A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Family Disco, Goosnargh Village Hall, 7.30pm-10pm. "The Wizard of Oz," Chipping Village Hall, 7.30pm. Guided Walk meet Pepper Hill Barn Study Centre, Wycoller, 10.30am
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. SUNDAY: Flea Market, Memorial Hall, Hurst Green, 9am-4pm. Burnley Ladies Speakers Club, Nelson House, Nelson Square, Burnley. District conference. Guided Walk meet Groundwork
A FAMOUS comedy is being given a rare local performance by the Hoghton Players. The Noble Spaniard, by W Somerset Maugham, is being staged at two venues including Hoghton Tower which is rarely used for amateur performances. Russell Atkinson, director
1606: Guy Fawkes and his associates were hung, drawn and quartered in London. 1747: The first clinic specialising in the treatment of venereal diseases was opened at the London Dock Hospital. 1876: All Native American Indians were ordered to move into
ONE of the important recommendations of the Clarke report into the Burnley riots was about bringing people together. The report said that all sections of the community, and especially the young, should be encouraged to debate their experiences and problems
MANY elderly people depend on public transport to carry on their everyday lives. Shopping, trips to doctors or social outings all mean the use of buses because the only alternative - taxis - are simply too expensive to contemplate. It's disturbing then
HUMPHREY Lyttleton and Sir John Dankworth (I still can't call him anything but Johnny Dankworth) have been two of the most respected and influential characters on the British jazz scene. They are poles apart in their interpretations of the genre: trumpeter
A "WELL-dressed" man aroused the suspicions of a store detective who followed him into Marks and Spencer, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that minutes later, Cameroon asylum seeker Paul Jimjang walked out of the store wearing an £89 jacket
A COURT heard how a terrified teenage girl pushed herself against a wall as a van mounted the pavement and came speeding towards her. Blackburn magistrates were told that the girl was "frozen to the spot" as the van hurtled towards her and two friends
BLACKBURN'S BNP could be banned from using council premises to hold meetings if it is decided that the party's policies infringe human rights. A Labour motion put to last night's meeting of the Blackburn with Darwen Council forum, calling for new rules
I AM trying to trace descendants of the Moran family, last known address William Henry Street, Blackburn, in 1891. There was Patrick and Bridget and three siblings, Ann, Ellen and John, all born in Leeds between 1853 and 1858. The last known address for
IN a Christian country where the Government seeks to repeal Section 91 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998, which allowed faith schools to protect the denominational character and ethos of their school, I find the local authority's sanction
I FOUND the 'Looking Back' article by Eric Leaver on the Cup-winning Blackburn Olympic side of 1883 (LET, January 23) very interesting, because my father's uncle was a member of the team. His Cup medal was handed down to the male members of our family
YOUR report (LET, January 18) that three companies have been short-listed in the bidding to design Darwen's £11 million new health centre said that they will work closely with health professionals and local people for views on design. Which local people
I READ with real interest the reported comment made by Alan Cotton, Director of Finance for Blackburn with Darwen Council, relative to council tax rebates in the Livesey area (LET, January 25). It is reported that Mr Cotton considers the issue to be a
AN electrical store worker has been cleared of stealing £1,000 from the day's takings. A jury at Bolton Crown Court returned a verdict of not guilty against Nicholas Yardley, an administrative assistant at Comet electrical store in Leigh. The court heard
SING-A-LONG-A is back at Blackpool Grand Theatre with the dazzling multi-million pound film of one of the best-loved family musicals, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic is the latest to get the sing-a-long-a
A WANNABE schoolboy joker is turning out a class-act after getting some big top performance tips from a kind-hearted clown at the Blackpool Tower Circus. Mooky the Clown, of the legendary Promenade attraction, was more than happy to devote time to coaching
A 56-year-old man was found hanged on Friday afternoon (Jan 24). Mr Stuart Jackson was discovered by his wife suspended from the attic of their home in Leyton Drive, Bury. An inquest is expected to be opened.
MRS Pauline Taylor rose to the challenge and was rewarded with £900 in shopping vouchers for her efforts. She was the winner of a Christmas Challenge competition run in the Bury Times, and sponsored by CK Appliances, of Elton Fold Mill, Bury. Mrs Taylor
FIVE cars were damaged when a youth in his late teens went on a spree of destruction. The offender was seen smashing the wing mirrors of the cars, including a Saab 900, in Stubbins Lane, Ramsbottom. The incident happened at around 11.30pm on Saturday
A LARGE wooden building, which served as a makeshift soccer dressing room, was destroyed in a weekend arson attack. The outbuilding was located at playing fields in Bury Road, Radcliffe, where fire crews tackled the blaze. It broke out at 5am on Sunday
A TEENAGE girl was punched several times during an unprovoked attack in Holcombe Brook. Now police are hunting the thug following the assault in Bolton Road West at 9.45pm last Wednesday (Jan 22). The 17-year-old girl was out walking when she was approached
ONE of Burnley's biggest employers today unveiled £6.5million extension plans and a jobs boost for the town. Veka will double the size of its factory and has taken on an extra 55 new people with plans for more over the next two years. The fast-growing
SMOULDERING timber sparked off a blaze at a factory. Fire crews spent 90 minutes at the premises of Wallwork Heat Treatment in Lord Street, Bury. A slow build-up of heat within the wood caused the timbers to burst into flames. The fire spread to the roof
A PIONEERING project to turn unemployed people into classroom assistants was today condemned by the National Union of Teachers. Blackburn with Darwen Council's initiative is the first of its kind in the country and puts jobless people on to training courses
