Archive

  • Lord aims to make major junior impact

    ATHERTON COLLS plan to make a big impact on the junior football scene. Manager Alan Lord is determined teams from Alder House will be in the running for honours at every level. And to that aim the club will be running a series of summer coaching schools

  • Super Black's back on track

    RIDERS from Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway produced their best show of the season to hit runners-up spot in the final match of the North/Midlands round of the British Junior League. Danny Black won all his four races at U11s and was then second

  • Park people

    TEENAGERS have personalised their own patch in Dootson's Park, Leigh. And park guardians called in to look at the finished work which was funded by Brighter Borough finance. Hope Carr councillor Mark Hale, ranger Cath Lomas and Dootson's Park user group

  • Today's the Day

    A look at events in history on June 18 with Mike Badham 1815: The Battle of Waterloo took place near Brussels - and provided material for historians to argue over for years. Napoleon lost, but would he have won if his piles had been less painful? He only

  • Cash back idea for votes

    TERRY Wynn believes voters should be given a 'real incentive' to take part in elections (writes Malcolm Ryding). After being re-elected to the European Parliament in an election with a 19.6% regional turnout, Mr Wynn said something had to be done to entice

  • Arson attack on school

    A PASSING motorist saved St Anne's Primary School, Waterfoot, from possible severe fire damage after an arson attack. The motorist reported seeing a glow from the basement at about 11pm last night. Fire crews arrived to find someone had pushed paper through

  • Police warning over traffic delays

    POLICE are appealing for motorists to be "patient and understanding" when the carnival parade hits the streets of Prestwich on Sunday. They warn that a replacement Metrolink bus service - drafted in while repairs take place on the Moss Lane bridge, Whitefield

  • New call for pet helpers

    A LEIGH charity shop is on the look out for volunteers. The PDSA, based in Bradshawgate, is part of Britain's largest veterinary charity treating sick and injured pets of eligible owners. New manager Gill Hill would like to hear from anyone who could

  • Historic centre saved

    BURY'S historic Arts and Crafts Centre has been saved - but maybe only for one year in its current status. Town hall bosses have found £78,000 to keep the centre open until June 2000 and fund a full programme of study courses this coming academic year

  • Pit-site college plan goes to planners

    NEW College pit-site blueprints have gone before planners. The 2.2 hectare site, on part of the former Parsonage Colliery in Leigh, has been earmarked for college use. The Marshall Street campus of Wigan and Leigh College needs upgrading and would have

  • Toddler firebugs menace

    CHILDREN as young as five started hundreds of house fires in Lancashire last year, seriously injuring dozens of people and causing millions of pounds of damage, Fire Brigade officials have revealed. And officers believe that children were responsible

  • Town breaks language barrier

    BURY became a mecca for the multi-lingual yesterday, June 17, when it hosted a major regional conference. Around 150 bilingual language assistants, who work in schools across the north of England, were in town to take part in the event. And where better

  • Aalborg to the rescue

    DANISH club Aalborg are set to rescue Anders Andersson from a return to Blackburn Rovers. The Swedish midfielder was shipped out on loan in October last year and, after a successful season, the move is about to be made permament. Rovers expect to secure

  • From war to wedding bells

    CARING businesses in Bury have teamed up to make a wedding day dream come true for one of the town's Kosovo refugees. On Monday afternoon, in a simple ceremony at Bury Register Office, teenager Antigona Gashi will marry student Avni Latifi, three years

  • Houston we have a problem

    TWENTY buses and up to 100 miles of travel a week. That's what 13-year-old Liam Houston of St Annes faces simply to get an education, after being told he must attend a school in the middle of Preston because there is no space at his local high school.

  • Magic own goal by radio station

    CITIZEN comment: One of the worst things a journalist can be told is that no-one pays attention to their work. It's bad enough when it said to you by a stranger, but to have it said to you by your bosses must be a dreadful blow. Unfortunately, that is

  • Alarming era of unisex pub loos

    I GET asked the oddest questions . . . For instance, my old Moss Bank chum Ronnie Aitch is curious to know if there are any pubs which still have unisex loos. What got the ball rolling was a bar-top discussion on the old-time watering holes of St Helens

  • Old warrior's tanner a day

    BILL Bickley was a superhero. But his front-line gallantry in major campaigns earned him an army pension of just sixpence a day. Mind you, it all took place a long time ago (the 19th-century in fact). But reader Susan Shields draws a rather mischievous

  • Europe return for Tory ex-MP

    FORMER Bury MP David Sumberg is preparing to represent local voters once more after making a sensational comeback in last week's European elections. The man who was Bury South MP for 14 years thought his political career was over after a drubbing in the

  • Lily looks back

    EIGHT months after becoming Bury's first ever Woman of the Year, 72-year-old Lily Reid looks back on her time at the top. When Lily was given the prestigious title at a special ceremony on October 1, 1998, she described it as the most wonderful day of

  • Street star's bid for vital aid

    A RAFFLE to help get vital medical supplies to sick youngsters is being held by Coronation Street star Ian Mercer and Leigh riding instructor Tony Flannery. The pair, who will be doing a sponsored motorcycle ride across the USA, are raising money for

  • Village bobby caught up in family's feud

    POLICE were called when a three-way family feud in the village of Chipping ended in bloodshed. Village bobby Tom Treacey arrived at the home of Lloyd James Rowlinson to find him sitting on the front wall covered in blood. Blackburn magistrates heard that

  • We couldn't trust Milosevic

    IF Betty Tebbs (Your Letters, June 11) re-reads my letter of May 28 she will see that I did not question her claim that Nato acted illegally. I simply observed that Milosevic's brutal ethnic cleansing was also illegal. It ignored Articles 2,5,7,9,12,7

  • Storms hit bike trio

    A HINDLEY trio's gallant attempt to pedal the length of Britain had to be called off. Terrible weather and gruelling terrain took their toll on David, Chris and Marc Johnsons' attempt to ride from John O'Groats to Land's End in aid of the NSPCC Full Stop

  • When to call 999

    GREATER Manchester police's new campaign to keep the 999 emergency lines clear for people who really do need the police urgently has generated much debate about what is, and what isn't, a real police emergency. To the police, a real emergency is where

  • Stephanie's head start on hearts

    LITTLE Stephanie Buckley is well aware of heart health - even at the tender age of 10. And she has become the 10,000th member of the British Heart Foundation's Artie Beat Club. To mark the occasion Stephanie, and her Hindley Green Primary School classmates

  • Better alternative to HRT drug

    MOST of the foals being born to the 75,000 mares used in the production of HRT drug Premarin will not see their first birthday. Each year, tens of thousands of horses are impregnated and tied in tiny stalls, similar to veal crates, constantly irritated

  • Can we silence Beast of Burrs?

    LOCAL naturalists may be interested in the recent discovery of a very rare species down at the Burrs Country Park in Bury. Mostly white, with yellow stripes and black markings, it is most easily spotted between 4am and 6am on a Saturday, when its loud

  • 'Wimps' won't do anything to stop it

    I WAS sorry to read of the problems some people are having with vandals, louts and other brain-dead cretins - and the total lack of response by the council and police (Harassment is ignored, June 3). Sadly, I'm not surprised as there is now no legal deterrent

  • Labour duo back at Strasbourg

    LEIGH's Euro-MP Terry Wynn has fought his way back to the European Parliament. But Sunday night was a bad night for Labour in the North West after the Conservatives swept away half of Labour's 10 seats in the region. As Labour failed miserably, in a record

  • Wina Nintendo 64 console

    WIN a Nintendo 64 console with a copy of Goldeneye and a Nintendo Colour Gameboy, with Choices Video super store and the Citizen. The new Choices Video super store is now open in Churchill Way, Leyland, and it's packed full of the latest videos, games

  • Property boss slams Cenotaph shame

    WORK to Leigh's new look War Memorial Gardens has been delayed - again! The £135,000 project is now way behind schedule. But the man leading the campaign to rid the area of an 'undesirable element' who vandalise the Church Street site has promised the

  • No storming out to make a call

    ON returning from holiday this week, I read what I consider to be totally untrue statement in your newspaper (Citizen May 13). An article about the elections stated 'Coun Dorothy Stewart, who has 25 years service on the council, was beaten by the Liberal

  • Beggars flout law with tin whistles

    BEGGARS in Preston are being given carte blanche to carry on scrounging for cash after police were told they couldn't arrest them. Local officers began arresting people for begging last year but, in a bid to avoid being caught, many of the town's 'regulars

  • What is meant by community?

