Archive
-
Date
Solicitors must not be winners
HOUSING company Twin Valley homes today finds itself in a difficult position. While it is facing the threat of being sued by many disgruntled tenants unhappy as repairs to their homes have been delayed, it also has the task of clearing 100 homes of asbestos
-
Date
Last ball draw costs dear
DESPITE Golborne U15s dominating the game for the most part, a scrambled two runs from the last ball of the game forced an unlikely draw in the opening match of the season. Astley and Tyldesley won the toss and elected to bat, but lost wickets steadily
-
Date
Kiwi recruit strikes in second over but rain ruins his debut
EDS Leigh CC's Welsh opponents Northop Hall made the long journey to Beech Walk to no avail as the opening league match of the season fell foul of the weather. A fine morning having helped to dry out the outfield and a wicket that had been well covered
-
Date
Open House
JACK Straw has been finally allowed back into Leeds University Students' Union where he cut his political teeth as president. He went on to be president of the National Union of Students but four years ago, those at his original stamping ground banned
-
Date
No surprise at rising support
THE continuing rise in the vote for the BNP, does not surprise me for until this or any government has the courage to put and end to the'sponging' of people who enter this country and take out of the pot with nil contributions and be given things that
-
Date
Make a friend of Jake
JAKE is a black and tan cross German Shepherd who was admitted to Manchester Dogs' Home in January from the Tameside Dog Warden after he was found wandering in the Stalybridge area. Jake was recently rehomed but was returned as he doesn't get along with
-
Date
Make a phone call, don't create a mess
I'M sure it was not the intention of the Director of Direct Services Peter Hunt to label all of the borough's residents as lazy, only those who persist in littering and fly-tipping. True, it is the council's responsibility to keep the streets clean, and
-
Date
Loving owner wanted for big fluffy puppy
MANCHESTER Dogs' Home is looking for a loving new owner for Max. Max is a full-breed large, black and sable German Shepherd, approx. four years old. He is the big fluffy puppy of the Home because he has a lovely nature. Max was collected from the Rochdale
-
Date
Taxpayer is certainly not a winner
SOME of us cannot share the enthusiasm expressed in your Comment (LET, April 19), concerning the transfer of the St George's surgery from the Preston New Road area of Blackburn to Haslingden Road. OK for patients who have cars, but not so good for those
-
Date
It's ballet marvellous
IMPRESSIVE is the only word to describe the English National Ballet company, in town at The Grand Theatre. Their one-night Tour de Force included three contrasting ballets -- two modern and one traditional. The programme began with Trapeze, a recently
-
Date
Sex pictures of kids in the park
POLICE found an indecent film of local children hidden away when they raided a house in Padiham, a jury was told. The 10-minute video, entitled Night Sight and stashed away underneath carpet, showed youngsters indulging in sexual activity and had been
-
Date
David's double for disabled
CARPET company MD, David Judge, was a winner with his fellow employees after raising more than £5,000 for charity by taking part in the Flora London Marathon. For David, from Cormar Carpets, of Greenmount, Bury, put his money where his mouth is when he
-
Date
Rovers must hit Spurs early
TIM Sherwood believes the only way Tottenham can move forward is to oust manager Glenn Hoddle. The former Blackburn Rovers and Spurs midfielder launched a scathing attack on his former boss, who has come under fire this week over Spurs' decision to release
-
Date
Gally on fire in thriller
PAUL Gallagher enhanced his growing reputation with a stunning hat-trick last night as Rovers built-up a crucial first leg advantage in this Under 19 play-off final. The young Academy striker stole the show with some clinical finishing in this eight-goal
-
Date
I've had a nightmare, says Cole
ROVERS striker Andy Cole today admitted he can't wait for the season to end after describing his form as 'terrible' this term. The former England and Manchester United star has endured a miserable time up front after scoring just six goals in the Premiership
-
Date
QLR set for duty in Iraq
TROOPS from Preston will fly out to Iraq next month to help with the clean up and peace keeping operations. The First Queen's Lancashire Regiment (1QLR), based at Fulwood Barracks but currently stationed at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, is going
-
Date
It's 'paytime' for teachers
STAFF at more than 30 local schools are to get a bonus in their pay packet. This year's School Achievement Awards were announced yesterday by the Government. The awards recognise improvements in schools, and reward the staff -- from teachers to caretakers
-
Date
Hair today, gone tomorrow!
AN ARMY major has been called up for service in Iraq by a whisker. Preston soldier Major Peter Quegan, has snipped off his trademark moustache of 20 years to go to Iraq as a member of the Territorial Army. The solicitor and former South Ribble councillor
-
Date
Mum's fight for fair play
A MUM is fighting a lone campaign to give children somewhere to play. Dee Gourlay, of Alder Drive, Hoghton, says youngsters have just one swing and a slide to play on at the village's only play area. Now she faces a three year wait for more equipment,
-
Date
Final test takes Ken back to roots
A SINGER in one of the world's most famous folk groups went back to his roots for a special Preston show. Ken Nicol, a member of Steeleye Span, performed for the first time in front of an audience in the Harris Folk Club, Preston, 35 years ago -- now
-
Date
'Witch' trial son is cleared of killing
A MAN accused of bludgeoning a follower of witchcraft to death has been acquitted of his murder. Nicholas Grundy, 22, of Ernest Street, Cornholme, Todmorden, denied killing James Bowman, 44, on September 15 last year -- two days after his mother, Melanie
-
Date
Mayoral robes legacy for town
THE Mayor of Burnley will present a legacy to the town when he hands over Burnley's 70-year-old civic robes. The ceremony at Towneley Hall tomorrow will be one of Councillor Gordon Birtwistle's last official engagements before he ends a whirlwind year
-
Date
Tributes to tragic policeman
A POLICEMAN who was commended for his bravery in duty has died suddenly aged 35. The cause of PC Danny Wild's death is not yet known although friends believe it was connected to his heart. Senior officers and colleagues have paid tribute to PC Wild, describing
-
Date
Musical tickets going like 'Wildfire'...