DETECTIVES are hunting three men who attacked a pensioner in broad daylight. A 69-year-old was punched to the ground and ordered to hand over cash during the attack at 1.50pm on Saturday (Jan 25)in Radcliffe Road, Bury. The attackers, who are all described
AN investigation has been launched into a blaze at an empty Radcliffe house. Two teams of firefighters from Whitefield and Bury spent just under 20 minutes bringing the flames under control at the property in Dumers Lane. Neighbours raised the alarm at
BURY'S council tax is top of the agenda when the Bury West area board meets on Thursday. Town hall officers are to present a budget roadshow at the meeting, which is at St Stephen's CE primary school in Colville Drive. Also to be debated is the council's
SUPER secretary Julie Entwistle proved what a world beater she is by recording top marks in an international college course. Julie, of Cumberland Close, Bury, picked up a gold medal following her achievements in a diploma for executive secretaries completed
BURY College celebrated its second year of providing Information Technology (IT) training to the local community by holding a presentation evening last week. The event was held at the Stubbins Bridge IT Centre which first opened its doors in January 2001
LEIGH Centurions players will be paid in win bonuses only this season as they seek promotion to Super League. "The players wanted to back themselves to win games," said coach Paul Terzis. "They understand what the new consortium are doing for the club
A £3,000 burger van was destroyed after it was engulfed in flames during an early morning arson attack. Firefighters were able to salvage two propane gas cylinders from the blazing Ford Transit but could not save the vehicle from being destroyed. The
ROVERS have gained international clearance for new defender Vratislav Gresko, and he is expected to play against Aston Villa this weekend. The Slovakian international full-back joined the Ewood Park club on loan until the end of the season. Rovers had
DEFENDER Henning Berg today declared himself fit and ready for a return to first-team action after making his comeback in the reserves last night. Berg brought an end to his three-month injury nightmare when he came through 65 minutes unscathed against
PUPILS at Walton-le-Dale High School are in a class of their own after becoming the second most improved school across the county. Pupils at the Brindle Road school were given full marks in the Government's education league tables this year. The results
PRESTON'S Graham Nash finds it hard to walk down the street without being recognised. But he's no film star or pop idol. Instead he's just notched up his latest win on the cult television show Countdown. The supermarket boss took his place on the puzzle
AEROSPACE workers at Warton are in the running for a new contract which could net 100 new jobs. BAE Systems is set to get the lift thanks to a £150 million Government contract to upgrade the Harrier aircraft. The firm announced recently that it has officially
IT makes your skin crawl just thinking about it -- having maggots wriggling about on your skin. But the tiny larvae have a better use than just dangling as bait on the end of a fisherman's line, as patients in South Ribble are finding out. Maggots are
THE leader of the Church of England in Lancashire is to retire. The Rt Rev Alan Chesters is to step down from the post on August 31 after 14 years in charge of over churches in the Blackburn Diocese. And the bishop has revealed that some of his fondest
A PRESTON shopper, who tumbled in the city centre after getting the heel of her shoe stuck in a gap in the paving blocks, is calling on council chiefs to make the area safe. Irene Ward, 58, of Sycamore Close, caught her heel in a block paving in Fishergate
STAFF at a Burnley school put their pupils through a difficult course to raise money for charity. Children at St John's RC Junior School in Thames Avenue swung into action to raise money by completing an assault course yesterday. After swinging on ropes
THE East Lancashire Deaf Society has presented Burnley Health Care NHS Trust with an award for their work catering for the needs of the deaf. The presentation is in recognition of the Trust's demonstration and commitment to improve services for profoundly
AN inquest into the death of a Burnley man following an alleged assault has been adjourned after crucial witnesses failed to turn up. Jason Box, 29, died in Burnley General Hospital three weeks after an incident in Waddington Avenue, Burnley, last July
A THEATRE group which aims to put the experience of the Burnley Riots on the stage is looking for young white and Asian actors to star in the production. Burnley Youth Theatre in Queens Park Road wants at least 12 men aged from 15 to 25 to produce and
ONE of Burnley's biggest employers today unveiled £6.5million extension plans and a jobs boost for the town. Veka will double the size of its factory and has taken on an extra 55 new people with plans for more over the next two years. The fast-growing
A PITCH inspection will take place at Gigg Lane at 11am on Saturday to determine whether the big match with Oxford United can go ahead. A Reserve game against Manchester United on Thursday was called off because of the state of the frozen pitch.
AS the song says. . . sisters will be doing it for themselves at Gigg Lane on Saturday when Bury FC holds it's first ever Ladies Day writes PHIL THORP. The home match against promotion rivals Oxford United has been so designated by the Shakers to launch
LUCKLESS Matt Barrass can finally see the light at the end of a dark and dismal tunnel after a positive trip to the doctors this week writes Chris Hall The young defender has been plagued by a series of injury crises in recent years, restricting his first
FIRE chiefs have warned residents about the dangers of unattended candles after a fire in Nelson last night. Officers were called to a house in Reedyford Road at 9.30pm. On arrival they found a television set had been set on fire by a burning candle.
THE best friend of former Nelson sailor Russell Ward was sentenced to life imprisonment after a jury at Winchester Crown Court found him guilty of murder. James McCann, 35, caused Mr Ward a list of horrific injuries including a three centimetre cut to
AS promised (Letters, January 22), I am now proudly flying my little Union Flag in my garden. So, come on, let's see more flying in the future in gardens and on buildings. Show you care. GLADYS ROBINSON (Mrs), Edge End, Great Harwood.
