a couple of vacancies in Soccer Zone's new six-a-side Tuesday night league at the Ball Zone in Whitefield. Teams play one 40-minute game each week and play each other twice over a 14 week season. At the end of each season there is a cup competition
YOU don't have to be a parent to sympathise with the anguish that everyone around little Ellie McAnish must have been feeling. First there was all the worry that would inevitably accompany the knowledge that the two-year-old had been unable to hear from
BATMAN at the palace and blokes in white T-shirts getting chased by old men in the commons. They've nicked all my ideas! Whilst a lot has been made about the lapses in security and how serious this all is, I get the feeling most of the country was having
THERE are frequent complaints about car parking in Bury. This is another! My wife was delayed by the till "crashing" in one of Bury's stores and when she returned to her car -- six minutes late -- she found that she had a fine notice for £60. I accept
IT was refreshing to read a well-informed letter from a member of the Executive, (Councillor Maggie Gibb, lifelong learning, Letters, September 3) in response to correspondent "Pinocchio". This is an issue I would dearly love to put behind me, but there
A HUGE blaze has destroyed the country club at Newton Hall Holiday Centre at Staining. More than 30 people were led from nearby chalets at the camp site as fire gutted the single storey club house in less than two hours. Around 65 firefighters tackled
IT DOES seem that successive Wyre Borough Councils want to close the nice things we have in Cleveleys, pull them down to build on. When I first came to live here in 1954 they had taken the Cleveleys Hydro down and built some houses with weaving shed roofs
EDUCATION bosses today vowed to crack down on serial truants. Schools Minister Stephen Twigg pledged to encourage local education authorities to support parents who struggle to control their children, at the same time as being hard on those who refuse
HUNDREDS of motorists were stung by parking tickets last week in the new blitz by Lancashire's traffic wardens. Figures revealed that 662 tickets were issued from Monday of last week by 90 county council-employed wardens, who have taken over enforcement
AN illegal immigrant who faked Home Office permission to try and stay in the UK has been recommended for deportation. Sarfaraj Patel's counsel urged a judge to allow him his freedom to have a farewell party. The judge gave the defendant, who has already
MUCH is known about Mark Hughes - his spells at England's top clubs and his success as manager of the Welsh national side. But the new manager of Blackburn Rovers has also had some light shed on his earlier years by his former teachers and school friends
A TRAIL-BLAZING "reverse e-auction" has cut more than £20,000 from the cost of paper for local authorities in East Lancashire. The event, hosted by the East Lancashire e-Partnership, was held at the Nelson offices of Pendle Borough Council, and witnessed
A FYLDE bride is recovering after Hurricane Ivan put in an unexpected appearance at her £7,000 Jamaican dream wedding. Karen Collins, 40, of Lytham, was left running for her life after the 160mph storm hit the Sandals Ocho Rios resort just hours before
A MOTHER-OF-TWO who won't even go up a ladder to clean the windows is to launch herself from 100 feet in the air. Mrs Lorraine Boswell is terrified of heights but she will take part in a sponsored abseil on Sunday (Sept 19) from the roof of Manchester
AN autistic youngster was left starstruck after coming face-to-face with his idols who read the television news. Paul Kelly (14), a pupil at Elms Bank High School in Whitefield, was diagnosed with autism at six years old and has been a fan of the ITN
A DRUNKEN Bacup man was spotted by police reversing his car 100 yards down the wrong side of the road, a court heard. But culprit Andrew Woods told police who stopped him that he was only moving his car off double yellow lines. Woods, 30, of Greave Clough
THE famous Wall of Fear will not be at Rossendale's Bike Show this year after a row broke out between the event's organisers. Graham Crispey, who runs Crispey's Wall of Fear, decided to pull out of the show at the last minute after being told he had to
A ROSSENDALE solicitor has been struck off for "improper and unacceptable" behaviour. Michael Tracey, 46, of Meadows Avenue, Haslingden, was one of three lawyers who set up a "sham" partnership to get round conditions imposed on a colleague by the Law
A PIONEERING Darwen woman, who brought ladies' darts to the town 28 years ago, has died aged 64. Florence Harwood, who ran the Foundry Arms pub in Wood Street, set up the first ladies' team at a time when the game was considered a man's sport. She eventually
RAMSBOTTOM Rascals are on a roll -- the club's intermediate league and the junior league squads have won their last seven matches. Then, in a milestone gala, the senior league team beat their rivals, Tyldesley, for the first time in living memory. Head
THE world's largest fitness centre franchise has moved into Radcliffe. For, next Monday (Sept 20) sees the opening of the newest Curves location at Pilkington Way. The new centre -- for women only -- brings to residents throughout the area a supportive
BLACKBURN band The Rising will be playing a special showcase gig in Manchester tomorrow in front of some of the leading names in the record industry. The band have been invited to play at the prestigious In The City music convention at Satan's Hollow.
