Archive
-
Date
Burger firm defiant over sacking
BOSSES of a Burger King store have defended their decision to sack a shift manager even though a court cleared her of burglary. A spokesman for Oakmere Ltd, the franchisee of the Grimshaw Park Burger King in Blackburn, said they believed there was sufficient
-
Date
Carpets rolled off by thieves
POLICE in Blackburn are appealing for information following the theft of 49 rolls of carpet from a warehouse. Thieves entered the Cavalier Carpets warehouse in Thompson Street Industrial Estate, Blackburn, at around 10.30 pm on Wednesday night. Police
-
Date
Better plan is to make houses fit
REGARDING your report 'Dreams of fields for rat-run roads' (LET, January 26), instead of this ill-conceived nonsense about people living on the streets, would it not be better if the council concentrated on making houses fit to live in? Blackburn has
-
Date
Tory criticism not praise for Labour
WHAT makes Walt Meadows (Letters, January 3) think that my earlier criticism of the Tory track record on railways is praise for Labour? He ignored the fact that I did not absolve present or past administrations of neglect. I'm glad heMr Meadows agrees
-
Date
Has county council been asleep?
IREAD with some dismay about the latest Lancashire County Council proposals regarding provision of care for the elderly (LET, February 1). It seems that every time there is a change of hierarchy in the services department, there is also a change in policy
-
Date
Roads and homes hit by floods
RESIDENTS have been placed on flood alert after torrential rain wreaked havoc across East Lancashire and left some homes waterlogged for the third time in two years. Barnoldswick, Earby and Laneshawbridge were among the worst affected areas as the Environment
-
Date
Duff award
EWOOD wing star Damien Duff picked up the Irish Young Player of the Year award. Duff was in Dublin to receive his award, watched by Rovers chief executive John Williams. Roy Keane won the senior player's award. Get all of Rovers match facts and reports
-
Date
Fighting for our lives
GRAEME Souness and his Blackburn players were given a talk on resuscitation techniques last week at their Brockhall training base in case they ever encountered a family emergency. And Rovers fans will today be praying they paid close attention because
-
Date
Sure way to give kids a good start
A NATIONAL charity has announced a unique partnership with Burnley's Sure Start programme in a bid to discover what local families need. National Children's Homes (NCH) is to team up with Sure Start to carry out a widespread public consultation after
-
Date
Councillors' quiz on youth shelters
CONCERNS about the long-term effectiveness of youth shelters in reducing juvenile nuisance will be discussed by Burnley councillors. They will be reviewing provision for young people in parks and the new teenzone programme Police support the role of youth
-
Date
Fire chiefs amazed as event attracts crowds
BUDDING firefighters flocked to a recruitment day, staggering fire chiefs who last time only managed to attract five potential officers. The day was hailed a huge success by new Station Commander at Burnley Kevin Murray, who said nearly 60 people came
-
Date
Teenage 'gem' Kirsty's kindness is rewarded
MODEL citizen Kirsty Sagar scooped top honours from dozens of youngsters who were nominated for the title of Lancashire's Young Citizen of the Year. The teenager from Burnley is on a year out from Nelson and Colne College -- but she has put her spare
-
Date
Heroin user, 63, found dead in flat
A 63-year-old known heroin user has been found dead in his flat. It is suspected that Douglas Lowe, who lived in a first-floor flat in Manchester Road, Nelson, may have had cancer but police inquiries are continuing. Mr Lowe was found at 2.30pm on Saturday
-
Date
Witches film spells chance of stardom
BUDDING actors are to get their first taste of stardom in a new film about the Pendle witches. Candidates hoping for the chance to play Chattox and Alice Nutter in a musical drama called In the Shadow of Pendle Hill auditioned at the Ambulance Hall, Colne
-
Date
Five years ago
GALES battered Lancashire causing the county's worst flooding in years. Residents in Blackpool were mopping up after high tides and gale-force winds ravaged the coast-line. Police blocked off the promenade, and trams and cars were left stranded.