CHURCHES Together In Atherton present the musical Wildfire on May 15 and 16 at the Formby Hall. The story of Stephen, by Roger Jones and Alison Fuggle, follows on from last year's successful production of another Roger Jones musical Pharoah To Freedom
-
Date
Padiham & Hapton Bulletin
WALKERS who took part in the six-mile round trip to view the Forest of Burnley project were met with grim weather on Sunday morning but by the start of the walk at 2pm the conditions were brighter. The crowd of people led by Woodlands officer Keith Wilson
-
Date
Landlords call time on town's troublemakers
PUB thugs are to be targeted in a high-tech re-launch of a bar watch scheme. Padiham Pub Watch is being re-vamped - and police today said it will be bigger and better than before. Improvements include community radios in licensed premises and better CCTV
-
Date
Samurai weapons snatched
THREE samurai weapons were taken from a martial arts club after "desperate" thieves smashed through a wall using a fire hydrant. Police today issued an appeal for the return of a three-foot samurai sword and two pronged small daggers, called sais, after
-
Date
Soccer coach's fracas in street
A BURNLEY FC youngsters' soccer coach involved in an early hours rumpus twice tried to headbutt a police officer, a court was told. The town's magistrates heard Bradley Pates, 23, was then said to have been "spitting blood," from his mouth around a police
-
Date
Sex pictures of kids in the park
POLICE found an indecent film of local children hidden away when they raided a house in Padiham, a jury was told. The 10-minute video, entitled Night Sight and stashed away underneath carpet, showed youngsters indulging in sexual activity and had been
-
Date
Nelson has sights on Cardiff
BSHAKERS skipper Michael Nelson has admitted he would gladly swap all the trophies he won at this week's Player of the Year Awards for promotion via the play-offs. Speaking after the awards ceremony, in which the centre half took a clean sweep of all
-
Date
Girls star for Broncos
PRESTON Broncos had a complete new look to their team in their opening match of the season against Runcorn Jets - with six girls in the team! Only one of the players has ever played baseball prior to this match, so it was a very inexperienced team that
-
Date
Fourth time lucky for Hoppers
HOPPERS won the Lancashire Cup for the first time in their fourth final in an entertaining match at Sedgley Park. The lead changed hands several times with both teams having dominant spells. Steve Gough gave Hoppers an early lead with a drop goal and
-
Date
Win takes Preston to top
A SUPERB victory at Blackpool has put Preston at the top of the Northern Premier League, for the first time in more than 20 years, two points clear of second placed Morecambe. Recently arrived professional Rauf Akbar was the pick of the bowlers taking
-
Date
The Marlowe style shines
THE stunning power of actress Linda Marlowe is brought to the Library Theatre in the one-woman play, Diatribe of Love. Written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez it is a haunting study of a woman's past, and the hopes she has for the future, set against her silver
-
Date
Five years ago
CHILDREN'S author Michela Morgan helped pupils at St Gabriel's Primary School, Blackburn, get the reading habit when she talked to youngsters and read extracts from her books.
-
Date
Ten years ago
NEW stained glass windows were unveiled to launch Stonyhurst College's 400th anniversary year. The windows, designed by former pupil Pat Feeney, served as a permanent reminder of the landmark year.
-
Date
Open day for refugees
AN Open Day will be held on Wednesday at the Leigh office of Add A Voice on Church Street between 10am and 4.30pm. Add A Voice is a local advocacy service which has recently signed up to the Refugees Welcome Campaign, organised by Refugee Action in Manchester
-
Date
Three-day Carnival back in a big way
LEIGH Carnival is back in a big way -- 19 years after the bunting was rolled away for the last time. It is hoped that the three day family event at the end of July will bring back a sense of community spirit and pride to the town. Now the organisers,
-
Date
Wounding case jury discharged
A JUDGE has discharged a jury in the case of a father and daughter accused of wounding a teenager with intent to do him grievous bodily harm. Judge Raymond Bennett made the move at Burnley Crown Court after the panel had been unable to reach verdicts.
-
Date
Bus driver victim of racist attack
A BUS driver was attacked and had racist abuse hurled at him when he tried to eject two passengers from his bus. Haroon Bulla was driving his 582 bus from Leigh to Bolton, when at one stop, he picked up several passengers including two men. "They asked
-
Date
Care home closure sparks review call
AN East Lancashire MP has called for the county council to rethink its care home closure programme following the sudden closure of a private nursing home. The 17 residents of Great Harwood Lodge Residential Home were given two hours to move out of the
-
Date
Popular advice centre to close
LEIGH Citizens' Advice Bureau is to close at the end of June after 24 successful years in the town. The shock decision was made after the financial backers -- Wigan Council and the Legal Services Commission -- called for the centre to merge with the Wigan
-
Date
Super Chamber go-ahead after vote for merger
THE PROPOSED "super" Chamber of Commerce for north Manchester businesses has been given the go-ahead. Bolton and Bury Chamber voted Yes to a merger with their counterparts in Rochdale and Oldham at an extraordinary general meeting. The new North Manchester
-
Date
MP out to make Tory vicar a fan of leader
RURAL MP Nigel Evans has promised to turn Whalley vicar Chris Sterry into a Iain Duncan Smith fan following his election on a Tory ticket to Ribble Valley Council. And he has also warned him about the harsh reality of life in the public eye after the
-
Date
Thanks for voting me in
MY thanks to the voters of Tyldesley East Ward for continuing to place their faith in me at the Local Elections. I am delighted with this result, which was achieved against a national picture of mid-term blues' for Labour. The outcome was all the more
-
Date
Thank God that's over!