MARK Hughes started work as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers today - and he immediately spelled out exactly what he expects from his players. Hughes will take charge of his first game when Portsmouth visit Ewood Park tomorrow and the 40-year-old's
HAVING admitted his frustration at a season that has so far produced just two wins, along with two defeats and four draws, Boro boss Kevin Glendon was for once glad to see his side emerge with a 1-1 scoreline. "To have a man sent off so early against
MANCHESTER City FC will be restarting it's popular and well attended 'City in the Community' football courses for youngsters aged 6-11yrs on Radcliffe Borough's astro turf facility on Thursday Sept 23 from 4-5pm. The courses (lasting five weeks) run throughout
MORE than 400 people squeezed into the Elizabethan Suite at Bury Town Hall on Monday to voice their anger at proposals to shut Fairfield Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit. There was standing room only and many were forced to listen from the balcony as
BURY North MP DAVID Chaytor is keen for the postponed expansion of Metrolink to go-ahead so vital funds can be released for the Bury-Altrincham line upgrade. Mr Chaytor was part of a delegation which met the Prime Minister and Secretary Alistair Darling
A PREGNANT woman needed hospital treatment for shock after watching masked car thieves beat up her husband. Mrs Heather Sharples was violently pushed by three men who then launched a savage attack on her 28-year-old husband, Adam, as he sat in his Audi
A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Bury to stop a charity fundraiser and volunteer being deported. Friends say that asylum-seeker, Seid Ahmed, faces certain arrest, torture and possible death if he is forced to return to his homeland in Ethiopia. Mr Ahmed
EXPRESS delivery giant TNT has turned to flower power to make its vehicles more environmentally-friendly and reduce fuel bills. The company's depot in Railway Street, Ramsbottom, is road testing a pioneering diesel fuel derived from rapeseed and other
CHORLEY manager John Hughes is confident his side will soon recover from their miserable start to the season. The Magpies dropped into the bottom three of the UniBond First Division table following their 2-1 defeat against Mossley on Tuesday, despite
COLNE manager Nigel Coates is hopes home comforts will lead to an FA Cup showdown with Accrington Stanley. After two trips to the North East in cup competitions already this season, the Reds entertain Sheffield FC in the FA Cup first qualifying round
The SIMON GARNER column BLACKBURN Rovers have appointed the perfect man to replace Graeme Souness as the club's new manager. As a player, Mark Hughes was a ferocious competitor who regularly struck fear in the hearts of his opponents. Now as a manager
PRESTWICH-based design and creative communications specialist Appleby Bowers has earned top marks. For the company, located at Bank House Studios in Warwick Street, has won a new account to raise the profile of a north west-based independent training
MOTORISTS using a village route will have to change their driving habits after a safety scheme was given the go-ahead. A range of measures to improve road safety and reduce the risk of accidents will be introduced to Hollins Lane and Parr Lane (north)
CARS worth a total of £1M have been stolen in the borough so far this year but police say many thefts could have been prevented. Bury Police has revealed that in half of the stolen car cases keys used to steal the vehicles were taken during burglaries
AN autistic youngster was left starstruck after coming face-to-face with his idols who read the television news. Paul Kelly (14), a pupil at Elms Bank High School in Whitefield, was diagnosed with autism at six years old and has been a fan of the ITN
AS the bells of St Mary's rang out over Prestwich, visitors flocked to the church for a patronal and heritage festival on Saturday (Sept 12). For the first time, the church and Prestwich Heritage Society joined forces and invited people to get a taste