    WHILE it is excellent to hear that Bury Council's executive committee has finally decided to respond to the Government's White Paper on Local Democracy, the apparent confusion as to what is entailed in the adoption of a community plan will be of very

  • Dim view of light thefts...

    LET there be light! That's the plea from one Preston councillor after light-fingered thieves stole historic lamps. The thieves have been helping themselves to ornamental lamps in several districts of Avenham and Frenchwood - costing Preston Borough Council

  • Taking the county into the future

    PLANS for Lancashire's grandest Millennium event - to be held in Preston - have been unveiled by Lancashire County Council. Worldwish 3000 will take place at Preston North End's Deepdale ground on June 25, 2000, and provide 40 youth organisations from

  • 'Play area plan is unfair'

    AN angry mum living near an 'eyesore' playground in Leyland has attacked council plans to pump a massive £60,000 into improving other recreation areas across the borough. Mother-of-six Diane Nuttall, pictured, has vowed to fight for better recreational

  • BOWLS: Tomlinson tops

    BRIAN Tomlinson remains a point clear at the top of the Terry Sayers individual merit awards table following his seventh win that extended his aggregate of 42. Mick Nelson from Frenchwood retains second place despite a 21-14 reverse, but his team-mate

  • Europe, here I come!

    FORMER South Ribble MP Sir Robert Atkins has returned from the political wilderness to take up a seat in the European Parliament, two years after crashing out of the House of Commons. Sir Robert, who was ousted from his 'safe' South Ribble seat in the

  • BJFF grab six-a-side spoils

    A MAGNIFICENT performance by BJFF U12s saw them win the Euxton Villa six-a-side tournament for the second year running. Twenty-eight teams entered and Bispham came second in their group to qualify for the quarter finals, only conceding two goals in the

  • A man for all seasons

    After 15 years commentating on his favourite team on his favourite radio station, it came as a blow to Citizen columnist Tom Parker to learn that Magic 999 was accepting defeat and passing local sports coverage over to a bigger station. Is he bitter?

  • EQUESTRIANISM: Emma qualifies

    EMMA Dickinson has qualified for the British Arab Championships after coming up trumps in the North-west Arab Horse Show. The 21-year-old, who lives in Mellor, came third in the Novice Ridden Mare category aboard Crystal Atlantis in the event staged at

  • CRICKET: Simpson backs his title chasers

    GREAT Harwood skipper Gordon Simpson is backing his team to get back on the Jennings Ribblesdale League title-trail with victory over Read tomorrow. The men from the Cliffe got off to a flyer at the start of the season before a string of poor results

  • TABLE TENNIS: Hyndburn Woolwich Junior Table Tennis League

    THE League held its presentation evening at McDonalds restaurant, Accrington, after a fourth successful campaign. Trophies were awarded for both winners and runners-up in divisional and merit competitions. In addition, they each received an embroidered

  • BOWLS: Classic life of Brians

    TWO previous champions, Brian Duncan and Brian Tomlinson, were the latest qualifiers for the last 16 of the Alexander Classic, sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Scottish and Newcastle Retail. On Saturday, Brian Duncan put himself on course

  • BOWLS: Champs add Super bounce

    THE two best results for local teams in the Ovalworld Super League was the 4-2 win for Alexandra over Rose 'N Bowl Stacksteads, and Sunnybank's defeat of league leaders St Annes by the same margin. Reigning champions Alexandra remain in mid division following

  • Flying high footballers

    A BLACKPOOL school football team are flying high in the United States. The super six from Collegiate High School girls team, aged between 13 and 16, won the final of the Predator Community Cup 5-0 at Wembley last month. As their prize the team, including

  • Old boys return to present awards

    TWO former YMCA junior players returned back to their club to present the awards at the YMCA's annual presentation evening on Sunday (June 13). Everton's Jamie Milligan, who captained Englands's 18s squad and also made four appearances in the FA Premier

  • Drunken youths frightened me

    I WRITE in support of the concerns expressed by "Fed Up Bowler" and "Elton Pensioner" (Your Letters, June 11) about the goings-on in Whitehead Park, Bury. On Friday, about 8pm, I took my two young children to the playground and I was verbally abused by

  • CRICKET: LANCS LGE PREVIEW

    AFTER finishing fourth in the EW Cartons Lancashire League last season, Enfield might have been expected to have made a better fist of it this time around. Hit by selection problems and a struggle for form, they are currently fifth from bottom of the

  • Fashion show cash for hospice

    BLACKPOOL'S Trinity Hospice has received a welcome cash boost thanks to three catwalk queens from Arnold High School Sixth Form. Rishma Remtulla, Natalie James and Katie Norton organised a fashion show at the school, raising £825.66 for Brian House, the

  • Adding up to success

    PUPILS from Arnold School, Blackpool, have been busy making sure all their sums add up as they celebrate success in maths competitions. Fifth form pupils Matthew Bannister, Drew Roberts, Kirsten Shearer and Daisy Wan were invited to take part in the UK

  • Cricket results round-up

    VAUX NORTHERN LEAGUE Division One: * Darwen 148-8, R Petrie 59 (n.o.), R P S Singh 6-69 - Blackpool, match abandoned for rain, four points each; Fleetwood 161-4, M Clinning 52, S Nicolson 42, N Coultas 37 - * Chorley 160-7, N Heatin 60, S Nicolson 4-50

  • 'Apathy Party' wins

    WELL, not many answered the voting appeal for the Euro elections, and Labour supporters, who didn't think they'd need to bother, paid the price. The party, because of the low turnout, took a bit of a stuffing from the Tories, and our two standing Euro

  • Join in the celebrations

    CELEBRATIONS are being planned at Rossendale Interiors and Fylde folk are being invited to join in. A refurbishment of the Cherry Tree Road store in Blackpool has made room for more than 50 kitchen, bedroom and bathroom displays in two separate showrooms

  • Winning look at £6m lottery life

    COMPLIMENTS to Leigh's big winner, Ken White, on his bravery in going ahead with his book "Lottery: The Win That Tore a Family Apart", and writer, freelance journalist Rachel Halliwell, of Culcheth. The riveting work tells the extraordinary story of this

  • Haresfinch find their winning touch

    WHAT a difference a week makes . . . Haresfinch went from bottom of the St Helens Rounders League's second division, to fourth after winning two games in seven days. First they won 17-17 in a gripping match at Sutton. Then won 17-16 at home to United

  • Multi-million orders help secure aerospace jobs

    A CLUTCH of multi-million pound aerospace orders will help secure hundreds of jobs at an aerospace factory. Hurel-Dubois have announced two firm orders which will increase the workload at its Bancroft Road site in Burnley which employs 630 people. The

  • Police blitz to beat crime

    TWO innovative operations have been launched this week to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on the Grange Park housing estate, Blackpool. Operation Alliance runs until June 18 and involves around 35 officers, including mounted police and motorcyclists

  • Uncharitable and judgemental on school

    I AM writing in connection with your article 'Parents in prison row'. How small minded are these people? They really should listen to themselves, and realise just how uncharitable and judgemental they are! I work in a school for children with emotional

