Archive

  • Mapping out our history

    LOCAL history buffs may be interested to hear that Alan Godfrey Maps have published reprints of the old Ordnance Survey maps of Bury and Radcliffe, dated 1908. Printed on paper at a scale of 15in to the mile, the maps are available from the library, or

  • East deep in the doldrums

    LEIGH EAST remain amid the winter gloom after crashing 33-14 at home to Eccles. They have now collected just one league point in the last six outings. East struggled to find any attacking rhythm and were guilty of too many elementary defensive mistakes

  • Today's the Day!

    A look back at events in history on November 12 with Mike Badham 1035: King Canute died in Dorset. He was a Dane who conquered England in 1013 - and turned out to be a wise ruler. For in those days, the royals actually had to run the country, so it was

  • 25 years ago

    From the Bury Times, November 12 1974 MISSING: Two Bury brothers missing from home for 11 days were found. Steven Whyte, 13, and his 12-year-old brother Christopher were discovered strolling along the front at Blackpool. They had been sleeping rough in

  • A silent tribute to fallen heroes

    THE last Armistice Day of the century was marked in towns across East Lancashire with a solemn two minutes silence. In Blackburn, council workers stopped work and shoppers stood in reflection as flares were fired to mark the start of the silence. Civic

  • Wallbank goal fails to spark Tyldesley

    TYLDESLEY RU went down at league leaders Oldham 20-3. Despite making all the early running and taking a fourth minutelead through Eddie Wallbank's penalty, they could not breach a tough defensive line. Scrum-half Lee Cunliffe was full of determination

  • Faiths in the future

    A NEW multi-faith council to build better relationships between different religions has been launched. The Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Council was launched by council leader Coun Malcolm Doherty. More than 60 Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh people

  • Starbeat with Radio City's Shaun Tilley

    What a top week! HELLO again and first this week, thanks to everybody who came up and said Hi to me last Friday at Sherdley Park for the Big Radio City fireworks display. I had a terrific night and felt very welcome indeed. It's been an interesting week

  • Wrapped up in red tape

    SCHOOLS are being deluged with a mountain of red tape, a Pendle head teacher told his audience at an annual prize presentation night. Peter Donnelly, head of Fisher-More RC High, Colne, said the past 12 months had been a year of change with government

  • New man for new recruits

    ARMY born and bred - and hungry to recruit new blood to the famous Fusiliers. That is Sergeant Lee Snelling, who has taken over as regiment recruiting sergeant for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers from Sergeant John Brockhouse. Based at Wellington Barracks

  • Talking telephone numbers

    BURNLEY are hoping fans will talk a good game to help fund playing success at Turf Moor. One of the money-raising schemes about to be launched by the Clarets to continue the financial restructuring of the club is a telecom package. Burnley are set to

  • Dangerous lorries 'worst in country'

    A QUARTER of lorries which use roads in East Lancashire have potentially dangerous defects, a traffic watchdog warned today. The North West's Traffic Commissioner Keith Waterworth says the figures - compiled during roadside checks - were the highest in

  • Residents have their say

    BURY West residents face a busy couple of weeks if they are keen to get involved in local issues. The area, covering Church and Elton wards, will be the setting on Monday at 7pm for the second meeting of the Bury West Area Board. The event will be held

  • Darren meets beefy

    CRICKET legend Ian Botham stopped off at the Preston Marriott last week, as he passed through the area on a charity walk from John O'Groats to Land's End. Ian stayed overnight at the Broughton hotel and presented Marriott's leisure club manager Darren

  • Burnley plan to raise £1m

    THE Burnley board is planning to raise over £1 million to underpin a concerted promotion push in the second half of the season and avoid "doing a Preston." The Turf Moor transfer coffers are currently empty, preventing manager Stan Ternent from making

  • Conned

    A SOUTH Ribble pensioner has lost his life-savings after a group of conmen swindled him out of £17,000 as part of a multi-million pound nationwide scam. The 80-year-old man, from the South Ribble area, was tricked into handing over the cash after being

  • Health groups demand action

    LOCAL organisations are calling for a radical change in the system after an independent inquiry revealed that people with mental health problems are among the most socially excluded in Britain. Mental Health support groups in Bury are concerned by the

  • Curtain rises on gold

    A THEATRE company from Preston is one of seven causes to receive cash from the Granada TV Live Challenge's pot of gold. The Certain Curtain Theatre has been given £30,000 to help them tour the area with their hard-edged play The Knot. The Knot brings

  • New Year will be bug free

    LANCASHIRE is looking forward to a bug-free Millennium after receiving the coveted blue light from Action 2000. The government body has monitored the progress of public bodies in tackling the Year 2000 problem. It introduced a traffic light-style marking

  • God of mercy?

    IN reply to Reverend John B Gordon (Dear Star, October 14) I call myself an atheist, having suffered the pangs and pains of what some people call Christianity. How can you win when you see little children in Boothall Hospital riddled with cancer and when

  • Thanks to you all

    I WOULD like to say a big thank you to Mr Abrahams and all his professional team of nurses and other staff at the breast-care unit at the RLI. Five years ago at the age of 39 I was diagnosed with breast cancer which was devastating for me and my family

  • In the hot seat

    IN your article 'Tough at the Top' (St Helens Star, November 4) there was a photo of a Mr Mark Dowd (on page two), a Merseytravel Executive. He was referred to as a Chair of the said company. May I correct you on this, a chair is what you sit on to chair

  • Bomb fear as garages attacked

    INVESTIGATIONS are still continuing into the cause of two explosions which rocked Radcliffe on Sunday, November 7. Stand Motors, in Stand Lane and Ringley Car Sales, in Ringley Road West, were blown apart within 20 minutes of each other. It is believed

  • Everybody wins

    I WAS interested by the letter about parking last week from a fed-up resident in Woodville Street. I live just around the corner, and am also fed-up with the cars on these streets, but because they block the pavements which are, after all, for pedestrians

  • House of Lords 'not really my thing'

    LORD Clitheroe left his seat in the House of Lords this week - and admitted it was never really his thing! The Downham Hall based peer lost his seat in the Lords along with more than 500 other hereditaries. But the 70-year-old admitted he won't particularly

  • Crumbling car parks are unsafe

    PRESTON'S concrete car parks could crumble unless major repairs are carried out, a report has warned. Following structural surveys of the town's multi-stories Town Hall chiefs say 'significant repairs' are needed to make the car parks safe. The work is

  • Sympathy for market traders

    AS regular visitor to St Mary's Market, I would like to add my comments to those published in the Star in recent weeks. In the last six months or so I have noticed how many stalls have become empty only to be occupied for a few months again before becoming

  • Paradise lost

    THE Millennium Park, cycle/walkway is nearing completion. On the surface an extremely good asset for Lancaster. Apparently healthy and safe walking/cycling along the side of the Lune away from that nasty, unsafe and polluting traffic on Caton Road. Yet

  • Why celebrate our lost empire?

    A FEW weeks ago an occasion to celebrate the anniversary of the independence of Pakistan was attended by a former mayoress of Bury. And very recently the present mayoress was pictured at a housing estate in Tottington which was once green fields and supported

  • Marx knew his onions!