-
Date
Pensioner faces sex case jury
A PENSIONER accused of a string of sex offences on young children has had his case sent to the crown court. Albert George Thomas, 65, of Brown Birks Road, Accrington, faces a catalogue of allegations of multiple rape, indecent assault and gross indecency
-
Date
Councillors to defy 'stay away' plea
COUNCILLORS have vowed to defy county hall bosses and attend a meeting about the closure of a home for the elderly in Hyndburn. Leading county councillors have asked elected representatives not to attend meetings between social services bosses and residents
-
Date
Form guide
A ROUND-UP of the performances from the game at Barnsley. Clarets marks: MARLON BERESFORD: Good in awkward conditions for keepers and no chance with goal...7 DEAN WEST: Steady but found Barnard could pose a problem or two...6 IAN COX: Worked hard and
-
Date
Crawley enlists help from on high
JOHN Crawley has called up Cherie Blair in his bitter battle to get away from Lancashire. The Prime Minister's wife will represent the former Lancashire captain in the Contracts Appeal Hearing which has been set up for Lord's this Friday. Mrs Blair, who
-
Date
Final agony for Short
DEVASTATED defender Craig Short today slammed French hit-man Steve Marlet for getting him sent off as Rovers crashed to another demoralising defeat at Fulham on Saturday. The veteran centre back saw red for the third time this season after catching Marlet
-
Date
Preston suffer away day blues
PRESTON were left rueing missed early chances after losing to Manchester City. The victory took City three points clear at the top - but North End will know they could have take control of the game early on. They were the brighter side in the opening
-
Date
Preece's fury over time wasting tactics
FURIOUS Bury boss Andy Preece could not wait to leave Chesterfield's Saltergate ground after Saturday's clash and accused the Derbyshire side of robbing his side of a vital point. Not only was Michael Nelson's late 'equaliser' disallowed but the Shakers
-
Date
'Make a will' opportunity
MEMBERS of Age Concern in Darwen are offering older people the opportunity to make a will. Pensioners will be able to see a qualified solicitor from local Darwen firm Watson's during a special surgery which is open to over 55's. The surgery takes place
-
Date
'Pied Piper' nuisance order
MAGISTRATES today agreed to impose an anti social behaviour order on a teenager dubbed by police "the Pied Piper of Darwen." Proceedings against Lee Taylor, 15, began last month when the police, Twin Valley Homes and Blackburn with Darwen Council asked
-
Date
Chance to take part in a piece of history
VISITORS to Helmshore Textile Museums will soon be able to take part in an interactive introduction to Lancashire's textile history. Because of its unique textile collection, the museum was one of just 54 places in the country to be designated as having
-
Date
Thank-you, says son of fire chief
THE son of a New York fire chief who died in the World Trade Centre flew into Britain today and said an emotional "thank-you" to the people of Lancashire. Chris Ganci, 26, jetted into Manchester to spend a week with fire chiefs from Lancashire -- many
-
Date
Birthday treat, but he'll miss the final!
A YOUNG soccer fan who "eats, sleeps and breathes" Blackburn Rovers will miss out on the Worthington Cup Final -- because his mum has booked a special birthday treat. Four-year-old Darwen schoolboy Brayden Shaw, who lives in Starkie Street, Blackburn,
-
Date
The day it all got too much for one little girl
ONE of Princess Margaret's last visits to East Lancashire was when she came to Blackburn in April 1991 to open a £270,000 NSPCC Child Care Centre. As with her previous visits the Princess was the centre of the attention. The excitement proved too much
-
Date
Government rapped on schools cash
SPENDING reforms, due to to take effect in April, will see further education schools £1.7million worse off, Lancashire education cabinet member Alan Whittaker predicts. He has written to Education Secretary Estelle Morris voicing his concerns. The shake-up
-
Date
Royal with the common touch
PRINCESS Margaret touched the hearts of hundreds of East Lancashire people during her many visits to the area. The Queen's sister came to the region on several occasions, most notably for the re-hallowing of Blackburn Cathedral in October 1965, when thousands
-
Date
Choirs to welcome world to Games
TWO East Lancashire school choirs are to sing their hearts out and welcome Commonwealth Games athletes to the North West. The Blackburn School Choir will join the choir at West End Community Primary School, Aspden Lane, Oswaldtwistle, to perform to three
-
Date
Hit Squad set to tackle burglars
AN increase in the amount of drugs on Blackburn's streets has led to a sharp rise in the number of burglaries in the town, police have admitted. Force bosses have now launched a dedicated undercover team to crack down on the escalating number of break-ins
-
Date
Games off
ROSSENDALE United's crucial UniBond First Division clash against fellow play-off contenders Leek Town fell victim to a waterlogged pitch at Dark Lane. In the NWCL Division Two, League leaders Stand had their game with Holker Old Boys postponed while Padiham's
-
Date
Too late for Blues