BLACKPOOL'S campaign finally ended with a 1-1 draw against Chesterfield -- and many Tangerine followers could not have waited any longer for the season to end. The Seasiders finished on a dismal run of 12 games without a win and dropped to end up in the
-
Date
Team-mates reunited
BURNLEY'S Division Two championship winning side of 1972/73 will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a special reunion dinner at Turf Moor tomorrow. And Martin Dobson is looking forward to meeting up with his former team-mates, who he claims contributed
-
Date
Looking for first champs win
GARY Keedy was set to play his first game of the season at Lord's today as captain Warren Hegg asks his Lancashire side to flex their championship muscles. They are looking for their first championship win of the season when they take on Middlesex at
-
Date
Fame - with a makeover
FAME -- The Musical was given a 21st Century makeover, but that didn't spoil the party as the audience were treated to an energetic and feel-good musical extravaganza. The Fame School has come a long way since it was first immortalised on the big screen
-
Date
Pilot vote
BLACKPOOL was one of 11 North West councils involved in groundbreaking pilot schemes aimed at increasing election turnout. Some were all-postal schemes like Blackpool's, while others combined postal ballots with e-voting, using digital television, internet
-
Date
Sleeping like a dog!
IT'S NO shaggy dog story! Eight hardy fund-raisers slept wuff in a kennel at the weekend to raise money for Blackpool's RSPCA animal home. The group were all sponsored to sleep in one of the inside kennels at Longview animal home, Division Lane on Sunday
-
Date
Tashon breaks record - in trainers
GIFTED Tashon Whittaker ran his first 400m for Leigh Harriers and broke a 12-years-old club record -- without spikes. The 16-years-old Lowton sprinter, who sliced one tenth of a second off Matthew Goodwin's U17 53.5 sec time, scored a great double victory
-
Date
Leigh CC:Junior Section
WITH Leigh's Under 11's season curtain raiser against Westleigh being rained off last Thursday, the junior section hope to have better luck with the weather this week. Three of the four Green and Gold junior sides play their initial matches of the year
-
Date
Leigh's aces win game of patience
Batley Bulldogs 12 Leigh Centurions 38 by Mike Hulme T HE Centurions' reward for playing a perfect game of patience was a third straight National League One victory and a firm grip on top spot. Leigh's character and bloody-minded will to win were the
-
Date
Death fall firm fined £75,000
AN award-winning construction firm whose two steel erectors fell while working at an Imperial War Museum extension killing one of them, was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £9,000 costs at the Old Bailey. William Hare Ltd --Steelwork Contractor of the
-
Date
I've had a nightmare, says Cole
ROVERS striker Andy Cole today admitted he can't wait for the season to end after describing his form as 'terrible' this term. The former England and Manchester United star has endured a miserable time up front after scoring just six goals in the Premiership
-
Date
Broadband boon for businesses
BUSINESSES on the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in Nelson have access to the latest broadband technology after it was officially launched by Stephens Timms MP. The Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for e-commerce within
-
Date
Taxi ride to police station
A MAN who demanded to be taken home after a taxi row did not get his wish -- he was taken to Burnley police station instead. The town's magistrates had been told Kenneth Gent, 27, had been taken back to the cab office by the driver after he was driven
-
Date
Sloppy slipper safety swap
BACK by popular demand, a second slipper exchange is coming to Darwen on Monday. The event will give elderly people the chance to swap their sloppy slippers for a new pair for free. Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust is hoping for another successful
-
Date
Vandal terror traps couple in their home
AN elderly couple have fallen victim to a ten-year vandalism campaign which has caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to their home. Kathleen and Jim Hindley, of Heys Lane, Darwen, have had to fork out their pension money to repair walls and garden
-
Date
Bus firm withdraws evening service
ROSSENDALE Transport has withdrawn evening service 273 between Rawtenstall and Bolton via Ramsbottom. No buses now run between Rawtenstall and Bolton in the evening. Most of the daytime service is numbered 243 and runs from Burnley to Bolton via Rawtenstall
-
Date
Funds push to help new mums
HEALTH campaigners have launched a fundraising drive to pay for a dedicated breastfeeding counsellor for new mums in Rossendale. The Bury, Rossendale and North Manchester branch of the National Childbirth Trust launched the appeal as part of Breastfeeding
-
Date
Mary Rose explained
HARRY Eatough will tell the past and present story of Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, at the May 13 meeting of Atherton Heritage Society at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Hall. Non-members welcome.
-
Date
MPs surgery
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham will meet constituents at three surgeries this weekend. On Saturday (May 10) he will be at the Church Lane Community Centre, Lowton, from 9.30am to 10.30am, Atherton Town Hall between 10.45am to 11.45am and the Leigh Advice Centre
-
Date
Special day for teen parents
TEENAGE parents are invited to chill out at their own special day on Saturday. Young mums and mums-to-be are invited to drop in to Leigh's Image Centre for a free hair cut, waxing, manicure, or reflexology session in Walmesley Road. There will also be
-
Date
Fifties swim star dies, 74
FIFTIES swimming star Jack Whittaker has died at the age of 74. The former butcher's boy, colliery apprentice blacksmith turned Borstal instructor and college lecturer, collapsed in his car after walking the dog during a caravan break with his wife, Gladys
-
Date
Call to RAF vets
RAF St Eval Association would like to contact ex-St Eval personnel, RAF, WAAF, WRAF, and those on detachment, all ranks. Those interested please contact Graham on 01179 672547 or Dave 01202 398190. Mr Graham Hill, Pound House, Kingswood, Bristol.