    IN a recent poll organised by the BBC, Karl Marx was voted "Thinker of the Millennium". One of his more mundane thoughts was: "A capitalist would sell you the rope to hang him with, if he thought he would make a profit". The recent reports that French

  • Death wish driver

    A CHORLEY man was left nursing cuts and bruises after driving off the top of Preston's most notorious suicide spot. The man, 37, placed a rag in the Vauxhall Astra's petrol tank and set fire to it, before driving it off the eighth floor of Preston's bus

  • Runners top £18,000 for Jenny scanner

    A MULTI-MARATHON run across France raised £18,000 for a new scanner at Leigh Infirmary. Eric Greenhalgh - who lost his wife Jenny to breast cancer - led a group of 20 Park Lane Club runners from Angers to Haigh Hall. With a three-strong back-up team the

  • Demos fronted by visiting students

    THE police were castigated for controlling the howling mob during the passing procession of President Jiang Zamin of China, who was on a recent State visit. I hope it was noticed that - like some other demonstrations in our capital - the majority of demonstrators

  • Police were so helpful

    I KNOW the police take a lot of stick, and l must admit l often join those moaning motorists who continually say that the cops should be out solving real crime instead of chasing us poor drivers! But l take my hat off to the officer who dealt with my

  • Police pets to receive visitors

    A PILOT scheme to allow members of the public to inspect premises where police dogs and horses are housed is to be introduced by Lancashire Police Authority this week. Under the Animal Welfare Lay Visitors Scheme people will be invited to the force's

  • Chris leaves greens for his new 'sanity'

    ANTI-XANADU campaigner Chris Maile has left the Green Party. But he has picked up another banner and is concentrating on setting up the national 'Campaign for Planning Sanity'. Mr Maile will launch his new campaign at the end of the month. And he has

  • 'Come and see for yourself'

    JOHN Prescott has again been invited to the Ribble Valley by MP Nigel Evans. Mr Evans repeated his invitation to the Deputy Prime Minister to visit Whittingham, Goosnargh and Grimsargh, during a debate on planning on greenfield and brownfield sites. He

  • FA Cup farce

    TUESDAY night's FA Cup replay summed up the current state of Bury FC. The organisation - or should I say lack of it - on the pitch is matched by the lack of organisation off it. On a night when Bury scraped a victory at home against much lesser opposition

  • Candles in the wind warning

    A CANDLE being distributed by churches to celebrate the Millennium is a fire hazard, according to Lancashire's fire chiefs. The Millennium 2000 candle, produced by London-based Churches Together in England, is being doled out to parishioners of all denominations

  • Happy New Year!

    MEMBERS of the Gujurat Hindu Society gathered at their base in South Meadow Lane, Preston, to celebrate their New Year with a fantastic display of colour and prayer. The New Year is part of Diwali - the festival of light and an important time in the Hindu

  • Ignorance is ME's enemy

    I WATCHED the recent Panorama programme on children with ME. I have a 16-year-old daughter who has suffered with ME for more than two years. We received the diagnosis early this year and, after this confirmation, the only treatment on offer was that of

  • Our kids' cash 'mugged' by London

    I WAS most interested to read (Bury Times, Nov 5) about the magnificent event to be staged at the MEN Arena later this month. More than 5,500 pupils from schools across the north of England are to take part in The Young World concert: Bury schools, too

  • Plans for Grange statye approved

    PRESTON Borough Council has come up with a novel way to improve life on two of Preston's worst estates - build a statue! Councillors have approved a scheme to create a 1.7 metre 'timeflow sculpture' in Grange Park, between the Moor Nook and Grange estates

  • TEN YEARS AGO: Poll tax rebellion

    EURO-MP Michael Hindley was set to become one of the first protesters in Hyndburn to be fined for not registering for the poll tax. But the East Lancashire Labour MEP claimed protests against the community charge had forced recent Government "climbdowns

  • Patrolling the patrols

    THE traditional image of the jolly lollipop man and woman is to come under scrutiny as cash-strapped County Hall chiefs look to make savings. Bosses at County Hall's highways and transportation department fear they are paying money for patrols which are

  • JUNIOR SOCCER: Penalty shoot-out drama

    ROSSENDALE Valley Under 11s have been locking horns with the two Whalley sides over the past fortnight, playing against the Tigers in the Cup. The tie was a real end-to-end affair that remained goalless after extra time, unfortunately Valley lost the

  • Passing trade passes by

    TRADERS in one of Preston's shopping streets claim they have been dealt 'a final blow' by council chiefs after new traffic restrictions came into force. Preston Borough Council has introduced regulations - designed to make bus travel into the town centre

  • ATHLETICS: Students just champion

    ST MARY'S College in Blackburn is celebrating victory in the National Catholic Colleges Cross Country Championships. The team of five won the Under-19s boys title at St Helens with Michael Hammer second, Robert Barton third, Liam Barton ninth, Lee Cook

  • Hotshots in action

    BLACKPOOL Hotshots shoot off this weekend to take part in the British In-line Skate Hockey Association national championships. The U12s Peewees team, who won the North-West League to represent their region, will come up against opposition from London,

  • Lords replaced by mish-mash

    YOUR vitriolic leader concerning the abolition of hereditary peers (LET, October 27), does you no credit but does, of course, confirm your politics. What is 'wholesome' about replacing one group with unearned rank with another who have been chosen by

  • Big break set for Blackpool

    NON-PROFESSIONAL pool players up and down the country are preparing for their big break at the 1999 Bapto Grand Finals - sponsored by Hamlet. Recognised as the 'FA Cup of Pool', players have endured months of rigorous qualifying rounds to gain a place

  • Poppy appeal by the Mayor

    AS Remembrance Sunday draws near, I am writing to urge the people of Blackburn and Darwen to once again donate generously to the Royal British legion's Poppy Appeal. All the monies raised by the appeal go to assist servicemen and women who, by their courage

  • Ringing the changes of a century

    WHAT does the new Millennium hold for the people of Lancashire? That's the big question as we approach the year 2,000. The world is changing more quickly now than ever before and even the rapid changes of this century will pale against what we have to

  • Chess check

    LYTHAM Chess Club's fourth team were outclassed in their opening third division match at Blackpool seconds. The strong Blackpool team ran out emphatic winners by 3- and only Lytham captain Pat Coleman troubled the scorers with a battling draw against

  • DARTS: Hyndburn Darts Knockouts

    PLAY continued last Friday night in this year's John Smith's Hyndburn Darts Knockouts at Platts Social Club. Last year's individual winner Louis Blundell of the Spinners Arms was taken all the way in the best match so far in this year's competition by

  • Small-sided soccer leagues round-up

    IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes League the champions Kings Arms FC beat Untouchables 4-1, while Macprint FC move into second place after their 3-0 win over Daniel FC. Real Bispham had a 1-0 win against Supreme Plastics and Wyvale Warriors move off

  • Storms spoil the big party

    ORGANISERS of the town's Firework Show had to halt Friday's popular display because of dangerous gales which posed potential hazards to the huge crowds. Every effort had been made by the council to ensure the annual Sherdley Park display took place, including

  • Snack aid!

    KIND-hearted pupils at Blackpool's St Mary's RC High School have raised £400 for needy children - by giving up snacks. Pupils marked Harvest Fast Day by going without their extra titbits and donating money they would have spent to Catholic Aid for Overseas

  • Hornets buzz Scorpions

    AFTER last week's fine performance against league leaders Milnrow, Blackpool Scorpions put in a disappointing Rugby League show against Halton Hornets, being beaten 28-12. They started off brightly enough with Craig Campbell using the strong wind to his

  • Saving pound won't save Tories

    SO, William Hague thinks that his quest to "Save the Pound" will be enough to revive waning Tory fortunes! All that the boy William will do is to make certain that his party languishes in opposition for at least another term of office. The best that the

  • New flag is symbol of unity

    PUPILS in Lytham are flying the flag for the first time at their new school. First year boys and girls at King Edward VII and Queen Mary School attended a special ceremony to hoist the newly designed flag last week. Principal Julian Wilde said: "The size

  • It's a knockout

    BLACKPOOL made a hasty exit from the Times FA Youth Cup in the second round at Bloomfield Road on Monday (Nov 8), beaten 2-0. Visiting Notts County made the most of their three chances during the game and scored twice while Blackpool, foiled by a mixture

  • Sharks bite the big boys!