A PRESTWICH couple had a turbulent start to married life when they were caught up in a hurricane while on honeymoon in America. Newly-weds Simon and Amanda Tury flew to New York and Florida two weeks ago after tying the knot at Prestwich Hebrew Congregation
MORE than 400 people crammed into Bury Town Hall on Monday (Sept 13) to voice their anger at proposals to shut Fairfield Hospital 's special care baby unit. There was standing room only in the Elizabethan Suite as Fairfield Baby Lifeline Society officially
A SOUTH African back-row forward and a former rugby league ace are to boost Fylde's squad ahead of their weekend Powergen Cup game at Whitchurch. Michael Vermaak, 24, a 6ft 3in, 16st flanker/No 8 was recommended by former Fylde favourite, Morn Loxton,
Burnage 36 Blackpool 8 - BLACKPOOL were brought down to earth after last week's victory in this Lancs one fixture. Burnage opened the scoring after 10 minutes when their stand off scored a penalty to make the score 3-0. Soon after they extended their
A NEW site for a controversial mosque in Clitheroe has been unveiled by council chiefs. But traffic problems could once again jeopardise the plans, it has emerged. Muslim leaders and senior councillors have identified a possible site on Ribble Valley
A MOTORIST has been taken to hospital with leg injuries following a smash on a road between Read and Padiham today. A Rover 25 was hit from behind with such force that the driver, from Clitheroe, ended up sat on the back seat with leg injuries. The driver
THE recent decision to place alcohol-based gels at the end of hospital beds to prevent the spread of the "super bug" MRSA ought not to divert attention from the reason for the emergence and spread of such dangerous infections. The introduction of private
EXPRESS delivery giant TNT has turned to flower power to make its vehicles more environmentally-friendly and reduce fuel bills. The company's depot in Railway Street, Ramsbottom, is road testing a pioneering diesel fuel derived from rapeseed and other
THE world's largest fitness centre franchise has moved into Radcliffe. For, next Monday (Sept 20) sees the opening of the newest Curves location at Pilkington Way. The new centre -- for women only -- brings to residents throughout the area a supportive
A NEW arrival at Bury's popular Mill Gate centre hopes to help attract even more shoppers to the town's premier retail destination. Jennifer Morris joins the existing centre team as marketing manager, a role which concentrates on providing the Mill Gate's
RADCLIFFE Boro turn their attention to the FA Cup on Saturday and if anyone was thinking it is just a welcome diversion from the real business of the league, they couldn't be more wrong. "The Alsager game is very important to us," said Glendon. "It's
A MOTHER listened as paramedics relived their desperate attempts to bring her baby back to life. Michael Whittam and Don Cowman, based at Altham Ambulance Station, revealed how they thought Toby Woods was already dead when they saw his pale, lifeless
A CONVICTED sex offender who failed to notify the authorities he was not living at an approved address has been jailed for three months. Preston Crown court was told that the breach of the terms of the Sex Offences Act resulted in Ian Whelan, 25, being
10 years ago Cool trucker Earl Dawson realised his ambition to be named Lorry Driver of the Year 1994. Mr Dawson, 38, a driver for Barnoldswick-based Silentnight Beds, beat more than 2,000 colleagues to clinch the national title. He romped to victory
I WOULD like to thank the Bury Times for their coverage in the Friday (August 20) issue of the campaign by residents who were opposed to a Vodafone mast being sited on the grass verge opposite Glendale Avenue, Bury. I would also like to thank Councillor
