FUNDING of half-a-million pounds has been secured for the first phase of a £1.5million revamp of Great Harwood Town Hall. The creation of the business hub in the listed buiding, which is empty, will also mean many of its internal features, such as
YILDIRAY Basturk has put himself in contention for a place in Blackburn Rovers' squad for Wednesday's visit of Hull City after an impressive 45 minute reserve team cameo at Fleetwood. The Turkish midfielder showed he still had the old magic
A CHEMICAL engineer is sparking renewed interest in science at school with a new business venture. Claire Holt set up Flashbang Science to share her lifetime passion for chemistry with primary school pupils. The initiative, launched earlier this year
DIY stores in Lancashire will be asked to keep an eye on suspicious purchases to help police fight drug crime. Lancashire Constabulary has produced leaflets which say people buying large amounts of fertilisers, fans, lighting and insulation
YILDIRAY Basturk has shown glimpses of the class that once made him one of Europe's top creative midfielders - but was unable to force a breakthrough at Fleetwood. The Turk, who signed from Stuttgart last month until the end of the season, was the stand
A MINUTE’S silence will be observed before Wednesday's Blackburn Rovers match in memory of a loyal fan who died after the weekend’s game at Stoke. Fans at Ewood Park will fall silent in memory of season ticket holder John Taylor, who was
BLACKBURN Rovers' new boys Amine Linganzi and Yildiray Basturk start for the reserves tonight in a friendly at Fleetwood. Vince Grella and Lars Jacobsen also feature as they return from injury, ahead of Wednesday's Premier League visit of Hull City.
CLARETS defender Clarke Carlisle has become the first Premier League player to appear on Channel 4’s Countdown. Clarke gained a place in the hotseat after host Jeff Stelling heard about his love of the long-running programme. The footballer, who was
MAX Stafford-Clark will direct Andersen’s English, a new play by Sebastian Barry to be staged at the Library Theatre in Manchester. Set in the home of Charles Dickens, celebrated children’s writer Hans Christian Andersen arrives at Dickens
The days of rotund ring-masters and dilapidated big tops are gone. Over the past couple of years, circus has risen to the top of the cultural agenda thanks to a combination of inventive staging and boundary-pushing choreography. To celebrate the
ACTOR David Crellin, known to many as Emmerdale’s Billy Hopwood, is currently appearing in Alan Ayckbourn’s “tea party from hell”, Absent Friends, ot Oldham’s Coliseum theatre. The actor, who lives in Horwich, plays the role of Colin, who is recovering
A CLITHEROE FC fan has been displaying his club’s colours with pride while serving in Afghanistan. Blues-mad Simon Barker, who is captain of the 28 squadron of 10 Queen’s Own Ghurka Logistic Regiment, has been showing his support for his home town
MATTHEW Bourne’s multi-award-winning modern reinterpretation of Swan Lake returns to Salford for one week only. Now firmly crowned as a modern-day classic, this iconic production is perhaps best-known for replacing the traditional female corps de ballet
They often say the 1980s was the golden age of videogames. But when you consider such delights as Bayonetta, Modern Warfare 2, Batman Arkham Asylym and my personal favourite Uncharted 2, you realise that the true best is here and now. Play Mass Effect
Ambition in video game design is a wonderful thing. It pushes the boundaries and raises the bar. For example, why have 16 players battling it out on an online battlefield when you can have 256? That’s probably the killer stat for MAG (or Massive
When the summer Olympics come to London in two years’ time, we’d better hope that there’s a fine video game where you can represent your nation in every event, and instil a sense of virtual national pride even if the real life medal table doesn’t tell
Blackburn MP Jack Straw has denied blocking detailed cabinet discussion on the attorney general's advice on the legality of military action against Iraq. Making his second appearance before the Iraq Inquiry, he insisted he had no recollection of the
MAMA Mia, it’s Bjorn Again in Blackburn with a night that will have you dancing in the aisles. It's a sad fact of life that, despite billion pound offers, Abba will never reform. Too much heartache and divorce. But for the past two decades we've
FORMER Hollyoaks star and Radio 4 playwright John Graham Davies is bringing his latest play to Nelson's ACE Centre. Beating Berlusconi is based on the bizarre true story of a real Liverpool fan who ended up sitting next to Italian Prime Minister Silvio