    WYRE Sharks swimming squad took up the mantle again in the National Speedo League. The A team went to Warrington and were missing a few of the older swimmers but the younger age group did the team proud by producing win after win, particularly in the

  • Pride lost in Europe

    HOW did we lose it? Were we careless or just uncomprehending? Where is it and can we get it back? What's been lost? - pride and confidence in our own country. The present fiasco over BSE has highlighted just where we stand in the European Union. Alone

  • Derby joy for UGB

    Clock Face 6 UGB 16 UGB collected their first away points of the season in this hard-fought derby. In an even first half the deadlock was finally broken after 30 minutes when Clock full-back Mal Grant collected his own kick to score under the posts, Karl

  • Hockey men in comeback drama

    ST HELENS Hockey Club staged a dramatic fightback to earn victory at Didsbury on Saturday. Playing with only 10 men, they found themselves 3-0 down after only 10 minutes. But before half-time they had clawed their way back to 3-3. And in a scrappy, sometimes

  • Focus on Knowsley Road scene

    Saints have two more internationals in their ranks . . . For Samoans Apollo Perelini and Vila Matautia have joined the United States squad for the World Cup qualifying competition which began in Florida this week. Saints are reporting a brisk trade in

  • Benefits could be in your pocket

    BLACKPOOL people who attended a benefits advice roadshow last month could find they are as much as £50,000 better off. That's how much could be put into the combined pockets of those who turned up at the first of a series of roadshows to find out what

  • Cruel luck for pupils

    IT was rough luck for the St Helens Primary Schools football team in the Merseyside Seven-a-Side Inter-Association Tournament. They drew 0-0 with Kirkby, but a deflected free-kick consigned them to a 1-0 defeat against eventual winners and hosts Crosby

  • Rally round

    CARNFORTH'S rally drivers were proclaimed champions this week. Steve Joel and Glenn Fothergill won the RSM/Diamond Products Stage Rally Series before the final round. They achieved it by powering their way through to a couple of top three finishes early

  • To Fleetwood with love

    LOVE will be in the air at the end of this month when Eros takes his place in Fleetwood. A statue of the Greek God of Love, bought from Sotheby's by Lofthouse of Fleetwood Ltd, the family firm who own Fisherman's Friend, will be officially unveiled by

  • Grannie's bus ride of terror

    SINCE her husband died three years ago a Golborne pensioner has tried to rebuild her life. While he was alive he drove her everywhere by car, and it took some time before she could gain the confidence to travel alone by bus. Gradually she managed it,

  • Dawson backs fire fighters as D-Day dawns

    IT'S D Day for Lancaster's threatened retained firefighters on Friday - and they're calling on the people of Lancaster to support them. Friday is the day that members of the Combined Fire Authority, who want to cut a local fire engine, will meet with

  • Club mourn death of Bert Lancaster

    LANCASTER City was in mourning this week over the death of their vice chairman Bert Lancaster. About 300 people attended Mr Lancaster's funeral at Bolton-le-Sands on Monday. He was 56 and had been seriously ill. Speaking at the club's Sportsman's Dinner

  • Bravery award for fireman

    A ST ANNES firefighter has won a top bravery award for his part in the dramatic rescue of a farmer who had fallen into a grain silo. Mick Spencer, a sub officer at St Annes Fire Station, braved choking dust to free farmer Anthony Clarkson who was trapped

  • Bench mark for bravery

    ONE of the district's greatest soldiers was honoured at Lancaster Crematorium last week. Albert Halton of Warton was awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding gallantry during the First World War where he showed "the greatest disregard for his own safety

  • Portico hit back

    Widnes Albion 16 Portico Panthers 35 PORTICO showed true spirit and a lot of character to bounce back after the previous week's embarrassment. They travelled to Widnes fielding a young and inexperienced side and powered their way past the highly rated

  • Ear bitten off in horror attack

    WAITING patiently for a taxi and minding his own business at Lancaster Bus Station last Friday afternoon dad Nigel McGuire didn't even notice the three men nearby. A moment later one of them clouted him on the back of the head while another held him in

  • Games in hand means top slot beckons for Shrimps

    Forest Green Rovers 1 Morecambe 2 IF Morecambe win their three games in hand they will be joint top in the league. That's a tribute to manager Jim Harvey who brings the best out of his players - and all on a much smaller budget than at clubs like Rushden

  • Haydock made to work

    Haydock 24 Orrell St James 21 BELOW-par Haydock made hard work in defeating St James. They started brightly enough and went straight on the attack with a strong run from Kelsey. Haughey took on several players and passed to Lowe who sent Tither sprinting

  • Whiston stun leaders

    WHISTON enjoyed a great 3-0 victory over St Helens McDonald's JOL leaders St Annes Rovers. And Rainhill also notched up a fine 3-2 victory over Blackbrook. At under 14s level Rainford hit five against Oak. RESULTS Under 16s: Rainhill United 3 Blackbrook

  • New directory of ex-services associations

    THE NATIONAL Ex-Services Association is currently creating a directory for publication on their web site - www.nesanews.freeserve.co.uk - of all ex-service associations, old comrades associations, clubs and groups, which will later be printed in book

  • Kicking out in style

    WHEN it comes to fighting your way to the top there's no-one more qualified than Blackpool martial arts instructors Lee Douglas and Shirley Clarke. Lee and Shirley, who both teach at the Blackpool Budokan on Woodland Grove, competed in the World Kick-Boxing

  • Police reassure parents

    HEYSHAM parents concerned about reports that a suspected child abductor was approaching their children were relieved by the findings of on-going police investigations this week. A special police investigation team was established recently to look into

  • LSH rue missed chances

    Liverpool St Helens 15 Bedford Athletic 19 THE Moss Laners were once again were left to contemplate how they had lost a game during which they had been the better team for long periods. Inexperience is no doubt a factor, coupled with a tendency for impatience

  • War Research society trips to battlefields

    AS ARMISTICE Day approaches may I remind Citizen readers of the work of the War Research Society, the battlefield pilgrimage tour organisation. Originally formed by a group of retired and serving police officers, the society is now represented throughout

  • Fresh bid to solve Mal's predicament

    A HIGH profile police presence on Lancaster's Ryelands Estate ensured this year's mischief night passed without incident. Officers were deployed outside Mal Hussain's shop from Thursday through to Sunday evening as television crews and journalists arrived

  • Town's triumph of will

    Atherton Collieries 2 St Helens Town 3 FIFTH-placed Town, travelled to second-from-the-bottom Atherton on Saturday knowing the form book means nothing on the Alder House pitch following heavy rain. The pronounced slope too is another ingredient as to

  • The new look

    FYLDE residents can have their say on a £2m transformation of St Annes town centre when plans go on public exhibition from Thursday (November 11). The Town Centre Partnership is holding a 10-day display in vacant offices next to Tiggis restaurant in Wood

  • Massage in a bottle!

    A NEW alternative health care centre has opened its doors in Morecambe's West End with a view to improving the well being of the local community. The Holistic Centre in West Street offers a wide range of therapies by fully-trained practitioners which

  • Town hall shake up on cards

    SIX months after the last local elections councillors have this week announced their intentions of a major management review at the town hall. During the last meeting of the full council members agreed to advertise the town hall's top post of chief executive

  • Soccer: Boro Man's jaw break agony

    DEFENDER Lawrence Greenhalgh is nursing a broken jaw after being punched in the face during Radcliffe Borough's match last Saturday. The 25-year-old player was involved in an incident with Farsley Celtic's Ian Blackstone during the second half of the

  • Dick takes us into 2000

    HISTORIC photographs taken by Leigh cameraman Dick Sutton will take the town into the Millennium. His images of the area are being used in the Millennium calendar put together by the Leigh 100 2000 Committee. And profits from the calendar - expected to

  • Clarets £1m war chest

    THE Burnley board is planning to raise over £1 million to underpin a concerted promotion push in the second half of the season and avoid "doing a Preston." The Turf Moor transfer coffers are currently empty, preventing manager Stan Ternent from making

  • Big game on for the Blues

    MANAGER Tony Hesketh hoped to parade his latest signing to the fans before this league cup match on Tuesday night. But at the last minute he realised the player was cup tied. So he decided to postpone the signing of central midfielder Mark Bailey released

  • Floodgates open after 20 minutes.