A FULWOOD lad is hoping to wow coaches in America when he represents Preston College in an international student tournament in the States Leonard Reid, 19, is one of a squad of 18 players from Preston College defending their title as champions of the
AN entertaining game saw Hoppers make it three wins on the trot for the first time in almost two years. Eleven tries were scored and although it ended with a comprehensive scoreline there were a number of blips in Hoppers' performance. Hoppers claimed
RESIDENTS in Vivary Bridge ward in Colne are being encouraged to get involved in a clean-up campaign to encourage pride in the area. The Council's Neighbourhood Pride Officer Nasreen Khanam will be joined by ward councillors to encourage residents in
MEMBERS of a popular croquet club which faces closure unless it finds a new home face an anxious wait for a council decision. Pendle Croquet Club have been overwhelmed with support in their bid to move into Victory Park, Barnoldswick. But despite the
ONE of the true entertainers lived up to his billing at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre last night as Paul Daniels brought mirth and magic in equal measure to a delighted audience. Although best remembered for his TV magic and more recently allowing Louis
POLICE have seized drugs and stolen property during a series of raids in Ribbleton. The operations by Preston police on the Poets estate netted a haul of class B and C drugs. The raids were part of scheme to clean up the area, after complaints about drug
A LOCAL soldier is getting ready to be deployed to Kuwait with a battalion of soldiers who fought in the last Gulf War. Corporal Simon Cooke, from Walton-le-Dale, is training in Germany with an armoured infantry unit. He is part of the 1st Battalion of
MEMBERS of a girls' football team are hoping to score with an appeal for new team players to join the group. Accrington Girls Soccer Academy (AGSA) is looking to start a new team for six and seven-year-olds after growing demand from youngsters. The academy
RESIDENTS in an East Lancashire town have accused BT of isolating people with plans to remove a number of public telephone boxes. BT contacted Oswaldtwistle Area Council last month with proposals to remove seven payphones from the town. An additional
BEER and bears go on sale side-by-side at the three day Bent & Bongs Beer bash which opened on Thursday at the Formby Hall, Atherton. The 14th festival organised by Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table and CAMRA will draw thousands of drinkers and raise
A MUM and daughter from Clitheroe have produced an innovative CD that is taking the tea-dance world by storm. Gladys Sutcliffe, 53, and daughter Gaynor, 23 have joined forces to produce a CD of popular dance numbers featuring Gaynor's string quartet.
HONEY produced by a Clitheroe cement firm's storesman John Zamorski is creating a buzz among colleagues as a cure for hayfever. And his employer, Castle Cement, is the bee's knees after stepping in to save an annual beekeepers' competition stung by the
LEADING North West property agents Kings Business Transfer are top of the shops! The Bury-based commercial property agents, one of the largest independent players in the region, saw sales up by 28 per cent last year. "It was a record year for us and we
THE Seasiders were due to take on Swindon as the Citizen went to press (Wednesday night) buoyed by reports that manager Steve McMahon is set to sign his new contract which should see him at the helm for the immediate future at least. This follows more
GREEN-conscious schoolchildren are being given the chance to embark on a special environmental fact-finding tour, thanks to Groundwork Bury. The youngsters can now see for themselves what happens to their rubbish once the bin men take it away. Pupils
HELPING to put their house in order! That's a dot.com company launched by an enterprising Bury businessman which aims to give home improvement "cowboys" the bullet. The website, www.no-hiccups.com houses an impressive dossier of comprehensive information
BURNLEY'S Lancashire derby against Preston North End has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, February 25 - but may yet be subject to another change. The match had been due to be played on February 15 but the Clarets will be down in London that weekend, taking
THE transfer window slams shut for Premiership sides at midnight tonight and there will be no departures from Turf Moor. Chairman Barry Kilby admitted: "We did have one enquiry in relation to a player but it was out of the ball park. "We have admitted
A YEAR after he made his Clarets debut, striker Robbie Blake is determined to mark the anniversary with victory against Reading at Turf Moor tomorrow. The player who replaced Ian Moore 24 minutes from time against the Baggies a year ago was a pale imitation
TRANSCO Lancashire League club Colne have been rocked by the news that professional Shane Harwood has been refused permission to join the club. Harwood is one of the rising stars of Australian cricket and after an impressive domestic season the Australian
A SEAT at Ewood Park has become the most expensive in football history -- at £10,000! But fans will not have to worry about price increases at Rovers as the ticket was bought for the whopping price in a one-off school fundraising auction. Construction
REPRESENTATIVES from all areas of Blackpool's community joined together to reflect on Britain's third Holocaust Memorial Day at the town hall, on Monday (Monday, January 27). Rabbi David Braunold lead a commemorative prayer, followed with presentations
RETIRED Wigan and Leigh College Principal, Peter Hoddinott has died aged 70, after a long illness. Mr Hoddinott joined the college in 1958 as a maths lecturer, and worked his way up to the post of Principal, which he held for six years, until his retirement
DETECTIVES have called off a murder investigation after it emerged that the death of a man who plunged from a 16-storey tower block in Blackpool may have been accidental. Robert Stevens, 42, was found dead at the foot of the Churchill block of flats on
WINDY weather struck the Fylde Coast this week -- but it takes more than a few gusts to stop hardy locals in their tracks. Along the Prom, Blackpool council workers turned out to stop the beach advancing on to the road after two days of westerlies battered
VILLAGERS from Ainsworth and MP Ivan Lewis have met with factory bosses in an attempt to clear the air. Ainsworth Community Association has been complaining about the nauseous odours emanating from chemical storage firm Seolocrete for the past two years
DWINDLING public support could see the curtain come down tonight on an opera group which has entertained the borough for more than a century. Members of the Bury Athenaeum Amateur Operatic Society gathered last night (Thurs Jan 30) for a one-off meeting
A MOTHER is backing calls to change exhumation laws after seeing bulldozers move in on the cemetery where four of her relatives are buried. Christine Gibbons (55) wants council-owned sites to be subject to the same development restrictions as church graveyards