IF only Nelson had put away some of their first half chances then surely they would have gained some reward from this evenly balanced NWCL Second Division game at Brows Lane. Livewire Mick Molyneux twice drew the Formby keeper out of position, but each
-
Date
Robinson off but Reds fight back
STANLEY boss John Coleman blasted the referee after Dave Robinson was dismissed - but was pleased the ten men fought back for a UniBond Premier Division point. Midfielder Robinson saw red for a second bookable offence in the first half after a scuffle
-
Date
Parent's guide to... Bullying at school
HEARING that your child has been bullied at school, is every parent's fear, but thanks to the high profile of the problem in recent years, education bosses now insist schools take preventative steps. According to the Department for Education and Skills
-
Date
Our School... Witton Park High School, Blackburn
A LOOK at one of the county's local schools. HISTORY LESSON: Witton Park High School is a mixed 11-16 comprehensive school maintained by the unitary authority of Blackburn with Darwen. It was formed in September 1968 by the amalgamation of the Blackburn
-
Date
EVENTS in East Lancashire on Tuesday, February 12
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Charity Evening in aid of Pendle Hospice, KSC and 110 Club, 1 Albert Street, Burnley. Half Term Activity, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Market Square, Preston. Showing
-
Date
Schools need more not less
THE Prime Minister summed up his priorities early on with the phrase "Education, education, education." His professed emphasis was on putting more money into our schools to improve resources and lift standards. Financial carrots were dangled in front
-
Date
Jeweller tells of romance with actress
FLAMBOYANT Blackburn jeweller Lord Odin has spoken for the first time about his romance with award-winning West End star Gemma Craven. "We both have strong feelings for each other," he said. "It's like two worlds colliding. We are almost from two different
-
Date
New deals for Shakers trio
THREE Shakers players have this week put pen to paper on extended contracts. Midfielder Martyn Forrest and defenders Danny Swailes and Lee Unsworth have signed two-and-a-half year deals that will keep them at Gigg Lane until the end of the 2003/2004 campaign
-
Date
Another store on way for town
A NEW supermarket has been given the go-ahead in Blackburn. Members of Blackburn with Darwen's planning and highways committee had deferred approval on a new Lidl supermarket, off Whalley Banks, after concerns about the impact it would have on traffic
-
Date
Pop blockbuster is set to roll again
BLACKBURN is set to feel the noise for the second year running after plans were unveiled for a massive charity pop concert in the town. An application to Blackburn with Darwen Council is aimed at repeating last year's 25,000 capacity concert at Ewood
-
Date
Good mother puts her children first
REGARDING the proposed closure of old people's homes (LET, February 1), the intentions of this government never cease to amaze me. They can afford to send our soldiers and millions of pounds to other countries, yet they can't afford to update our old
-
Date
Grassing-over a fantasy idea
ITHOUGHT it was April 1 when I read your report (LET, January 26) which said streets in the Audley area of Blackburn could be grassed over to stop drivers using them as rat runs. Will someone from the council please tell me, is this special grass that
-
Date
Keep cockerels, move the family
POOR old chanticleer (LET, February 4), is "move two of the birds" a euphamism for "on today's menu?" Shame both on the Berry family and Rossendale Council's wimpish environmental health department which had ordered the removal of two cockerels from the
-
Date
Thank-you, says son of fire chief
THE son of a New York fire chief who died in the World Trade Centre flew into Britain today and said an emotional "thank-you" to the people of East Lancashire. Chris Ganci, 26, jetted into Manchester to spend a week with fire chiefs from Lancashire --
-
Date
Centurions kick their way into next round
Rochdale Hornets 20 Leigh Centurions 24 by Mike Hulme: A DOMINANT second half performance from the Centurions pack and an accurate kicking game helped see Leigh through to the fifth round of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup. Leigh adapted better
-
Date
RMI's smash and grab act takes the points
Hereford Utd 0 Leigh RMI 1 by Martyn Hindley: LEIGH RMI hit the Conference Bullseye on Saturday as a Michael Twiss goal 15 minutes from time earned them a critical three points at Edgar Street. Only Boston United and Yeovil - both chasing promotion -
-
Date
Johnson award
EWOOD misfit Damien Johnson last night put his contract worries to one side to pick up the Irish Young Player of the Year award. The 23-year-old, who has been told his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season, was in Dublin to receive his
-
Date
Espartero flies in for trial
FIERY French midfielder Mario Espartero is on his way to Ewood for a three-day trial. Rovers boss Graeme Souness will run the rule over the tough-tackling Metz player, who is also being tracked by Glasgow giants Rangers, this week. The 24-year-old, who
-
Date
Who said what...