    PNE U16s took 20 minutes to open the scoring, finally routing Bolton Wanderers 8-0. And when they did, through a Joanne Ball goal, they opened the floodgates as well. 10 minutes later, Michelle Banks fired home to make it 2-0 but it took until the second

  • £83,000 for a brighter Borough

    FESTIVE funding will help light up Journal-land at Christmas. In the latest round of applications for Wigan Council Brighter Borough cash, 28 requests got the go-ahead. The Council's Policy and Resources Committee approved £83,000 spending across the

  • Dailly - I don't fear Shearer

    CHRISTIAN Dailly is confident he and his Scotland team-mates can snuff out the threat of England strike duo Michael Owen and Alan Shearer in the Battle of Britain at Hampden tomorrow. The Blackburn Rovers defender is set to come face-to-face with Kevin

  • League's farewell to Joan

    THE St Helens and District Rounders League has bade a fond farewell to Joan Hughes, who has stepped down after 15 years as chairman. A league spokesman commented: "Joan has worked tirelessly for rounders at both local and national level and will be missed

  • Waiter minute, isn't that Becks?

    HOTEL guests in St Annes can scarcely believe their eyes when they see "Becks" playing up the mid-field of the dining-room. For Fernlea Hotel waiter Steve Gladwin is a dead ringer for the Manchester United superstar David Beckham. The Citizen tracked

  • Referendum 'Yes' vote for store

    RESIDENTS in Great Harwood have voted by two to one in favour of a new town centre supermarket in Lancashire's first-ever referendum. And the Conservative leader of Hyndburn Council, who has adopted a "power to the people" stance since his party took

  • Bury Stoke up the problems

    Bury 0 Stoke City 0 GOOD sides are based on a sound defence. If that old soccer adage is to be belived then Bury boss Neil Warnock has every reason to be happy after his side returned their fourth clean sheet from their last six matches before Tuesday

  • Blaze at factory

    FIFTY firefighters tackled a blaze at a fibreglass and cavity wall insulation factory on Friday night. The blaze broke out at Owens Corning Building Products on Stafford Road just before 10pm and 10 engines were sent to deal with the fire which had spread

  • Deepdale Diary

    PNE assistant boss Kelham O'Hanlon has just one message for the team - keep at it. Although everyone at Deepdale is delighted with the team's 10 game ubdeaten run, Kelham has stressed the importance of not becoming complacent. Kelham O'Hanlon said: "We

  • Head slams school's funding

    THE headteacher of a Hyndburn school praised as one of the most improved in Britain has accused the Government and Lancashire County Council of short-changing schools. Frank Havard, headteacher of Hollins High School, Hollins Lane, Accrington, attacked

  • Saviour James to the Manor born

    LUTEL JAMES looks to have earned a starting spot for tomorrow's trip to Oxford after his matchwinning return against Tamworth. James spared Bury's blushes against the non-leaguers with his extra-time winner in his first appearance since breaking a bone

  • Music twin George dies, 69

    MUSIC master George Eccles is being buried on the eve of his 70th birthday. Retired schoolteacher Mr Eccles, of The Avenue, Leigh, who died on November 5 in Wigan Infirmary, was a talented entertainer and musician. Westleigh-born George had a life-long

  • Growing interest in City Farm

    COMMUNITY workers in Blackpool are hoping to harvest support for a City Farm where youngsters can help raise crops, animals - and their own self-esteem. Mereside youth and community worker, Wendy Green-Wheeler, organised the first meeting yesterday for

  • Chairman is named

    HEALTHCARE group Smith & Nephew has announced a boardroom shake-up. The firm, which employs 435 manufacturing bandages and surgical dressings at its Brierfield site, has announced that Dudley Eustace is to be the new chairman of the firm from January

  • Unbeaten run preserved

    NORTH End twice had to come from behind to make sure they preserved their unbeaten run in the league as bottom-placed Colchester proved better opposition than their league position indicates. Only a strike from Kurt Nogan five minutes from time spared

  • Partners in jobs

    OVER £1.5 million is being spent on transforming a derelict site in Leigh in to an industrial estate. Land in Butts Street will be developed, creating 32,000 square feet of industrial floospace and more than 80 jobs. Wigan Metropolitan Development Company

  • Grumpy! Even Victor has nothing on me

    Wright On! A wry look at life, with Shelley Wright I DON'T know what is wrong with me at the moment but I've been in a terrible, terrifyingly bad temper for weeks and I feel like my head is going to explode with rage. Now I'd like to blame this current

  • They're Wyred for energy...

    A PIONEERING energy efficiency scheme for static mobile homes in the Wyre has proved a success. The Wyred For Energy scheme was launched by Wyre Council earlier this year to improve energy efficiency in the borough's mobile homes or park homes as they

  • Charity scam

    SEVEN major charities have warned the public to steer clear of a telephone charity first aid scheme. Many people across the district have been sent first aid kits unsolicited and invoiced for £23. People running the scheme claims the money will go to

  • Keep on truckin'

    HOMELESS workers in Lancaster were celebrating yesterday (Wednesday) when news came that someone had donated a truck for their Christmas Shelter. That means the shelter at Our Lady's school is certain to go ahead. Last month it seemed likely that Our

  • In the red

    HEALTH bosses expect their prescribing budget to be more than £700,000 in the red by end of March next year. Bury and Rochdale Health Authority - responsible for buying health care on behalf of local residents - blamed the unexpected rise in unbranded

  • Jenny's £3,500 award for hospital blunder

    BRAVE schoolgirl Jenny Martin (pictured) will have to wait 11 years to celebrate winning compensation for a hospital blunder. The court decision against Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust comes after a harrowing two years during which she had a piece of glass

  • Mother's tragic search

    A LANCASTER mother who emigrated to Australia has turned private detective to search for the teenage daughter she fears has been murdered. And the Lancaster-based family of Margaret Stephenson say they will do everything they can to support her investigation

  • Bike thief took takings

    A THIEF sped off on a mountain bike with more than £1,000 in cash after carrying out a daylight robbery in Bury on Wednesday afternoon. The two-wheeled raider rode up alongside a 54-year-old female shop worker has she made her way to the bank with the

  • MP was nerve gas guinea pig

    LOCAL MP Terry Lewis is backing a campaign to find out more about germ warfare experiments at the Government's secret Porton Down complex - because he was one of the guinea pigs. The Worsley Labour backbencher was just 19 when he volunteered to take part

  • Firework tossed into gun shop garage

    A SHOOTING and fishing shop in Rainford was the target for vandals who hurled a firework into a storage garage, destroying stock. The incident happened at about 5pm on Saturday at the back of Rainford Field Sports Shop in Church Road which sell sports

  • Christley legal action

    SOLICITORS for former tourism chief David Christley have this week demanded compensation from former Labour council leader Stanley Henig The Citizen can reveal. Mr Christley, who was unfairly dismissed by the council has already been awarded a cash settlement

  • Dawn's bid to clean-up our 'sick society'

    HOME care assistant Dawn Parkinson is sick of her old ladies living in fear of leaving their homes. She is fed up of them feeling lonely. And she is depressed by troublesome youngsters getting away with unruly behaviour because people are scared of them

  • Right to roam speech by MP

    CAMPAIGNING MP Gordon Prentice will celebrate his victory in the battle for a Right to Roam when he gives a keynote speech to a Lancashire County Council seminar on the countryside tomorrow . He will speak out just days before the Government announces

  • Climbers rescued from mountains

    A ST HELENS climber and his companion are recovering after being stranded overnight on the Cairngorms. Neil Chapman, from Meliden Gardens, Sutton, and Michael Riddell of Runcorn were rescued on Saturday. Police had launched a search after the pair rang

  • Coach bid to boost tourism

    ORGANISERS of coach travel tourism were treated to a weekend of tourist attractions in and around Lancaster at the weekend. A total of 65 operators from places such as the West Midlands, Yorkshire and Edinburgh enjoyed the Castle fireworks, the Eric Morecambe

  • Anxious wait for store staff

    MORE than 200 staff are anxiously awaiting news on a potential buyer after their supermarkets were put up for sale. Five East Lancashire Kwik Save stores are included in 350 up for sale nationwide. Union are meeting with management at Somerfield, which

  • Best foot forward!