IT was a soggy end to the Northern Premier League season on Saturday with all matches abandoned due to rain with all teams taking four points. And it was a disappointing season for the three local sides with Preston achieving the best place in eighth
SEDGLEY PARK U16...8, WEST PARK SH U16...7: SEDGLEY faced the strong breeze in a scoreless first half, and always looked marginally the better side, despite the size of the visitors' forwards. In the second half Sedgley were guilty of kicking too often
THIS repeat of last season's Lancashire Cup final was played in three periods to enable the managers to make optimum use of substitutions. The first 20 minutes were evenly contested, with little evidence of rustiness following the summer break. The only
HAVE-A-GO James Greenall decided to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice by climbing into a canoe for the first time in his life and getting family and friends to sponsor him. James, who works at Smiths in Nelson and lives in Hapton, got pals to sponsor
A GROUND-BREAKING scheme to help victims of racist and homophobic incidents is to be launched next week. New advice surgeries have been established in Todmorden and the surrounding area. Victims of racist and homophobic incidents who visit the surgeries
A SHAMED former Burnley BNP councillor who was involved in a fight at a party festival has been banned from standing as a councillor for three years. But today Luke Smith said he was "not bothered" about the ruling and said politics was "boring". The
THE latest meeting of Prestwich Business Forum was well attended with several new faces adding new blood. September's meeting welcomed two interesting and diverse speakers. Malcolm Joels gave Forum members an insight into non-paper-based business planning
GUN crime is being targeted in a new Crimestoppers campaign. The independent charity, which provides the free 0800 555 111 number through which people can report crimes anonymously, will today (Fri Sept 17) launch a UK-wide series of posters, postcard
READERS are being invited to vote for the top ten novels which have transformed the way women see themselves. Local libraries are taking part in Radio Four's Women's Watershed Fiction event, but men are allowed to have their say as well. Five libraries
THE BIG top is up and running for the Moscow State Circus in Heaton Park this week. Russian flare and panache can be seen in such acts as strongman Hercules, trapeze artists the Sky Travellers and clowns Foma and Yeryoma. Performances are this evening
PRESTON and South Ribble's top cops are celebrating after Home Secretary, David Blunkett, singled out Lancashire Constabulary for praise in the way it treats victims of crime. At the Annual Police Superintendents' Association Conference, in Warwickshire
FASHIONABLE females found time to raise funds for Christie's Against Cancer. A ladies dinner and fashion evening was held at the Village Hotel and Leisure Club, in George Street, Prestwich. Organised by the Whitefield-based charity committee Tender Loving
AS hurricane winds of up to 160mph batter much of the Caribbean, one Preston youth worker is counting his blessings that he was not caught up in the catastrophe -- and worrying about those he left behind. Mark Tyers, 19, of Fishwick View, returned home
POLICE were called to a house in Heywood Road, Prestwich, shortly after 11am on Wednesday (Sept 15), to help escort a man to hospital under the Mental Health Act. The 36-year-old refused to come out of his property leaving police officers, under advice
POLICE are hunting offenders who caused more than £2,000 worth of damage by smashing windows in four shops in and around the Hough Lane area of Leyland. Buchanan Shoes, Sue Ryder's charity shop, North West Domestics, all on Hough Lane and Swan Signs,
A rush-hour accident caused major congestion in Prestwich on Monday (Sept 13). Two cars collided in Bury Old Road, near to the Parkside Hotel, resulting in severe tailbacks for nearly an hour. Neither motorist suffered serious injury.