  • Four-legged doggie fan in a rage

    I DON'T know why it is, but one of life's greatest irritations seems to be dog muck. Not a pleasant topic, but newspapers receive as many letters on the subject as anything else. This week a Kenilworth Road, Lowton, resident - a doggie person herself

  • Engine power to success

    THE strong men and women from Parr's Engine Hotel stole the show in the St Helens Arm-Wrestling Championships. They claimed the team championship and included the champion of champions in heavyweight John Mayor. RESULTS Local Class, ladies: 1 Jayne Doyle

  • Double trouble for compensation clinic

    A FREE trades union legal clinic for miners suffering from lung disease was abandoned when it was found that the premises were double booked together with a private compensation advice company. The clinic should have taken place at Burnley Miners Club

  • Millennium misery

    SCHOOLCHILDREN in Blackpool are to miss out on the chance to attend Lancashire's grandest Millennium event - because the town has become a unitary authority. Around 40 youth groups and organisations from across Lancashire will converge on Preston North

  • Children who need help

    I WRITE with reference to your front page article regarding Rose Hill School. I am very annoyed that people in the vicinity of the new Rose Hill Senior School not wanting to have the school in the area. Do these people realise the kind of pupil that will

  • Sutton in sizzling form

    RUBEROID Sutton Cricket Club strolled to success against faced bottom-of-the-table St Marys College OB. In a one sided contest Sutton batted first with SS Das despatching the bowling in an unbeaten 120 and Sean Anders hitting 41 in support. Sutton closed

  • League honours officials

    LONG-serving officials of two local clubs were honoured at the annual general meeting of the North West Counties Amateur Rugby League this week. Frank Bradshaw was given a special award after completing 20 years' service as secretary of Haydock, while

  • MP involved in OFSTED report

    BLACKPOOL South MP Gordon Marsden has been at the heart of a critical report of OFSTED. Mr Marsden joined other MPs in the education select committee to produce the first report of its kind examining the work of the schools investigatory body. The article

  • Rainford suffer collapse

    A DRAMATIC batting collapse against Highfield sentenced Rainford to their second successive league defeat. At 66-0 from only 14 overs the large crowd sat back in readiness for another home side run feast with openers Cook and Robinson totally on top.

  • First step centre

    WE would like to invite members of the community aged 55 and over, who would like to meet people and share interests, to join a group starting at Revoe First Step Centre. Besides coffee and chat, we hope to provide information and short courses and welcome

  • In memory of Ryan

    A DAY of festival, fun and games with a serious message. That's what local woman Christine Norman intends as she holds a special ten year anniversary party at Melton's Nursery, Poulton, in July while raising awareness for the Meningitis Research Campaign

  • Haydock tribute to Sir Alex

    HAYDOCK Park is under starter's orders to salute Sir Alex Ferguson. For it's staging a testimonial race day for the Manchester United' manager who was knighted in the Queens Birthday Honours List. And United's all-conquering stars will get a taste of

  • Salute to 'Tiger' Huddart

    A CUMBRIAN-born forward who starred in Saints' trophy-winning sides a generation ago was installed into the club's Hall of Fame at the Past Players' annual dinner on Friday. Second-rower Dick Huddart who came to Knowsley Road from Whitehaven in 1958,

  • Water way to do it

    GREEN fingered local lad, Jordan Holland, is celebrating after winning a fabulous prize for his Busy Lizzie plant in a national competition. Since the beginning of May, thousands of school children have been growing the plants for the competition sponsored

  • Saints left Thunder-struck

    GatesheadThunder 32 Saints 20 SAINTS were totally outclassed! That was the overall verdict as Thunder roared to an outstanding victory which sent sorry Saints tumbling from pole position for the first time as Super League reached the half-way stage Saints

  • Economic suicide of joining EEC

    REFERRING to MR Alman's letter (Citizen, June 3) headed Euro Referendum Promise, unfortunately the Labour Government is doing what the Conservatives did to the electorate. They are not listening to us on what we want for Europe or any other concerns,

  • Youth games set to be best yet

    ALMOST 6,000 young athletes will take part this weekend in the biggest ever Greater Manchester Youth Games. And around 400 talented youngsters representing Bury will be seeking to make their borough the best of the ten Metropolitan districts pitting their

  • Keep in touch!

    YOU can now e-mail your reports direct to the Star sports desk. The address is rwinstan@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk You can also fax them on 01744-733934. And of course, you can write to us at the usual address or telephone 611861. As ever, keep your accounts

  • Bogus cop attacks brave pensioner

    BOGUS police officers who pray on the elderly claimed their third victim in Blackpool this week in their most violent attack yet. A 76-year-old woman was repeatedly thrown to the floor of her flat in Iddon Court, near Grosvenor Street, by a man who demanded

  • Shakers: Lucketti loss will be overcome

    SHAKERS star Steve Redmond has paid tribute to defensive partner Chris Lucketti who moved to Huddersfield in a £1 million deal last week. And the experienced central defender reassures fans that the former Gigg Lane skipper's departure won't spell the

  • Town talent hunt

    ST HELENS Town are out to boost their squad for the new season. In particular, they are looking for players who have played at Mid-Cheshire League, or above, standard. Manager Jimmy McBride can be contacted on 605913 and assistant manager Gelnn Walker

  • 12,000 petition against landaus

    DEMONSTRATORS called for stricter regulations to protect Blackpool promenade's famous landau horses at a protest outside the town hall on Tuesday (June 15). North West Animal Welfare organised the event to issue a petition containing more than 12,000

  • Rape bid: Man quizzed

    A TEENAGER was the victim of an attempted rape as she walked along a road early today. The attack happened shortly after midnight as the 18-year-old was walking along Burnley Road, Accrington.. She was grabbed by a man but managed to break free and escape

  • Cricket: Double trouble

    UNSWORTH were completely outgunned when they entertained Littleborough, hit by the visiting batsmen and bowlers alike. The Boro took first strike and the foundation for their innings was laid with an opening stand of 116, after which they hit 50 more

  • Brothers on top of the world

    TWO young brothers have done their country proud in a world championship. Terence Allen, a 12-year-old member of the Newton-based Tashiken Karate Club, returned from Eslov, in Sweden with silver medals in the kumite and kata classes. And although his

  • Teacher suspended in misconduct probe

    A TEACHER has been suspended after police launched an inquiry into allegations of misconduct at a primary school. Lancashire Police's Clitheroe-based Family Protection Syndicate (FPS) is investigating claims made by pupils at St Mary's RC School, Oswaldtwistle

  • Cricket: Elton yongster gets cap

    ELTON'S young spin star Bilal Mustafa was promised his club cap if he picked up five wickets on Saturday - and duly earned it on his final ball! In doing so the teenager also earned his side a fine seven wicket victory that fired the Leigh Lane outfit

  • Safety first aimed at riders

    BIKE lessons began this week as part of a big campaign to make cycling safer for young riders. The Council's Road Safety Unit aims to teach children the right way to ride and cut the accident risk. Road Safety officer Darren Barton said: "Young cyclists

  • Carnival promises fun-packed day for all ages

    A SPECTACULAR day of fun and festivities is lined up for the Famous Accrington Carnival tomorrow. The biennial event, organised by Accrington Lions and sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, will start with a procession and continue with a dazzling

  • Cricket: Improving Radcliffe go close

    RADCLIFFE went within a whisker of recording their second win of the season in the Central Lancashire League. An unbeaten 41 from skipper Graeme Simpson helped give the attack something to aim at but despite a Stuart Kelley-inspired performance with the

  • Eccleston are left hanging on

    A DEPLETED Eccleston side was left hanging on for a draw at Vulcan on Saturday. They won the toss and inserted the Newton side, but found themselves under attack by the aggressive Vulcan batsmen. The innings closed on 180-7. Top scorer was Wright with