    FLEET-footed youngster Claire Smith certainly knows all the right moves. The 11-year-old dancer (pictured) of Hall Beck Close, Brandlesholme, is celebrating after beating off stiff competition to become the nationwide old time and sequence medallist of

  • Ingram fed up of Les Miserables

    FREE-SCORING centre David Ingram is back at Leigh after a miserable French Connection. Ingram signed for French First Division club Lyon-Villeurbanne for the season - but is back at Hilton Park after just two matches. "It sounds like David has had a really

  • Profits 'slump' for Bury

    BURY has slipped down the league of Britain's most profitable towns and cities. Its position has been placed in the Experian annual survey of the profit and loss of more than 280 places across the country. Experian, the global information services company

  • Town Hall rocked by deaths

    PRESTON Borough Council is reeling from the shocking deaths of two councillors in as many days. Former mayor Coun Gerry Walmsley died yesterday (Wednesday) morning at Preston Town Hall, just two days after Conservative colleague Eric Gates passed away

  • HAZ grants on offer

    COMMUNITY groups can now get a helping hand thanks to the new Health Action Zone grants on offer. Groups, large or small, that have an idea for a practical project to help the community can bid for the extra cash. Bury and Rochdale was recently awarded

  • Firm stars in revamp

    RADCLIFFE'S Starman Toiletries has successfully completed a revamp of its babycare products. Starman, based at Eton Hill Road, is part of the Remploy group - the largest employer of disabled people. Starman's core business is rooted in the wholesale cash

  • How are police doing

    RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on local policing. The consultation exercise by Greater Manchester Police follows new government laws to make sure that councils and the police provide the best value services. Police will have to set out an annual

  • Memorial service for former Chief Rabbi

    LORD Jakobovits, who died last week, has been remembered by the congregation of a local synagogue he consecrated. Immanuel Jakobovits, who died on Sunday, October 31, aged 78, first visited Whitefield Hebrew Congregation in 1969, two years after he was

  • Ferry couple home

    A COUPLE who were left dangling on the side of a ferry which burst into flames killing 11 stowaways returned home on Tuesday. Carmel Moore (47) and her partner Tasso Lekkas (50) feared they were going to be burned alive when the SuperFast III from Greece

  • Taxi drivers mind their language

    TAXI drivers are to be given English tests under radical new moves to improve public safety. They will be refused licences if they fail the oral exam, which will be scored. Town hall bosses say that some drivers whose first language is not English cannot

  • Mayoral manoeuvres

    BURY'S first citizens found themselves have a high old time when they joined young army cadets on manoeuvres in Holcombe. The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor John and Mrs Anne Costello, were treated to a ride in a Gazelle helicopter and enjoyed a bird's

  • Bridging the gap!

    A £3 million project providing a new link between Earlestown town centre and a new industrial estate was described as a "bridge of opportunity" by Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Jackson, when she performed the official opening. The new bridge, spanning

  • Haydock Park is the favourite

    HAYDOCK Park has been named Racecourse of the Year for the year 2000. The forward-looking racetrack has invested millions of pounds in new facilities and is the first racecourse to win the coveted title for a second time. The award is presented by the

  • Brian's building for the future

    BRIAN GODDARD is the British Bodybuilding champion. He took the heavyweight title for the third time at Glasgow, taking the Over 35s title in the World Amateur Body Building Association Masters. He followed that by winning the Mr Wales crown, entitling

  • Axe falls on hostel

    A HOSTEL providing temporary accommodation for the homeless is set to close because of falling demand. Members of the St Helens Council's housing committee were told that unless they took action Crouchley House at Newton-le-Willows could run up a loss

  • Town's crown - six months late!

    THE Atherton Charity Cup finally has a 1999 champion. Atherton Town retained the trophy - an incredible SIX months after the final is normally played. In front of a healthy Alder House crowd they beat Hindsford with goals from Steve Crilly 2 and MoM Barry

  • Sale of Lady Mavis memories

    HUNDREDS of people swarmed into Windle Hall at the weekend for the local 'sale of the century.' But it was a day tinged with sadness with the memory of a very special lady still crystal clear in many people's minds. It was standing room only for the 300

  • Classic's double delight

    THE squash outfits at Leigh's Classic World of Fitness scored a double success for the first time this season. The Firsts buried Bury, despite missing No 1 Tod Bulmer, roaring to a 4-1 win with straight-sets victories for stand-in Graham Draper and Mike

  • The fun starts here

    A COLOURFUL carousel in St Helens town centre offering free rides to youngsters will kickstart a host of events to mark the festive season in the town. The ride will be officially opened by the Mayor, Councillor Pat Jackson, at around 12 noon in Church

  • Return of Marley the wanderer

    MARLEY the cat with wanderlust is back safe and sound five weeks after he went missing from home and owner Suzanne Smith simply can't hide her delight. The ginger tom went walkabout from Suzanne's new home on The Shires on Thursday, October 4, and since

  • School regains control after special measures

    PENDLE'S largest high school is set to be released from special measures imposed by the Government - six months ahead of the deadline staff were given to turn it around. Mansfield High, Brierfield, has emerged from the black cloud of controversy hanging

  • Janet goes from size 22 to 8!

    JANET Nolan was always game for a laugh and ready to join in with any fun going. But she certainly wasn't laughing when clambered onto a kiddie's Bouncy Castle only to find she and couldn't jump up and down because she was too heavy! Although she had

  • Colls pay for missed chances

    ATHERTON COLLS slumped to a 3-2 win against St Helens Town - their second successive home defeat. Now only derby rivals Atherton LR prevent them dropping to the bottom of the NorthWest Trains Division One. Colls missed a string of chances and were made

  • RMI strike force founders again

    IF ATTACK is the name of the game then Leigh RMI got their just desserts. They were held 1-1 at home to Gainsborough Trinity, a late goal costing them victory for the second time in a week. They went into the break a goal up after a decisive injury time

  • Can you help?

    A MRS C. Schneider is seeking information on a Radcliffe Hall, where her great grandmother may have worked. Her grandma was born in 1872 at 8 Hilton Lane, Radcliffe. Her mother, Elizabeth Bartley, lived at some time at 1 Tower Road, Radcliffe Hall, Radcliffe

  • Top Mark as Church go on rampage

    MARK SPENCER is on top Mark for Church Inn in the Leigh & District Football League. He hit five goals in Saturday's 9-0 win at Hag Fold WMC to close in on Neil Clayton at the top of the League Hotshots. Clayton added one at the weekend to take his

  • A Christmas wish

    AN Aladdin's Cave with its very own genie will give children in Bury a chance to make their Christmas wishes come true. Bury market has teamed up with the town's Carol Godby Theatre Workshop to bring festive spirit to the stalls. Beginning tomorrow and

  • Group's mystery bidder

    A MYSTERY bidder has made a £113million offer for parachutes-to-rubber-dinghy group Wardle Storeys which has more than 500 employees in East Lancashire. The company, which has sites in Earby and Blackburn, said it had received a 441p-a-share takeover

  • Park Patrol

    IT was league action all round in the Preston and District football leagues, with the gap at the top of the Premier Division shrinking. With Bamber Bridge's game with Leyland Town postponed, Euxton Villa snatched the chance to reduce Brig's league to

  • Big clash sparks football fever!