-
Date
Vow to serve electorate
MAY we take this opportunity to thank the people of the new Golden Hill ward, for choosing us as their representatives on South Ribble Borough Council. We have enjoyed meeting many of them during the election campaign and now look forward to listening
-
Date
School notches up 50 years
PENWORTHAM Priory Technology College (formally Penwortham County Secondary School) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this July. A 'Time Line' following the development of the school is being created by the history department and we would welcome any
-
Date
No more plain sailing for businessman
A BLACKPOOL businessman who spent £25,000 of his bankrupt company's money on a yacht for his personal use has agreed to a ban on taking directorships, along with his wife and another director. James Denley of Everest Drive, Bispham, has given an undertaking
-
Date
Mobile phone clue to missing 'family man'
A MOBILE phone found under a Blackpool pier could hold a clue to the whereabouts of a missing Glasgow man. Father-of-one Robert Reid , 46, of Ruchill, Glasgow, was last seen by 46-year-old wife Sandra and their eight-year-old son Lewis at lunchtime on
-
Date
Stop strangling our businesses!
TRADERS on Blackpool's Queen Street say their businesses are being strangled by years of regeneration and rebuilding work. Margaret Barrett, of Bodytalk ladies' lingerie and swimwear and Debbie Rowlands of Standerwicks (China and Glass) say the latest
-
Date
Stop strangling our businesses!
TRADERS on Blackpool's Queen Street say their businesses are being strangled by years of regeneration and rebuilding work. Margaret Barrett, of Bodytalk ladies' lingerie and swimwear and Debbie Rowlands of Standerwicks (China and Glass) say the latest
-
Date
Yo-yo is a no no for Fylde firm
A FYLDE firm says that a yo-yo toy -- dubbed a 'danger to children' by government officials -- does conform to rigorous British safety standards. Yo-Balls have now been banned throughout the UK by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) after failing
-
Date
Grave concerns for relatives
ANGRY relatives have criticised safety conscious council officials who are digging up gravestones after a survey revealed they are a public safety hazard. Graveyards throughout the Wyre area have come to the attention of council environment inspectors
-
Date
Disappointing turnout goes down to the Wyre
FEEBLE poll turnouts, postal voting and boundary changes have all being blamed by Wyre councillors for one of the lowest election turnouts in history on Thursday, May 1. In a night which saw Wyre Tories cling to power with 33 seats -- after losing stronghold
-
Date
Pupils' days of adventure
PUPILS at a local school were bitten by the adventure bug --on a three day residential trip to North Wales. Thirty Year 8 pupils from Pleckgate High School, Blackburn, enjoyed a visit to Howell's School in Denbigh, where they took part in a programme
-
Date
Sisters' lost pup torment
A HEARTBROKEN family are making a desperate appeal for a mystery couple to reunite them with their lost puppy in time for her first birthday. Trish McGarvey, of Mossdale, Blackburn, said daughters Becky, 11, and Amy, seven, had been very upset since their
-
Date
Investigation into court official
A COURT official has been suspended on suspicion of selling counterfeit CDs at Blackburn magistrates court. The member of staff, understood to be an office worker, has been told to stay away from work until a Trading Standards investigation is completed
-
Date
Bin bother over collection days
PENSIONER John Wood has got ringing in his ears -- after spending two days trying to phone council cleansing chiefs. Retired plasterer John says he has tried to contact the cleansing department at Blackburn with Darwen Council more than two dozen times
-
Date
Globe create a chasm at the top
GLOBE Bowling Club, Accrington have opened up a 15 point lead at the top of the Thwaites-sponsored Premier League. They gained an excellent 7-7 draw at Turton. Alan Topham had a 21-3 home win with narrow 21-17 and 21-19 victories for Barry Hall and Alan
-
Date
Title-chasers take a precious scalp
GREAT Harwood moved into second place in the Walker Farrimond Super League following a vital 5-1 win over fellow title favourites Brownedge. These are the sort of results needed if the Lowerfold team are to retain the championship and win as they did,
-
Date
Thanks to the Fylde voters
ON BEHALF of Joan and myself as the Mayor and Mayoress Elect of Fylde, we would like to thank all those in St Leonard's Ward who turned out to vote in the recent Fylde Borough elections. This has given us the opportunity to represent the borough for the
-
Date
The no argument...