RESIDENTS in Knuzden are to get their own ‘bobbies on the beat’. A neighbourhood policing team will cover the area, spending more than 80 per cent on patrol. Knuzden had previously been covered by the Oswaldtwistle neighbourhood officers. Sgt
1950s Chicago, when a black President was unthinkable, is far removed from American society today. But Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful play exploring issues which are still as relevant today as they were back then. Director
THE debate as to whether or not time and place should be tampered with in Shakespeare’s plays will rage for as long as his work is staged, but if the Bard was to witness this mesmerising production he would surely send a sonnet of approval in the direction
WE’VE reached another crucial moral crossroads. An opinion poll suggests that four out of five of us approve of assisted suicide. Then, author Terry Pratchett – himself suffering from Alzheimer’s – uses his Richard Dimbleby lecture to call for tribunals
MAKING the decision to change your name when you get married is one thing. But actually doing it? That’s another thing entirely. Three-and-a-half months since the wedding, and I reckon it’s about time I officially became a Taylor. It’s taken this long
Choose a sunny day in winter to see the architecture of Whalley Abbey and church at their best. Whalley village buildings are Georgian with lots of shop, cafes and pubs. Begin at the railway station. Turn left near the cricket ground on the left and
NEIGHBOURHOOD police are urging Burnley and Padiham residents to attend monthly ward meetings. Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings are taking place for all wards this month, and officers are calling on people to come forward with their
Halo Vertical Fitness centre in Haslingden is running Pole Dancing sessions at Sparkle Dance Studio in Clegg Street. Pole fitness can be done by men and women between the ages of 18 and 50. Contact 01706 225 004.
ZERO council tax rises could be on the horizon for nearly 36,000 households across Nelson, Colne and West Craven after a pledge from a town hall leader. Liberal Democrats in Pendle, the single largest party in the borough council, have drawn
A BURNLEY firm has won new contracts and created more jobs thanks to a council initiative. Ensign Energy Limited, which addresses environmental issues, benefited from a £10,000 loan from the Business Investment Deals part of the No Limits programme
Fifteen acts will appear at St Thomas' Church Helmshore on Saturday, February 13th to help raise funds for repairs to the church steeple. The "Brewer Sisters" who recently appeared on the X Factor have agreed to perform. Contact 07796 782162 for tickets
A TORY councillor is facing possible expulsion from his town hall duties after failing to attend a meeting for almost six months. Coun Jonathan Gilbert, who represents Whittlefield-with-Ightenhill ward for the Conservatives, has not been present
AN ‘Open Mic’ night in Barnoldswick unearthed a host of talented musicians. The event, at the Rainhall Centre, featured ten musicians, half of whom hail from Barnoldswick. Local duo Bernulf opened with three songs before Andy Byrne,
HOSPITALS in East Lancashire believe they have overcome the winter vomiting bug norovirus, with no new cases in the past three weeks. Health chiefs have thanked patients, visitors, GPs and carers for helping them control the virus, which causes
It is not often realised that snails not only live on land but also in water and indeed scientists believe that snails evolved first on water and then moved on to the land. Snails belong to the huge mass of animals called molluscs which comes from the
SUPER-FAST broadband that will improve links between digital firms across the North West will be hosted at the Burnley university campus. The 100 megabits per second NorthernNET network has been set up at that campus and features work stations that can
A wine merchant is toasting success after scooping a prestigious award. Barrica Wines, which is based in the food hall at Huntley’s farm shop, Samlesbury, has been named UK Independent Wine Retailer of the Year. The firm, which was founded less than
TWO aircraft partly built in East Lancashire will form the backbone of Britain’s military for years to come, a Government minister has pledged. Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said the Ministry of Defence had a future commitment to the Eurofighter Typhoon
Week five and the skaters are finally finding their feet! Torvill and Dean opened the show skating to Pixie Lott singing ‘Use Somebody’ live in the studio. Their routine was beautiful as was the live music. This weeks required element was the ‘
MORE than 100 staff at bus and coach maker Optare completed training to learn to find efficiency savings. The workers undertook a Gateshead College course at their base in Lower Philips Road, Whitebirk, Blackburn.
