Archive
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Trafford Centre store boss groped teenager on glamping trip
A RETAIL manager from who groped a 14-year-old boy on a camping trip - after grooming him with alcohol and cannabis - has been jailed for 39 months. Christopher Spencer, 41, befriended the Bury boy's family and bought him computer games, Minshull
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People asked to only attend A and E for life threatening conditions following busy day
People in East Lancashire are being asked to only attend A and E if they have a life-threatening condition after they are reporting to be very busy. East Lancashire Hospital Trust, which runs Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital
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Five of East Lancashire's six boroughs in top 10 for worst infection rates
Five of the six East Lancashire boroughs are now in the top ten for the worst infection rates in the country. All the boroughs, except Pendle, are now experiencing some of the worst infection rates in the country, however all six boroughs are recording
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Further 102 virus cases discovered in Blackburn
The number of recorded coronavirus cases in Blackburn with Darwen increased by 102 in the last 24 hours, official figures show. Public Health England figures show that 19,898 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am yesterday
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Coronavirus outbreak confirmed at EG Group headquarters
SEVERAL cases of coronavirus infections have been confirmed at EG Group's head office. The concerns were first raised when a member of the public, who who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed that over the past two weeks various members of staff
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Man brandished machete at pub — then threatened to chop cul-de-sac resident's arm off
A MAN arrested after being seen with a machete on a Blackburn street on Monday had earlier brandished the weapon in a nearby pub. Blackburn magistrates heard when he was challenged by a member of the public on Tresco Close, Thomas Howard threatened
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Is England in a third wave and could Covid restrictions last beyond June 21?
Experts are split over whether the final stage of lifting coronavirus restrictions should go ahead amid fears over a potential third wave of the pandemic washing over the UK. – What do the scientists say? Some urge caution, while others say
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Two arrested after £30,000 and cannabis found in car near Rivington services
TWO men have been arrested after being found with £30,000 cash and a quantity of cannabis near Rivington services. The duo were caught during a routine car stop on the M61 at around 9.10pm on Sunday, May 30. Officers on patrol on the northbound
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Teen lad left unconscious after fight between group of boys in Horwich
A 17-year-old boy was left unconscious and taken to hospital following a fight in Horwich. Police said the teenager was taken to hospital following an 'altercation' between a group of boys at around 7pm on Tuesday in Rivington Lane. Officers
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Cyclist taken to hospital with serious injuries following Bacup crash
A cyclist has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following a crash in Bacup. Police were called at 5.45am this morning (June 2) to the junction of Newchurch Road and New Line following a crash between a Ford Ranger pick-up truck and a
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Man with links to Burnley sought over assault in which woman was pinned down and strangled
A man is wanted in connection with an assault in which a woman was pinned down and strangled. The incident happened at a hotel in Preston on May 27, where threats were also made to kill the woman. Police are now seeking 26-year-old Daniel Addison
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Late night incident sees man threatened with knife and shots fired in street
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was threatened with a knife and shots were fired in a late night incident. Officers were called to Goldfinch Street in Preston at around 11.30pm on Wednesday May 19, after receiving reports that gun
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Amari'i Bell forced to fly home amid disruption for Jamaica squad
Amari’i Bell was among the Jamaica players who were forced to fly home after being refused entry into Japan over a Covid test result certificate. Ahead of their scheduled friendly with Japan today, which has since been cancelled, Bell was among
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Channel 4's Hunted's looking for Lancashire 'fugitives'- and you could win £100k
COULD you go off the grid and evade capture from some of the world's best investigators? If so, you could be on telly and potentially win £100,000. Channel 4’s hit show, Hunted, is looking for aspiring ‘fugitives’ to take part in their next
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For first time ever Lancashire will make county-wide bid become City of Culture 2025
Lancashire is to make a county-wide bid to become the UK's City of Culture 2025. On May 29, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden officially launched the search for UK City of Culture 2025 and, for the first time, the competition will welcome bids from
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Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed hotspots in East Lancashire
JAPANESE KNOTWEED AND GIANT HOGWEED are some of the most invasive plants in the UK- and heatmaps has revealed where they are growing in and around East Lancashire. These plants can be a nuisance to gardeners and one of them can even cause skin
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Thanks to the Queen you can have 9 days off work by booking just 3
Buckingham Palace has released further details of a “blockbuster” four-day bank holiday weekend in celebration of the Queen next year. The Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate the occasion having acceded to the throne on 6th February
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Iconic East Lancashire pub taken over by familiar face – who vows to make it best in country
A Michelin-starred chef has vowed to make an East Lancashire pub the best in the country – 17 years after he first opened the doors to the business. Nigel Haworth first took-over The Three Fishes in Mitton in 2004, transforming it over the course
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'Violent' criminal wanted on recall to prison - do you know where he is?