ROVERS centre-half Craig Short pleaded his innocence following his sending off. Craig Short said: "I HAD got the ball, I was in possession, I saw him trying to come across and close the gap, so I thought I've got to hold him off. "And because I'm tall
-
Date
Souey sets Rovers survival target
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has set his beleaguered troops a survival target of five wins as they battle to save themselves from the drop. Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage, combined with Bolton's victory over West Ham at the Reebok
-
Date
Form guide
A LOOK at the key moments from the game at Craven Cottage. FRIEDEL: Kept Rovers in the game with a couple of vital saves but maybe could have done better for Fulham's second...6 CURTIS: Given a recall by Souness and didn't let anyone down with a generally
-
Date
Farmers' markets set for cash boost
POPULAR farmers' markets which have been held in Pendle since September 2000 are set to receive financial backing from the council for a further 12 month. The markets enable local farmers to sell direct to the public, cutting out middle suppliers and
-
Date
Who were the old farmer's friends?
CAN readers put family-tree tracer George Sharp in the picture over the faces in this old family photo? He only knows the identity of the bearded, burly gent in the middle of the group -- his great-grandfather, farmer James Wilkinson, who was born in
-
Date
Arcade gem was pride of town
THE recent move to re-open the inside of historic Trickett's Arcade in Waterfoot to shoppers promises to breathe new life into the town-centre Victorian gem. It is almost 50 years after the interior was shut and it is seen here in 1954 (right) with the
-
Date
Ten years ago
PUPILS built a 'sensory garden' at John Smethurst Nursery school, Blackburn, in a campaign to go green. Herbs and fruit trees were planted to heighten smell and taste senses. Head teacher Karen Navesey said the mini-nature trail would be the first phase
-
Date
Anne boosts Tory funds
TORY favourite Anne Widdecombe visited the party faithful in East Lancashire to raise cash for the party's fighting fund. Anne was at Rishton Conservative Club, Cliff Street on Saturday where she spoke and sold copies of her novel "The Clematis Tree."
-
Date
Wedding first at town hall
ACCRINGTON Town Hall is to host its first wedding fayre next month to give prospective couples ideas for their big day. The event will feature a host of exhibitors, from photographers through to hand-made tiaras and will be held in the ballroom. As well
-
Date
Roads and homes hit by floods
HEAVY rain across the county caused flooding of roads and some homes -- and forecasters warned of more wet weather to come. Areas in East Lancashire worst affected by the downpours were the Ribble Valley and Colne and Barrowford areas where rain brought
-
Date
Ternent checks on his troops
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent was checking on his injury roster at training today as the Clarets prepare for their second trip to South Yorkshire in four days. After drawing 1-1 with Barnsley on Saturday, the Clarets head to Millmoor tomorrow night seeking
-
Date
Taylor is the headmaster
STAN Ternent and his side left Oakwell pondering over two points lost but by the end of the season this point may prove crucial. While the Clarets controlled long periods of the game and created two good chances, a point against a side who are showing
-
Date
Primary places dilemma
A TEAM of educational experts is to look at how surplus primary school places in Leigh and Atherton can be reduced. Wigan Council said the move has been prompted by a dramatic fall in the birth rate which could lead to 11 per cent of places being free
-
Date
School is evacuated as blaze hits lab
A SCHOOL was evacuated as a fierce fire swept through a science laboratory. The fire started in the science lab at Westleigh High School in Westleigh Lane shortly after 10.30am. All the pupils were evacuated and later sent home. No one was injured. The
-
Date
Ternent checks on his troops
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent was checking on his injury roster at training today as the Clarets prepare for their second trip to South Yorkshire in four days. After drawing 1-1 with Barnsley on Saturday, the Clarets head to Millmoor tomorrow night seeking
-
Date
Late heartbreak sinks Shakers
Chesterfield 2 Bury 0 by Phil Thorp: AS an example of just how cruel a game soccer can be the closing minutes of this relegation battle should be recorded for posterity. One minute the Shakers were on their way back to the centre circle celebrating a