  • Shakers: We could have been great

    FORMER Shakers' skipper Chris Lucketti today tells just how close the club were to the Premiership. The popular central defender, who moved to Huddersfield Town in a £1 million deal on Friday, reckons if Bury had managed to hold onto the top performers

  • Singing out for Romania

    ST HELENS Catholic Amateur Gilbert and Sullivan Society will 'Sing for Romania' at the St Helens Town Hall on Saturday, June 19, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5, including refreshments, and are obtainable by telephoning 01744 884813/636690/25107. Converted

  • The ABC of North End

    OUR week by week lookback at Preston North End's history - with a slightly different twist - continues. J IS FOR ALEX JAMES, one of the best inside-forwards of all time. He arrived at Deepdale in 1925 for £4,000 from Raith Rovers. His sharp shooting and

  • Abba nice time in Bury

    SIX Swedish students have swept into Bury for a four-week cultural exchange and work experience visit. They arrived on Sunday, June 13, and will stay with local families. It is a chance for host families in Bury to repay hospitality shown to Bury College's

  • RL: Lions swamped by Rovers

    HULL KR 30, SWINTON LIONS 10 A GAME which was in the balance as it entered the final quarter finally slipped away from the Lions as Rovers regained top spot in the Northern Ford Premiership. For the home side it was their 13th win in seventeen starts

  • Sherlock drama spells out school 'grief' message

    POLICE have welcomed a powerful new play on vehicle crime, written to convince villains that they are on the "Road to Nowhere". The drama which has been touring the Coalfield Challenge area arrives at Golborne High School on Monday. Written by Andrew

  • Vehicles damaged in barn blaze

    THE fire brigade is investigating a blaze at a barn used to house vehicles, in Link Avenue, Blackbrook, on Sunday, June 13. Firefighters were called out at about 7.45pm and the barn and three vehicles stored inside were severely damaged. Converted for

  • Meg's got nothing on my star-gazing

    Shelley Wright takes a wry look at life YESTERDAY I was enjoying a few scoops with a couple of pals in a Manchester bar when who should walk through the door but Vikram Desai. Now for those of you who don't face the television and worship the Northern

  • Trams for the Millennium

    BLACKPOOL'S famous trams are about to receive a face-lift for the year 2000. Blackpool Transport will soon launch two Millennium Class tramcars - a single and double deck - with more to follow. Engineering manager Mike Francis said: "We have for a number

  • Children of Kosovo still smiling

    REFUGEES from Kosovo are enjoying their third week of safety in Bury. A total of 72 Kosovars are currently being housed at the Geoffrey Kershaw Centre. Ten of the original arrivals have been reunited with relatives in London and are currently living in

  • Pop star's father signs up to star in 'Addict' film

    THEY might not have secured the services of Robbie Williams, but the makers of a Hollywood movie, some of which is expected to be shot in Leigh, have managed to sign up the singing sensation's dad. The film is based on the true life story of former drug

  • 'Listen to mental plans' plea

    A SOFTLY softly approach has been taken over plans to house people who have had mental health problems. Full consultation with local residents is planned over the possibility of building 12 flats in the former Albion builders yard in King Street, Leigh

  • Search is on

    The search is on again for Bury's Woman of the Year. The contest, in aid of Bury Hospice, is looking for women from all walks of life who could be worthy of the title. Organisers are hoping that the event will not only be a big fund-raiser but also acknowledge

  • Will gym fix it?

    COUNCILLORS have approved plans to boost investment and the local environment at Dalehead Place, Clinkham Wood. A scheme by County Palatine Housing Limited of Leigh to turn unused first-floor flats into a gymnasium with new frontages to shops below, in

  • Parents' fear of son in a rage

    A FORMER drug user who felt his parents had rejected him subjected them to a campaign of harassment. David Rushton, 22, who has a personality disorder, threatened them, damaged their property and ended up in jail. He immediately carried on his behaviour

  • Brazil nuts need cash help

    ELEVEN pupils from a local high school are seeking sponsors to help them mark the Millennium in a different way - by taking part in a month-long expedition to Brazil to work in an orphanage. The youngsters from St Aelred's RC High School, Newton-le-Willows

  • What do they live on?

    HOW are the majority of Redvales people earning their cash? A new council survey of residents in the Cecil Street area reveals that less than half of them are either in work or on the dole. The mystery intrigued Tory councillor Dorothy Gunther who wondered

  • Castle is taken over

    WHAT has been described as the biggest office let in Bury for approximately four years has been completed. Maple Grove Developments and its agents, Bury-based Paul Nolan and Company and GVA Grimley are the companies behind the office letting. They have

  • Pupils get Urdu lessons

    A BURY primary school is believed to be the first in the country to launch a new language teaching course - in Urdu. Fifteen pupils at St John's CE, nearly half of them Asian, have registered for the eight-week language course which was launched three

  • Leading lights Leigh show champion style

    LEIGH'S rise from the bottom to the top is complete. Last season's no-hopers have now served notice they are the team to beat. In the 39-8 rout of Bramley they took their tries tally to 20 in their last two games, collecting 111 points along the way and

  • Town ready for US link

    BURY is to stage a trans-Atlantic link-up with business leaders in Miami during a high-powered video conferencing event. And it will also be the signal to launch a major US export drive. Bolton and Bury Chamber's Business Link will detail the new Export

  • Lee dances away with Euro crown

    LEE Turner has the world at his feet! The 11-year-old from King George Road, Haydock, has danced his way to a European title He won the UCWDC Junior Youth Intermediate (male) competition in Kerkrade, Holland, at the fifth annual Country Western Dance

  • Save our centres

    THE battle cry has been issued to shoppers and businesses in Radcliffe, Prestwich, and Whitefield to help save their town centres. They are being urged to have their say in the fight against out-of-town shopping complexes at a series of meetings next

  • Shock closure of care home

    ANXIOUS relatives face a race-against-time to find accommodation for their loved ones following the shock announcement that a Prestwich residential home is to close. Manor Park in Scholes Lane will shut next Friday, June 25, because of financial reasons

  • Nuke hits Bury

    ANTI-NUCLEAR campaigners took their message to the streets of Bury helped by a giant inflatable missile! Members of Prestwich and Whitefield CND say local people were keen to support their petition calling on ministers to scrap Trident. The Trafficking

  • Going for gold

    A MIRACLE is believed to have taken place at a local church. Mrs Joan Morris (65) swears she witnessed the astonishing occurrence at the New Life Church, Stand Lane, Radcliffe, on Sunday, June 13, evening. She described how a member of the congregation

  • Danny boy tunes in

    THOUSANDS of people descended on a nursing home in Prestwich for its biggest event since a visit by the Pope in 1981. Fans came from as far afield as Portsmouth and Birmingham last weekend when Irish heart-throb Daniel O'Donnell, pictured greeeting fans

  • Museums for all plan

    NEW museums for the new Millennium could be on their way for the borough's six towns. And the ambitious plans aim to give thousands of residents "hands on" experience of their culture and heritage rather than simply viewing relics of the past. Until now

  • Golf: Sudden death title decider

    A REMARKABLE comeback from the brink of seeming defeat took the Bury and District Golf Association's ladies championship final into a sudden death play-off. After eighteen fascinating and exciting holes on a splendidly prepared Harwood course, best of

  • Bus companies await judgment

    BUS companies accused of poor reliability will have to wait to learn their fate. North West Traffic Commissioner Keith Waterworth has called five bus companies which operate in the Bury area to public inquiries after accusing them of poor performance

  • Alan's aiming for prize in Portugal

    THE trip of a lifetime awaits Leigh golfing amateur Alan Mitchell. If he and his partner, 26-year-old Poulton Park PGA pro Darren Newing, come through the next stage of Europe's biggest pro-am competition, the Lombard Trophy, later this month they're

  • The lady's a champ!