    SOCCER'S match of the millennium has sparked football fever in East Lancashire - with friends, families and neighbours divided over the clash of the Auld Enemies. Pubs, clubs and front rooms across the area will be packed at 2pm tomorrow when England

  • Evans wants Ewood job

    ROY Evans has become the latest big-name to declare an interest in the vacant manager's job at Ewood Park. The 51-year-old has been out of the game since severing his connections with Liverpool a year ago today. But he now feels ready for a fresh challenge

  • Thanks to the Star

    JUST a line to thank the Star Newspaper for sponsoring the prizes and carnival band for the 1999 Newton Town Show. We were fortunate that the Carnival procession got round Newton and got to the School field before the weather broke. Our Town Show in 2000

  • HOPPERS climb to fourth place

    HOPPERS climbed to fourth place in Jewson National One with a 48-19 win over Blackheath, thanks mainly to a first half display which demoralised their opponents. An early try from Jason Brittin following a line-out set Hoppers on the road. Although enjoying

  • Ingleby backs Kilby

    RAY INGLEBY, the man who tried to takeover Burnley FC single-handedly but who is now more than happy to serve as vice-chairman under major shareholder Barry Kilby talks here to PETE OLIVER. Tonight in the second part of this intriguing interview Ingleby

  • I'm not a child sex pervert, says banned volunteer

    A VOLUNTEER at a children's group, who has been told by a council to stay away for his own protection, today pleaded: "I just don't know how to clear my name." Mark Brian Wignall, 37, was asked to keep away from Galligreaves and District Community base

  • Dailly - I don't fear Shearer

    CHRISTIAN Dailly is confident he and his Scotland team-mates can snuff out the threat of England strike duo Michael Owen and Alan Shearer in the Battle of Britain at Hampden tomorrow. The Blackburn Rovers defender is set to come face-to-face with Kevin

  • Parking charge

    I COULDN'T help but raise a cheer when the resident in Woodville Street wrote to you regarding parking in their street. Only this week I have tried the town hall to see if we could have anything done about the same problem. The council could make a lot

  • Tots turn tunesmiths

    TOTS from a Bury nursery sang their hearts this week out as the town's newest recording stars. A choir of about 30 youngsters from Castlecroft Day Nursery at Castlecroft Road in Bury town centre, all aged between two and four, performed three festive

  • Join The Rainbow Juggler

    TALENTED children from Preston's Stagecoach Theatre Arts school are set to celebrate a special 10th anniversary with an exciting record-breaking event. To mark the United Nations convention on the Rights of the Child the young performers will team with

  • Gran's fury at bike theft

    I AM a grandmother. I am angry and I am upset, because a grandson of mine is upset and hurt. He is upset because a cruel thief stole his bike from outside a shop, while he was on an errand. The bike was expensive and my son-in-law and daughter had to

  • Brig 'distracted by Cup' says boss

    BRIG manager Tony Greenwood believes his side's forthcoming FA Cup clash with Cambridge is distracting his team from Unibond Premier League success. Following a 0-0 draw with Leek and 3-2 defeat to Barrow at Irongate this week, Tony said: "All eyes are

  • Tess keeps striding on

    THE boots of Tess Bell were certainly made for walking! For this one-time keen St Helens rambler became a globe-trotting teacher, living at various times in Aden, Malta, Malawi and South Africa. Reader Marge McDonald of Avon Road, Billinge, recognised

  • Bullying must stop

    IT concerns me to read about the child (Bullying Views: November 4) regarding the lack of support he received form the schools. One would question the kind of upbringing the perpetrators of such activities, have at home. Are they taught moral values by

  • Another brick on the floor

    GIVE us the last few shops and we will clear up the rubble! That's the ultimatum on the eve of a court battle over the Elms Precinct in Whitefield. A letter from the company, which ordered in the demolition men, was read out to the meeting. Council leader

  • Events in East Lancashire on Saturday, November 13th

    Christmas Fair, Holy Trinity Church Village Hall, Hoghton, 2pm. Santa in attendance. Toy Sale, East Lancashire Hospice, Park Lee Road, Blackburn, 2pm-5pm. Christmas Fair, Derwent Hall, George Street, Darwen, 2pm-4pm. Christmas Festival, Towneley Hall,

  • Golden age of hops galore

    DURING the toe-twinkling years of the late 'forties and early 'fifties, it was possible to go dancing in St Helens on every night of the week. And to have a wide choice of venues! I got clocking up the number of ballrooms and local hops scattered around

  • Trip of a life time

    FOUR teenagers are back from a trip of lifetime after taking the first steps to establish a Millennium link across the Atlantic Ocean. The girls, who attend Tottington High School, spent a week in Woodbury, New Jersey, USA researching and retracing the

  • Appeal for witnesses

    POLICE are appealing for witness to an accident in London Road, in which a 22-year-old died. Leon Bulger, of Halsburg Street, died from his injuries after being hit by a car as he crossed the road, around 11.20pm on Sunday (November 7). He was taken to

  • What became of Lady P's fountain?

    WHAT became of the short-lived shopping-centre fountain, presented to the town about a quarter of a century ago by Lord and Lady Pilkington? That's the question raised by a keen customer of this column. And he suggests that, should it still be in mothballs

  • Rubbing Salt Ayre in our wounds

    NEWS of the latest cock-up at the town hall, namely the million pound plus budget overspend at Salt Ayre Phase 2 (swimming pool), presents the local public of this area with an excellent opportunity to test the integrity of many councillors, who were

  • Writers' thanks to Sue

    THE Good Companions Writers of St Helens organise a barn dance at the Rainford Village Hall each year in order to raise the necessary funds which enables us to produce our annual anthology for charity (this year's beneficiary being the Willowbrook Hospice

  • Home brew went with a bang!

    THE home-brewing exploits of two sporty chums went with a real bang . . . quite literally! For it was a pioneering venture as far as bath-tub booze was was concerned, with none of the benefits of today's sophisticated brewing equipment, designed to keep

  • Steptacular!

    A DREAM came true for ten-year-old Rebecca Watson when her favourite pop group popped in for Sunday tea. In fact it was a "Steptacular" weekend altogether for Rebecca who is now officially recognised as Steps' number one fan. It was all made possible

  • Resin haul leads to jail

    A MAN was sentenced to five years behind bars this week, following an investigation by the National Crime Squad into the importation of £200,000 of cannabis resin into the UK. Martin Mayers was sentenced at Preston Crown Court, following an operation

  • Mayor's Christmas plea

    AS mayor of the metropolitan borough of St Helens, I wish to continue what has now become a tradition by launching my annual Christmas Toy Appeal to assist those children in most need. Last year saw a decrease in donations that will inevitably lead us

  • Taxi joke is no laughing matter

    THANK you for inviting replies to letter on VSG. Since Mr McKeeman is the front man his letter most merits a reply. Apart from trying to buy into the company, he never had any connection with or is owed money by, VSG. In his letter he says: "The number

  • Meet the amazing Mr Johnston

    CAREERING down a mountain road with no brakes, having a gun pointed at your head and losing a company director to love! They are just some of the hair-raising experiences that local business man Mr Harry Johnston has experienced while working to help

  • Hung over? Then get a head start

    BOSSES at an East Lancashire firm hope they will be toasting success come the millennium - when their hangover cure hits the high streets. Science in Sport, based at Brockhall Village, has been supplying the sporting elite with energy-boosting products

  • Good riddance to eyesore

    YET again I feel I must write to your newspaper about Heysham village and I must admit that in the past I have never been a great supporter of Councillor Lee but she is to be congratulated on the removal of the bus shelter in the village. Despite letters

  • Larger than life!

