Archive
-
Date
Stage set for murder mystery
STAFF members at St Mary's High School, Blackpool, have been involved in a bit of back-stabbing -- all in the name of fund-raising! John Young, Jane Quick, Julia Jones, Nigel Ranson, Elaine Gleeson and Stephen Conway all starred in a whodunnit murder
-
Date
Trevor puts boot in!
A TELEVISION football star won't be flying a flag for sports when he visits Blackpool -- he'll be stamping on it! For broadcaster and former West Ham United star Trevor Brooking is due to put the boot in at Palatine County High School today (Thursday)
-
Date
Carry on supporting
SUPPORT is mushrooming to save cash-starved Bury FC as half-time approaches in the club's desperate two-week battle for survival. And yesterday (Thurs March 7), joint administrator Matthew Dunham said he was "extremely hopeful" the Shakers would ultimately
-
Date
Buy a seat and save the Shakers
WITH the Sword of Damocles hanging precariously above the Shakers everyone in the town, and in the football world as a whole, is being asked to help with a massive fund-raising initiative -- Buy A Seat And Save The Club. The idea is the brainchild of
-
Date
Bury blown off course
NORTH LANCS LEAGUE ONE: Trafford MV...18 Bury...8 THERE was a feeling of apprehension when visiting the Ashton-on-Mersey home of MV. Having only won the last meeting by virtue of two injury-time scores, Bury were in no doubt about the potential of their
-
Date
Supporters Trust gets under way
ONE of the most important supporters meetings in the history of Bury Football Club will be held tonight at Bury Town Hall's Elizabethan Suite. That's where Bury FC Supporters Trust will be officially launched and a packed house is assured. The Trust aims
-
Date
Eighth season for comic Joey Blower
BLOWER'S back! Comedian and local legend Joey Blower has blasted back into North Pier's Merrie England Bar for his eighth consecutive season. Joey, above, will be on stage at 1pm and 9.30pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday until New Year's Day with backing
-
Date
Hi-tech at ballroom
HIGH kicks meet hi-tech this month as Blackpool Tower Ballroom takes part in a unique arts and dancing event to be transmitted live on the Internet. The ten-piece Glyn Lloyd Dance Orchestra will play live music in the venue as two couples from Preston
-
Date
Night of Julie-worship
THE GRAND was alive with the sound of music as nuns, Nazis and von Trapp children gathered for a night of Julie-worship and song. I'm talking of course of Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music which visited the town for one fun-filled night of song and mirth.
-
Date
A Deathtrap of twists
IF you enjoy thrills of the white-knuckle variety, you'll love Deathtrap at Blackpool's Grand Theatre. The clever thriller, starring David Soul (formerly Hutch, of Starsky and Hutch) as Sidney Bruhl, a gruff but endearingly witty writer of hit Broadway
-
Date
Dahl's world comes superbly to life
WHAT a scrumptious treat! The Birmingham Stage Company's James and the Giant Peach at the Grand Theatre last week was every bit as magical as Roald Dahl's tremendous tale. Adapting such a firm favourite to the stage must be a daunting task, but David
-
Date
Stolen sports car torched
A TWO-seater BMW sports car was stolen then abandoned and set on fire at Pilsworth on Sunday evening (March 3). Whitefield fire crews were called around midnight to a dirt track off Hollins Brow where they found the burning vehicle. They were unable to
-
Date
Stop smoking for Mum's Day
PREGNANT women are being urged to quit smoking in time for Mother's Day on Sunday (March 10). A new help guide, produced by the Smoking Control Network, has been backed by Bury MP David Chaytor. He said the guide would be "an invaluable aid" to helping
-
Date
Slumped in cab
A TAXI-DRIVER was certified dead after he was found slumped at the wheel of his cab. A group of children reported the grim discovery on Monday (March 4) at around 6pm. Mr Arthur Burnham (59), of Rectory Avenue in Prestwich, was discovered at the junction
-
Date
Trashed centre probe
AN investigation has been launched after a building earmarked for the people of Earby was demolished. Pendle Council officers who had been dealing with the pre-fabricated former Northolme Community Centre building said they were just as surprised as residents
-
Date
Wall heater is blamed for fire at football club
BOSSES of Radcliffe Borough FC are counting the cost of fire damage to their treatment room. Fire broke out in the club's physiotherapy treatment room on Sunday night (March 3) with flames melting a pile of football kit. A wall heater which had been inadvertently
-
Date
New music festival for the Bay
A HOT new festival of music and dance is set to inject additional warmth and colour to Morecambe - outside of the main holiday season. Lancaster City Council is currently organising a two-day Latin American Festival, which will incorporate a huge variety
-
Date
Take a Closer look
THERE'S passion and controversy down at the Dukes Theatre this weekend with the opening of their latest production, Closer. A must see for anyone who enjoys Ally McBeal or Sex in the City it's a very modern love story full of relationship angst and razor
-
Date
Blair raises alarm over closures
P PRIME Minister Tony Blair has told the Commons that the Government will be looking into Lancashire County Council' s controversial residential care home plans. Mr Blair was answering questions from the floor when he confirmed that Government officials
-
Date
Musical maestros line up for festival
THE hills of Ramsbottom will come alive with the sound of music today (Fri March 8). Local schools and musicians from near and far will be competing in the tenth Ramsbottom Music Festival. The three day festival has become a major event on Ramsbottom's
-
Date
Plans for £250,000 church
AMBITIOUS plans to create a £250,000 church in Radcliffe suitable for 21st century worship have been announced this week. The move by the New Life Church on Stand Lane comes at a time when another local church, Radcliffe United Reformed Church, celebrates
-
Date
Court supports couple in fight
CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating a major step forward in their fight to allow a Prestwich family stay in this country. A recommendation has been made to the Home Office by an independent adjudicator stressing that Lata and Devesha Shah should be granted permanent
-
Date
Carry on supporting
SUPPORT is mushrooming to save cash-starved Bury FC as half-time approaches in the club's desperate two-week battle for survival. And yesterday (Thurs March 7), joint administrator Matthew Dunham said he was "extremely hopeful" the Shakers would ultimately
-
Date
Players take a seat
BURY FC's players are putting their weight behind the Buy A Seat And Save The Club Appeal. All the first team squad are putting their hands in their pockets to help raise the crucial funding that would allow them to finish the season. Shakers boss Andy
-
Date
Andrea's coaching along nicely
COACHING is the future as far as table tennis is concerned for Bury's multi-purpose sportswoman Andrea Holt, writes STEVE BOTT. Andrea, who hails from the Ainsworth Road area, was looking to make a comeback on the playing side for England in this summer's
-
Date
We are in great shape for play-offs says Ellis
FAR from being depressed about the drop from top of the table to sixth since New Year's Day, Burnley's assistant boss Sam Ellis said: "There are a lot of teams that would like to be where we are." And while manager Stan Ternent claimed that tomorrow's
-
Date
Burn's disc is due
BLACKBURN band The Burn are set to release their debut single on Hut Records in May. Having just recorded the three-track single, Smiling Face, with Hugh Jones -- who worked with Echo and The Bunnymen on their early material -- the single is scheduled
-
Date
One Yank and they're hot
VEX RED have already established themselves at the forefront of emerging British rock/metal acts. Formed two years ago in Aldershot, they were regulars on their local live circuit. But as funds ran thin and interest waned, they were on the verge of jacking
-
Date
Final curtain for great entertainer
THIS week's column will be devoted in the main to two singers: one who has just passed away and another not only very much alive but also making a considerable impact on the international jazz scene. I'd like first to mention the death of Colin Worth,
-
Date
Colour clinic
FIND out the colour that suits you the best at a four-week colour workshop, to be held at the Raphael Holistic Centre in Belgrave Square, Darwen starting this month. The workshop, beginning on Saturday, March 16, at 10am, will include tips on the best
-
Date
You could take your partner
THE Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods stage a hoe-down at the Old England Kiosk tonight. The foot-stomping event, led by Mick Hargreaves Music, will last from 8pm till midnight, and includes a potato pie supper. Tickets cost £5.