ROVERS have gained international clearance for new defender Vratislav Gresko, and he is expected to play against Aston Villa this weekend. The Slovakian international full-back joined the Ewood Park club on loan until the end of the season. Rovers had
IT was September '76 when the Sex Pistols played the Lodestar in Blackburn -- the only gig they ever played in Lancashire. Hence it was a unique return to the town for Glen to make his solo acoustic debut. Glen delivered something old with God Save The
DJ Paul Taylor has high hopes for the summer of 2003, he's on course to be the brains behind Ibiza's biggest night. Paul's Retro brand has landed the biggest night of the week at the White Isle's legendary Eden venue after three solid years doing midweek
THIRTY-five years on the road and still going strong. Fairport Convention head back to one of their favourite venues on Tuesday to renew some old aquaintances. "We love coming to Burnley," said the band's Dave Pegg. "I think we've been to the town every
THE GMB trade union is stepping up its campaign for official recognition at Time Computers' head office in Simonstone. North West official Neil Holden said the company had rejected the union's latest bid to win negotiating rights over pay and working
RESIDENTS were given healthy eating advice at Darwen's Holistic Centre this week. The Belgrave Square venue played host to a specialist from Liverpool who tested people for allergies and food intolerances. Twelve people were tested and the day ran from
FORMER traffic warden Nick Gisicz is the new community support officer in Darwen aimed at ridding the town of anti-social behaviour problems. With three weeks of police training behind him, Nick will work with community beat officers and Sgt Anne Scott
ROSSENDALE-born actress and mum Jane Horrocks was among the celebrities who attended the star-studded premiere of the new Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock movie Two Weeks Notice last night. Jane, who grew up in Rawtenstall and whose family still live in
FASHION enthusiasts can snap up a designer bargain thanks to Rossendale Hospice and a designer shop. Sunday Best, Bank Street, Rawtenstall, has teamed up with Rossendale Hospice to hold an end of season clearance sale. Owner Jan Shutt has promised to
THOUSANDS of East Lancashire householders are to join a pilot scheme which aims to introduce continental-style recycling to the area. Around 6,000 homes in Rossendale will be given plastic boxes and sackcloth bags over the next few weeks to launch the
A ROSSENDALE high school has made giant leaps since its last Ofsted inspection, according to a new report. Alder Grange High School in Calder Road has been praised for raising standards over the last five years. The report released this week said: "The
CORONATION Street's Fiz Brown today spoke about her real-life drama was she tried to help rescue a family from their blazing home. Jennie McAlpine, who plays flame-haired Fiz, raced to the scene of the fire in Fern Street, Bacup, in her nightie from her
IN answer to your headline 'Park and Ride: Deserted'. (Citizen, January 14) What do you expect when it takes you 30-40 minutes to get from the South Rings roundabout to the park and ride traffic lights. The park and ride should have been at the Brownedge
I READ with amazement how N Sutton says the new park and ride is a waste of money, (Citizen Letters, January 23). Well, it will be to her because she doesn't use it. She also says the traffic is horrendous when taking her children to school. Well, if
TWO legendary names from the world of jazz are to perform together at a special Valentine's Day concert at Blackburn's Westholme School. George Melly will be joined by trumpeter Digby Fairweather for an evening of Singing and Swinging the Blues at the
POETIC indie band Maupa are on the verge of completing their debut album and have announced a details of their first tour of the New Year. Based at the Albion pub, in Clayton-le-Moors, the group have chosen to stay close to home for the recording of their
HOT on the heels of the sell-out success of a Phoenix Nights Special at Blackburn's Beechwood WMC, the Lock 'n' Load Comedy Club kicks off a brand new season of comedy mayhem at Eanam Wharf tomorrow. The Lock 'n' Load team have put together a double-headline
PAUL Nicholas hasn't had a moment to himself for the past few months -- and he's loving every minute of it. Having spent Christmas in pantomime in Windsor he went straight from searching for Aladdin's magic lamp to rehearsals for a major revival of one
LOCAL legends The Rubbish are set to make a sensational return to the live scene, this Spring, for a special one-off show. The Pendle five-piece, who twice opened shows for Status Quo at Wembley Arena and enjoyed a massive East Lancashire following, are
LOCAL schoolchildren have been shown how to become high-flyers at the launch of the Blackpool Circus School. Forty pupils from Year 6 at Devonshire Junior School were invited to attend the launch at Bispham High School on Monday (January 27). And took
THIRTY-five years on the road and still going strong. Fairport Convention head back to one of their favourite venues on Tuesday to renew some old aquaintances. "We love coming to Burnley," said the band's Dave Pegg. "I think we've been to the town every
A BLACKPOOL couple are looking forward to the birth of their daughter -- even though mum isn't pregnant! Identified only as Phil, 40, and Jennifer, 37, the couple are expecting a baby girl who is being carried by best friend and surrogate mother Bronwen
EVERYTHING could soon be even rosier in Lytham's Lowther Gardens if an appeal for supporters to come forward is successful. Yolande Brown JP, chairman of Lytham in Bloom committee, has called a meeting at Lowther Pavilion on Tuesday (February 4) for people
FIRMS operating out of Blackpool are targeting UK businesses in a bid to lure them into paying over the odds to register under the Data Protection Act of 1988. By law every business handling personal data must register their details with the Information
WHEN Blackpool mum Fiona Ricchiuti e-mailed a newspaper website, little did she know her family would star in a lifestyle makeover! Fiona, husband Antony and their two children Dominic, 14, and Melina, eight, featured in a two page article in the Daily
A WANNABE schoolboy joker is turning out a class-act after getting some big top performance tips from a kind-hearted clown at the Blackpool Tower Circus. Mooky the Clown, of the legendary Promenade attraction, was more than happy to devote time to coaching
LOLLIPOP men and women are being sent into the classroom in a bid to teach children about the dangers of the roads. It is hoped children will heed more advice about road safety if it comes from friendly faces which help them get to school safely every
POLICE investigating the murder of a teenager today said they were looking for blood-stained clothing which may hold the key to solving the case. And Det Supt Ian Jones, who is leading the inquiry into Eamonn McDonagh's death, appealed directly to members