Police are seeking a violent criminal who they believe has breached his release licence conditions. Officers in Preston are asking people to keep an eye out for Gary Mooney, who is wanted on recall to prison. Mooney, 43, of Jemmett Street,
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People living in these areas of Blackburn urged to take Covid test as five new walk-in sites open
People who live, work or study in parts of Blackburn where Covid cases are rising are strongly encouraged to take a Covid-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not, to help track the spread of the latest variant of concern. Those in
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Vaccines for Blackburn's 12-18-year-olds need to be approved by Government as soon as possible, says health boss
Blackburn with Darwen's public health director has said the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) needs to approve the Pfizer vaccination for 12-18 year-olds as soon as possible to help fight the rising cases of coronavirus variants
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Language no barrier for Ben Brereton as he waits on Chile debut
Ben Brereton says language is no barrier to his prospects of a debut for Chile this week. Brereton will be aiming to feature for La Roja against Argentina in their World Cup qualifier on Friday after spending the last week training with his new
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Kaminski teams up with Belgium following Euro 2020 standby call
Rovers keeper Thomas Kaminski is part of the Belgium squad for their upcoming friendly fixtures as he remains on standby for their Euro 2020 squad. Kaminski has linked up with the national team for games against Greece (June 3) and Croatia (June
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Timeline: Updates from each day in court during the Aya Hachem murder trial
ON the 17th of May 2020, a teenage girl was shot dead in broad daylight on a Blackburn street. That girl was 19-year-old law student Aya Hachem. Eight people now stand trial accused of her murder and the attempted murder of another man, Pachah
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Garage bricks removed to free Kevin the cat trapped between walls
A cat who got stuck in a three-inch gap between two properties was rescued after firefighters removed bricks from a garage wall. Kevin, a black and white cat, may have fallen off a roof then cried for help after he was trapped in the tight space
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Joe McArdle column: ‘Normality’ may just help us forget the incompetence
Actor, writer and comedian taking a wry look at Lancashire life. This mysterious summer sun has finally made an appearance and is out in full glory - we know what this means don’t we? All those flabby, pasty bodies we’ve been hiding away over
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Aya Hachem murder trial resumes as witnesses called to give evidence
2:06pm There will be no further updates today as counsel continue to deal with other issues. We will let you know
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Falklands hero supporting initiative to thank fellow veterans with bespoke gifts
A FALKLANDS war hero is supporting an initiative to create special gifts of thanks for fellow veterans. Steve Butterworth, from Holcombe Brook, served as a catering accountant and medic in the Royal Navy between 1976 and 1983 - primarily patching
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Brits to enjoy four-day Bank Holiday weekend in celebration of the Queen
Brits will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in celebration of the Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee. The Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate the occasion having acceded to the throne on 6th February 1952, when she was 25-years-old. The
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Man in his forties tragically dies following crash in Colne
A pedestrian in his 40s has died following a crash in Colne. Police were called at around 1.05pm yesterday (Tuesday, June 1) to reports of a collision on Regent Street between a van and a pedestrian. Emergency services attended and sadly the pedestrian
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Dr Hilary Jones issues stark warning to Brits over 'end' of coronavirus pandemic
Good Morning Britain's resident medical expert Dr Hilary Jones has warned viewers that the UK is not at the "beginning of the end" of the Covid-19 pandemic. The GMB Health Editor made the claim when speaking to hosts Ranvir Singh and Adil Ray on
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'Do not eat this' - Aldi issues urgent product recall over salmonella fears
ALDI has urged shoppers to return a product after salmonella was detected. The supermarket is recalling Roosters Breaded Chicken Goujons. Aldi bosses have warned people not to eat the product after salmonella was detected in the batch.