    TAKE a larger-than-life caterpillar, a promotion-pushing football team and a charity in desperate need of some extra cash and what have you got? Say hello to Colin the Caterpillar, the latest must-have fashion accessory for Preston North End fans everywhere

  • Princely sum

    ONCE again the so-called "People's Government" of Tony Blair surpasses itself in its arrogance and disregard for the British pensioner. Our old folk have paid for 40 years into the Government "pension scheme" to get the princely sum of £75 per week. In

  • Court hears from Shipman's defence

    Morphine in the body of one of Dr Harold Shipman's alleged victims could have come from drugs she was prescribed in the month before her death, Preston Crown Court was told yesertday (Wednesday). Hyde GP Dr Shipman, 53, denies murdering 15 patients and

  • Twinning is about friendship

    CORRESPONDENT Mr S. C. Lord (Oct 29) suggests that the local authority should break its twinning links with French towns because of the beef crisis. I should like to point out that twinning is a bit like a marriage where, hopefully, you do not rush to

  • 'Where's the justice for Malcolm' asks Brenda

    ASTLEY mum Brenda Rowley, fighting for justice for her son, Malcolm, has been given an inquest date. The coroner has called a jury to hear evidence into the death of the 32-years-old physically and mentally handicapped man, who was found drowned in the

  • Litterbugs need a lesson

    CAN'T someone in the ivory towers of Bury Town Hall do something about the rubbish tip that is Bury and its suburbs? After Councillor Linda Harwood has walked - we hope - around the places suggested by T. W. D. Higgins (Your Letters, Oct 29) perhaps she

  • Readers' Recollections: Murderer hanged on gallows

    LURKING in the shadows of Leyland's historic past is an eerie tale of murder most foul which ended in a harsh and severe punishment. On March 6, 1766, at about 10pm, William Whittle, who lived with his family in Farington, murdered his wife and two young

  • £45 too much for justice!

    LEIGH'S three magistrates' courts cost just over £45 a day to run. But top bosses want to close the Chapel Street courthouse to save money and transfer sittings to Wigan. This week, the chairman of Leigh's magistrates vowed to fight the moves which would

  • Head start for bright ideas

    BUDDING entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas are to be given a helping hand at turning them into profitable businesses. The University of Central Lancashire has teamed up with some of the local economy's major players to create the Harris Park Millennium

  • Med pubs hit town

    MEDITERRANEAN influences have infiltrated Preston. So says councillor Albert Richardson who is baffled by the latest trend for painting some of the town's pubs in bright colours. In the past few months several pubs close to the University of Central Lancashire

  • Rewards for students who pass on crime info

    REWARDS of up to £100 will be offered to pupils who give police information about school crime in South Ribble. Crimestoppers is backing the unique scheme, believed to be the first in Lancashire, which will give students a chance to report crime which

  • A witch is not just for Hallowe'en!

    IT'S two weeks after Hallowe'en, and for most people, the costumes have been packed away and fears of overactive spirits have been forgotten for another year. But for one group of people, it is Hallowe'en all year round, with witchcraft playing an important

  • Sticks and stones...

    LIBERAL Democrat councillors stormed out of a Preston committee meeting last week after the chairman branded one of the members a 'sick man'. The astonishing verbal assault, made by ex-mayor and leisure services committee chairman Rose Kinsella, was aimed

  • Car insurance scam under fire

    DISCOURAGING motorists from setting fire to cars to make fraudulent insurance claims, was the aim of a dramatic reconstruction at Lancashire Fire Service's training centre in Euxton. A Bedford van was torched in a controlled exercise (pictured left) -

  • Kittens abandoned on vets' doorstep

    TAKE a peek at these purr-fect little moggies - all fun and fur and looking for new homes after being abandoned in a cardboard box outside a Bamber Bridge veterinary surgery. Head nurse Olwyn Humphries, pictured, couldn't believe her eyes when she found

  • Don't panic: it's just a practice

    HUNDREDS of residents in Walton-le-Dale, Croston and Garstang received mock flood warnings to ensure the Environment Agency warning systems worked correctly. The Agency issued flood warnings to more than 2,000 homes and businesses in Lancashire on November

  • Take time to remember

    THE country grinds to a halt today (Thursday), to remember those who have died in conflict. Hundreds of people will flock to war memorials, and on again Sunday, to show their respect. But in Lostock Hall, a memorial with a difference will be the centre

  • You don't have to party

    FORGET Greenwich's Millennium Dome, all roads lead to Canterbury for the dawn of the the New Millennium. So say Christians, who will be walking through Preston next month as part of a massive pilgrimage to mark the 'true meaning' of the Millennium. Eight

  • Town Hall rocked by deaths

    PRESTON Borough Council is reeling from the shocking deaths of two councillors in as many days. Former mayor Coun Gerry Walmsley, pictured, died yesterday (Wednesday) morning at Preston Town Hall, just two days after Conservative colleague Eric Yates

  • SOCCER: Preston North End team news

    PRESTON full back Dominic Ludden could step back into the fray as Preston entertain Notts County tonight, but Steve Basham's playing comeback has been put on hold. Ludden has been out of action for over two months with a stomach strain, but after intensive

  • Government face dilemma over hunting

    MEMBERS of hunts throughout Britain will no doubt see the government's decision to set up an inquiry into the impact of a ban on hunting with dogs as valuable breathing space. It means that the prospects of outlawing hunting before the next general election

  • Beef over pig imports

    THE Government is allowing the French to impose five conditions on the import of our beef. If the government wishes to retain any credibility with the British electorate, it would immediately apply these five conditions upon the import of foreign pork

  • Reunion bigger and better

    THE second Annual reunion for the HMS Collingwood Association will be held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, from Tuesday to Friday, April 25 to 28. The last reunion, on the south coast was a phenomenal success, with many old shipmates meeting

  • NON-LEAGUE SOCCER: Stanley immune to Hampden fever

    ACCRINGTON Stanley are refusing to let England's Euro 2000 battle with Scotland distract them from their goal of getting back into the UniBond Premier Division. The kick off times of practically every other senior game in the country have been adjusted

  • Needle dangers are very real

    YOUR recent article 'Fury over dumped syringes' (LET, October 27), is extremely worrying for the local community. The dangers from carelessly-discarded syringes are very real and there is a potential risk of hepatitis B or even HIV transmission from accidental

  • NON-LEAGUE SOCCER: Team news round-up

    GREAT HARWOOD boss Denis Underwood and his team don't need reminding about the importance of their Carlsberg FA Vase second round clash with Crook Town at The Showground tomorrow (kick off noon). Underwood and five members of his first team squad were

  • Bus fears surface

    IT is now becoming apparent that the fears put forward by the Conservatives at the time Hyndburn's then Labour council sold off the bus company are now coming to the surface. Two bus services which served the Trinity Street and White Ash estate areas

  • Teachers on a crash course

    PRIMARY school teachers taking part in a special workshop were not only given the opportunity to make cars, but also to take them apart and even crash test them. The course, held on Tuesday (Nov 9) at Evans Halshaw Ford in Ashton on Ribble, Preston, was

  • Vine are shaken

    Folly Lane A 22 Vine 20 A LAST-minute try dashed Vine's hopes of taking the spoils in this hard-fought clash. Folly opened the scoring with two unconverted touchdowns before the visitors hit back with a try by Fredericks. Long-range efforts by Dave Swift

  • They're in tune with the Millennium

    PUPILS from two Fylde Coast schools sang out in celebration of the Millennium on Monday (Nov 8). Thames County Primary School and Hodgson High School choirs performed their Millennium songs together with 11 other successful entrants in the Voices of Promise

  • More of the same please!

