PADIHAM'S charity market was held last Saturday in glorious sunshine. The crowds were out early and business was brisk. After the market people spread out into Padiham giving the shopkeepers there one of their busiest days this year.

A successful market is definitely a major attraction for the people of Padiham and the surrounding villages.

Football and cricket matches took place in the afternoon of Saturday and the Calder Valley walk through the woods surrounding Padiham provided exercise and shade for walkers and those who had brought waterproofs found no need to use them.

Sadly that was not the case on Sunday when the grand finale of sports week took place at the Arbories. Heavy thunderstorms and showers saw the facilities being erected in terrible weather conditions but that did not stop Padiham from celebrating the culmination of a week of festivities that has not only put Padiham firmly on the map but also presented a very hard act for next year's sports week to follow.

THE mission statement of the Mayoress' committee is 'Civic pride and community spirit.' To further the statement the Mayoress wants to give Padiham the 'Wow' factor by planting bulbs.

The committee has been granted £250 from Padiham's community chest and £500 from LEAF and will start planting in the autumn. The Mayoress invited people to nominate spots to be planted and hopes for volunteers to help with the project.

PADIHAM Town Council met on Monday August 4 in the presence of a packed public gallery. Councillors were informed that a tree with a preservation order had been damaged by Lovell's builders in Padiham Road.

The parks department has been informed and if they think that the damage was deliberate they will prosecute the builders.

THE Leisure Centre will close during the September holidays for essential maintenance.

Building at Le Grand site has been suspended until a wrangle over the position of the houses is resolved. The builders wanted the houses set back so that cars could be parked in front of them.

The planners, however, want the houses to follow the line of the other buildings on the street.

THE police plan to hold surgeries alongside councillors in the foyer of the town hall. It is thought that this will be less intimidating for the public than going into the police station. Times will be published shortly.

AN application to turn the former Tree Tops residential home into 11 bed sits has been refused on traffic grounds.

COUNCILLORS voted to allow metal fencing 2.4 metres high around the rear of the car park at Padiham Leisure Centre.