Archive

  • Mental health centre revamp

    A COMMUNITY day centre for adults with mental health problems in Burnley is to reopen after a major makeover to improve facilities. The Fernandes Centre, North Street, is owned and run by Lancashire County Council and provides a range of community services

  • Prize collie reprieved after biting woman

    A PRIZED 11-year-old border collie has been spared the death sentence for biting a woman. But Haslingden pensioner Raymond Ford, who owns Ben the dog and has been left with a criminal conviction following a court case, said: "He is no danger to anyone

  • Eviction threat man taken to hospital

    A TERMINALLY-ILL man was admitted to hospital the day after it was annouced that a housing association wanted to evict him from his home. James Gibbons is facing eviction after a string of anti-social behaviour incidents at his property in Huncoat.

  • Samba signs for Rovers

    BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes has swooped for giant defender Christopher Samba. The 6ft 5in centre back became Hughes' third signing of the January transfer window when he put pen to paper on a three and a half year deal with the club. The Congo international

  • ‘Village green’ agreement bid

    COUNTY and boro-ugh councillors are joining forces to try to resolve an 18-month dispute that has divided a village. Helmshore Community Action Group (HCAG) has been at loggerheads with Helmshore primary since the school fenced off playing fields which

  • Pension row on the buses

    A UNION is planning to take legal action against two councils after the transfer of a bus company into private ownership saw workers get "inferior" pensions. Blackburn with Darwen Council sold Blackburn Transport to Yorkshire-based Blazefield Holdings

  • Village fears that flood water killed four

    PEOPLE living in a Rossendale village fear residents have died after being poisoned by flood water, an inquest heard. Franklin Bottomley told the hearing into the death of his friend, Desmond Walton, that four people living in a block of five homes in

  • Superbug kills dad of 5

    A FATHER-of-five has been killed by a superbug. Harry Eastham, 35, of Wycoller Avenue, Burnley, caught the clostridium difficile infection. He contracted the bug after a procedure carried out at Manchester Royal Infirmary to correct his irregular heart

  • Waterproof keyboard firm on crest of a wave

    A DARWEN firm which sells flexible, waterproof keyboards has been chosen to supply sailors in one of the world's best known yacht races. Dot.Com Keyboards, a firm run by local businessman Nick Hayes, sells his hi-tech products to customers including

  • Man, 23, dressed as policeman 'to be liked'

    A 23-YEAR-OLD man dressed as a policeman in a "bizarre" attempt to earn the respect of other members of the public. Blackburn magistrates heard that Timothy Gareth Hayne had a full set of equipment, and when police searched his flat they even found a

  • ‘Idiots attacked me for no reason’

    A MAN attacked and left for dead on New Year's Day has returned home from hospital - and spoke for the first time about the assault. Neil Roberts, 35, of Mill Hill, was knocked unconscious at about 2.30am on January 1, after visiting a pub with friends

  • Row over Mistress Pain’s 'fetish cellar'

    A SELF-confessed dominatrix has set up a fetish "dungeon" in the heart of Accrington town centre. The opening of the sado-masochism room, run from the cellar of Peaches lingerie shop in Abbey Street, Accrington, has been slammed by the Bishop of Blackburn

  • Money to tackle louts welcomed

    BURNLEY'S MP Kitty Ussher has welcomed the decision that the borough will receive £125,000 to tackle loutish behaviour. The borough is among one of 40 areas across the country to be chosen by the Government to become a Respect zone. In return for the

  • Bradshaw hits the medal trail

    Paul Bradshaw has won a gold medal at the North of England Junior Indoor Championships a week after striking silver in the Welsh Senior Indoor Championships. Paul's was one of four victories and eleven medals for East Lancashire athletes in last weekend's

  • New clues in hunt for chubby pervert

    DETECTIVES hunting a chubby-faced pervert have been getting calls about a sex pest propositioning women in East Lancashire. Police issued an e-fit of the pervert and since its release officers have received a number of calls from people naming potential

  • Lenny's stand-up show

    Lenny Henry talks about his current stand-up comedy tour, his new TV show Lenny's Britain and how to get a laugh.

  • Gym'll fix it for area's athletes

    THE Burnley-born Olympic and Commonwealth athlete Craig Heap wants to build a specialist gymnastic centre in East Lancashire - the first of its kind in the area. The gold-medal-winning gymnast is hoping to use his expertise and experience to train up

  • GP blasts NHS private link-up

    A GP has blasted plans to send patients to a private firm on the NHS as "creeping privitisation". Dr Robert Grayson, from Great Harwood Medical Centre, Water Street, spoke after East Lancashire's four top doctors opposed the plans. South African firm

  • ADVERTISING VIDEO: Lookers Vauxhall

    Lookers Vauxhall - the complete motoring experience. For the best deals on new and used Vauxhalls look at our adverts in the Motors supplement every Thursday in the Lancashire Telegraph. Click here for the Lookers website.