THE biggest opponents of foundation hospitals have come from within the Labour Party itself, led by former Health Secretary Frank Dobson. Their major concern is that to invite the best performing hospitals to apply for the special status is akin to creating
-
Date
Search for schools boss
WIGAN Council is seeking a new £100,000 a year education chief. The search is on for a successor to its inspirational director of education, Bob Clark, who has announced he will retire in November. Council bosses say they are looking for an outstanding
-
Date
Mystery solved in minutes
WITHIN hours of last week's Journal hitting the mat the solution to a missing person problem was solved. A reader asked me to find out the whereabouts of Leigh singer Jimmy Eckersley, stage name Tony Rome for a former Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, neighbour of
-
Date
EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, May 10, 2003
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. "Gone Beggin'," Intack Pub, Accrington Road, Blackburn, 9pm. Plant Sale, Derwent Hall, George Street, Darwen, 11am-1pm. Proceeds to Cancer Research UK. "Introduction
-
Date
Hero Leonard
LEIGH East U11s ended their season with a 22-22 draw at Ince Rose Bridge. From the kick off East put pressure in the Ince team and went into half time with a 6-0 lead. The second half saw East and Ince trade tries and as the clock ticked down it looked
-
Date
Speedway meeting
ASTLEY & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway are staging the third round of the Northern Fours League and Junior League series at Gin Pit on Sunday. A bumper day's racing, starts at 11.30am, with three Fours League matches and three matches for the Junior League
-
Date
Lollipop staff take lot of licking
THE 'lollipop' crossing patrol is 50 years old this month. Reporter David Higgerson crossed the road to find out what all the fuss is about... LYNN Hennessy takes her life into her own hands each day by walking out into the road in front of moving traffic
-
Date
Smokey loves to play
SMOKEY is a black and tan cross breed who arrived at Manchester Dogs' Home in January 2003 after he was found wandering in Heywood and taken to Rochdale Police Station. Smokey was once rehomed but was unfortunately returned to us as he doesn't get along
-
Date
Community should control the police
WITH reference to the comments in 'Leaver at Large,' regarding the spending of the revenue from speed cameras (LET, April 30), as a 'Thatcher' taxpayer I can only say that at all costs it is imperative that our police force is funded and therefore controlled
-
Date
Positive action is needed
THE rise of the BNP in Burnley is partly due to other reasons than the "failure of the council to get it's message across" as stated by the council ceader and MP. The paralell society that has developed over the past 20 years is indicative of a lack of
-
Date
Recipe for the working man
I WAS most interested in your article (LET, April 26) on Lancashire's most famous meal -- Hot Pot. The recipe was for poor man's Hot Pot. The one I offer is for Working Man's. I have also included one from my grandmother's diary, dated 1904. She notes
-
Date
Bid to beat pupil racism
COUNTY bosses are working to set up an anti-racism scheme at a troubled Accrington school. Lancashire County Council is working with Moorhead High School to implement the scheme to ensure there is no repeat of last year's violence when six pupils pleaded
-
Date
Final game KO is 3pm
ROVERS are reminding supporters that Sunday afternoon's kick-off time at White Hart Lane is three o'clock. The final round of the Premier League fixtures will all commence at three o'clock and not at four as published elsewhere. Supporters intending to
-
Date
Saunders may be target for Rams
BLACKBURN Rovers coach Dean Saunders is being lined up as the next manager of Derby County. The former Rams striker is believed to be top of the Pride Park club's short-list after John Gregory was unceremoniously sacked for gross misconduct last night
-
Date
Man exposes himself to schoolgirls
A MAN indecently exposed himself to two schoolgirls as they took a short-cut home in Leyland yesterday. The girls were walking through an alley from West Paddock, leading to Fox Lane, at about 3.55pm, when they saw the man, who unbuttoned his jeans and
-
Date
Sound idea for mobiles
A PAIR of Preston business-brains are launching an invention they say will revolutionise mobile phones. Darren Mercer and Stephen Kear put their heads together and came up with the device which they say cuts down on the amount of radiation from a mobile
-
Date
Mrs Motivator
A FITNESS instructor is limbering up and inspiring Preston women to get in shape for this year's Race for Life. Aerobics teacher Anne Blydgen, 32, will be taking the lead in the warm up at Preston Sport's Arena on Sunday June 1. It will be the eighth
-
Date
Anti-war protester marches to victory
AN anti-war campaigner won a victory in Preston after being voted onto the city council. Michael Lavalette, of the Socialist Alliance Against the War, now represents the Town Centre ward. The elections saw few changes at Preston Town Hall with the Conservative's
-
Date
Rosegrove Bulletin
THE winners of the Lowerhouse Bowling Club's mixed doubled competition were Mr and Mrs Keith and Iris Charnock. They won £100. Runners-up were Mr and Mrs Brian and Barbara Smith, who won £50. Resident Stephen Wharf sponsored the competition and Bird's
-
Date
Daniel 'might never be found'
DETECTIVES were warning today that missing seven-year-old Daniel Entwistle might never be found. Burnley-born Daniel, who, vanished from his home in Great Yarmouth on Saturday, is thought to have been playing on the raised bank of a tidal river shortly
-
Date
Fitness holds key to Cardiff -- Preece
SHAKERS supremo Andy Preece insists his player rotation gamble will pay dividends when the play-off finalists are determined on Tuesday night. Preece rested no fewer than six first team stars for last week's 3-0 defeat to Wrexham -- a result which pushed
-
Date
Prisoner used cell as toilet
A DISGRUNTLED aircraft engineer urinated on a cell floor and was said to have stuffed his blanket down the toilet after being arrested. Burnley Magistrates heard how Carl Field, 25, was drunk and threatening as he was put in the police station cell in
-
Date
Woman shouted in street
A WOMAN arrested on the way home from a family meal had abused police, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates were told how Michelle Bennett, 41, was shouting and swearing in the street, was asked to calm down and move away but continued her behaviour
-
Date
Post Office cousin jailed for fraud
ONE of two cousins was today starting a five month jail term for his part in an alleged total £38,000 benefits fraud at Nelson Post Office. Young dad Zubair Mohmed, 27, who worked at the family run premises in the Victory Centre, netted more than £7,100
-
Date
Nature reserve's open day
BURY'S Chesham Local Nature Reserve is holding an Open Day on Sunday. Between 11am-4pm, there will be plenty of activities and events, including art workshops, guided walks and face painting. There will also be refreshments available and visitors can
-
Date
Every one a champion
CHILDREN and adults proved having a disability does not have to stop them being athletes at a special event at Preston Sports Arena on Monday. The day was organised between Preston Sports Development and Preston Harriers and aimed at giving people with