NO sooner had the divorce papers been signed between Blackburn Rovers and Graeme Souness than the club was seeking another long-term relationship. And in appointing Mark Hughes, chief executive John Williams believes the club has laid the foundations
BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Garry Flitcroft today hailed Mark Hughes's appointment as the dawn of a new era. Hughes was officially installed as the club's new manager yesterday morning. And Flitcroft says his arrival has already given the dressing room
THE players of Bury Schools' Goalball Team have scored another success with a new team strip. Goalball is an indoor game which enables people with visual impairments to play on an equal footing with their fully-sighted peers. It was started after the
SOCIAL services have teamed up with dual impairment charity SENSE to find out how many people in the borough may need specialist support. The council has no specialist services for deafblind people, and needs to know how many there are and what help they
BURY'S social security office, which employs 170 staff, is to close under controversial plans to cut the jobs of 100,000 civil servant across the country. The announcement caused outrage with union officials who are urging civil servants to support a
A FAMILY seeking asylum in Bury will remain in Britain for the time being. The Aftab family, who were due to be deported on Monday, have lodged an application with the Home Office to have their case reviewed. Their bid for asylum was turned down in November
A RAMSBOTTOM teenager has been given a two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO). Dylan Foy (18), of Lime Grove, was arrested in April for using racially threatening, abusive words towards Fairfield General Hospital staff while being treated in the
THE NHS, on the whole, does a good job but I think that some areas need changing for the patients' benefit. For instance, why don't healthcare professional give patients with long term illnesses contact addresses for charities and groups that may ultimately
I WOULD like to pass on my thanks to all your readers who joined the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in the 3 Piers Walks in Blackpool on Sunday, September 12. Despite the wind and rain around 160 people walked and over £9,000 has been pledged in sponsorship
SEDGLEY enjoyed a good first 15 minutes although a penalty kick was missed. A good run by Walmsley almost brought a try, but the supporting Luke Redfearn was held up over the line. Park's pressure paid off on 25 minutes when possession from a scrum enabled
SEDGLEY Park coach Tim Fourie, looking forward to Saturday's visit of fifth-placed Bristol, said: "It will certainly be interesting. "They have a lot of youngsters in addition to seasoned professionals and an excellent coach in Richard Hill, but we are
SQUIRES GATE...0, RAMSBOTTOM UNITED...1: FOLLOWING the demolition of Shotton in their previous match, the Rams travelled to the west coast to face another of the early pacesetters in the league, Squires Gate. On a blustery Tuesday the visitors eventually
LAST week we reported how the exceptional low level of Island Lodge was causing concern. Over the last seven days remedial action has taken place to plug the holes at the base of the concrete wall caused by erosion on the streamside. On Tuesday evening
RAMSBOTTOM were ten overs away from winning the Holland Cup for runners up in the Lancashire League, when persistent rain drove the players off the field at 5.58pm on Sunday. Unfortunately there was no let-up in the inclement conditions and the Acre Bottom
BURY'S season finished on a low on Saturday with a defeat at Hindley St Peters. It has been a disappointing season for the Sports Club team, although not unexpected, having lost eight of the previous seasons first team. The good news was that Premier
THE coloured-kit carnival of the Manchester Association's Surridge Cup might have gone down like a proverbial lead balloon with Brooksbottoms' first team, but their second string have revelled in the new atmosphere. The firsts ended their interest with
Tom Wisdom may be best known for his TV stints on Coronation Street and Mile High, but now he's carving a name for himself in serious drama. JENNY SCOTT spoke to the actor about his latest role in World War One play Journey's End. . . WITH work experience
WHEN she spoke to a conference of East Lancs businesswomen, Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson had some sharp observations about working in the gentlemen's club which is the House of Commons. She started as secretary to the legendary Blackburn MP
BURNLEY Retro with Paul Taylor, XS Nightclub, Hammerton Street, Burnley. "Sealed Knot Society," Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham. East Lancashire Ornithologists Club, RSPB Visitor Centre, Fence, 9.30am. Fairburn Ings. Accrington and Blackburn CHA Walking Club