    LACEY the rough haired collie has triumphed over tragedy to become a champion show dog. The five-year-old bitch, show name Champion Meskveil Melisande of Sunnyhurst, came close to death when she haemorrhaged after giving birth by Caesarean section to

  • Town needs hospital accident unit

    A LOCAL councillor is calling on the local health authority to re-open a fully operational 24-hour accident and emergency department at St Helens Hospital following news that the NHS is to receive extra Government funding. St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals

  • Families hit the cash jackpot

    MEMBERS of the Trees Estate Community Facility in Newton-le-Willows are celebrating after striking lucky for a second time. The group has just discovered that it has been awarded a second grant by the National Lottery's Charities Board. The latest grant

  • Store's loss leaders force trader to quit

    AN independent record dealer has blamed the building of a Sainsbury's supermarket on his doorstep for his decision to quit after 18 years in business. Harry Blackwell, of Castle Records in Bridge Street, Darwen, is closing for good because the "impossible

  • Asda be a big deal

    STAFF at Asda's St Helens store have welcomed news of the proposed takeover of the group by US supermarket giant Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer with more than 3,600 stores. Chris Coulman, manager of the Kirkland Street store, told the Star: "Everybody

  • Top 'divi post' for Alan

    A TYLDESLEY man has become a main director of the country's largest regional Co-op, United Norwest. Alan Parkinson, of Pine Street, has served as a member of the society's northern regional board for four years. He joined the Co-op over 40 years ago and

  • New call for views on local transport

    YOUR views are sought on regional transport plans. Wigan and Leigh District Local Transport Group chairman Cllr John Hession says: "It is important that information included in the Local Transport Plan - which the Government has asked local authorities

  • Stuart leads Lanky assault

    FOURTEEN youngsters from Tyldesley SC swam for Central Lancashire at the Inter-Association Gala at Everton Park. And the team, which finished runners-up to Liverpool & District, was captained by 15-year-old Stuart Carlisle. The Tyldesley lad was among

  • Super Steve has 'em in a spin

    CONFIDENT Bolton Association believe they can go all the way after recording their first MEN Lancashire Inter-league Trophy victory for seven years. They reached the semi-finals - and sweet revenge over the Central Lancashire League - with a resounding

  • Bride-to-be Leanne puts peace first

    BRIDE-TO-BE Leanne Jowett has had to postpone her wedding day - so her fiance can help keep the peace in Kosovo. Tank crew member Michael Dugdale, 22, a trooper with the Kings Hussars is hoping that the peace process goes smoothly so that he can be back

  • Atherton turn up the heat

    ATHERTON have made their Bolton Association intentions very clear. They want in at the top - and on Saturday they beat the weather and Walshaw to lift themselves back into top four contention. The match was one of only three games to be completed as a

  • Six months for sobbing schoolboy

    A SCHOOLBOY responsible for an appalling "catalogue of anti social behaviour" has started a six month term of detention. The 15-year-old, who had flouted opportunities given to him by the court, sobbed as Recorder Alistair Webster QC said: "We will protect

  • Dog bit off my finger end, says David

    A DOG owner has told of his horror after part of his finger was bitten off by another dog. David Leaver, 32, of Swift Close, Blackburn, said he was walking his Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Genghis, and his friend's pit bull terrier, Sheba, in Corporation

  • Asda armed robbery witness appeal

    DETECTIVES investigating an armed robbery at the Asda store in Rawtenstall are appealing for more help from the public. Many people have been interviewed but more information is wanted particularly from anyone who may have seen the five man gang and their

  • Tippers get jail threat

    A JUDGE has given a skip boss who flouted waste laws three months to clean up his act and warned others tempted to do the same: "You could go to jail." Recorder Alistair Webster, QC, slammed illegal fly tippers for the "awful mess" they were making of

  • Police alert over lost boy, eight

    POLICE were today searching for an eight-year-old boy who has been missing from home for almost 24 hours. John William McLeish disappeared from his Blackburn home around 6pm following a family row yesterday and has not been seen since. He has been staying

  • Happy spray days

    SPRAY can artists are transforming parts of the borough. But this time legal graffiti is appearing on the boards around Platt Bridge Youth Zone. Local artist Scott Winstanley, 24, is helping youngsters brighten up their communities and is currently working

  • Malcolm keeps an eye on Tony's council

    PRIME minister Tony Blair's 'home' council of Islington is to be put under the microscope by a team of inspectors - including the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council. Coun Malcolm Doherty has travelled south to judge how Islington Council in London

  • Laughing all the way to London

    IT was certainly a case of it will be all right on the night for two youngsters who have reached the final of a national comedy competition. Richard Evans and Jennie McAlpine, both aged 15, had judges splitting their sides when they showed off their comic

  • Race track graves plan

    PLANS to create a Muslim burial ground on a former tip will be unveiled at a council meeting today (Thursday). Members of the Muslim Burial and Welfare Society hope to buy the London Road running track, in Preston, to provide additional burial space in

  • Looking forward to a trip to the coast

    ANOTHER trip to the coast beckons for Preston Cricket Club as they try to stop their steady slip to the wrong end of the Vaux Northern League. Fleetwood are the opponents this time, a side which enjoyed a win last weekend, unlike Preston, who lost by

  • Falklands sacrifice remembered

    THE Trustees of the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel Trust are building a national memorial chapel to commemorate the lives and sacrifice of all 255 servicemen and three civilians killed in 1982 in the Falklands Conflict. The £2million chapel at Pangbourne

  • Silent protest over eyesore homes

    FED up residents who claim they have been left to live in derelict streets are planning a silent protest march to push for action. The Roman Road Homes in Crisis group is being supported by church leaders Rev Dick Cartmell of St James Church, Lower Darwen

  • Neil tunes in with poser answer

    READER Neil Goodhand quickly tuned in to last week's radio yedscratter. He claims: "The licence for car radios was abolished in 1967. I remember hearing this announced on the wireless!" And, in reply to another earlier puzzler, Neil, from Holbrook Close

  • Doctor in charge

    NEW Borough treasurer is 40 year-old Dr David Smith. Dr Smith has been in charge of finances at Ellesmere Port and Neston Council since 1995. He will take up his post in September succeeding Philip Grayling, who has retired due to ill health. Swansea-born

  • In defence of old Bug Row

    BUG Row was the rather unflattering nickname given to a row of stone cottage-type dwellings, once the homes of local workers in a side-street with the intriguing name of Windle City. Evidence of their existence is still to be found up by the entrance

  • Police launch attack on bullies

    BURY police are spearheading an anti-bullying campaign after a shock survey revealed that 20 per cent of local schoolchildren had experienced physical or verbal abuse. And the initiative, involving the staging of a play which graphically illustrates the

  • £2m HQ move to Leigh

    FRENCH distribution company Norbert Dentressangle will relocate to its perfect new £2 million Leigh headquarters in August. The company is moving from Salford Quays to a five acre plot on Leigh Business Park. The site which includes expansion possibilities

  • Events in East Lancs tomorrow (Saturday June 19)

    Annual Gala Fete, St Oswald's Church, Knuzden, noon-3pm, on the school playing field. Summer Fete, Feniscowles Infant School, Park Farm Road, 11am-2pm. Proceeds for school funds. Summer Fete, Hapton CE Methodist School, 10am-1pm. Organised by the PTA,

  • Confusion over hospital tables

    CONTROVERSIAL hospital league tables published by the Government this week are causing confusion and complication according to local health bosses. In the latest attempt to move away from the secrecy traditionally associated with the performance of the

  • Hospital heritage to go on record

    ARCHEOLOGISTS want tight controls during work on an historic Astley hall. They are insisting on close monitoring to safeguard Dam House which is at the centre of an exciting £1m-plus scheme to convert the old manor house in to a community haven. As part

  • Cottage dream that proved a nightmare

    MANY people dream of spending their retirement years in a cosy cottage set in an idyllic spot and surrounded by its own productive kitchen garden. But there are sometimes hidden penalties to be paid for craving 'the good life', as reader Sue Yates points