A MAN was beaten unconscious by two thugs he had confronted for kicking his car. The 52-year-old was hit so ferociously that he received a blood clot on his ear which was still causing dizziness today. He is recovering at his home in Shorrock Lane, Mill
DAY therapy services may have to be cut unless the East Lancashire Hospice can make up a predicted £27,000 shortfall by the end of this financial year, managers warned today. They hope people who holding fundraising events will bear them in mind and are
OLD folk are too scared to travel on buses because they fear they will be attacked by youngsters, claims a new report. And a Government body has placed the blame for the fear at the door of Blackburn with Darwen Council. The Audit Commission says more
GREAT Harwood travel to Oldham Town in the quarter finals of the Second Division Trophy tomorrow just a week after a disappointing 4-0 defeat to second-from-bottom side Leek CSOB. Manager John Hughes was extremely unhappy with the weekend's performance
ROSSENDALE United will put their cup exploits to one side when they take on second-in-the-table North Ferriby United in the UniBond first division tomorrow. Dale beat Premier Division side Vauxhall Motors 1-0 in the UniBond League Cup last Saturday -
ANDY Grimshaw hopes the NWCL first division will see a rejuvented Ramsbottom United this weekend. The Riverside outfit have played only two games this year and lost them both, the last one being a 4-2 defeat against Newcastle Town in the Marsden Trophy
AS once again, animal shelters across the country bulge at the seams with unwanted Christmas presents and abandoned pets, may I please appeal to people to think carefully before buying a pet at any time of the year. I would advise anyone thinking of taking
ON the sceptical side are Janet Anderson, Peter Pike and Gordon Prentice. Rossendale and Darwen MP Mrs Anderson said: "I have grave reservations about military action against Iraq. "However, I do think this is a matter for the Prime Minister and I trust
HOUSEHOLDS in Blackpool are set to see a dramatic increase in council tax rates as officials in the resort unveils budget plans for the new financial year. Despite having one of the lowest rates in Lancashire the council tax is set to cost taxpayers up
RHETORIC from Labour, Tories and Liberal Democrats cannot disguise the fact that they are all prepared to surrender to criminals, illegal immigrants and the EU. I would never vote BNP, but can you blame the many people who feel disenfranchised. LES ARNOTT
IT took a few hundred years for this country to earn and enjoy the respect of most of the world, and it has taken just half a century to lose it. Our cricket team is off to Zimbabwe to play in a country where they have been murdering their kith and kin
I WOULD like to propose that we have more building in Ramsbottom, more flats, more houses, more huge estates on every square inch of land available. Why do people complain? What is the problem? They would be able to live in a brand new box on an avenue
IN his off-hand quasi-political way, Peter Doherty (Fifth Column) recently dismissed one of the architects of modern democratic Britain. He should be condemned, if only for using Roy Jenkins' name in the same sentence as "terrorism"! A miner's son, Jenkins
GREEN-conscious schoolchildren are being given the chance to embark on a special environmental fact-finding tour, thanks to Groundwork Bury. The youngsters can now see for themselves what happens to their rubbish once the bin men take it away. Pupils
IT'S lift-off for young boffins at Bury's Derby High School who are reaching for the sky in a rocket-building competition. The school is one of five in Bury and Bolton which have built their own rockets ahead of the competition launch in March. Derby
A guide to what's on and where in and around Blackpool CLEVELEYS Father Geoffrey Bottoms of St Monica's RC Church, Blackpool talks about his mission to free Cuban political prisoners in the USA to members of the Blackpool and Fylde Spanish and Latin American
Premier Division: Atherton Town v Willows; East Manchester v Elton Vale; Royton Town v Leigh Athletic; Wilmslow Albion v Prestwich Heys. First Division: Breightmet United v Hindsford AFC; Unsworth v Warth Fold. Second Division: Elton Vale Res v Wilmslow
RESIDENTS from Brookfield Estate in Preston are teaming up to put on a colourful stage show. Brookie 2003 is a show featuring youngsters from the estate's Space Place community centre. Pam Cooper, of Brookfield United, said: "We have got people from five
SCHOOL EXPULSIONS: Bury Community Relations Council was calling a conference of local head teachers and parent-teacher groups to decide how to guard children from National Front intrusion into local schools. Its chairman, the Rev Gerald Downing, emphasised
A SEMINAR promoting better mental health in the minority ethnic community in Blackburn with Darwen takes place on Wednesday March 19 at Audley Community Centre. A bi-lingual trainer will lead the day which will allow members of the public to raise issues
WOULD-be young actors and actresses are invited to theatre workshops at Westholme School, Blackburn, on Sundays. The Dream Theatre Company holds workshops for four to 16-year-olds every Sunday between 2 and 4pm. They offer improvisation, scripted performance
A NEW blitz on dangerous taxis has been launched in Blackburn. Council enforcement officers teamed up with the police and Vehicle Inspectorate staff to man a spot-check point in the town centre yesterday. Fifteen vehicles, a mix of private hire and black
NADEEM Sadiq, 21, of Brookfield Street, Blackburn, was ordered to take a drink-impaired driver's course as part of an 18-month community rehabilitation order after pleading guilty at Blackburn magistrates to two offences of driving with excess alcohol
A MAN walked out of a Blackburn town centre shop with a £79 cuddly toy tucked under his arm and without making any attempt to pay for it. Blackburn magistrates heard that the offence was witnessed by a police officer who found that Trevor Gilchrist also
WARM congratulations to Burnley Labour Party for rejecting the hare-brained 'sexist short-list' (LET, January 21). At a time when all that really matters is that we secure MPs who will not poodle supinely behind a leadership which lacks democratic authority
HOW many people in East Lancashire are aware of yet another break of their human rights? Health concerns may not be taken into consideration in appealing against the siting of phone masts, according to planning regulations. German doctors, finding that
IN compiling our family's history, I am trying to locate the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of ancestors who migrated from Shropshire to Lancashire in the second half of the 19th century to find work, largely in the mining industry. I am seeking
MR L Lawes (Letters, January 24) claimed that Blackburn with Darwen councillors have admitted they have no useful function. As one of those he considers to be sitting around in party meeting rooms, I wonder how many councillors he has spoken to in order
DON'T worry, kids. Park rangers are OK really! Young nature lovers in East Bury came out to meet the first local parkie for decades. Jim Wynn was there to meet them at a countryside fun day held on Saturday (Jan 25) at St Thomas's Primary School in Pimhole