-
Date
Desperate act
A THUG beat up an elderly Morecambe shopkeeper who had allowed him to use her toilet. Police have described the attack as 'desperate' and warned that there is a possibility that the thug will strike again. The man walked into the shop on Seaborn Road,
-
Date
Artists display at museum
ARTISTS will put their spring exhibition on display at Whitaker Park Museum, Rawtenstall, from April 20 to May 17. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 1-5pm, Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm.
-
Date
Stirring up family favourites
RECIPES that Granny used to make are being sought by students at Alder Grange High School in Rawtenstall for inclusion in a special recipe book. Food Technology teacher Alison Clough-Halstead has introduced the competition and encouraging pupils to write
-
Date
Probe teacher stays at home
A LANGUAGES teacher who was cleared of sexually abusing a former pupil was still off work today -- despite talks with education bosses about a possible return. The Local Education Authority at Lancashire County Council is carrying out an inquiry into
-
Date
Applause as tipping plan is thrown out
A COUNCIL planning committee earned a standing ovation from campaigners after a tipping plan for Ramsbottom was unanimously thrown out. Nearly 500 protesters with placards lined either side of Whalley Road in Shuttleworth near to Fletcher Bank Quarry
-
Date
Burn's disc is due
BLACKBURN band The Burn are set to release their debut single on Hut Records in May. Having just recorded the three-track single, Smiling Face, with Hugh Jones -- who worked with Echo and The Bunnymen on their early material -- the single is scheduled
-
Date
Taxi to the top!
INDIE band Polestar have secured a management deal less than a fortnight after a brilliant performance at Burnley's Mechanics -- an it's all thanks to a taxi ride. Although the Accrington five-piece won the contract on merit, they would never have been
-
Date
Fifty-year fight against a killer
FLEETWOOD Cancer Research Committee is celebrating 50 years of support and fund-raising for Manchester's Christie Hospital. The committee has existed since 1952 and has raised more than £200,000 for the specialist cancer centre. Chairman and founder member
-
Date
United against crime
A UNITED front against drugs and crime and a raft of ways to tackle them -- that was the focus of Blackpool's first ever Community Safety Partnership conference. The one-day event brought together more than 30 community-minded organisations to discuss
-
Date
Edna's peeps at past
MEMORIES of a bygone age came flooding back at an exhibition in Blackburn this week. The Bygone Blackburn exhibition at Livesey Community Base featured photographs and mementos of life in the town over 70 years. Treasured possessions were brought by members
-
Date
Digging in at school's new site
A SCHOOL'S oldest and youngest pupils marked the start of a £12million new era at one of Lancashire's largest comprehensives. Contractors have been operating by floodlight since Christmas on a replacement state-of-the-art school at St Wilfrid's CE High
-
Date
Andrew's just nuts about tradition
CELEBRITY chef Andrew Nutter urged East Lancashire folk to keep the taste of local food alive by passing on traditional recipes to the next generation. And he backed innovations aimed at keeping the old favourites popular -- such as organic Lancashire
-
Date
Three and easy for Blues
DESPITE playing their third game in less than a week, Clitheroe produced an excellent display at Shawbridge last night. Lee Sculpher's men wasted no time in seeing off Atherton LR bagging all three goals in a tremendous first half. They surged into the
-
Date
Cassell is set for Todmorden
TODMORDEN are hoping to complete the signing of Queensland's Jerry Cassell for next season. A contract has been despatched to the opening bat, who kept former Rishton professional Clinton Perren out of the state side towards the end of last domestic season
-
Date
Lister looks to lift the red mist
JOHN Lister has warned his players that ill-discipline could ruin Colne's chances of a best ever season. The Holt House side are currently in seventh place in NWCL Division Two but eight red cards -- including five in the last nine games -- could ruin
-
Date
Why doesn't HQ help?
IT'S so sad that Longview have only 42 days left before closure. I wish I could understand why RSPCA headquarters will not step in and help. It's suppose to be a charity to help any creature that needs saving. I have heard so many bad stories over the
-
Date
Let me correct spin
WITH reference to the article "What labour has done for Blackpool" (Citizen, Feb 21), let me correct him on his Blair spin -- the £18 million sea wall defences were Tory monies in 1995/6 Mortgage rates are low due to "stealth taxes' which, incidentally
-
Date
Corporal punishment not answer
THE trouble with corporal punishment is that it is either too mild to deter any serious offender or too cruel to be tolerated by any civilised community. Any convict who is flogged so painfully as to be unable to sit or lie down for a week will certainly
-
Date
Give bus station a new look
I HAVE lived in Blackpool for over 60 years and have heard of many daft schemes but the one to demolish the Talbot Road bus station takes the cake. Whoever thought of that one needs the sack. How can anyone think it is a good idea to have people waiting
-
Date
No...
COUNCIL bosses are more than happy for as many people as possible to become involved in the issue, and have urged local people to send in their views. But they believe that the secret to solving the controversial issue is discussion at a local level -
-
Date
Yes...
PROTESTERS arguing for Lancashire's care homes to be saved from closure have already taken their pleas for help to some of the highest levels, urging politicians from all sides to become involved. This week saw the plans move to an even higher level,
-
Date
Stop giving the fair special treatment
ONCE again, Bury Council have let down The Rock area traders and customers. Yet again the fair has been allowed to take over The Rock car park, bringing nothing into the town and taking away valuable trade from the local shops and businesses, at a time
-
Date
Too eager to ruin the village?
REGARDING the re-vamping of St Anne's Church Hall in Tottington, I would like to add my opinion, now that members of the PCC are once again keen to demolish it. I wonder why the present building cannot be repaired and adapted to provide this "much-needed
-
Date
London is past saving
I AM amazed by the suggestion in James Settle's letter (Feb 15) that just because London's population must suffer immense traffic congestion then we in Bury must endure the same. This makes no sense at all. I, too, have spent a lot of time in and around
-
Date
Nowhere to park
THE proposal to make Silver Street, Bury, into a one-lane system, with a consequent loss of parking spaces, is an idiotic one. Is it entirely necessary to spend large sums of money to introduce more pedestrianisation into the town centre, and will there
-
Date
Delay council homes vote
AN important debate is under way in Bury Housing Services about the future ownership of the council's housing stock. The final decision will affect every council tenant. A meeting took place of the Tenants and Residents' Association Consultative Committee
-
Date
Prize night for top runners
RADCLIFFE Athletic Club staged their annual club presentation last week, and while there was plenty on which to congratulate the club's members, club chairman Tom West also harked back to a year which threw up unprecedented difficulties for the club.
