COMMUNITY beat manager for Hapton PC Tony Himycz will change his shifts in a bid to be on duty during times when residents are most concerned.

The move comes after PC Himycz held two surgeries in the village to enable people to meet him and air their concerns.

The first was held at the weekly coffee morning in the Methodist Church and he followed that with an evening surgery on Monday night.

The evening surgery was busier and has helped PC Himycz form ideas on making the village a safer place to be.

He told residents how much he had enjoyed the three-day trip he had taken to Chorley's Anderton Centre with local children. He was accompanied by colleague PC Derek Mitchell and youth worker Steve Marshall.

The trip was the culmination of the three-month long 'Streetwise' project where officers and youth workers had targeted young people who were aimlessly wandering round the streets.

THE Mayor and Mayoress of Padiham, councillors Granville and Pat Lord, attended an evening of clairvoyance at Padiham Football Club in aid of their charities.

Their very successful year in office as the first civic couple in Padiham for many years is drawing to a close.

The next Mayor of Padiham, councillor Bob Clark and his Mayoress, Mrs Hazel Rushton, will take up office on May 12.

FOOTBALL training sessions held by Burnley Football Club took place in the grounds of Gawthorpe High School last Thursday and Friday, while professional bowlers tutored sessions on the bowling green.

The workshops were part of the Streetwise project.

But parish councillors and residents were disappointed by vandalism which took place during the school holidays.

Bricks were thrown through shop windows in Hapton and the hut on the recreation ground, which is used by youth workers, was vandalised.

More windows were broken at Gawthorpe and cars in the area were also damaged.

Residents are now being urged to "name and shame" the culprits and anyone with any information should contact the police.

PADIHAM is holding a Festival of Fun in August, which will be organised by Padiham Sports Club. The events organiser is Alan Smith who can be contacted on 01282 771963.

THE glorious weather and the idyllic setting of Mill Hill Farm, Hapton, combined to make a success of the Country Fair held last Saturday to raise funds for the restoration of St Leonard's bells and tower.

Hundreds of people flocked to the event to see attractions such as animals and hand-knitted garments.

The vicar of St Leonard's, Mark Jones, praised the efforts of everyone who had worked so hard to make the day a huge social and financial success.

THE next parish council meeting will be held in the school on May 13 at 7.30pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend and have their say in the running of the village.