  • £30k of taxpayers’ cash will bail out leisure trust

    THE trust which runs public leisure facilities in Hyndburn has run up debts of more than £300,000. But Hyndburn Council has stumped up a loan of over £200,000 using taxpayers' cash following fears that the financial problems could force the closure of

  • The rain in Spain

    IT might be freezing back home in England but it's pretty cold too here in Spain! We've been out here since Sunday and although the sun is out, there's no chance of getting a tan. I think it's been minus six degrees! We're out here because we've not

  • Teenager hid Samurai sword under his jumper

    A TEENAGER discarded the blade from a Samurai sword as he was chased by a police officer. Blackburn magistrates heard Karl Sharples had been in the queue in a petrol station shop when he first came to the attention of the officer who formed the opinion

  • Drunk teenager crashed stolen vehicle

    A drunken teenager who stole his friend's mum's car drove it to Manchester and back before crashing it - almost hitting a neighbour, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how "upset" Sam Paul Duffy, 18, who was almost twice the limit after lager

  • Sunday school revival

    ST Philip's Church, Stubbins is appealing for volunteers for its children's Sunday school. Churchwarden John Arnott said: "We haven't had a Sunday school for almost three years, since teachers left. Young people are the lifeblood of the church, so we

  • Landlord’s tribute to hanged man

    A 67-year-old man has been found hanged at his home in Blackburn. The man, who was living in New Wellington Street, Mill Hill, was found hanging from a rope in his kitchen. His body was discovered by his landlord Andrew Mays at 11am yesterday. Mr Mays

  • Gally backs Rovers ticket plan

    FORMER Rovers star Kevin Gallacher has backed the club's moves to use some of the extra television money that Premiership teams will get next year to lower ticket prices. Rovers chairman John Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph that the club were

  • Warnock: Bellamy was key to move

    STEPHEN Warnock has revealed Craig Bellamy convinced him to join Blackburn Rovers. The 25-year-old signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Ewood earlier this week and said it was a glowing recommendation from Bellamy, who became a fans' favourite during

  • Religious groups’ joint trip builds unity

    A GROUP of Burnley Christians and Muslim leaders are leading the way in promoting multi-faith communities. A delegation of 18 faith leaders from the borough will return today from a two-day trip to London designed to deepen their understanding of faith

  • Racial abuse hurled at police officer

    A "Jekyll and Hyde" alcoholic who racially abused a police officer appeared in court for the second time in two days. On Monday Burnley Crown Court gave Patrick Healey a two year community order with supervision, for burglary. The day after, he was

  • 220 hospital jobs under threat

    AT least 220 hospital jobs in Lancashire will be at risk under controversial plans to use a private firm to treat NHS patients, a senior manager has warned. A leaked document states up to 360 posts could go at Chorley and South Ribble District General

  • Bradshaw is a quick learner

    BLACKBURN-based teenager Tom Bradshaw is setting the world of motorsport alight - but he is still to pass his driving test! The 17-year-old won the 2006 North West Formula Ford C Class Championship and has just tested for Formula Palmer Audi at Bedford

  • Drugs couple must pay back profits

    A COUPLE involved in the supply of crack cocaine have been ordered to pay back the profits of their crimes - or face spending longer in jail. John Joseph Martin, 46, and Morag Sarah Adams, both of Mosley Street, in the Infirmary area of Blackburn, were

  • Two very different footballers

    So, Rovers have finally ended months of speculation by re-capturing local boy David Dunn. As with all transfers in football, the move has divided the opinion of the fans, but I feel that I can safely speak for the majority of the Ewood faithful in

  • Happy to keep it as Valley Centre?

    RAWTENSTALL residents are asked to help name a planned replacement for the Valley Centre. Site owner and developer CNC Properties Limited wants people to choose their favourite from a selected list or put forward their own suggestions. Names already

  • New Year party-goer's 'moment of madness'

    A DRUNKEN teenager grabbed and twisted a police officer's testicles as he was arrested in the early hours of New Year's Day, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how Shaun David Graves, 19, who had been to a party, left his victim in pain throughout

  • Buses phobia woman stole to pay taxis

    A 45-YEAR-OLD shop assistant stole from the till to fund taxi travel because she had a phobia about using public transport. Blackburn magistrates heard that over a four- month period Sheila Brynes helped herself to £870 by generating bogus refunds.