-
Date
Council should re-site them
WITH regard to the Victorian clocks removed from Blackburn railway station (LET, February 13), why don't the council buy the clocks and install one on Barbara Castle Way, and the second one in Darwen on the island in Market Street? They would look smart
-
Date
We'd all like to be in our homes
REGARDING the proposed closure of Lancashire County Council homes for the elderly (LET, March 1), council leader Hazel Harding says that when she is old, she does not wish to be "shunted" into a care home but wants to be surrounded by her own possessions
-
Date
We don't want it to happen here
ON 'Tonight with Trevor McDonald' on ITV on February 18, the documentary showed a hospital down south where patients were being left out in corridors because all the beds in wards were full. And why were they full? Well, one of the reasons was due to
-
Date
Support for post workers
AS trade union representatives, we express our concern and support for the members of the Communication Workers Union in their struggle for decent pay and conditions for working shift work over six days a week. This is at a time when their industry is
-
Date
Get the clocks back working if nothing else
I FULLY support your stance on the inclusion of the old Lancashire and Yorkshire clocks within the modernised railway station at Blackburn (LET, February 13). However, other issues regarding the new station need highlighting. The old roof was deemed unsafe
-
Date
Blackout misery goes on
WHITEFIELD residents plagued by lengthy blackouts are still suffering from power cutsthree weeks after they were first plunged into darkness. As reported last week, dozens of families in Philips Park Road West and Parkstone Avenue demanded action after
-
Date
Gruesome twosome
HOW much longer to we have to put up with the sad twosome of Ray Hill and his sidekick Richard Newman-Thompson; aided and abetted by a student who I feel sure they know well; pursuing in your columns John Whitelegg over a matter of vanishingly small importance
-
Date
Can we talk rubbish?
WOULD residents of the Westham Street area of Primrose please note that rubbish collection takes place on Thursday mornings? Until that time, rubbish should be kept in the owner's dustbin or at least their back yard. Instead, rubbish is put in the back
-
Date
Thanks from Animal Concern
I WONDER if you would be so kind as to allow me to express the thanks of my charity, Animal Concern, to one of your city councillors, Mort Allan, who despite health difficulties still manages to fundraise for us, and last February 22, successfully raised
-
Date
Euro will take a 'pounding'
FOLLOWING the latest 'Metric Martyrs' decision there has been the usual hysteria whipped up against those of us who oppose the corrupt and undemocratic structures of the European Union. Steve Thoburn and the others do not oppose metrication per se, they
-
Date
Former teacher killed by fall at home
RETIRED teacher Peter Grice died as the result of head injuries sustained in a heavy fall on stairs at his home in Hargrove Avenue, Padiham. Mr Grice, 72, fell from a flight of six steps into a heavy bookcase on the middle landing, an inquest at Burnley
-
Date
Callous van driver leaves boy injured
A WHITE van was driven off after waiting for an injured boy to drag his mangled mountain bike from beneath the vehicle following an accident in Burnley. Twelve-year-old Karl Peel was left at the roadside suffering from cuts and bruises and unable to even
-
Date
Get it right at the roots
JUST hours after he was confirmed as Pauline Clare's successor, the congratulations cards had begun arriving at the office of Paul Stephenson. But the 48-year-old knows only too well that the number of 'thank you' cards he receives at the end of his tenure
-
Date
Drive for tourists
NINE overseas tourism journalists will visit Pendle this Sunday as part of a Great Northern Countryside tour. The journalists will come from as far afield as Canada, South Africa and Australia and write for newspapers, magazines and travel trade journals
-
Date
Attack on Asian boy
A 14-YEAR-OLD Asian boy was assaulted by three white males in Nelson in what police have described as a racist attack. The teenager, whose family have asked that he is not identified, was walking home along Railway Street at around 8.30pm on Wednesday
-
Date
Pensioner's fall led to death
A PENSIONER died after suffering a blood clot when she fell downstairs, an inquest heard. Beryl Margaret Hargreaves, 67, had had surgery and appeared to be recovering. Coroner's Officer PC Bob Wilson said Miss Hargreaves, of Leeds Road, Nelson, died on
-
Date
Throwing light on energy saving
PENDLE people have been receiving advice on how they could save energy and claim up to £2,500 on heating improvements this week by visiting the Warm Front bus in Nelson town centre. The council teamed up with the Energy Action Grants Agency to help people
-
Date
Time is running out for views on hall
RESIDENTS in Nelson have less than four weeks left to have their say on proposals for a new community building in the Whitefield ward. A public consultation was put in place at the beginning of the year after Pendle Council and Pendle Partnership announced
-
Date
Revamp in cricket row
PROTESTERS against the use of Ringstone Crescent recreation ground in Nelson for cricket matches are being offered a compromise by Pendle Council. After several years of complaints from residents about the dangers of flying cricket balls near their homes
-
Date
Half a Sixpence at Hippodrome
THE musical Half a Sixpence is being performed by Colne Operatic Society from Monday, March 18 to Saturday, March 23. It will be a producing debut for Kevin Rawcliffe, who is originally from Haslingden. The two leads are played by Matt Leedham and Suzanne
-
Date
Addict thieves praised on bids to reform
REFORMING drug addicts Claudine Anne Shapcott and Daniel Charles Thomas were praised for facing up to their problems and taking steps to put things right. Blackburn magistrates heard that the couple, who have a three-year-old daughter, were both undergoing
-
Date
Safety video launch
COPIES of a new police road safety video are to be provided for staff at Burnley and Pendle Transport. The bus company is helping police to highlight the issue of road safety and play its part in helping to drive down casualty figures. The video has been
-
Date
Pitch battle brings compromise
PROTESTORS against the use of Ringstone Crescent recreation ground in Nelson for cricket matches are being offered a compromise by Pendle Council. After several years of complaints from residents about the dangers of flying cricket balls near their homes
-
Date
Five years ago
SOCCER fan Gary Slinger of Old Hall Drive, Huncoat, set his 18-month-old son the challenge of becoming a Blackburn Rovers player by his eighteenth birthday. The proud dad even put a £10 bet at 25,000-1 with an Earby bookie.