-
Date
Plants sale for kids
KINGSLEIGH Youth Council has organised a fund raising weekend to help support its work among young people. Plants will be on sale between 9.30am and noon on Friday, May 16, at the King Street youth centre in Leigh, while on Saturday (9.30-noon) plants
-
Date
Special day for teen parents
TEENAGE parents are invited to chill out at their own special day on Saturday. Young mums and mums-to-be are invited to drop in to Leigh's Image Centre for a free hair cut, waxing, manicure, or reflexology session in Walmesley Road. There will also be
-
Date
Bag snatch witnesses sought
POLICE in Accrington are appealing for witnesses after a woman, aged 82, had her bag snatched on a busy road. She was walking home along Foster Street, Accrington, when the thief ran up behind her and took the bag off her shoulder and ran off. He escaped
-
Date
Terror attack on woman driver
A YOUNG rugby players' mum was left in terror when two vandals attacked her car following an evening academy match at Leigh. Susan Bamford had been watching her 16-years-old son Salford player, Darren, play against the young Leigh side, and was driving
-
Date
Road chaos pledge from contractors
UNITED Utilities has promised that road works creating traffic chaos in Leigh will be finished on time. The promise comes as businesses in the Tamar-Wigan Road area, hit by the sewer works in Leigh Road, claim that trade is suffering. One has threatened
-
Date
Bid to beat pupil racism
COUNTY bosses are working to set up an anti-racism scheme at a troubled Accrington school. Lancashire County Council is working with Moorhead High School to implement the scheme to ensure there is no repeat of last year's violence when six pupils pleaded
-
Date
Search for schools boss
WIGAN Council is seeking a new £100,000 a year education chief. The search is on for a successor to its inspirational director of education, Bob Clark, who has announced he will retire in November. Council bosses say they are looking for an outstanding
-
Date
Three-day Carnival back in a big way
LEIGH Carnival is back in a big way -- 19 years after the bunting was rolled away for the last time. It is hoped that the three day family event at the end of July will bring back a sense of community spirit and pride to the town. Now the organisers,
-
Date
Romantic 'collars' his bride
AN ex-racing greyhound helped romantic David Bamford win the heart of girlfriend Michelle Moseley. Jimmy, a two-years-old rescue dog, delivered a proposal of marriage to Michelle, while the animal loving couple were visiting the National Canine Defence
-
Date
Horror death on railway
THE body of a 58-year-old man has been found on railway tracks close to Clitheroe railway station. British Transport Police officers, North West air ambulance and land ambulance crews were called to the site at 3.30pm yesterday. Police said there were
-
Date
The rural bus with a royal touch is launched
THE rural bus that ferried Prince Charles around Ribble Valley during his visit in January has been officially launched. The Bowland Bus Scheme, unveiled by Prince Charles at Clitheroe Interchange during his Ribble Valley visit, was launched at Chipping
-
Date
Uri's in a glass of his own
CELEBRITY spoon-bender Uri Geller has turned to Clitheroe firm Ultraframe to help him construct a huge glass pyramid in the garden of his Hertfordshire mansion. The wacky psychic, who appeared on last year's 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here', conjured
-
Date
Club sale agreed
FYLDE rugby club members have agreed to a £3 million plus deal which secures its future. The club will sell 2.8 acres of land to a housing developer, in a deal which will wipe out its £700,000 debt and leave cash in the bank. The second team pitch will
-
Date
Hunt for sheep worry dog
WE have been breeding pedigree sheep in the Lowton areas for some 20 years. Last Friday two of our young sheep, with whom we spent hours of sleepless nights doing lambing, feeding twice daily, were viciously attacked by a dog. If not for the brave actions
-
Date
Threats man was upset at drug pusher
A 23-YEAR-OLD man arrested in a town centre disturbance had been threatening a pusher who dealt drugs to children, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates heard Gareth Fishwick, 24, told police he did not care if they locked him up, refused to calm down and
-
Date
Order 'harder than jail' for offender
A THIEF given a drug testing and treatment order would find it harder than jail, his solicitor told magistrates. The Burnley bench heard how prison held no fear for John Waldron, 32, and that was the easier option for him. Waldron, who has 143 previous
-
Date
Cox is target for Gills
FORMER Burnley defender Ian Cox could be on his way to Gillingham. The 32-year-old, who was released last week, has been targeted by the Clarets' First Division rivals. Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler is keen to strengthen his rearguard in a bid to launch
-
Date
Keen to get underway
DARWEN are hoping to actually play some cricket when they host Fleetwood in the Northern Premier League tomorrow. Last weekend they suffered a double blank, starting on Saturday when the umpires failed to show for their clash with Lancaster. They stayed
-
Date
Pankaj all pumped to play for Padiham
PANKAJ Tripathi is already giving Padiham full value for money this season. But the performances of the Indian all-rounder, who has returned to the club as a professional this season, haven't yet yielded the results they deserve. His opening day knock
-
Date
Ali's instant impact on return to Centre Vale
THE cricket season is barely four games old and already Todmorden's spin-king Ibra Ali has his eyes on being the Lancashire League's top bowler this term. Ibra starred for the Centre Vale club throughout the 1990s, taking the league's bowling prize on
-
Date
Musical journey through Christ's Resurrection
BOOTHSTOWN actors face a new challenge for their next production. CINBADS will perform "Alive to Tell the Story" in the round in the Holy Family Scout Hall next month. The show from May 17-19 takes the audience on a musical journey through the resurrection
-
Date
Changes at top of biscuit firm
A BLACKPOOL firm's chief executive has left -- and three other directors are to follow. But the owners of Burton Foods Ltd, which employs 800 people at its head office and factories locally, say the company still has a strong future and no further changes
-
Date
Golborne's poor start
GOLBORNE CC made a miserable start to the new Bolton Association season. Their opening game at Adlington was washed out after just 24 overs while the following day a batting collapse brought a three-run defeat by Astley and Tyldesley. At Adlington openers
-
Date
Miners keep dream alive
Leigh Miners Rangers 24 Skirlaugh 6: LAST season's beaten National Conference Grand Finalists, Leigh Miners, have set their sights on going one better than runner's-up medals. Whether they have the fire-power to achieve their goal remains to be seen,
-
Date
Clews stars in first win
LEIGH approached this game looking for their first win, having drawn one and lost one of their first two matches. After losing the toss and being invited to bat, skipper and makeshift opener Phil Edwards took to the crease with Rob Clews, neither quite
-
Date
Atherton CC line up for the start of the new season.