TWO mobile phone users had their handsets snatched from their grasp while using them in separate incidents on Friday (Jan 24). The first incident happened at 3pm in Market Street, Bury, when an 18-year-old girl was texting a friend when a man ran up behind
RESIDENTS are urged to apply for grants of up to £15,000 to make a difference in their community. UnLtd Millennium Awards are funded by a £100 million legacy from the National Lottery Millennium Commission. UnLtd offers two types of grant: the first,
A SEAT at Ewood Park has become the most expensive in football history -- at £10,000! But fans will not have to worry about price increases at Rovers as the ticket was bought for the whopping price in a one-off school fundraising auction. Construction
ROVERS Reserves saw their four-match winning streak ended by two second-half goals from teenage Sunderland striker Keith Graydon at a freezing cold Christie Park last night. The 19-year-old Irishman struck twice in the space of six minutes, each time
WORKERS at a Preston chocolate factory are enjoying a taste of sweet success after their firm was put back into private hands. All 75 jobs at Beech's Fine Chocolates, Fletcher Road, have been secured after the company was put into independent private
A CHURCH leader has called on the council to rubber stamp his church's plans for redeveloping a rundown part of Ribbleton. The minister at Bethel Evangelical Church, in Delaware Street, wanted to take over two boarded-up properties nearby and turn them
NOT in Sunday best, but wearing hard hats and dusty jeans, workmen are completing renovations at one Preston building site which has a deep religious significance. One of the oldest churches in the area, thought to have originally been built from wattle
THE WIFE of a disabled man says her husband is 'a prisoner in his own home' because the access road to their house is so poorly maintained. Sally Clayton, of Honeysuckle Row, Ribbleton, whose husband Colin became wheelchair-bound after suffering a stroke
PLANNING permission has been granted to build three bungalows on land adjacent to Metcalfe Street, Rosegrove. They will be built on the site where three town houses had previously been approved. A REQUEST has been submitted to British Telecom to move
HEALTH chiefs have announced two new dialysis units in Burnley and Chorley. Health Minister David Lammy has written to Burnley's MP Peter Pike and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle with the good news. He said there would be three new satellite dialysis units including
A BURNLEY landowner could face prosecution for felling four 100-year-old trees. Steven Potts, of Hollins Farm, Red Lees Road, Cliviger, was reported to the Forestry Commission after chopping down the oak trees on his land in November. Villagers, who called
BURY College celebrated its second year of providing Information Technology (IT) training to the local community by holding a presentation evening. The event was held at the Stubbins Bridge IT Centre which first opened its doors in January 2001 and to
AN ELDERLY woman was left 'shaken and upset' when youths snatched her handbag as she got off a bus at a Morecambe supermarket. Two teenage thieves grabbed the 76-year-old's handbag and ran off, but were foiled by a group of students who gave chase and
DEFENDER Nicky Hill's hopes of a recall to first team duties for the vital visit of promotion rivals Oxford United were dented when a chance of a run-out for the reserves on Thursday night were halted when the clash with Manchester United was postponed
SATURDAY'S home match against promotion rivals Oxford United has been designated a Ladies Day by the Shakers. The event launches a partnership between Bury FC and Bury Girls and Ladies FC as part of the Nationwide League's Supporters of Tomorrow scheme
BURY face Third Division promotion rivals Oxford United on Saturday in the first of three revenge missions in the space of a week. The clash against the third placed U's is followed hard on the heels by long trips to two more sides with promotion and
ORGANISATIONS in Pendle who work with young people from ethnic communities were able to swap ideas during an event in Nelson. Members of Pendle Information Providers (PIPs) and staff from the careers advice projects Empower and Connexions gathered at
THREE major companies have been shortlisted to take on the new LIFT schemes aimed at improving primary and community health services in East Lancashire. The East Lancashire Primary Care Trusts announced today that Jarvis Primary Health Ltd (JPH), Bamber
A NURSERY has hit the jackpot after scooping £67,000 towards the cost of its expansion. And the cash windfall will also allow the Mary Kelly's Rascals to nearly double the number of child placements. The nursery, in Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, has been
PRESTON Grasshoppers' Tongan player Sengili Tuhialamaka is heading off to tackle international competition in the Rugby World Cup later this year. The South Pacific islander, who has impressed Hoppers fans this season with his speed and power has been
A LOOK at the latest CD singles and album reviews. GOOD CHARLOTTE: Lifestyles Of The Rich and Famous (Epic) THE debut single from this four-piece, who hail from the American east coast, is pure pop funk with attitude. This is just how modern punk music
PEOPLE arrested as part of a major anti-drug operation have appeared before magistrates for the second time. Some of those charged following Operation Nimrod are now awaiting sentence for their crimes. Nine people were originally brought before Burnley
TWO legendary names from the world of jazz are to perform together at a special Valentine's Day concert at Blackburn's Westholme School. George Melly will be joined by trumpeter Digby Fairweather for an evening of Singing and Swinging the Blues at the
LOVERS of Gilbert and Sullivan are in for a treat when one of the duo's best-loved works, The Gondoliers, comes to Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre next month. Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be putting on the operetta from Monday, February 24
HOT on the heels of the sell-out success of a Phoenix Nights Special at Blackburn's Beechwood WMC, the Lock 'n' Load Comedy Club kicks off a brand new season of comedy mayhem at Eanam Wharf tomorrow. The Lock 'n' Load team have put together a double-headline
PAUL Nicholas hasn't had a moment to himself for the past few months -- and he's loving every minute of it. Having spent Christmas in pantomime in Windsor he went straight from searching for Aladdin's magic lamp to rehearsals for a major revival of one
PUB and restaurant manager Nigel Smith hit upon a novel way of losing weight - he took up a morning newspaper round. Nigel, manager of of the Rose n' Bowl, in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, decided on the drastic action when he tipped the scales at 20 stone
TEENAGER Sarah Rushton, of St Paul's Guides, Oswaldtwistle, was presented with the Baden Powell Trefoil, the top Guide honour for a girl of 13. The St Wilfrid's High School pupil studied politics and took part in community service, camping and outdoor