-
Date
Show is a glass act
EUROPE'S biggest glass collection is set to go on display again later this month when the Haworth art gallery reopens. The Baxenden gallery, which has been closed for extensive refurbishment work, features the Tiffany glass collection and officially reopens
-
Date
Courses of horse sense
ANIMAL lovers will be able to get a taste of caring for horses and other animals at two open days to be held at Lords House Farm Education Centre, Rishton. The open days are for those interested in starting a foundation course in horse care, animal care
-
Date
Council tax rise is among lowest
COUNCIL tax payers in Hyndburn will face a demand for an extra 6p a week -- £2.98 a year -- from their own town hall after it introduced the lowest increase in Lancashire and one of the lowest in the country. But when Lancashire County Council and Police
-
Date
Andrew's just nuts about tradition
CELEBRITY chef Andrew Nutter urged East Lancashire folk to keep the taste of local food alive by passing on traditional recipes to the next generation. And he backed innovations aimed at keeping the old favourites popular -- such as organic Lancashire
-
Date
Vocal music at church
THE A Cappella Singers will be giving a concert titled Music of Monarchs. The event will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, Parson Lane, Clitheroe on Saturday, March 23 at 7.30pm. Admission is £4, concessions are £2.50 and accompanied children under
-
Date
Short trip brings drive ban
A TRIP of 120 yards in his wife's car cost self-employed joiner Stephen Peter Roberts a three-year driving ban. Blackburn magistrates heard that Roberts nipped out to move the car from a main road parking spot when a space became available outside their
-
Date
Dead woman 'not seen for weeks'
AN inquest has been opened into the death of a woman found after police broke into her home. The hearing, at Burnley Magistrates' Court, was told how Eileen Gregory, 59, of Florence Avenue, Burnley, was found on March 3. She had not been seen for three
-
Date
Blazing a trail for safety
THE fire service hopes a new scheme for youngsters in Burnley will teach them to be good citizens. The Young Firefighters Group started at Burnley Fire Station five weeks ago is aimed at 12-18-year-olds. So far youngsters have been taught about health
-
Date
Tony is back
TONY Hesketh is back - and he's loving football management more than ever. Hesketh returned to the dugout for Saturday's defeat at Bradford Park Avenue and enjoyed the first victory since his hip operation on Tuesday night. "Even though we lost on Saturday
-
Date
Bakery fails to deliver
A BAKERY has gone into voluntary liquidation with the loss of nine jobs. Radcliffe-based Lapgrand Ltd traded as Allbake at the town's Dale Industrial Estate. Estimated losses for Allbake, which was formed in 1993, amount to £82,000. The company had been
-
Date
Valuation officer
BURY has a new valuation officer. Mr John Smallwood now has the responsibility for more than 82,000 businesses and homes throughout the Bury area. He is the newly-appointed group valuation officer for the Valuation Office in Greater Manchester. John and
-
Date
Sentences over riot incidents
TWENTY seven people were due to appear in court today for sentence in connection with last summer's disorder in Burnley. The defendants have all appeared this week at a special hearing held at Preston Crown Court to view the evidence which led to them
-
Date
Firms take a safe look at business
SMALL businesses and the self-employed could benefit from a properly-considered approach to risk assessment as part of their awareness of health and safety responsibilities. That was the message presented to the Bury Business Club by Bolton and Bury Chamber
-
Date
Inventor designs courses for others
A BURY inventor has the blueprint to help would-be colleagues turn innovation into application. Lorna Roscow is now embarking down the Inventors Highway to offer key advice to those with bright business ideas. And the 37-year-old Ramsbottom woman is well
-
Date
Change of mood for the Hatters
HAVING won for the first time in 18 games against Bradford City in midweek, Stockport County will go into tomorrow's match in confident mood. Confidence is something that has been in short supply at Edgeley Park this season but the home fans are expected
-
Date
Woman's Body Found at St Annes
POLICE have arrested a 40-year-old Blackpool man in connection with their inquiries into the discovery of a woman's body on wasteland in St Annes. The body of 38-year-old Diane Barker from Blackpool was discovered around 6.20am on March 7 by a man out
-
Date
Woman driver punched
ROAD rage resulted in a man getting out of his car and punching a 41-year-old woman driver in the face at the junction of Oxford Square and Whitegate Drive, Blackpool. The violent attack took place at 10pm on February 28 when a car pulled out in front
-
Date
Locked house mystery of lonely Tigger
WHERE are me-owners? That's what Tigger, the mystery tabby cat, wants to find out. The miserable moggy was found home alone in an empty house in Freckleton Street, Lytham, by a Fylde estate agent. But so far concerned cat lovers have been unable to trace
-
Date
New bus services
NEW bus services linking Carnforth station to the surrounding villages were launched this week. Line one runs from the station though Yealand Conyers, Yealand Redmayne and Beetham to Milnthorpe and Ackenthwaite. Line two runs through Priest Hutton, Borwick
-
Date
Auction mart back in business
IT WAS back to business for Lancaster's auction mart this week. It was a full house as the auction re-opened following a near 12 month closure due to the foot and mouth epidemic. Trading was brisk with up to 500 farmers gathering to buy and sell stock
-
Date
Foreign students robbed on motorway
A GROUP of Greek students were robbed at gunpoint in a terrifying attack on the M6 motorway. The four were planning a night out in the area when they were conned into stopping on the hard shoulder before being threatened by two men who were wielding a
-
Date
Final curtain for great entertainer
THIS week's column will be devoted in the main to two singers: one who has just passed away and another not only very much alive but also making a considerable impact on the international jazz scene. I'd like first to mention the death of Colin Worth,
-
Date
Even light work is too much for me
ONE of the most common complaints of the modern professional is the hours. The British worker spends more time at work than any of his European cousins, which of course means less time spent at home. When you have two in the relationship who bow to the
-
Date
Lou's in driving seat
LOUISE, the eternal pop princess (if you'll excuse the pun) has some good news for all her fans in Blackburn when she appears at King George's Hall on Thursday. "I want everyone to come along and just enjoy themselves," she says. "It really is a Greatest
-
Date
Rossendale in hunt for Reynolds
ROSSENDALE have put seven days on Clitheroe skipper Neil Reynolds but they look likely to be thwarted by injury. The midfielder hurt his knee in the Blues 1-1 draw at Flixton on Tuesday night and will face a spell on the sidelines. But Dale chief Jim
-
Date
Byas has his eyes on win double
DAVID Byas was both flattered and surprised when Lancashire approached him about joining them this season but he needed little persuading to cross the Pennines. The man who led the White Rose to its first County Championship for 33 years last season now
-
Date
Speare's ready if penalty drama
GOALKEEPER Jamie Speare has got his penalties worked out for tomorrow's UniBond League Cup semi-final - and that is just taking one! The Accrington Stanley shot-stopper is keen to take a spotkick if the Reds and UniBond First Division side Trafford cannot
-
Date
Campaign continues
TWO letters in the Bury Times (Feb 15) deal with the need for a new access road to Fairfield General Hospital and both ask the question: "Why did no-one think about the road when the hospital was planned?" Our January meeting was addressed by the chief
-
Date
Girls' soccer
BISPHAM Endowed Junior School, Blackpool, will host the Blackpool School Girls Seven-a-Side Football Tournament on March 21, starting at 1.15pm. The event will take place on the Bispham Road school's field and 15 all-girl teams from schools in Blackpool
-
Date
History comes alive
PUPILS from a Blackpool school were encouraged to act up recently to help with their studies. Almost 80 Year Nine pupils from St Mary's Catholic High School, St Walburga's Road, travelled to Leyland for a special Macbeth performance and workshop. The
-
Date
Bridge support
IT'S onward Christian soldiers for the resort's Salvation Army as Blackpool Challenge Partnership injects a £217,000 lifeline into the religious centre's homeless project. The Bridge Project in the basement of the Salvation Army Citadel, Raikes Parade
-
Date
Kelly waits on Horridge
GOALKEEPER Paul Horridge keeps Ramsbottom United manager Mike Kelly waiting before naming his team for the game at Newcastle tomorrow (kick-off 3pm). Horridge has a groin injury and Neil Cassidy, a goalkeeping coach with Oldham Athletic and Stockport
-
Date
LOUISE, the eternal pop princess (if you'll excuse the pun) has some good news for all her fans in B
"I want everyone to come along and just enjoy themselves," she says. "It really is a Greatest Hits tour, including stuff from the Eternal days, so there's plenty of old favourites for you to dance along to." Indeed the only person who is not likely to
-
Date
Boro show their quality streak
RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 4 HARROGATE TOWN 3: FOUR quality strikes in a pulsating second half gave Radcliffe a much-needed victory over champions-elect Harrogate. While Boro's chances of overhauling Harrogate at the top still look slim, this win ended a dismal
-
Date
Hurst trip makes Kevin so cross
ASHTON UNITED...2 RADCLIFFE BOROUGH...1: MANAGER Kevin Glendon was "not a happy bunny" after his side threw away a one-goal lead and slumped to defeat at Ashton on Tuesday night writes IAN HANNAY. So much so that the Radcliffe Borough players were given
-
Date
Rough justice as Latics level
Bury 1 Oldham Athletic 1: A HEARTBREAKING stoppage time leveller brought the curtain down on a frantic Lancashire derby at Gigg Lane on Tuesday night. With the seconds ticking away it looked like Bury skipper Martyn Forrest's 13th minute goal was going
-
Date
Any cuts at County Hall?