EIGHT WICKETS - Ian Nuttall Nuttall's gr-eight effort! ATHERTON CC completed an excellent weekend when, after Saturday's home fixture against Blackrod was washed out after 18 overs, on Sunday they completed an eight wicket win at Darcy Lever. Winning
-
Date
Thirds make it three in a row
NOT surprisingly, the weather forecast was wrong, so instead of the wet afternoon promised by our meteorological department Sunday brought a pleasant afternoon of early summer sun. Leigh lost the toss but were happy with the Formby captain's decision
-
Date
Meeting your ancestors
LIBRARIES across Bury will be taking part in this year's Local History Month which runs right through May. Following on from the success of last year's programme across the country, the Historical Association is bringing together a range of local and
-
Date
Cox is target for Gills
FORMER Burnley defender Ian Cox could be on his way to Gillingham. The 32-year-old, who was released last week, has been targeted by the Clarets' First Division rivals. Gills manager Andy Hessenthaler is keen to strengthen his rearguard in a bid to launch
-
Date
Pop idol wannabes gala chance
ACTS for next month's Darwen Lions Gala have been announced -- but potential pop idols are needed to get the party started. The fun-filled day will kick off at 10am on Saturday, June 21, and members of the public are being invited to join in the festivities
-
Date
Top award for new theatre group
A NEWLY-FORMED Darwen theatre company has won an award for its first performance. Pepperpot Hill amateur theatre group was formed last year to perform Calamity Jane over three nights at the Darwen Library Theatre in February and March. Producer Anne Ingham
-
Date
Suicide verdict on man found hanging
A MAN was found dead by his estranged wife after he set her a Valentine's Day text message saying he was sorry their marriage had failed, an inquest was told. Simon West, 42, told Elaine West in the text message: "Thank you Elaine. I'm so sorry as ever
-
Date
Arson probe into mill fire
FIREFIGHTERS were working throughout the morning to tackle a raging inferno of flames that gutted a Bacup mill. The fire at Waterside Mill, off Burnley Road, is believed to have been started deliberately and investigations were started today. Motorists
-
Date
Learn how to save the planet
RESIDENTS in Ramsbottom will be able to learn about helping the environment during Environment Week 2003, run by Bury Metro, from May 18-25. The aim of the week is to encourage people to do their bit for their environment. It will also promote the issues
-
Date
Call to take the landmark plunge
DAREDEVIL charity fundraisers are gearing up for a sponsored abseil from one of Rossendale's best known landmarks. The Children's Hospital Appeal Trust is organising the event at Peel Monument, Holcombe Hill, for the second time after raising more than
-
Date
Plants sale for kids
KINGSLEIGH Youth Council has organised a fund raising weekend to help support its work among young people. Plants will be on sale between 9.30am and noon on Friday, May 16, at the King Street youth centre in Leigh, while on Saturday (9.30-noon) plants
-
Date
Tango dancers at MPs office
FRENCH tango dancers Henri Tube and Mademoiselle Francesca Mache have been invited to No 10. That's No 10 Market Street, Leigh - home base of MP Andy Burnham who is now playing host to inspired life-size creations by imaginative youngsters at St Thomas
-
Date
Riders go End to End...
LEIGH police are backing brothers PC Mark and Paul Sayer in an End to End charity bike ride. The duo set off on Saturday from John O'Groats and plan to reach Lands End 874 miles and eight days later. It is hoped that the event, which has taken 18 months
-
Date
Man escapes as giant lorry crashes into garden
AN Astley man was taken to hospital after a 32 ton lorry overturned on a bend outside his home sending debris crashing into his garden. Fred Clough, was gardening at his bungalow home alongside Astley OAP's headquarters next to St Ambrose Primary School
-
Date
Miners' claims date set
THE cut-off date for miners' respiratory disease claims is March 31 next year. Miners and the widows and family of deceased colliery workers are being urged to claim now for a slice of what is thought to be the world's largest personal injury scheme.