  • Petition to PM to save Remploy jobs

    LOCAL workers have petitioned Prime Minister Tony Blair as they anxiously await an announcement about their future. They fear a possible shake-up at their factory under major changes to the nationwide Remploy organisation. Union bosses are demanding that

  • Absence makes the heart grow fonder

    RELATE counselling is up and running in Leigh - but they need a helping hand! Volunteer receptionists are desperately needed. Counselling sessions are in Grasmere Street Health Centre every Tuesday evening. Centre manager of RELATE in Bolton & Wigan

  • Clues galore in 60s murder

    THERE was a generous abundance of suspicious glances at St Ambrose Church Hall on Friday. The question on everyone's lips was "Whodunnit?" To whom? With what? And why? St Mary's RC High's PTA hosted a murder evening with the DeadEnders staging the 60s

  • Residents pay-up to fight rail scheme

    CULCHETH residents have put their money where their mouths are in a bid to halt plans for Kenyon Station. At a public meeting in the village this week they overwhelmingly opposed the scheme, with some pledging sums of upto £100 each towards a legal fund

  • Drumming up support

    STAFF at Preston's Tourist Information Centre said 'G'Day' to visitors - in honour of the Southport Flower Show's Australasia theme. Officers donned stereotypical Australian gear and even roped in the help of a didgeridoo and a couple of boomerangs to

  • Coming of neeeeigh-ge for super stud

    SUPER stud Jimmy threw a party for family, friends and a couple of his wives to celebrate his 21st birthday. Star stallion Jimmy - or Fairlyn Gemini to give him his Sunday name - as British Anglo-Arab champion has sired hundreds of offspring. "He's a

  • Country life close to city

    I GREATLY miss the regular "Naturalist Notebook" feature that you used to have in the Bury Times. This area has an abundance of wildlife and much of it goes unnoticed. I read with interest the recent article about deer in the Rossendale Valley. I often

  • Plea for more ranks

    CABBIES say they are being driven out of business after council chiefs gave them just 24 parking slots for 187 cars. In the daytime two taxi ranks are available for Preston's black cab drivers - one in Tithebarn Street, providing space for 15 taxis, and

  • Education booster from Estelle

    SCHOOL Standards Minister Estelle Morris was in Leigh for Monday's launch of an education action plan aimed at boosting achievements and opportunities. Leigh Education Action Zone, one of the first 25 in the country, is targeted at upping exam and test

  • We could all do with help

    I SEE the Bury Asian Women's Centre has hit the National Lottery jackpot for the second time in three years, bringing their grants over that period to approaching £300,000. Without wanting to be prejudiced - which I will no doubt be accused of - this

  • Win a Rover 75 for a weekend

    WITH Father's Day this weekend, the Citizen has teamed up with SGL, one of the biggest motor dealerships in the North West, to offer one reader's lucky dad the use of a new Rover 75 for a weekend. And with the release of the car today (Thursday), the

  • Warning - quarries are not for children

    I would like to ask parents in the Preston area to do what they can to discourage their children from playing in local quarries through the coming summer holidays. Each year youngsters are needlessly injured and, on occasions, lives have been tragically

  • Lack of concern appalls me

    COULD local animal care agencies advise people what to do if an animal has been involved in a road accident. Correspondent Mr S. Butterworth (June 11) highlighted the problem just two days before the following happened to me. I am a nurse at Bealey Hospital

  • Win a VIP treat at the Toby Carvery

    THE Citizen has teamed up with the new-look Toby Carvery at Lea to offer readers a once in a lifetime chance to say thank-you to the special person in their life. Justin Whitehead, manager of the carvery in Blackpool Road is appealing for nominations

  • 'Brutality' claim just an excuse

    "CEEAITCH" (Your Letters, June 11) totally misses the point I was making (May 28) that the attack on Yugoslavia had nothing whatsoever to do with the "inhumane brutality" of the Milosevic regime. If the British and American governments are to claim the

  • Police vow to nab killer

    POLICE hunting the person who murdered Janet Murgatroyd have vowed to catch her killer on the third anniversary of her death this week. The promise, from murder detectives, comes as police continue to hunt for a stalker seen tracking women walking along

  • In loving memory

    A MUCH-respected fund-raiser who died after spending three years raising cash for scores of charities is to have a bench placed in the town centre in his honour. Levi Walch, from Glenluce Drive, Fishwick, died suddenly after suffering a heart attack earlier

  • System served us well

    ALEX Folkes (Your Letters, June 4) rightly points out that the turnout rates for the local elections were alarmingly low, but I do not agree that electoral reform would solve the problem. Undoubtedly the first-past-the-post system has its flaws. Many

  • Racial crime soars

    RACIAL incidents in Preston have soared by 40 per cent in 12 months, according to figures released by the town's racial equality council. The figures revealed 90 complaints of racial incidents were recorded to Preston Police in the 12 months to March

  • Multi-cultural flavour to hit Preston

    YOUNGSTERS from across Europe are set to descend on Preston next year to mark the millennium. A Midsummer festival is being planned for July next year, involving children from Preston and the borough's European twins, Nimes, Kalisz, Almelo and Reckinghausen

  • British Legion extend lead

    CURRENT champions British Legion extended their unbeaten run to four in the Lytham St Annes Darts and Dominoes Summer League by narrowly defeating Lytham Leisure Centre 13-11 and now head the table by two points. Results: British Legion 13, Lytham Leisure

  • Cabbies' safe sex message

    PRESTON cabbies want to give out condoms to couples getting a lift home after a night out. A safe sex initiative in Liverpool, which involved local taxi drivers handing out free condoms to couples who used their taxis, has been hailed a success by local

  • Alert over deadly games

    POLICE are warning children to stop playing a potentially life-threatening endurance game. Death Zone, the latest 'craze' game being played by teenagers, involves participants placing pressure on someone's chest until they pass out. Several children have

  • Wheeling in the charity funds

    STAFF at St Catherine's Hospice are appealing for people to get 'wheelie' stuck in to more fund-raising. Ribble Valley Cycling Club, supported by the Cheshire Building Society, are inviting Preston folk to take part in a sponsored charity cycle ride in

  • Heritage plan for hall

    AN ambitious £1.7 million lottery bid has been submitted by South Ribble Borough Council as plans to turn Worden Park into one of the top North West visitor attractions are pushed forward. A year after asking the public what they wanted in their park,

  • BOWLS: Peter is singles king

    NORTH Lancs and Fylde county player, Peter Hawkes from Preston won the Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings Singles competition at the Social Club on Saturday, when he defeated Whitehall's Steve Houghton 21-16 in the final. In the first quarter-final, county

  • Rousing last wicket stand

    IN a to and fro encounter, Fylde League division 2 leaders Taverners on 110 were pushed close by a rousing last wicket stand of 33 between Nigel Connolly (32) and skipper Tim Rawstron (17 not out) as St Annes IV finished on 88. Of the earlier batting,

  • Trust Ahmed

    PRESTON Acute Hospitals NHS Trust employee Ahmed Jama has been awarded an MBE for services to the NHS in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Mr Jama, pictured, who is responsible for hotel services at the Trust, has worked for the NHS for 38 years. His

  • Parking pipedream is dashed

    TRADERS in a Leyland village are calling for lay-bys to be created in front of their shops in a bid to encourage more passing trade. Traders in Stanifield Lane, Farington, have been asking for lay-bys to be installed since 1981, but have been told by

  • BOWLS: Thwaites East Lancashire Premier League

    GREAT Harwood increased their lead at the top to 12 points this week following their excellent 10-4 away victory at nearest rivals Colne Cricket Club. Glyn Shuttleworth won 21-15 for Colne with Tony Dobson winning 21-13 for the leaders. Darwen Subs moved