IN view of the threat of closure of care homes in Lancashire, will any member of the high-taxing county council answer me a question? With the loss of thousands of taxpayers from Blackpool and Blackburn, what reductions, if any, were made to staffing
-
Date
Residents have same thoughts
REGARDING your article on the mounting anger at the proposed plan to close Lancashire County Council homes for the elderly (LET, March 1), County Councillor Hazel Harding said: "When I am old, I do not want to be shunted into a care home. I want to be
-
Date
Morale is at an all-time low
IN reply to the comments of John Farrer on the state of the playing fields throughout Hyndburn (Letters, February 20), in 1989/1990 the then Conservative government privatised the running of parks and playing fields. This resulted in all groundsmen in
-
Date
Sorry we're living too long
I AM very sorry that we old people have become a problem by living too long and that the country can no longer afford us. I refer, of course, to the intended closure of many of our county council-run care homes. The nation, I believe, owes these old people
-
Date
Hypocrisy of our Labour MPs
RECENTLY in the House of Commons, Pendle's MP, Gordon Prentice, questioned and established that the ruthlessly-created gap between rich and poor in this country has continued unabated under New Labour since 1997. The same week Lancashire MPs focused self-righteous
-
Date
Lottery winner's son called in police over 'stolen' music equipment
THE son of a Lottery millionaire called police after he claimed a man he lent expensive musical equipment to refused to give the items back. David White set up a management company to promote and manage pop groups with money given to him by his father
-
Date
Film showing
A SUBTITLED version of Oceans Eleven (12) will be showing at Blackpool's Odeon Cinema on Wednesday, March 13. The film, featuring on-screen subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, will run at 12.15pm, 3pm, 5.45pm, and 8.30pm.
-
Date
A true tribute to the King
ARE you lonesome tonight? Well put on your blue suede shoes and prepare to Jailhouse Rock -- Elvis is coming to Blackpool. The Elvis Collection -- regarded by many as Europe's number one tribute band -- will bring their unique celebration of Elvis Presley's
-
Date
Police investigate attack at hotel
A GUEST at the Travel Lodge Hotel in Prestwich suffered head injuries in a brutal attack at the weekend. A porter at the hotel alerted police after a disturbance in one of the rooms at 7am on Saturday (March 2). A 30-year-old man was taken to North Manchester
-
Date
Warning of chatroom perils
A TEENAGE girl sparked a nationwide search after running away from home to meet up with a male friend she met in an Internet chatroom. Amy Singleton, who has spent much of her life battling against a heart defect and underwent open heart surgery five
-
Date
Mugger attacks OAP
A 90-year-old woman fought back when she was attacked in the street by a handbag thief. The pensioner struggled with her assailant but was knocked to the ground during the incident at 3.10pm on Friday (March 1) in Rectory Green, Prestwich. Her attacker
-
Date
New town guide is in demand
A NEW Bury Visitor Guide has been launched, packed with information about places to visit, things to do and where to stay. Extra copies have been produced because last year's guide proved so popular. They will be stocked both locally and at Tourist Information
-
Date
Green machines
TOWN hall measures to boost the borough's "green" credentials are going on the road. Two Bury Council vehicles have been converted to run on 80 per cent diesel and 20 per cent liquid propane gas (LPG). Supporters of LPG say that it gives up to 18 per
-
Date
Kelly gets her big break
UP-and-coming actress Kelly Winnard (27) is to experience life on stage and "Life On Earth". That's the name of the show she will appear in at the famous Theatre Royal on Drury Lane on April 7. Kelly, of Gatcombe Mews, Radcliffe, spotted an advert for
-
Date
Duo set for RMI return
LEIGH RMI are likely to hand Jamie Udall and Steve Thompson their first league starts of the season on Saturday as they bid to extend their seven-match unbeaten run against Nuneaton Borough writes Martyn Hindley Udall last played for the Railwaymen in
-
Date
Public inquiry call over crematorium
THE saga of Radcliffe Crematorium looks set to continue after the global funeral firm whose application was rejected last year called for a public inquiry. Service Corporation International (SCI) has lodged an appeal against a decision made by Bury planning
-
Date
Singing with Sir Cliff
FIVE teenagers from Bury will join Sir Cliff Richard this weekend to help raise money for Africa. The girls are singing with Sir Cliff and a host of other stars at a huge charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall. They are all members of the local branch
-
Date
Windle deserves compassion, not condemnation
THE letter from Neil Windbag of the 'Socialist Party of Great Britain,' demonstrates the good sense of the British people in rejecting the lunacies of this little bunch of malevolent social misfits. In his letter Mr Windbag poses a question. He asks:
-
Date
Cowardly attack on princess
I'VE seen some ill judged, ill educated tripe published in the letter pages of your publication in the past, but the Stalinist ranting of Neil Windle about Princess Margaret last week has probably taken it to a new level. Not only is it totally clear
-
Date
Freddie heads to Cambridge
CAMBRIDGE City have completed the signing of Rovers youngster Freddie Murray. The left-back was in the third month of his loan spell at the Abbey, but has now signed on a free until 2004. Boss John Taylor said: "We're delighted to have him on board. "
-
Date
Jonty joins Blues
BLACKBURN Rovers have agreed a fee with Birmingham for Northern Ireland international Damien Johnson. The deal is now subject to a medical after Johnson agreed personal terms with the First Division club. A spokesman for City said: "A fee has been agreed
-
Date
Motorbike crash ends with driver under bus
A SPEEDING motorcyclist who smashed into a bus suffered a smashed pelvis and three broken ribs. Burnley Magistrates heard how nobody else was injured in the crash in which Craig Oldfield ended up under the bus. Oldfield, who accepted the accident was
-
Date
Addict thieves praised on bids to reform
REFORMING drug addicts Claudine Anne Shapcott and Daniel Charles Thomas were praised for facing up to their problems and taking steps to put things right. Blackburn magistrates heard that the couple, who have a three-year-old daughter, were both undergoing
-
Date
Spinster died after fall
EIGHTY-eight year old spinster Margaret Cragg died as a result of injuries resulting from a fall at home an inquest was told. Miss Cragg lived alone in sheltered accommodation in Browsholme Avenue, Burnley, and had no known blood relations. Funeral arrangements
-
Date
Rosegrove round-up
AT last the rubbish on Gannow Lane has been removed, it has been there since November 2001. If you see people fly tipping please report them. We also have two more grot spots on Back Rosegrove Lane and Metcalfe Street. People are using back yards as tips
-
Date
Partners on drugs brought woman trouble
A WOMAN led astray by two former partners was told by magistrates she did not pick the right men. The Burnley bench said Donna Marie Barrington, 33, who had had relationships with two drug addicts, seemed to chose "very unfortunate," boyfriends. Barrington
-
Date
Cell checkers voice their anger
VOLUNTEERS who check conditions in police cells throughout the county have been told to re-apply to be on a new panel. Marion Smith, who is also chairman of the Burnley police authority community meeting, said: "Everyone of the custody visitors has to
-
Date
Threatened homes get lifeline
CALLS by local authorities for the closure of 35 Lancashire County Council-run OAP homes to be halted have been rejected. But there may still be light at the end of the tunnel for some of the threatened homes. It was revealed that the council had received
-
Date
Safety video launch
COPIES of a new police road safety video are to be provided for staff at Burnley and Pendle Transport. The bus company is helping police to highlight the issue of road safety and play its part in helping to drive down casualty figures. The video has been
-
Date
They would only be vandalised
GIVEN the level of mindless vandalism today perhaps it is best that the railway clocks are not returned to Blackburn Station. The best setting for them would be Preston Station which has retained its Victorian super structure and where they would have
-
Date
Tough game ahead
BACUP face a tough trip to third placed Alsager tomorrow hoping to make an impression on the teams above them. Having played fewer games than most in NWCL Division Two, Brent Peters' side can shoot up the league if they win their matches in hand. One
-
Date
Darwen on the hunt
DARWEN welcome NWCL Division Two bottom club Castleton to the Anchor Ground hoping to carry on their charge up the table. They have won their last three games and are looking to make an impression at the top of the league. And their cause has been helped
-
Date
Lee out for rest of season
PADIHAM boss Graham Howarth believes striker Lee Chambers will not play again this season. The ace marksman has yet to play a game since rejoining the Arbories club from UniBond Division One side Kendal after fracturing an ankle and suffering ligament
-
Date
Gardeners set for spring
THE annual meeting of the Colne Horticultural Society will be at The Social Centre, in Birtwistle Avenue, on Wednesday, March 13, at 7pm. Members are currently preparing for the annual Daffodil and Spring Flower Show on Sunday, April 7. For information
-
Date
Hall celebrates music centenary
A week-long celebration of a century of entertainment at the Colne Municipal Hall will begin tomorrow. Colne Orchestral Society, which played at the opening of the hall in 1902, will hold a centenary concert playing some of the music which was played
-
Date
Ten years ago
A BREWERY chimney which had dominated Blackburn's skyline for more than 40 years was reduced to a pile of rubble. The 130ft landmark at the Matthew Brown brewery was flattened by a demolition team in just three hours.