A MAJOR news event is being brought vividly to life at Leigh's Turnpike Gallery as part of an exhibition. Manchester artists Emma Rushton and Derek Tyman have recreated a 1987 headline news story about a young German, Mathias Rust, who landed his light
DAVID Barry Pilkington, 58, of Trinity Street, Oswaldtwistle, was bound over in the sum of £50 to keep the peace for 12 months when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates and admitted a breach of the peace. A charge of persistently soliciting women
MORE than 100 romantic couples at a Roman Catholic church are to renew their wedding vows on St Valentine's Day. Couples planning to wed are also invited to the Valentine's Mass at St Joseph's RC Church, Accrington, to celebrate the sacrament of marriage
HELPING to put their house in order! That's a dot.com company launched by an enterprising Bury businessman which aims to give home improvement "cowboys" the bullet. The website, www.no-hiccups.com houses an impressive dossier of comprehensive information
AN East Lancashire MP today slammed plans for equine passports as 'completely ludicrous.' And Tory MP Nigel Evans has called on ministers to block the European Union scheme to force all horses, ponies and donkeys to have passports, creating costs and
THIS week in America The Washington Post has reported on revitalised interest in Pool's Paul Dalglish from across the Atlantic. D.C.United in Washington are preparing to welcome two Bulgarian players for the start of training camp next week and the club
WITH just one win in their last ten competitive games, it is perhaps surprising that Reading could have gone fourth in the first division if they had beaten Leicester on Tuesday night. Instead, the 3-1 defeat left them without a win this year and knowing
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has admitted that tomorrow's clash with Reading is a massive game and he is calling on his players to step up their push for the play-offs. And he believes that the two clubs that clash at Turf Moor are among a large group chasing
LEYLAND Morris Men are jumping for joy after securing a lottery grant which will see them launch a book and video on the history of their dance troupe. The group, based at the guide hut, Fox Lane, has been going for more than a century and continues to
ENGINEERING designers at Warton-based BAE Systems will be involved in work relating to the company's new £150m Ministry of Defence contract. The contract will see Warton and the engineering design team at Farnborough, Hampshire, contribute to an upgrade
A CHARITABLE trekker is auctioning off two much sought after front row balcony tickets to see Peter Kay at Blackpool in a bid to raise funds for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Colin Benton, 42, is sacrificing his chance to watch the tubby Bolton
MAGNIFICENT scenery, stunning special effects and astounding talent bring the colourful characters of Disney's Beauty and the Beast miraculously to life in this award-winning musical. The magical tale of a selfish prince who was changed into a hideous
ST ANNES farmers' markets and the Keep the Fylde Farming campaign could be under threat from genetically modified (GM) foods, says Friends of the Earth (FoE). The environmental pressure group says it has written to Ken Lee, chief executive of the Fylde
CYCLISTS could find themselves on the path to trouble after police and community leaders in Wyre launched a new initiative to crack down on unlit riders. Police in the Poulton, Cleveleys and Garstang areas are warning bike-riders to light up or risk a
THERE'S more to a cornet than a scoop of ice cream. This is the message that students from the Royal Northern College of Music are bringing to pupils at 15 schools in Blackpool. The fun programme presented by a quintet and percussionist includes marches
LANCASTER City Council's unlawful behaviour over Blobbygate involved misconduct by senior officers, but they will not be asked to pay any of the £2.5m bill. The district auditor, Clive Portman, today announced the results of his £500,000, four-year enquiry
FRIDAY, January 31: Alma St Pensioners Club, Westleigh (2-3) S Simmonds, P Turner; Tyldesley Town Hall (6.30-7.30) S Hellier. SATURDAY, February 1: Atherton Town Hall (9.30-11.30) R Holmes, S Loudon, M Aldred; Bickershaw Labour Club, Bickershaw Lane (
MORE help for vulnerable youngsters could come to Bury under a pioneering scheme. Social services bosses are hoping to set up a Children's Trust to co-ordinate a wide range of services. They aim to be in the "first wave" of pilot authorities approved
ACTRESS Elianne Byrne makes her professional stage debut at the Library Theatre in Manchester next Friday (Feb 7). The former Tottington High School pupil will play the Czech country girl Anna in the production of Bertolt Brecht's Schweyk in the Second
RAILWAY chiefs at the East Lancashire Railway have drawn up a timetable for passenger trains to begin steaming along to Heywood. Board members have named July 25 as their target opening date for services from Bury to get under way. Locomotives and rolling
AN ELDERLY man who escaped unharmed from a house fire thanks to a smoke detector is urging others to have them fitted. Mr Raymond Flint (78), of Oakwell Drive, Unsworth, admitted there could have been dire consequences if there had been no alarm. "It
A YEAR after he made his Clarets debut, striker Robbie Blake is determined to mark the anniversary with victory against Reading at Turf Moor tomorrow. The player who replaced Ian Moore 24 minutes from time against the Baggies a year ago was a pale imitation
POETIC indie band Maupa are on the verge of completing their debut album and have announced a details of their first tour of the New Year. Based at the Albion pub, in Clayton-le-Moors, the group have chosen to stay close to home for the recording of their
LOCAL legends The Rubbish are set to make a sensational return to the live scene, this Spring, for a special one-off show. The Pendle five-piece, who twice opened shows for Status Quo at Wembley Arena and enjoyed a massive East Lancashire following, are
A DARWEN councillor who kicked off the M65 Services name campaign has accused the Highways Agency of ignoring the facts. Coun Dave Smith, of Sunnyhurst ward, said the agency should go with public opinion in light of the developers' decision to change
FRIENDS of Sunnyhurst Wood will celebrate their centenary year by using money raised in donations to fix an 80-year-old footbridge. Today the group announced that the amount raised by their flood fund appeal through donations and a wide range of charity
BUSINESSES in Rossendale are being urged to dig deep in a bid to secure a £156,000 sports facility. Plans for an astro-turf pitch at Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall, are being spearheaded by Manchester United and England soccer star Phil Neville and his wife
I JUST can't understand why people won't use the park and ride at the Capitol Centre, (Citizen, January 16). I am a senior citizen and I have used it every week since it opened. It is brilliant at 35p return and no hassle parking and time to look around