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Man with links to Burnley wanted absconds from Kirkham prison
Police have released a picture of a man who escaped from prison. John Foreman, 32, who has links to Burnley, is wanted after absconding from HMP Kirkham. He is 5ft 11ins, of a slight build, with cropped brown hair and blue eyes. He has a scar on
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Man with 'regional accent' wanted by police for breaching prison release conditions
A man who 'speaks with a regional accent' is wanted on recall to prison. Ashley Keany is wanted by police after breaching his release licence conditions. The 34-year-old, of Assheton Place, Ribbleton, Preston, is white, 5ft 10in tall, of medium
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Anti-social youths threatened with arrest as police put dispersal order in place in this town
A dispersal order had to be put in place after police say an increase in youth anti-social behaviour had been reported in a Lancashire town. Officers in Blackpool authorised the section 34 order to be implemented at 8.20pm on Tuesday until 2am
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Pupils to be offered extra tuition and option to repeat school year in England
Pupils in England will be offered up to 100 million hours of tuition as part of the Government’s multimillion-pound catch-up programme The Department for Education (DfE) has announced an additional £1.4 billion of funding – on top of the £1.7 billion
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'Cocky' thug takes smiling selfie after avoiding jail for punching pregnant woman
THIS exclusive picture shows 'cocky' thug Nathan Buckley taking a smiling selfie outside court - after avoiding jail for punching a pregnant woman at a house party. In a victim statement read in court his victim said she was “devastated” by the
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Major road in Bacup closed after crash
A road has been closed in Rossendale after a 'serious' crash. Emergency services were at the scene on Newchurch Road in Bacup following the incident. The crash near to the junction with New Line, is causing major traffic disruption and police were said
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Ryder Cup: New plans unveiled for £200m North West golf course
FRESH plans to build a luxury golf resort and new homes in an historic Bolton park are being launched today. Last summer, the Government approved plans for more than 1,000 homes, a hotel and a golf course to be built on Hulton Park Estate - on
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Ribblesdale League Ramsbottom Cup round-up: Barlick pull of shock win
Barnoldswick pulled of the shock of the opening round of the Ramsbottom Cup after beating league leaders and previously unbeaten Feniscowles by three wickets. Feniscowles batted first and were restricted to 128-6 off their 40 overs. In reply, Barnoldswick
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Brits warned over false widow spider bites that could require hospital treatment
People are being warned of spider bites from noble false widow spiders could be so severe that it could lead to hospitalisation. The species of spider, found in Britian more than 140 years ago, could be more dangerous than originally thought, a
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‘Selfish drivers’ condemned for travelling wrong way down motorway to avoid queues
Police have condemned drivers who drove the wrong way down slip roads and carriageways to avoid queues after an accident on the M65. They also revealed more than 40 drivers will be prosecuted for doing so. On Sunday at around 4.50pm near to
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Ribblesdale League round-up: Fantastic Fenny flying high as win sends them clear
Feniscowles are now 17 points clear at the top of the Ribblesdale League after beating fellow high-flyers Ribblesdale Wanderers. Both teams went in to the top-of-the-table clash with unbeaten records but Feniscowles’ seven wicket victory means
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Insurance firm complete 3-Peaks challenge for hospice
A TEAM from Blackburn-based JM Glendinning Insurance Brokers is limbering up to take part in the 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge as part of Pendleside Hospice’s MEGA Raiseathon. Company MD and Hospice patron, Matthew Stuttard, along with
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The 'amazing' community groups honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
The Blackburn Youth Zone, Arts 2 Heal and Community Solutions are among seven Lancashire groups who have been presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The groups are included in the list of 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary
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Covid Community champs to deliver key health messages
Training is under way for Covid Community Champions to ensure key health messages are provided about the pandemic. The champions have also prepared videos to highlight the importance of surge testing and vaccine availability. Covid Community
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Were you brave enough to take on the super slide challenge?