-
Date
Son denies threat to kill mother
AN 18-year-old has appeared in court charged with making a threat to kill his mother and affray at her home in Great Harwood. Lee Birkett, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, was ordered to stand trial at Preston Crown Court and he was remanded in custody
-
Date
Victim 'suffered kicks to head in fracas'
A LATE- night incident in Blackburn town centre ended with a man being taken to hospital with extensive injuries to his face, a court was told. But Blackburn magistrates heard the version of events related by an officer who witnessed the incident and
-
Date
Costly solution to cremation queues
CONGESTION at a town crematorium has prompted councillors to make mourners wait an extra ten minutes to say farewell to their loved ones. But Hyndburn Council has been accused of introducing a "catch thi' death" tax after agreeing to charge people more
-
Date
Mum set to sue over holiday illness
A MOTHER of three is planning to sue a holiday company after contracting a viral infection which left her seriously ill and in hospital for six weeks. Beryl Rushton said she believed she contracted viral gastro-enteritis while on an all-inclusive package
-
Date
New champion wins an old race...
A FLEET of foot Lytham teenager has been named champion of the Fylde Coast's oldest cross country race. Chris Pickles, 18, stormed home recently to win King Edward VII and Queen Mary School's senior boys' cross country race -- which has been run every
-
Date
Head start in Rally
THIS year's Malcolm Wilson rally gets under way this Saturday, with local pair Steve Head and Andrew Dugdale hoping to retain their title. Spectators are asked to park at Hawkshead Moor or Hill Top and to follow the instructions of the marshals. The first
-
Date
Blues twist the knife
A GOAL against his former club from striker Brian Welch gave Lancaster City a hard earned victory over Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night, to rebound from a disappointing weekend defeat at Bradford. Welch struck on 70 minutes after clever footwork by
-
Date
Off the Ball by Steve Dunthorpe
ACCRINGTON Stanley's visit to Lancaster City on Tuesday night may have just been another league game to most of the supporters who made their way to Giant Axe. It's unlikely that the events of 40 years ago made much of a difference to the fans, who were
-
Date
Job in jeopardy after pint
A PINT which took a man over the limit had put his new job in jeopardy, Burnley Magistrates were told. The court was told how Stephen Tann, 22, had put his first chance of employment since 1998 at risk. Tann, of Victoria Street, Rawtenstall, admitted
-
Date
Morecambe on the road
MORECAMBE must travel to Conference rivals Margate in their FA Trophy quarter final a week on Saturday after the newly promoted side overcame Braintree in a replay. On paper, it is a tougher tie, but at least the Shrimps know all about Margate after their
-
Date
Depressed man died on settee
A BURNLEY man was found dead on the settee at a friend's house an inquest was told. Glenn Kennedy, 28, of Chessington Green, Kibble Bank, Burnley, died at the home of a friend in Thurston Street, Burnley, on February 27. At an inquest opening PC Bob Wilson
-
Date
Tourism push at the fair
FREE tickets to local tourist spots are being given away at a Spring Attractions Fair at Towneley Hall, Burnley on Saturday March 23. The event aims to claw back some of the business lost last year in and around Burnley through the foot and mouth crisis
-
Date
ay bridge jump threat alert
TWO men called police from the top of a motorway bridge today and said -- We're going to jump. A major operation was launched after the call was received at 6am from the bridge above the M65. Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene at Junction
-
Date
Get along to the jobs fair
JUST the job for Bury employment seekers. For a series of job fairs is being held in Greater Manchester. Welcoming the events, Greater Manchester's Learning and Skills Council says there is a continuing need for improved information to enable young people
-
Date
Matchmaking for businesses
MATCHMAKING was on the menu during a special lunch staged by Bury and Bolton Chamber's Business Advantage team. And the event helped introduce buyers to sellers and vice-versa as part of Business Advantage's pioneering initiative to help firms win more
-
Date
Let's share the burden - Davis
BURNLEY'S goal-shy players have to start hitting the target and easing the burden on top scorer Gareth Taylor. That is the view of skipper Steve Davis ahead of tomorrow's crucial clash with bottom of the table Stockport County, the side with the worst
-
Date
We are in great shape for play-offs says Ellis
FAR from being depressed about the drop from top of the table to sixth since New Year's Day, Burnley's assistant boss Sam Ellis said: "There are a lot of teams that would like to be where we are." And while manager Stan Ternent claimed that tomorrow's
-
Date
Villa victory was vital to our season
IT MAY not have meant we lifted a trophy but the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in midweek could yet prove the most vital game of our season. All the players were saying the same thing after we won the Worthington Cup, it would mean nothing if we were to
-
Date
Breathing a sigh of relief
PATIENTS at Blackpool Victoria Hospital can now breathe more easily thanks to a new £5,000 piece of equipment. The Pulsoxymeter, used to measure the level of circulating oxygen in a patient's blood, was bought with a donation from healthcare cash plan
-
Date
Four-year-old in kidnap bid
A MAN tried to kidnap a four-year-old girl at the corner of Durham Road and Church Street, in Blackpool. He approached a group of women, which included the little girl and her auntie, at 7.30pm on February 26 and asked if any of them "had a light". When
-
Date
Hoteliers warned of bogus official
BLACKPOOL businesses should be on their guard after hoteliers in the town received letters from a bogus official demanding access to their premises, Blackpool Borough Council has warned. The bogus official -- claiming to be a council "health and safety
-
Date
Pay back time
A PLUMBER was forced to pay back £160 to a customer after vanishing with the money before Christmas -- thanks to one very persistent dad and Blackpool police. Georgina Pullin, a veterinary nurse at Spen Corner Veterinary Centre in Blackpool, had begun
-
Date
Thieves steal wallet
A MAN was tripped and then punched and kicked in the face by two thieves in a Blackpool street on February 25. The 36-year-old man was walking down Banks Street between 1.15am and 1.45am when he heard footsteps behind him. Two men behind him then tripped
-
Date
Be street-wise
ARE your children street-wise? Operation Street-wise, a safety initiative designed to teach children how to keep safe in their environment, is running this month in Blackpool. The initiative, aimed at Year 6 children in schools throughout the town, uses
-
Date
Church coverted to recording studio
IT LOOKS like a little used 16th century parish church but Shireshead's tranquil exterior is deceptive. Where once there were pews and an altar there's now a state of the art recording studio full of electronic wizardry. This remarkable building, unused
-
Date
Flying high!