-
Date
MP's mail stolen at knifepoint
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham is appealing to constituents whose letters were snatched in a daring daylight mail van robbery. A parcel containing the MP's mail re-routed from the House of Commons was among parcels stolen in a Leigh town centre raid when a GPO
-
Date
Garden palace for princess Rebecca
LITTLE heart patient Rebecca Rogers always wanted to be a princess in her own palace. Her mum Catherine approached the Make A Wish charity and it has made her dream come true after hearing of the brave five-year-old's vision. While Rebecca was at school
-
Date
Tale with a sting in it
THERE'S a buzz in the air in Bispham at the moment -- and you could be forgiven for thinking it's a real hornets' nest as giant wasps make a home on the Fylde coast! 'Gigantic' wasps have been spotted by at least two on people on Hastings Avenue, following
-
Date
Runners to make a stand for Lottie
THREE Blackpool runners face an uphill struggle as they bid to scale Britain's three highest mountains -- by boat! Neil Morris, Steve Gregg and Dave Ferrier are taking part in the unique 'Three Peaks Yacht Race' in a bid to raise money to help six-year-old
-
Date
Grave concerns for relatives
ANGRY relatives have criticised safety conscious council officials who are digging up gravestones after a survey revealed they are a public safety hazard. Graveyards throughout the Wyre area have come to the attention of council environment inspectors
-
Date
Time for all true Leythers to stand up
Leigh Centurions are back! The past few weeks have seen a massive mood swing at OUR club, the team has become a TEAM again. The enthusiasm, desire and will to win are there for all to see, something that seemed to be missing for large parts of last year
-
Date
Fraud with a friend's Switch card
KAREN Dyer repeatedly took a friend's Switch card, used it to make purchases, and then replaced it in her bag, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that the offences only came to light when the friend received statements from her bank detailing
-
Date
Sisters' lost pup torment
A HEARTBROKEN family are making a desperate appeal for a mystery couple to reunite them with their lost puppy in time for her first birthday. Trish McGarvey, of Mossdale, Blackburn, said daughters Becky, 11, and Amy, seven, had been very upset since their
-
Date
Ted leads the way in 'real bloke' phone poll
A BLACKBURN man flying the flag for 'real blokes' everywhere is asking people to throw their weight behind him as he seeks to lift a national title. Ted Sayers is in front in a national vote in the finals of the Real Bloke Challenge, run by pie-makers
-
Date
Terror of 'drug den' phone box
POLICE are calling for a Blackburn phone box to be relocated after residents claimed it had become a drug-dealers' hangout. They have backed a campaign for the BT box, on a path off Roebuck Close on Blackburn's Galligreaves estate, to be moved on to a
-
Date
Repairs scheme put on hold
SOME 300 former council house tenants have been told repairs to their homes have been put on hold for a year. Now a group headed by a tenants' association is considering legal action to get the work done at homes on the Roman Road estate, Blackburn. But
-
Date
Schools reap the rewards
SCHOOL staff in 100 East Lancashire schools are to be awarded cash bonuses for helping pupils achieve high or improved test results. The school achievement awards scheme reward everyone working within the schools from the headteacher to the caretaker.
-
Date
Wood and Dobson set the pace
IN THE Evalast Merit Awards both Terry Wood with nine points and Tony Dobson (eight) are virtually neck and neck as they both remain undefeated after six games. The point between has occurred because Terry has played one more away fixture than Tony. Both
-
Date
Keep Lowther Gardens as it is!
I AM writing to protest in the strongest possible terms to the proposed closure of Lowther Pavilion. The town hall can find many venues but once the theatre is closed its a way of life gone for ever. The shows and fairs enjoyed by residents and visitors
-
Date
Don't give 'em a break
IF you are planning to take your pet abroad on holiday this year, I would appeal to you to please think twice before doing so. Vets are now facing the fact they may have to treat many new diseases here from the continent. One such disease is heartworm
-
Date
Independent view
I WOULD greatly appreciate it, if through your page, I could sincerely thank the residents of Stanley Ward, who voted for me. Overall, my vote can only be described as incredible and the total of 821 is by far and away the best that an Independent candidate
-
Date
Grounded by the Canaries
TYRONE Mears scored an own goal to ensure the season failed to end on a high for Preston North End. After an even contest in the first half, Mears let the home side in front within 18 seconds of the restart. He looped a header over keeper Jonathan Gould
-
Date
Lucketti tops players' poll
CHRIS Lucketti showed the respect he has earned among his team-mates and fans by winning North End's Players' Player of the Year award as well as several awards in the fans' own awards ceremony. At the event North End manager Craig Brown praised the skipper
-
Date
The yes argument...
THE proposals for foundation hospitals, put forward by Health Secretary Alan Milburn, would free the best-performing hospitals from Whitehall control and allow them to borrow and pay more to attract the best staff. Mr Milburn has said he would welcome
-
Date
Turkey chase just gets more curious
HTHE 35lb turkey-like bird spotted roosting in an Astley tree last week has created an air of mystery. One villager tells me it could be an "absolutely massive" heron which lives in fields behind St Stephen's Church -- one which has snaffled all the goldfish
-
Date
Are people mad naming their cars?
I UNEXPECTEDLY traded in my much loved little bella donna coloured Ka. It wasn't planned. it just happened. On Saturday I got a surprise when a prospective buyer rang asking why I'd got shut. I explained it was a super little vehicle but I'd got the chance
-
Date
Mole that didn't like carols!
I SPENT all of my last week's holiday developing a new garden on a recently acquired plot of land. For seven days I toiled and the last job was to lay a lawn. I scattered the seed, made some plastic scarecrow bows and waited for it to germinate. After
-
Date
Yobs who make lives a misery
NEIGHBOURS in St Helens Road, Leigh, discovered that they had suffered at the hands of vandals. One older car had been set on fire, another had three windows broken. What is in the mind of youngsters who get their kicks from such behaviour? They don't
-
Date
£200m drugs gang jailed
PRISON sentences of up to 24 years have been given to eight members of a gang who set up a bogus company to import drugs to Radcliffe worth more than £200 million. The men founded what appeared to be a legitimate firm of vehicle part importers to smuggle