THERE are slides and then there are giant slides. These photographs from the archives show two of the monster slides which were built for youngsters in Blackburn and Darwen. Most people will be familiar with the traditional playground slide
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New healthy-eating deli takeaway plan is approved
PLANS for a deli-bar on the car park of a sports and community centre have been given the green light. Zahim Khan wanted to build a single-storey cabin to supply food and drink at the local hub in Blackburn. The Dual Eats proposal for Audley
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Students build 2 metre-wide glider in student accommodation during lockdown
A group of engineering students built a 2.2 metre-wide glider in their student accommodation during lockdown. Despite most students being impacted by lockdown, the group of aerospace engineering students from the University of Central Lancashire
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Mental health coach and entrepreneur nominated for national business diversity award
A Blackburn entrepreneur and mental health coach has been nominated for a business award in the National Diversity Awards. Lee Chambers, the psychologist and founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing has been put forward for the Entrepreneur of
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Bensons-for-Beds appoints new chairman with stores now reopened for business
ONE of the country's biggest bed companies has announced that a new chairman is taking charge. Accrington-based Bensons for Beds says that Ian Shepherd will be taking over from previous chairman Chris Howell from the end of May onwards. This
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Vape firm welcomes 'next generation of talent' with youth employment scheme
A VAPE firm is welcoming 15 young people onto its staff as part of a national youth employment scheme. Blackburn-based Dinner Lady says that it will be welcoming the first of 16 to 24 year olds into its Shadsworth Industrial Estate headquarters
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Police officer on night out left with fractured skull after being punched by colleague’s partner
A POLICE officer who had been on a night out was left with a fractured skull and bleed on his brain after he was punched to the ground. Mark Lutkevitch had previously been escorted out of Rawtenstall Cricket Club before he was hit on the head by
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Pupils in Blackburn with Darwen miss more than 150,000 days of face-to-face teaching due to Covid
Blackburn with Darwen school pupils missed more than 150,000 days of face-to-face teaching in the autumn term after having to self-isolate or shield due to Covid-19, new figures have revealed. Schools across England reopened to all year groups from
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'A good chase for a girl' - what woman said to cops after 80 mph pursuit in snow
A MOTORIST led police on a prolonged pursuit in the early hours of the morning reaching speeds of over 80 mph as she raced through Accrington. Blackburn magistrates heard there was snow and ice on the roads and the chase ended when the car driven
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Lancs fighter jet firm 'puts profits ahead of Palestinian lives' say campaigners
A LANCASHIRE aerospace giant which helps manufacture jets used by the Israeli military has been condemned by campaigners as putting "profits ahead of Palestinian lives." BAE Systems, which maintains major sites in Samlesbury and Wharton, manufactures
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Meet the Blackburn-born soap star nominated at National Television Awards
A HOLLYOAKS actor has been nominated for an award at the National Television Awards. Blackburn-born Rhiannon Clements is excited to be nominated for the Best Newcomer of the Year for her role as Summer Ranger in the Channel 4 soap. The nominations
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Lighting firm completes five figure luxury hotel project
A LANCASHIRE lighting manufacturer has completed a five figure project working on a luxury hotel. Nelson-based CFE Lighting, which also has facilities in Trawden and Barrowford, designed and manufactured 55 exterior lighting bollards ahead of the
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Rovers' contract decisions will only become more pressing
Much has been made about the difficulty of Rovers tying down their senior players to extended contracts, and that work is only going to become more pressing during the course of next season. They had the security of one-year extensions in the deals
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Pub owners speak of 'industry wide' problem as more than 150 people fail to show for weekend bookings
East Lancashire pub owners have spoken out about a problem plaguing the hospitality industry after more than 150 people failed to show up for bookings over a single weekend. On Friday May 21, just four days after opening for indoor drinking and
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Donut shop to host two days of baking skills, games and activities for kids
A BLACKBURN donut shop is preparing a range of activities and special offers for children to coincide with half-term and National Donut Day. DIPZ donut shop, based on Plane Street and Bruce Business Park, hopes to give youngsters in the town something
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Man to pay more than £400 after skipping train fare - which only cost a fiver
A MAN will have to pay more than £400 after he failed to purchase a ticket for a journey that would have cost him a fiver. Rabie Alhikmiy tried to get away with travelling from Rochdale into the city without a valid ticket – but was stopped when
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Letter: Scrapping free hospital parking hits nurses and all NHS staff
The Department of Health has decided that the free parking passes issued to frontline workers during the pandemic are due to be scrapped. Once lockdown comes to an end, hopefully on June 21, the permits will no longer be legal to use. Currently
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Nearly a quarter of people caught with cannabis in Lancashire charged
NEARLY a quarter of people caught with cannabis last year were charged, figures reveal. Home Office data shows that of 1,019 cannabis possession offences closed by Lancashire Constabulary last year, 236 resulted in a charge or summons. That's