POLICE in Lancashire are flying high after a £1million government cash boost for a new helicopter. The Home Office announced on Tuesday that Lancashire was one of just four police forces in the country to have been granted the money. The funds will mean
-
Date
New milk bottles turn heads
TEN thousand Lancaster families did a double take when they cast their eyes on their morning pinta this week. On Saturday morning milkmen in the city become the first in the country to deliver glass bottles covered in shrink-wrapped plastic sleeves. Dairy
-
Date
Face-to-face meetings a priority
MEETING staff and students will be an early priority for Lancaster University's fifth vice-chancellor when he takes over the position this summer. Dr Paul Wellings, a former Lancaster Royal Grammar School pupil has been confirmed as the replacement for
-
Date
In-fighting over audits
THERE'S trouble in the Tory ranks with members of the Morecambe and Lunesdale Conservative Association arguing over the association's accounts. In what's been described as a "clash of personalities," members are disputing which documents have been provided
-
Date
Young stars shine
MORECAMBE make their first ever league visit to Underhill, home of Barnet this Saturday. The Shrimps never faced Barnet during the London club's first spell in the Conference and won 1-0 in the first encounter between the clubs early in the season. It
-
Date
Centre tackles eczemza
THE north west's first skincare website is to be launched in Lancaster next week. The website at www.bayskincare.org.uk, will provide information and advice on conditions such as eczema. According to the National Eczema Society, around 12,000 people in
-
Date
Ten years to pass driving test
A LANCASTER woman is celebrating after finally passing her driving test following 10 years of lessons. Andrea Hackett has taken hundreds of lessons with several driving schools in a bid to get her licence, but never had the confidence to take her test
-
Date
Council tax finally set
LANCASTER City Council has finalised its budgets for next year, with broad agreement amongst the parties over a 15 per cent increase in the city's share of council tax. The tax increase comes after a reduced grant from central government and is intended
-
Date
Recycling cycles
THE wheels have been set in motion on an exciting new scheme recycling cycles! Unwanted and unloved racers, kids bikes and shoppers are stacking up at Pedal Power in Lancaster. The scheme, which has been set up by local charity Furniture Matters using
-
Date
Blaze treated as suspicious
A BLAZE which caused £20,000 worth of damage to a Morecambe fitness centre is being treated as suspicious, police say. The fire was started in the sauna of the Full Fitness gym on the third floor of the building on Marine Road Central, which includes
-
Date
Residents help change climate
CONCERNED residents are being urged to help the council tackle climate change in Bury. Town hall bosses have drawn up their Climate Change Strategy, and want the public to read it and submit their views by March 22. The plan tries to explain the vital
-
Date
Nicola perfects her passing for Games
A WHEELCHAIR basketball player has slam-dunked a chance to participate in this summer's Commonwealth Games. Nicola Frost (14), a pupil at Coney Green High School, Radcliffe, has been selected for the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay. Nicola, of Toon Crescent
-
Date
Stub out of the habit
ADVICE and help will be available to smokers who want to stub out the habit on next Wednesday's (March 13) national No Smoking Day. Special public information stands will be sited in the entrance of Fairfield General Hospital and Mill Gate Shopping Centre
-
Date
Landmark day as £355,000 church opens
A LANDMARK event will take place in Radcliffe today (March 8) when the congregation of Radcliffe United Reformed Church receive the keys to their new £355,000 building. The 125 members of the Water Street church spent four years raising £200,000 to build
-
Date
Radical council house plans up for debate
RADICAL plans to transform the future of council housing are up for debate next week. Houses could be sold off or managed by private contractors under options being considered by the Housing Quality Network, consultants appointed by Bury Council. Tenants
-
Date
Schools go for special status
THREE Prestwich high schools are hoping to attract a combined total of £1.5 million in funding in a bid to become specialist schools. If successful in the ambitious bids, the pupils of St Monica's, Parrenthorn and Prestwich Community High will lead the
-
Date
Song to save the Shakers
AUSTRALIAN-based Shakers fan David Brooks' band The Music Men are releasing an England World Cup record next week with £2 from every CD sold going to the Save Our Shakers fund. The band, going under the name of Eriks From The North the song, Thing About
-
Date
Shakers quiz night
THERE will be a Quiz Night in aid of the Save Our Shakers Appeal at Bury FC Social Club on Thursday, April 18, commencing 8pm. The quiz will consist of two rounds of questions on general knowledge, music, sport and entertainment. Entry is £5 a team, limited
-
Date
Lions aim to cushion blow
PHIL Cushion is Swinton Lions' main doubt for the home game against Sheffield Eagles at Gigg Lane on Sunday (kick-off 3pm). Second row forward Cushion picked up a knee injury in the 40-14 defeat at Doncaster last Sunday. "He twisted the knee and it is
-
Date
Jonty joins Blues
BLACKBURN Rovers have agreed a fee with Birmingham for Northern Ireland international Damien Johnson. The deal is now subject to a medical after Johnson agreed personal terms with the First Division club. A spokesman for City said: "A fee has been agreed
-
Date
Taxi to the top!
INDIE band Polestar have secured a management deal less than a fortnight after a brilliant performance at Burnley's Mechanics -- an it's all thanks to a taxi ride. Although the Accrington five-piece won the contract on merit, they would never have been
-
Date
Fans unite to help Shakers
GIGG Lane will be awash with all the colours of the footballing spectrum tomorrow when it hosts it's first Fans United Day. Fans from all over the country - and maybe even further afield - will make their way to the home of the Shakers to support Bury
-
Date
Fitness for the over-50s
KEEP-FIT for the over-50s is just one of the courses on offer at the Raphael Holistic Centre, Darwen. The fitness classes will be held every Thursday at the centre in Belgrave Square between 10am and 11am, while yoga classes are staged there every Monday
-
Date
Student's drink-drive mistake
AN A-level student from Darwen has appeared before magistrates charged with drink driving. Paul Selman, 18, of St Albans Road, Darwen, appeared in court wearing his uniform from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn, and pleaded guilty to driving
-
Date
Trucker detained in French prison
BRITISH consulate representatives have visited a Darwen lorry driver in the French prison where he is being held on suspicion of drugs smuggling. Zachary Lee Edmondson, 30, a former pupil of Our Lady and St John High School, Blackburn, was stopped over
-
Date
Funtime for book worms
THERE's going to be a busy time ahead for young readers at Ramsbottom Library with a bedtime coffee evening and a 'midnight' feast. As part of bedtime reading week on March 12 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm there will be a bedtime coffee evening for youngsters
-
Date
Cruelty charge man's dog must stay at RSPCA
A MAN charged with two counts of causing suffering to a dog has been refused his request to have the dog back in his care during the court proceedings. Paul Nightingale, of Thornfield Avenue, Waterfoot, did not appear at Rossendale Magistrates Court yesterday
-
Date
Flats may be replaced
PROBLEM flats may be demolished and bungalows built across the road. Rossendale Council has granted planning permission to sell land at Woodside Crescent, Newchurch, to allow the building of bungalows. West Pennine Housing Association will be allowed
-
Date
One Yank and they're hot
VEX RED have already established themselves at the forefront of emerging British rock/metal acts. Formed two years ago in Aldershot, they were regulars on their local live circuit. But as funds ran thin and interest waned, they were on the verge of jacking
-
Date
Deputy is new police chief
THE Lancashire Police Authority has announced the appointment of Paul Stephenson as the new chief constable of Lancashire. Mr Stephenson, who is the current deputy chief constable, will take up the post at the end of July when Pauline Clare completes
-
Date
It's handy pandas
PANDA-MONIUM is expected at Blackpool Zoo later this month when three very special and cuddly creatures arrive. The award-winning animal park has been chosen to be the new home for three rare red pandas. Zoo management and staff are looking forward to
-
Date
Crime drops on 'hot-spot' estate
AN industrial estate in Poulton which has been identified as a crime "hot-spot" has started an initiative. The Poulton Industrial Estate (PIE) Business Watch group was formed following calls by Wyre Community Safety Partnership (WCSP) for all businesses
-
Date
Ivan Taylor to be mayor
BLACKPOOL'S "father of the council", Coun Ivan Taylor, has been nominated as the town's new mayor. Coun Taylor, who has been a council member for 34 years, was unanimously voted as mayor-elect at a full council meeting last week. As a senior member of
-
Date
Talking tall!