-
Date
An evening that spans the sounds
AN EVENING of music that includes the Big Band Sounds is on offer at Darwen Library Theatre later this month. Young people from Blackburn with Darwen's Music Centres of Excellence will come together for the evening of entertainment that will include St
-
Date
New site is more central to recycle waste
DARWEN's recycling facilities have been moved from Knott Street car park to Darwen Leisure Centre in Green Street. Darwen Community Association suggested the move as they felt the facility was not central enough to people. Executive member for Housing
-
Date
Amazing finds in water clean-up
A SKATEBOARD, computer manual and pushchair were among the more unusual items found in Whitewell Brook during a clean up. The Mersey Basin Trust and volunteers from the Whitewell Bottom Youth and Community Centre and the local community got kitted out
-
Date
Grand party to mark anniversary
GOLDEN couple Brenda and Leslie Hargreaves celebrated 50 years of marriage with a grand party for 150 family and friends. The couple both went to Blackthorn Elementary School, although they were in different classes and moved in the same social circles
-
Date
Toddler Joshua fights new infection
BRAVE toddler Joshua Westwell is recovering at home after suffering an infection in a line which had been used to given him chemotherapy. Although the bulk of the Hickman line had been removed from the two-year-old from Lee Road, Bacup, after he was successfully
-
Date
Teenager trapped after car smash
A TEENAGER was trapped in a car for 30 minutes after a road accident which closed the busy main road between Burnley and Rawtenstall for nearly three hours. Joseph Lowery, 19, of Piercy Terrace, Waterfoot, suffered serious chest injuries after a Ford
-
Date
Captain Flitcroft backs bid
A BLACKBURN Rovers star and a nightclub have joined forces in a bid to raise £9,000 to create a children's playground safe. Owners of Never Never Land in Market Street Lane, Blackburn, and former Blackburn Rovers captain Garry Flitcroft have organised
-
Date
Teenager attacked for phone
A TEENAGER was attacked and beaten by youths who stole his mobile phone in a busy town centre. Chris Vanns, of Ightenhill, Burnley, was in Blackburn with his wife Angela and son 13-year-old Christopher. Christopher wanted to use his Nokia 3310 mobile
-
Date
Crowds kept waiting, but it was worth it!
ONE of the many endearing qualities of Princess Margaret was her ability to appear down-to-earth and in touch with the common man. Despite her exalted position in the royal family, she displayed a humility which induced people to take her to their hearts
-
Date
The men behind care homes clash
CHRIS Cheetham doesn't argue with the fact that he could be about to become very unpopular. In fact, he volunteers the statement that he will be the most hated man in Lancashire without prompt. Why? Well, he is the man spearheading a change across his
-
Date
Denis does not like Riches
GREAT Harwood took their run to one loss in four games as they struggle to free themselves from the threat of NWCL Division One relegation. But although Denis Underwood's side recorded a hard fought draw they were desperate to get all three points against
-
Date
Wilkes denies ten man Colne
AN East Lancashire derby thriller produced six goals and one sending off as the spoils were shared in the NWCL Division Two clash at Holt House. Colne stretched their unbeaten run to 10 matches despite being a man down for 70 minutes after Gareth West's
-
Date
A first visit to forget for the Rams
RAMSBOTTOM will want to forget their first-ever visit to Winsford's Barton Stadium. Already without four players due to suspensions, the non-appearance of Mike Langhorn was a major blow. Having survived an early scare when Stephen Sheil cleared off the
-
Date
Blues get a home tie in last eight
CLITHEROE will play either Whitley Bay or Brigg Town in the quarter finals of the FA Vase. It will be their first home tie in the competition for four rounds and manager Lee Sculpher was almost disappointed! The Blues have been successful for the last
-
Date
Convert Susan heads field in tiny technology
HEADTEACHER Susan Grimshaw admits that when she saw the computer revolution starting to engulf schools she said: "Not over my dead body." Ten years later she is a convert and an evangelist, as her pupils at Audley Infants in Blackburn lead the field in
