10 years ago

POLICE were given powers to pour alcohol down the drain under new laws aimed at stopping youngsters drinking.

Under the Confiscation of Alcohol, Young Persons Act youngsters spotted drinking alcohol in public places and causing a nuisance faced arrest if they did not hand over their booze.

The powers come in the wake of an uproar surrounding the boom in alcopops.

25 years ago

SUPERMARKET giant JS Sainsbury reaffirmed its commitment to Blackburn.

This came after Burnley Council approved Sainsbury's plan for a multimillion pound store in the town.

A spokesman for the group said they were delighted with Burnley's decision and looked forward to coming to Blackburn.

Sainsbury bosses had put in a proposal for a store in Whitebirk Industrial Estate.

50 years ago

COLDS and flu, which had caused thousands of children to be off sick from school, meant two swimming galas were called off in Burnley.

Burnley Swimming Club postponed its gala after only a handful of the 40 swimmers were expected to attend.

And St Mary's RC Secondary Modern School called off its gala as more than half its pupils were absent.

The effects of flu were also felt by businesses in East Lancs.