IT'S a tale that would make any mum proud -- a son who overcomes a severe speech impediment to become a university lecturer and nurse. Just like his mum Mary, 45-year-old Bispham man Eric Norbury, above, always wanted to be a nurse, but one thing stood
-
Date
Katey eyes up Queen Vic job
IF you were inspired by TV's Pop Idol and fancy a shot at fame, take the lead from the Fylde's own three dramatic talents, spotted by BBC Talent scouts last year. Katey Siddall, aged 19, from Hilton Avenue, Ansdell, and 17-year-old identical twins Laura
-
Date
Only nine attend casinos meeting
ONLY a handful of people turned out this week for the first public meeting to discuss the proposed Las Vegas-style resort casinos in Blackpool. Nine people attended the meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon, which was held to allow people in the
-
Date
Down Your Street...
A LOOK around the area and local events. FLEETWOOD TAKE a hands-on approach to identifying fish and animal bones with English Heritage's science education adviser Sue Stallibrass at Fleetwood Museum on March 10 from 1pm-4pm. The afternoon is a "drop-in
-
Date
Video plea for hospice patients
EAST Lancashire Hospice on Park Lee Road is appealing for old videos to be donated to entertain friends and family of terminally ill patients when they visit. Stuart Andrew, a hospice fundraiser, said: "It would be great to have a stock of videos for
-
Date
Finding a way to make a will
THE Blackburn and Darwen branch of Age Concern still have appointments available for their Will Surgeries on March 19 and 20. The local charity has joined with a local firm of solicitors, Roebuck's, to offer over 55s the opportunity to make a Will if
-
Date
Little swimmer who's making a big splash
LITTLE Laura Marshall is a wonder in the water. While most other six-year-olds struggle to swim more than a few metres, she has already completed a mile and won her bronze award. And now Laura, who was swimming regularly at the age of three months, is
-
Date
Watchdog plea over sex obsession boy
A TEENAGER who became obsessed with a woman on a sex chat line smashed up his disabled mother's home after a row over the telephone bill he had run up. Today a telephone watchdog urged parents to take action to prevent their children being attracted by
-
Date
Ewood veterans reunite after almost 50 years
CHILDHOOD memories don't come much sweeter than stepping onto the pitch at Ewood Park at the tender age of 11. So when former Blackburn schoolboy Brian Dixon appealed for his teammates, who together held aloft the Jubilee Shield at Ewood Park almost 50
-
Date
Rams and Taylor part
RAMSBOTTOM boss Mike Kelly has confirmed that Jamie Taylor has left the Riverside club. The former Rochdale player walked out on Ramsbottom after being substituted during a league match last month and Kelly said he will not play again. He said: "Jamie
-
Date
Bailey keen to battle
NELSON boss John Bailey refuses to throw in the towel despite his side's inconsistent season. After two season's where the Blues were fighting for promotion, this term hasn't gone to plan with Nelson struggling in a mid-table position. But Bailey insists
-
Date
We want some luck!
GREAT Harwood boss Denis Underwood is hoping his side have the rub of the green when they travel to fellow NWCL Division One strugglers Atherton Collieries tomorrow. Harwood have had just one penalty all season but seem to have them continually given
-
Date
Don't blame me for Stanley's demise
MIKE Ferguson thinks the blame allotted to him for the demise of Accrington Stanley is unfair. Ferguson, then just 17, turned down a move to Workington for £3,500 and some people have said his departure would have stopped Stanley having to hand in their
-
Date
Thanks on behalf of hedgehogs
FYLDE Hedgehog Rescue (formerly the Carleton Hedgehog Hospital) would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who supported us at the Methodist Church Charity Shop in Poulton from February 9-l5. The week was very successful and the funds raised will
-
Date
They're bungling the town's economy
I THINK most ordinary people are tired and uninterested in Jack Croysdill's left wing rhetoric (Citizen, Feb 21). He continually espouses untruths about the Labour cohorts who have dragged this town down to an unacceptable level with its inept bungling
-
Date
'Old school' website
I HAVE been running a former pupils website for my old school for the past two years. I have now started a single contact website for every other junior and secondary school in the Blackpool Fylde and Wyre areas. This is in response to the requests from
-
Date
A bulwark against folly
THE quite unnecessary "reforming" of the Upper House has been the subject of much acrimonious debate. Many members of the Commons are determined to make the Lords into an elected chamber. Where, the sceptic might ask, is the sense in having two elected
-
Date
Good at looking after Number 1
"LABOUR has done a great deal for Blackpool" goes out the parrot cry of Jack Croysdill, Labour's local spokesman (Citizen, February 21). There's as much substance to that claim as there is to the smoke rising from the ten million pound burnt-out holiday
-
Date
Nightmare of 999 call on mobile
IF you are carrying your mobile phone as a life-line -- think again! Emergency 999 calls for help may fall on the wrong ears, as one Fylde man at the scene of a road traffic accident was horrified to discover. Chris Williams of Oxford Road, Ansdell, found
-
Date
Parking must be improved
AS a disabled driver I was horrified to read about the clamping of staff vehicles at Fairfield Hospital (Bury Times, Feb 22). Surely before the hospital authorities embark on this sort of action, they should first provide adequate parking for staff, patients
-
Date
Wake up, Mr Cliffe?
HOW can Mr Colin Cliffe, head teacher of St Andrew's, Ramsbottom, say he is happy to await the outcome of the councils's decision regarding St. Paul's, and believes this will have little effect on his school? Wake up Mr Cliffe! If St Paul's is closed,
-
Date
Pupils may not get over heartbreak
I AM a very concerned grandparent of two pupils at St. Paul's C of E primary school in Ramsbottom. The recent news that St. Paul's may be amalgamated with St. Andrew's is very distressing. My mother and her three brothers attended St. Paul's in the early
-
Date
Baptism promises not always kept
WE would like to assist "Angry Mum" (Yours Truly, Feb 28) who has had a problem getting her baby baptised. As Church of England vicars in Radcliffe none of us refuses baptism to those who live in our respective parishes, and who seek this sacrament. Each
-
Date
Even light work is too much for me
ONE of the most common complaints of the modern professional is the hours. The British worker spends more time at work than any of his European cousins, which of course means less time spent at home. When you have two in the relationship who bow to the
-
Date
Murder hunt launched
A MURDER hunt has been launched after a Prestwich father, who planned to get married later this year, was stabbed to death. Nathaniel Jacobs suffered a number of stab injuries to his head and body in a frenzied knife attack at an office in Hulme on Wednesday
-
Date
Shakers raise £60,000 in five days
MORE than £60,000 has been raised in five days since cash-starved Bury FC launched their "Buy-A-Seat" Appeal. The £10-a-seat appeal, the brainchild of former commercial manager Nev Neville, could raise more than £120,000 as the desperate Shakers nervously