REGARDING your article on the new park and ride system, (Citizen, January 14). For this system to work it must be financially beneficial for the user. A driver can park in the city centre for two hours for £1.20. Using the park and ride before 9.30am
I WAS interested to read the appointment of Carl Speight as city centre manager (Citizen, January 16) and obviously wish him all the best in his new job and hope that he can make a significant contribution to improving our city. I was a bit disappointed
SO MANY sisters have been doing it for themselves at a Blackpool store's DIY workshops that management have decided to put on extra courses. Female customers have been flocking to pick up plumbing, plastering and other DIY skills at the B&Q Warehouse
THE HEAD of a Blackpool school has hit back at allegations of bullying at a court hearing this week. Arnold School head teacher Bill Gillen, 59, dismissed claims made by the school's former head of sixth form Dr David Grimshaw, that he was a bully and
HOTELIERS in Blackpool are set to come face to face with the new force behind the resort's tourism trade... new HIT woman 28-year-old Alex Holt. Alex, who lives in Cleveleys, has been appointed as the new development officer for Blackpool Council's Hoteliers
HE looks fresh-faced enough to be bringing in an apple for the teacher! But Blackpool man Simon Camby has delighted school governors by being confirmed as one of the youngest head teachers in the country at the tender age of 28. Cambridge graduate Simon
OPPOSITION councillors have been attacked for claiming they are being gagged by a Labour-run council. Conservative and Lib Dem leaders on Blackburn with Darwen Council said they were being prevented from having open debates on contentious issues because
DISGRUNTLED rail users in East Lancashire are being encouraged to 'have a pop' at rail operators by a new campaign launched today. The Rail Passengers Committee (RPC), which represents passengers' views are raising awareness of their services and want
AN asbestos-ridden bleachworks is to be pulled down and replaced by a new bus depot. It will be used by Catch-me-bus.com, a firm which declared war with Blackburn Transport last October when it began operating on five of its established routes. The bleachworks
A PIONEERING new insurance package for karting enthusiasts has been launched by a Bury insurance and risk management firm. Hollins-based DTE Insurance Brokers generated hundreds of inquiries when they unveiled their KartGuard product at the International
PARAMEDICS in Lancashire have been praised for the standard of their service in a new independent survey. Patients were asked for their views on how they were treated by staff on emergency 999 calls and the survey found all respondents rated the service
A SEAT at Ewood Park has become the most expensive in football history -- at £10,000! But fans will not have to worry about price increases at Rovers as the ticket was bought for the whopping price in a one-off school fundraising auction. Construction
ENTERTAINING Woodley Sports is not only a must-win game, it's a should-win game for Clitheroe. For the Blues need to bounce back after their 17-game unbeaten run came to an end at Congleton last week. And after having their midweek Marsden Trophy quarter
BACUP may make changes to their side for the visit of Cheadle in the Second Division Trophy quarter finals tomorrow. Manager Brent Peters, whose side are top of the secomd division, says he must prioritise the league. "There is a semi-final place at stake
PAUL Mullin believes he and Accrington Stanley may have turned the corner at exactly the right time. The Reds' striker ended a run of four games without a goal just four days after Stanley picked up their first away win since September. "We're on a roll
Honoury Canon James Armfield is in every sense of the word a gentleman. That is probably why he isn't as well known to the general public as some of his contemporaries. The goodness he does in so many diverse ways is carried out quietly and without fuss
I AGREE with the anti-gambling protesters, not because I am against gambling as such, but it is another blow to Blackpool's image of a family resort. We have already seen an influx of gay clubs and are attracting all sorts to the resort from far and wide
A LETTER from Mr Fred Wrigley of St Davids Avenue, Thornton Cleveleys (Citizen 16.1.03) urges Wyre Borough Council to build shelters for tram passengers in Victoria Square, Cleveleys. I share Mr Wrigley's concern for people who have to queue in wet, windy
YOUR local RSPCA needs your help. Interested in making a practical contribution towards local animal welfare work? Then why not join your local branch of the RSPCA? We are always interested to hear from anyone who would like to join our friendly team
I AM sorry that your correspondent, M McDougall (Letters: January 9, 2003) was not able to take the time to check the accuracy of the rules on benefit for hospital patients cited (or the views attributed to me and my colleague Joan Humble) not least as
BURNLEY'S Lancashire derby against Preston North End has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, February 25 - but may yet be subject to another change. The match had been due to be played on February 15 but the Clarets will be down in London that weekend, taking
WHILE Jack Straw has been stressing the need for possible military action to disarm Saddam Hussain, the prospect of a new Gulf War has split East Lancashire. This week the Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary made absolutely clear that conflict is inevitable
SO, Eileen Slingsby (Your Letters, Jan 17) feels it necessary to respond to recent correspondence relating to Bury MBC's Comprehensive Performance Assessment report and, indeed, she makes her position very clear. As a single-issue campaigner she has previously
I MUST write in response to the letters from councillors Connolly (Jan 7) and Campbell (Jan 14). The fact is that, yet again, council tax in Bury will rise this year above the rate of inflation. The Chancellor's pre-budget report gave the impression that
FOR once, let me congratulate our North West MEP Chris Davies on his revealing admission in his recent Letter from Europe that laws formulated in Europe can, in his words, "have profound implications for Britain, but our ministers tend to use a statutory
I READ with interest the letter from Terry Spencer (Ex-Labour voter, Jan 10). Council leaders have had to accept the verdict of the Audit Commission's CPA assessment and we are getting on with the job of improvement. The Labour Group are constantly seeking
A 35-year-old man is still being questioned, 36 hours after he was arrested by anti-terrorist officers in a dramatic dawn raid in Bury. Special Branch detectives, supported by riot police in full body armour, stormed the flat of the North African asylum-seeker
THE Seasiders were due to take on Swindon as the Citizen went to press (Wednesday night) buoyed by reports that manager Steve McMahon is set to sign his new contract which should see him at the helm for the immediate future at least. This follows more