MORE than 5,000 Lancashire businesses have been granted more time to pay tax bills under a Government scheme, it has been revealed. HM Revenue and Customs said 5,270 companies in the county had been given extensions because they were struggling during
COMING on the heels of a royal visit, and Burnley’s welcome weekend win, the ambitious plans for Turf Moor unveiled today certainly give townspeople something to smile about. A versatile new stand which could double as East Lancashire’s largest music
RAMBLERS, cyclists and horse riders are at loggerheads over allowing bikes and ponies on to one of East Lancashire’s most scenic countryside routes. Plans have resurfaced to create a bridleway from Laneshawbridge to Wycoller Country Park, near Colne,
A NIGHTCLUB owner has asked if improvements could be made to the building as part of a wider regeneration scheme. Enhancements are being made to houses in Stanley Street as part of plans to regenerate the Whitefield area of Nelson. Dave
A CONVICTED football hooligan faces another banning order as police try to keep him away from Clarets matches for good. Norman “Knuckles” Jones is said by police to regularly brag to “whoever will listen” that he is one of the original members of the
A CLOTHING company, which started life in a young entrepreneur’s Nelson bedroom three years ago, is taking the world by storm. Largely unimpressed by clothes in high street stores, Paul Griffiths, 22, bought 50 blank T-shirts and adorned them with simple
BARNOLDSWICK had to show all of the fighting spirit to come from behind to earn a point against fellow high-flyers Irlam. After a goalless opening half, Irlam took the lead 10 minutes after the restart when Ryan Hutchinson curled home a free kick beyond
MIchael Morrrison’s last-gasp header deep into injury time gave Padiham a hard-fought double over Congleton Town in a pulsating clash. However, it could have been a different story had Stuart Tulloch scored for the visitors in the first minute when clear
RAMSBOTTOM United won ‘ugly’ to maintain their promotion hopes. In a game that wasn’t pretty to watch, the Rams sealed all three points thanks to John Blackley’s header just before the break. Rock bottom Abbey Hey, who have won just three times all
CHORLEY accounted for promotion hopefuls Leigh with unexpected ease to make it four wins out of five. The crisis-torn hosts were second best for most of a thoroughly entertaining match as the Magpies shrugged off their midweek defeat at Bamber Bridge
BRIAN Laws is confident that Burnley’s victory over West Ham United on Saturday can be the start of a revival in form. The Clarets had gone 12 Premier League games without a win – nine of which came while Owen Coyle was still in charge – before
ADULTS with learning difficulties are getting the chance to learn catering skills at the new Darwen Leisure Centre. Self Unlimited, based in Samlesbury, has arranged for two of its students to join staff in the cafe at the new site. They will spend
BACUP Borough’s hopes of picking up a morale boosting point at Alsager vanished after conceding a last minute winner. Scott Taylor put the Bullets up on the stroke of half time only for Bacup to level through Martin Cosgrove in the second half. A draw
CLITHEROE warmed up for Wednesday’s LFA Co-operative Challenge Trophy semi final clash with Leigh Genesis with an impressive display in an entertaining game. The home side had a dream start when Danny Williams crossed for Alan Coar to volley home
A MUCH-changed Rossendale United picked up their first win of the year and only their third of the season after an excellent win at Salford. And with a little more calmness in front of goal, the Stags could easily have won by more. Jack
AN East Lancashire MP facing charges as part of an investigation into parliamentary expenses has been suspended by the Labour Party. A spokesman said Bury North MP David Chaytor, whose constituency covers Ramsbottom, had been "administratively
THE Ribble Valley has many mystical legends and historian Simon Entwistle can bring them back to life. Dressed in his authentic Victorian costume, the Clitheroe-based story teller will be delighted to recount some of his favourite local ‘spooky’ encounters
SAM Allardyce admits his Blackburn Rovers side were not clever enough to see off Stoke City’s physical challenge – but insists referee Steve Bennett has to shoulder some of the blame as well. The Rovers boss was furious with his side’s defending
ACCRINGTON legend Paul Mullin thanked Stanley’s fans for his big reception as he took to the field on his first return to the Crown Ground as a Morecambe player – but was still miserable about the result. Mullin’s old club beat his new employers
As I’m trying to be a bit more adventurous in 2010, I could follow up this piece of Valentine website advice. ‘Women are used to receiving sexy underwear and lingerie, but this year flip the script and present him with sexy unmentionables.’ My husband
DARWEN Town Council is in danger of becoming a farce, according to the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Liberal Democrats. Coun David Foster, who is also deputy leader of the borough council, made the comments after its recent meeting to set
DARWEN ‘smart metering’ firm Bglobal has announced another bumper deal — but warned its profits may be hit by the cold snap. The Commercial Road-based business, which installs energy-saving meters, has clinched a £12million contract with British Gas
The devastated family of a Blackburn Rovers fan who was fatally injured at Saturday’s game at Stoke have paid tribute to “a local legend”. John Steven Taylor died of head injuries in hospital in the early hours of yesterday morning.
