LAND behind the Methodist Church, in Hapton, is looking much tidier thanks to the efforts of Hapton's Environment Group.

It was out in force last Saturday morning armed with rubber gloves, brushes and shovels.

Parish councillors Joan Lakeland and John Pinder were supported by clerk Jo Garrigan, Jacob Lakeland and George Hibbert. Also working hard were Coun John Harbour and Hapton's police officer Tony Himycz.

Tony's presence was particularly welcome as he had been on patrol in the village the previous evening accompanied by ex-village bobby PC Lee Hartley.

Lots of litter was collected and bagged.

MEMBERS of Padiham Town Council met Inspector Martin Hall and Sergeant Dave Fleming, of Padiham police. They discussed the fact that the town is policed from Burnley, instead of Padiham.

Inspector Hall explained the change came about since boundary changes "twinned" the town with the West of Burnley.

TWO vacancies exist on Padiham Council. Anyone interested in making a difference to the town and helping to shape its future can contact town clerk Elizabeth Bolton at Padiham Town Hall, either by letter or in person on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.

DANCE the night away this Saturday at Padiham Town Hall, from 7.30pm. Admission is £3.

GAWTHORPE High School welcomed representatives from Habergham and Ivy Bank schools in what, it is hoped, will become a regular forum between the schools, pupil referral services and the police, to exchange information.

HOPES are high that Neighbourhood Watch will soon be firmly in place in Hapton. Questionnaires have been sent around the village and a response of more than 50 per cent is needed for a scheme to begin.

THE Winchester Club was host recently to teams of darts and domino players from Platts Social Club in Accrington. Platts 'Tiger' Walsh saw his domino team lose to the Winchester at 5-4 and the Platts darts team beat the Winchester. The score was also 5-4. Platts said they enjoyed their trip to Hapton and are looking forward to a return visit. The Winchester snooker team is romping ahead in the Premier Conservative Club Division One pool league.

HAPTON Parish Council met on Tuesday night at the local school. Among items discussed were the proposed erection of a three-bedroom bungalow in Simpson Street. Councillors had no objection and felt development of small patches of land enhanced the village. The annual Council Tax payers meeting will be on March 13 in the school, at 7pm. Items on the agenda will be Neighbourhood Watch and CCTV.