  • Eddie shoots to victory

    BLACKPOOL Bowmens' summer season continued on Sunday (June 13) with the club holding a FITA handicap competition. This is a very challenging shoot, requiring consistent shooting for a full day at a variety of distances, the furthest being 90 metres. A

  • Surrey defy Muralitharan

    SURREY denied Muttiah Muralitharan to send Lancashire crashing to a second consecutive championship defeat at the Oval today. Darren Bicknell and Jonathan Batty knocked off the 36 runs they needed for victory at the start of the last day in 24 tense overs

  • Forsyth aims to fulfil belief

    NEW signing Richard Forsyth has revealed that Nigel Worthington is the reason he moved to Bloomfield Road. The 28-year-old left-sided midfielder played with the Blackpool manager at Stoke. Richard said: "Nigel was a massive influence in me joining Blackpool

  • Suddenly the opponents fall silent

    THE sheer horror of the atrocities carried out by the Serbs in Kosovo is mind blowing. Here, approaching the dawn of a new millennium, is a catalogue of sickening stories which could have come from the Dark Ages or the Hitler or Pol Pot regimes. We had

  • Summer fair

    STALLS, demonstrations and refreshments are just a few of the reasons to visit a summer fair and fun day at Cardinal Allen High School, Fleetwood at 2pm on July 4. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been

  • Untouchables back in front

    IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes small-sided soccer league the Untouchables take the lead by two points after they beat Holbro FC 1-0 who now drop down into second place. Supreme Plastics stay in third place after they won 2-1 against Kings Arms FC,

  • Neighbours blast for phone tower

    FURIOUS neighbours are desperately fighting to halt a 50 foot telecommunications tower from being erected at the foot of their gardens on Rainhill Recreational Club grounds. They fear the tower could pose health hazards especially with so many kiddies

  • SOCCER: Avondale's Wem-ber-lee glee

    BEFORE a crowd of 30,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium, Avondale School's fine season form continued in their semi-final of the Addidas All England Finals by beating Midlands champions Grangehurst from Coventry 1-0. The goal came from Gary Hillman. The

  • 'Little Hitler' wouldn't wait

    I AM writing this letter in the hope that it is seen by the traffic warden who fined me for parking for three minutes outside the bank. I was picking up my pension and had parked on double yellow lines, displaying my orange disabled badge. I was not obstructing

  • SWIMMING: Masters shine

    DARWEN swimmers featured in the 1999 Great Britain Masters Championships traditionally held over a 50-metre (long course). The championships were held in Coventry and four local swimmers climbed the medal rostrum. Leading the way was Sandra O'Neil who

  • Tri-mendous performance!

    NEWTON Hall Amateur Swimming Club triathletes and biathletes excelled at the annual Warrington meet. Despite atrocious conditions, Newton Hall came away with 23 triathlon and 13 biathlon trophies at individual level together with eight triathlon and eight

  • Bryan may move overseas

    MARVIN Bryan has appointed an agent to find an overseas soccer club interested in his talents. Bryan has refused to sign a new contract despite the offer of a two-year deal from the Blackpool FC. He had already snubbed the club earlier in the season by

  • Ballot rules twisted

    PREVIOUS MPs or councillors cannot put 'MP' or 'Cllr' on the ballot paper, but several of the Labour Euro candidates put 'MEP' after their names. This cannot be an EU directive as there were also Pro Euro Conservatives who would qualify. Either this is

  • Grant will help cut fuel costs

    ENERGY efficient pupils at Fleetwood High School have been awarded a green grant to cut their school's fuel bills. The award has been made from the School Energy Programme - a nationwide project run by the Energy Saving Trust, funded by British Gas and

  • Let's light up the tower

    AS we are approaching the Millennium celebrations, perhaps a good idea would be for Blackburn with Darwen Council to have Darwen Tower floodlit for this occasion. Then, the tower would be seen by night around the area as well as it is seen in daylight

  • Raising The Standard

    LANCASHIRE Cricket Year Book 1999, edited by Rev Malcolm G Lorimer, price £7.00 Last year the Lancashire Cricket Year Book was described by many critics as "simply the best". Now the 61st edition of that indispensable work is with us once again the editor

  • Batsmen to rescue

    RAINHILL second team batted their way to an emphatic win at Mossley Hill on Saturday. The home side declared on a formidable score of 200-4 off only 35.4 overs. Mossley Hill tore Rainhill's bowling apart with D. Fanning knocking up 61 not out and S. Wallis

  • Paying for no parking

    I WOULD like to point out to the Buchanan Street resident that they will NOT be able to park. If they had bothered to find out the facts they would know that NO ONE IS GUARANTEED a parking space. Also, every guest that comes to visit will have to pay

  • League's annual date

    THE Hays Chemicals-sponsored St Helens ARL hold their annual meeting at Blackbrook ARLFC on Monday, June 21 (7.30). Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

  • Concert organiser bankrupt

    OUTDOOR events organiser Alex Markham, whose major proms-style concert in Burnley Towneley park left artists and contractors claiming they were owed thousands of pounds, has been declared bankrupt. An order was made against the 22-year-old former Clitheroe

  • Warning for pet owners

    I WOULD like to pass on a warning to cat and dog owners who have conservatories. If we are fortunate enough to have a hot summer this year, please make sure your pet is never locked inside it. The heat will build up in much the same way as in a car and

  • Seaside clean up plan

    A NEW spick-and-span seaside plan designed to tackle the growing problem of coastal litter has been launched. The Marine Conservation Society is launched the scheme encouraging local communities to adopt-a-beach and care for their coast. After failing

  • The Haydock bubble bursts

    THE bubble finally burst for Haydock as both teams suffered their first defeats in three games. The firsts were beaten in a real cracker at Halsall. Batting first Adrian Barr, Rob Burke and Tony Derbyshire all hit good scores as Haydock reached a formidable

  • How to beat the benefit fraudsters

    THE problem of DSS housing benefit abuse could be nipped in the bud and solved before it begins (Citizen, May 27). Employing enough DSS investigators at the start will save the Government and the country from being defrauded. Prevention is cheaper than

  • Derek steps down

    PILKINGTON Recs ARLFC hold their annual meeting at their City Road HQ on Sunday, June 27 (2pm). It will mark the end of Derek Cross' term of office as secretary. Derek is standing down due to work commitments. A club spokesman said: "We would like to

  • St Annes close on leaders

    ST ANNES have narrowed the gap on league leaders Darwen because rain brought an early abandonment in the East Lancashire side's home game against Blackpool. They only collected four points, whereas St Annes got 12 after their three wickets win over Lancaster

  • Young stars rout Vikings

    Saints Alliance 49 Widnes Vikings 20 FREE-scoring Saints sat proudly on top of the league after this 10-try slaughter of the Vikings in midweek. Remarkably eight of the home touchdowns came in the second half when - after trailing 10-16 at the interval

  • An insulted to elected MPs

    NOT only does N G Charnley's letter (Citizen, June 3) insult the young males and female MPs in the House of Commons by referring to them as "many young upstarts", he asks readers to let their MPs know that Labour will never be elected again if hereditary

  • Ivan MBE says water engineer

    TOP Thornton water engineer Ivan Reid is to join the celebrity ranks of footballer Tony Adams, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and newsreader Trevor McDonald receiving honours in the Queen's Birthday List. Aberdeen-born Ivan, 60, is to bag an

  • It's Darren's day

    ST HELENS had mixed fortunes over the weekend with a win against Ainsdale in the Echo Cup, a draw in the league against Colwyn Bay and finally losing to Liverpool in the Penketh Trophy. But it was so nearly three wins out of three. The Echo Cup match

  • A true democracy

    SIR, - I WAS surprised by the letter which extolled the virtue of hereditary peers who were described as owing allegiance only to the British people and being devoid of vested interest (Citizen, June 3). This is far from true. The House of Lords, as it