  • 25 jobs axed at wallpaper firm

    TWENTY five workers are being made redundant at a Darwen wallpaper company. The staff will leave Speciality Coatings, based at Moorside Mill, Dewhurst Street, on February 3. Bosses say the decision was made after a major customer in Morecambe closed

  • Savage responds to leg-break tackle

    DEVASTATED Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage last night said people should make their own minds up about the horror tackle that left him with a broken leg. The recently appointed Rovers skipper suffered a fractured right fibula as a result of the X-rated

  • Firefighters tackle school door blaze

    POLICE are investigating an arson attack at a Colne school. Firefighters were called to St John Fisher and Thomas More High School, Gib Field Road at 10am yesterday after a member of staff noticed smoke coming from the empty sports hall. The crew put

  • Double parking 'putting lives at risk'

    FIRE chiefs are warning car owners they are "putting lives at risk" by double parking after crews struggled to get to a fire in Burnley. Two crews were sent to a fire in Saxon Road just before 2am yesterday but only one pump managed to get to the back

  • Back to the Sixties with all-star band

    ROLLING back the years on January 27 at Burnley Mechanics is Class of '64 - who boast to be "probably the most credible and original 60s band on the circuit". Featuring legends from the Sixties Mick Avory, Eric Haydock, Chip Hawkes plus special guests

  • Why we should be grateful for a certain Mr Hughes

    Why did Rovers go three up in the closing minutes of their (truly excellent) game at the City of Manchester stadium against Manchester City on Saturday? There are two explanations. The first is that young Matt Derbyshire spotted a wonderfully opportunistic

  • Park's lottery boost

    Memorial Park in Great Harwood is celebrating after winning a £50,000 lottery grant. The cash, from the Big Lottery Fund "Parks for People" scheme will mean that restoration plans can be drawn up. Ian Wilkinson, of the Friends of Memorial Park said

  • Split between councils threatens ‘go-it-alone’ bids

    BREAKAWAY bids by district councils from Lancashire County Council look set to fail. Today is the deadline for councils to tell Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly MP what they want to do over a proposed shake-up of local government. The plans allow the

  • Lessons on stopping bullies

    Teachers from across Lancashire will be among the guests attending a conference about prejudice tomorrow. Teaching union the NASUWT is hosting a North of England prejudice-related Seminar at Manchester's Lowry hotel for its members across the north,

  • Stars are out for Nina

    AN East Lancashire-born music manager is using his star connections to aid the fight against cancer in memory of his sister. Nova Rehman, who was raised in Brockhall Village, Langho, was left devastated by the death of his sister, Nina Rehman, who lost

  • Healthier food call

    HEALTH bosses are calling on employers to provide healthier food in the workplace. A task force has been set up at NHS North West to tackle obesity throughout the region. Chiefs are urging business to take on guidance produced by the team. Angela Towers

  • Man killed himself after driving order

    AN East Lancashire pensioner killed himself after he became depressed when he was diagnosed with an eye condition, an inquest heard. The hearing was told Thomas Jones, of Raven Park, Helmshore, was ordered to stop driving by doctors when he was diagnosed

  • Cotterill: Push for play-offs

    FOCUSED Burnley manager Steve Cotterill has urged his players to be brave enough to mount a promotion challenge. The Clarets boss was disappointed not to capitalise on the first of the Clarets' two games in hand when they were beaten 1-0 by Stoke on

  • Recruiting call for ex-soldiers

    ANYONE who served in the following regiments is welcome to join the Blackburn branch of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment Association: The East Lancashire Regiment, the South Lancashire Regt, the North Lancashire Regt, the Lancashire Regt (PWV), the Queen's

  • Why leave waste sorting to us?

    IN common with most people I had to deal with considerably more recycling over the Christmas period. My wife washed out all the cans, bottles and jars. We sorted the paper, making sure we did not accidentally slip glossy wrapping paper in with the newspapers

  • ‘Green tax’ a ploy to get more cash

    IN light of the recent addition of the green tax' levied on the air transport industry by this Government, I think it is time for a little considered thinking on the whole global warming debate. Anyone who watched the BBC TV series The British Isles,

  • Death-crash driver in court

    The driver who knocked down and killed a three-year-old girl appeared before magistrates charged with driving while disqualified. Ryan James Frayne, 20, was banned from driving over the death in July, 2005, of Demi-Leigh Hitchen, whose family live in

  • Samba set to join Rovers

    BLACKBURN ROVERS boss Mark Hughes looks set to make his third signing of the January transfer window later today. Hertha Berlin defender Chris Samba was due to have a medical and discuss personal terms this morning after impressing during a four-day

  • Red coat will be mark of respect for Stella

    THE LAST wishes of a Blackburn teacher who touched hundreds of lives will be honoured at her funeral today. Stella Schofield and husband Paul Schofield, both 65, of Livesey Branch Road, travelled and taught children across the globe over the last four

  • Hughes criticises challenge on Savage

    Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has criticised Watford midfielder Al Bangura for the challenge which left Robbie Savage with a broken leg at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night. After seeing video footage of the incident yesterday, Hughes has described

  • Village’s car park to charge

    RESIDENTS in Sabden have been advised that charges for using the village's car park will come into force the week beginning Monday, February 5. Anyone using the car park on a regular basis can purchase a 12-month permit for £45. The permits entitle

  • Story of park and pride

    People with a good imagination who enjoy the outdoors are invited to a fun-filled afternoon of story telling in a Nelson park. The event takes place on February 3 in Marsden Old Hall and Marsden Park from 1pm until 3pm. Organised by Pendle Council,