    IT'S all change at Bloomfield Road following a string of decent results. Seasiders boss Nigel Worthington has put four of his players on the transfer list, including recently signed goalkeeper Adam Rachel. Aldridge, Garvey and Shuttleworth are the other

  • MP has got it wrong

    REGARDING the article 'Angry MPs' (LET, November 8), I was amused at the comments passed by Hyndburn member Mr Greg Pope. To suggest that the carnage will stop once heavy vehicles are restricted from using the road is rubbish. It would imply that they

  • Lytham St Annes Hockey Club update

    LYTHAM ST ANNES 1ST XI 2 WIGAN 1ST XI 2 TABLE-TOPPERS LSA visited contender Wigan at their newly laid pitch at Wigan Cricket Club. A frantic start saw both teams come close early on before good work from Dave Robbins resulted in a penalty stroke. Unfortunately

  • The battle of Know Hill

    A GROUP of Silverdale residents fighting greenfield housing plans in the village have decided to put their money where their mouth is and mount a legal challenge to the council's planners. Opponents of a social housing development at Know Hill have clubbed

  • Hounds go down fighting

    Adlington Rangers 38 Parr Hare & Hounds 10 A DEPLETED Hounds side put up a brave performance against an Adlington outfit who have lost only one match this season. The final scoreline flattered the home men suggesting there will be little to choose

  • Debut boy on target

    GARSWOOD United claimed three valuable points in a 3-1 win at Chorlton Town. Graham Hatton scored on his debut while Steve Nugent notched yet another brace. Chris Boynton had another superb game in a team which fielded no fewer than five changes to the

  • Finch miss their chance

    Haresfinch 8 Dalton 14 THIS was the one that got away for Finch who failed to build on an impressive first-half display. After deservedly turning around at 8-2 up, the homesters couldn't press home their advantage after the break and were left to rue

  • Boyle lays down the law . . .

    NEWTON outfit Sasib went goal crazy at the weekend. They found the target eight times against Huntsman in the Warrington and District Football League. Their scorers were Paul Oakes (3), Ian Senior, Gordon Bromley, Shaun Corrigan, Steve McLaughlin and

  • Yobs disrupt silent tribute

    COUNCILLORS and a police chief have hit out in disgust after yobs disrupted a service to honour the dead of two world wars. Chants including "Up the IRA" shocked old soldiers and town leaders who had gathered for the Armistice Day ceremony at Burnley's

  • Slaves to the art

    A MARTIAL art born of slavery - which the authorities have been trying to ban for hundreds of years - is about to hit Lancaster. Capoeira did not originate in China or Japan but in Angola in Africa and is unlike any martial art you've ever seen. There

  • Salute to soccer supremo

    A ST ANNES-based developer has scored a winner with its plan to create retirement homes on the former site of the famous Football League HQ. Newfield Jones Homes won planning permission for the £4.5m project from Fylde planning committee last week. Though

  • Hot stuff from the Holt

    YOUNGSTERS from the Holt found their shooting boots at the weekend. They fired eight past Rainford Rangers in the under 15s section of the Rainhill Junior Football League. RESULTS Under 15s: Agrevo 1 Whiston 2, Cronton 7 Bleak Hill Rovers 1, Haydock 2

  • Oh brother

    ST ANNES star of stage and screen Stephen Tompkinson says he's dreading embarrassing pictures of him cropping up in a new fanzine - because his brother is writing it. The 34-year-old star, who moved to St Annes when he was only five, made his confession

  • We mean business

    THERE'S never been a better time for young people to start their own business. Not only is the Prince's Trust still going strong but Government and European money is now available to young people with business ideas. And the district's newest entrepreneurs

  • Trying to trace Geoff Wilson

    I AM trying to trace Geoff Wilson who served with me in the Band of the 2nd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers in Trieste 1952-55. He came from the Blackpool/Fylde area and I feel some friend or relative may know of his whereabouts. Any help or information

  • Forward march ...

    BLACKPOOL outclassed Wigan Athletic in a high noon showdown at Bloomfield Road on Saturday (Nov 6). The Seasiders must have had 90 per cent of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, rightly taking a 2-0 lead into the break. The Tangerines were a dream team

  • Heath are sent crashing

    Roose Pioneers 22 Thatto Heath Crusaders 18 A LATE rally wasn't enough to save Heath from defeat at premiership newcomers Roose Pioneers. Heath found themselves four points down after only five minutes when Roose scored through scrum-half Danny Burns

  • Dancing for joy

    BLACKPOOL brothers Sam and Ben Barnett know how to dance the night away. For the pair, who attend Arnold School, organised a disco for friends in aid of the Macmillan Windmill Appeal. And when the brothers found out just how much they had raised they

  • Police reassure parents

    HEYSHAM parents concerned about reports that a suspected child abductor was approaching their children were relieved by the findings of on-going police investiations this week. A special police investiation team was established recently to look into incidents

  • Revenge for Park

    Aspull 6 West Park 30 WOODSHAW Park was probably the graveyard of West Park's promotion hopes last season when they slumped to an unexpected defeat in quagmire conditions. This time conditions were better except for an almost gale force wind which Park

  • Ray of hope for Brook

    Blackbrook 18 Rochdale Mayfield 6 BLACKBROOK snatched a Conference First Division lifeline with victory over Mayfield at Boardmans Lane on Saturday. The homesters kept their hopes of survival alive with long overdue success against a side hovering on

  • Teamwork cuts town centre crime

    BLACKPOOL town centre is a safer place for shoppers and pleasure-seekers as crime-rates plummet. That is the verdict of police, shop managers, pub landlords and councillors in the light of town centre crimes being cut by 24 per cent, according to latest

  • In limbo over future of Safeway

    IT is hoped the enquiries made by Fylde MP Michael Jack elicit an early reply on whether or not Safeway does intend to continue with its plans to build a superstore in St Annes. There are still many problems that will have to be overcome - an important

  • Comb's county casualties

    THE St Helens Combination have now only two clubsstill engaged in the LCFA Intermediate Cup. It follows the defeat of Pilkingtons Reserves by Kinseles FC, and the 9-0 drubbing of Prescot Leisure Reserves by Stanley House FC. The successful clubs to compete

  • Sheer vandalism

    BLACKPOOL education chiefs are stepping up security after a wave of break-ins and vandalism at schools in the town. Grange Park Junior School, which had to close for two days last week after hooligans smashed windows and wrecked a special needs unit,

  • Bhutia on the ball

    BURY RESERVES 2, MAN CITY RES 1 GOALS from Baichung Bhutia and Martyn Forrest gave Bury Reserves an impressive win against a strong Manchester City side. Watched by managers Neil Warnock and Joe Royle, Bury matched their opponents, who included no less

  • Contacting the Star Sports Desk

    YOU can now e-mail the Star Sports Desk. The address is rwinstan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

  • Steer clear of square

    POLICE are advising motorists to avoid Victoria Square between 10am and 12pm on Remembrance Sunday (Nov 14). A spokesman for the police said diversions would be in operation. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may

  • Rugby: Sedgley build on Rumanian Rock

    CHRISTIAN Raducanu could write a book - and not just about his experiences on the rugby field. Sedgley Park's Rumanian skipper defected after a game against Scotland during the Ceaucescu regime back in 1989. He was in good company. World famous gymnast

  • More jobs on the way

    A COSTCO warehouse is to open on the former Rollingstock site in Haydock next March creating up to 130 jobs initially. Eventually it is hoped that the Haydock outlet - the seventh Costco warehouse to open in the UK, joining a chain of more than 300 outlets

  • PNE pressed to clip Magpie's wings!

    HIGH-flying Preston could be top of the table come Saturday morning, if they can clip the Magpies' wings! North End have brought their game with current league-leaders Notts County forward 24 hours so fans can watch England's vital clash with Scotland

  • Village green move to hit snowdome plan

    VILLAGE green campaigners have started another process aimed at scuppering Xanadu plans for Leigh. On Wednesday, Pennington residents applied for village green status for the Xanadu site alongside Atherleigh Way. Locals claim the site, which includes

  • Weaving festive fun

    SIT thi deawn and put on your party hats, the Houghton Weavers are returning to town! The Weavers are bringing their annual Christmas Show to The Marine Hall, Fleetwood on December 21. The North's favourite folk and comedy band will be bringing their