  • Sweet revenge for Recs

    ST HELENS Recs gained revenge for their early season defeat at the hands of league newcomers Maghull on Saturday. Winning the toss, Recs elected to bat first and started well. Wood (44) and Keane (42) pushed the score along at a brisk rate but when they

  • Fun for all

    BURY'S local picture house celebrates ten years of opening this weekend with a family fun day tomorrow, June 19. Fairground rides, face-painting and the fire brigade will be just some of the attractions on offer for visitors, as the cinema looks back

  • Billinge on song

    BILLINGE waltzed to an eight-wicket victory over Merseybus in a low-scoring West Lancashire League encounter. John Dillon was in fine form, claiming 3-16 as the busmen were dimissed for 94. In reply Ste Smith hit 38 as Billinge coasted home on 99-2. In

  • Rebecca, 6, meets challenge

    IT wasn't an uphill struggle for six-year-old Rebecca O'Gorman when she took part in the Holcombe Hill Challenge. Not only was Rebecca, of Trimingham Drive, Brandlesholme, the youngest fund-raiser to take part, but she raised the most money for Bury Hospice

  • Planners to look at RU plan

    ACCESS is a key element in plans to build on Tyldesley Rugby ground. Peel Investments (North) Ltd want to develop a 9 acre site at the bottom of Well Street for housing. The land includes the whole of the rugby ground and part of land owned by Tyldesley

  • Body found in park

    POLICE are trying to identify the body of a man which was found hanging from a children's playing frame at 5.35am on Wednesday, June 16 in Sherdley Park. Police are not treating his death as suspicious. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some

  • Club is flagging

    MYSTERY surrounds the whereabouts of the Greenmount Cricket Club flag believed to have been stolen from the club's Brandlesholme Road ground on or around Saturday, June 5. In a bid to recover the flag, club members have offered the thief an amnesty period

  • Carnival swear word apology

    ORGANISERS today apologised after 3,000 Accrington Carnival programmes containing a swear word were distributed throughout town. A joke about car sales contained in the offical programme for tomorrow's Accrington Carnival reads: "One careful owner - but

  • Calling dads to take up foster challenge

    WIGAN'S social services department is looking for modern foster families to take up the challenge of caring for disturbed boys of all ages. During Foster Care Fortnight (June 14-27) the council is highlighting the importance of male foster carers in families

  • Ballroom to close for repairs blitz

    SENIOR citizens who use an historical council-owned ballroom as a venue for tea dances will have nowhere to dance for part of the summer while repairs are made to an ornate ceiling. The ceiling of the ballroom on the first floor of Accrington Town Hall

  • History in black and white

    Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy THERE are several reasons why I enjoy strolling around Samlesbury Hall. There is plenty of parking, there is a cafe and the stunning back and white hall seems always to be happy earning its keep. This is the place to

  • Victorious Lynx thank loyal fans

    YES it's true! Lancashire Lynx on the right end of forty-odd points victory - and away from home too. The ever-loyal band of Lynx supporters were cock-a-hoop at a long-overdue two points in the 45-28 victory over Doncaster Dragons. The win takes them

  • Housing policy set for change?

    A BIG shake-up of the way people qualify for a council house could be on the agenda. The local authority's allocations policy is one of the first things to come under the microscope of a new scrutiny and review panel. Tory councillor Roy Walker told colleagues

  • Time to say thanks - and help tots

    A LEIGH mum is to organise a series of fun-d raising events to thank Pendlebury Children's Hospital for saving her brave tot's life. Alison Parr, 23, of Briar Grove, has gone through months of torture as her two-years-old son, Jonathan, has been treated

  • Carers in conference

    A THOUGHT was spared for carers throughout the borough at a conference in Radcliffe Civic Suite this week. The Carers Consultation Conference, organised by social services, was aimed at highlighting the hard work of the carers and the opportunity and

  • Partners for parents: help for the future

    HELP is at hand for parents struggling to bring up children - and the mums and dads of the future. Tuesday saw the launch of a new Wigan and Leigh Parenting Forum to promote high standards of care in families. It was announced at two social services department

  • Port is being targeted for improvements

    FLEETWOOD port is being targeted for improved transport links by Central and West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The chamber approved the proposed link between the M55 and Fleetwood as well as a link between the M6 and Heysham. The consultations

  • Heartbeat country here we come!

    THE St Helens Ramblers are holding a full day outing to 'Heartbeat Country' on the North Yorkshire Moors on Saturday, July 3. The coach will leave St Helens at 8am and the walkers will be taken to Pickering before embarking on the steam train to Goathland

  • Phelan blue set to join Lilywhites?

    DAVID MOYES' summer shopping spree looks set to continue with the arrival of a premiership starlet at Deepdale. Just two days after signing Southampton striker Steve Basham after chasing him for eight months, an Everton star is ready to put pen to paper

  • Need a spot of help?

    ST HELENS Council has set up an out-of-hours service for residents who are experiencing mental health problems. The out-of-hours team provides an assessment and management service for people with mental health problems and offers a telephone helpline

  • Strilke up the band

    THE creme-de-la-creme of Bury's musical youth will demonstrate their talents in a series of forthcoming concerts. Bury Music Centre's Festival commences on Monday June 28 with a performance by its senior brass, intermediate concert band, senior strings

  • Walking stick man is robbed

    A MAN in his 60s was assaulted and robbed in broad daylight as he walked past Lloyds Bank in Hardshaw Street, St Helens, at 9.20am on Tuesday. The 64 year old, who uses a walking stick, had £200 stolen after a man punched him to the ground. The robber

  • Chess knight wins MBE

    CHESS genius Nigel Short's mum thought he was joking when he dropped the news of his MBE into their conversation. Nigel (pictured with his daughter Kyveli), now lives in Athens. He rang his mum, Jean Donohue, at her home in Leigh and the pair spent most

  • Crime? What crime?

    A MEETING of the Bury North Police and Community Consultative Group at Greenhill CP School was cancelled on Wednesday when not one member of the public turned up. Chairman Mrs Val McGrory commented: "I am very disappointed. I cannot believe that everyone

  • MP asked to join 400 in fight to block school

    RESIDENTS fighting plans for a special school on their doorsteps have petitioned locals and called-in their MP. Within four days over 400 Tyldesley people signed a petition against the scheme to convert a town centre primary school in to one for 11-16

  • Reel aims to tackle a real eyesore

    NELSON residents are being asked to pitch in to improve the environment in a canal clean-up tomorrow. Local action group River Enhancement in East Lancashire (REEL) is organising the work which begins at 10am from the Palatine Club in Norfolk Street and

  • Intruder ordeal for old lady

    A PENSIONER woke up in the early hours to find herself face-to-face with an intruder. The 78-year-old was disturbed by noises in her home in Woburn Avenue, Newton-le-Willows at about 3.30am on Tuesday, June 8. And when she got up to check she came across

  • Oh what a

    IT was billed as the "Ultimate Ladies Night" and all who were there agreed that they will not forget it in a while. The Bury Times readers' Ladies Night, at the Longfield Suite, Prestwich, was a riot of uninhibited fun and games. The entertainment is

  • Estage agency moves home

    A WHITEFIELD estate agency has moved home. Anthony Alex and Co has transferred to new offices in Bury New Road and now occupies number 118. Their new premises will provide double the floor space. The company says the move also provides it with three times

  • Extra tax move on empty homes

    PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice today welcomed a government move to give local authorities the power to charge landlords of empty properties 50 per cent of the council tax from April. He believes this could lead to hundreds of empty properties being put back

  • Kristen spins to top title

    TALENTED Kristen McNally took centre stage at a national dancing competition when she added yet another piece of silverware to an bursting trophy cabinet. The 16-year-old, from Eccleston, was crowned Miss Dance of Great Britain after beating hundreds