AN ANGRY shopkeeper has launched a poster campaign in a bid to rid Darwen of potholes. Hundreds of the bright yellow posters have been given out to shops along the A666 by David Scott, who owns Design hair salon in Blackburn Road. A
WE all know how important it is to recycle because, as a nation, we just cannot go on burying our waste in the ground without physically running out of space. Local authorities have been taking a very pro-active role in persuading us to change our ways
ACTION Group members read with interest the report (LT, February 2) advising that security is to be stepped up at parks and cemeteries within the borough, following concerns about thefts and boy racers wrecking parks. Whilst it is commendable that the
AFTER the article (LET, February 1), I wonder just how stupid Hazel Harding thinks the people of East Lancashire are. The shake-up of A&E services in this area has been an unmitigated disaster. Even the appalling figures published don’t tell the true
THE body of a man has been pulled from the canal in Blackburn this morning. Emergency services were called to the scene, close to Brown's Timber, Copy Nook, at 2.25am. The body was spotted lying face down in the water by a man walking
THE 1950 England World Cup cap of Blackburn Rovers legend Bill Eckersley has been listed for auction. The family of the full-back, who spent his entire playing career between 1947 and 1961 at Ewood Park, have put the treasured item up for sale with Bonhams
PLANNING chiefs have rejected an application to turn an historic and popular inn dating back to the 19th Century into houses. The application to change the use of the De Tabley Arms, Ribchester Road, Ribchester, from a restaurant and pub to
JOHN Coleman admitted his Accrington Stanley men had luck on their side as they beat Lancashire rivals Morecambe in a derby to savour on Saturday. But the bullish boss believed his Reds are working hard enough to earn their breaks after
SAM Allardyce has warned his Blackburn Rovers side ‘our Premier League status is still far from assured’ – as he targets a rapid rise to the magic 40-point mark. Rovers remain in 12th position in the table and seven points clear of the drop
A BOY of 14 was butted by a man who refused to return the football he and his friends were playing with. Stuart Pearson, 20, of Fawcett Close, Blackburn, admitted assault and was sentenced to six weeks in a young offenders institute suspended for 18
BURNLEY new boy Danny Fox has hailed his goalscoring debut in Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Ham as the best day of his career – and warned the rest of the Premier League that he can get even better. Fox left Celtic to join Burnley just before
A WORLD-first ‘football university’ could be coming to Burnley as part of dramatic new plans to redevelop Turf Moor. Just months after Burnley first became a ‘university town’, it could soon be home to a second seat of learning, devoted to the beautiful
LANCASHIRE paramedics are to be banned from wearing novelty socks. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) will stop all uniformed staff from wearing socks decorated with cartoon characters, jokes and garish patterns because bosses said they were
A HAIRDRESSER has slammed “mafia-style” council officers who stopped him recycling the trimmings from his clients. Jeff Stone said that for the past 40 years he had taken home the hair from his salon in Fleming Square, Blackburn, to use on
