Archive

  • All change for Dark thriller

    GET ready to jump out of your seat watching the next production from Broughton's Club Players. Wait Until Dark is a clever thriller about three petty thieves desperate to find a missing, drug-filled doll -- a change to the Club Players' last play, the

  • No Les Mis, but Pimpernel worth watching

    LIKE the elusive Pimpernel, this colourful production lacked the 'je ne sais quoi' to make it into a classic. The characters were well cast, the singers and orchestra beautifully balanced, and the costumes quite magnificent. It all came together easily

  • Helping to save their bacon

    IT'S an understatement to say farmers have had a difficult time in the past few years with the ravages of foot and mouth and mad cow disease. Add to that the complexities of EEC subsidies and regulations and the stranglehold big supermarkets have on the

  • Bowls winner

    BILL Rowson won the second winter merit bowls competition at Pennington Park on Sunday in windswept and rainy conditions by narrowly beating Colin Knight in the final 21-20. No consolation competition was played due to conditions and turnout.

  • Army tackle the Kiwis

    THE New Zealand Army Rugby League Test tour of the UK reaches its climax tomorrow (Friday) at Leigh Miners when they take on the British Army in the third match of the series, kick off 7.30pm. So far the Kiwis have demonstrated their speed and pack strength

  • Linda's top of the class - of course!

    BLACKBURN College's Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply course has gained the highest marks in the country. And 44-year-old student Linda Young was top of the class. Linda, who works at the Department of Work and Pensions Contract Management

  • Model Nicola on track of a crime degree

    BLACKBURN model Nicola Cox is every inch the picture of glamour -- but she's keen to stress she is not just a pretty face. Nicola, of Wilpshire, has recently returned from modelling underwear in Holland and is now on a photo-shoot in London, where her

  • Mayor's aid for poppy appeal

    THE MAYOR of Blackburn with Darwen has help to launch this year's Poppy Appeal. Coun Tony Humphrys was among dignitaries at Manchester's Imperial War Museum North to highlight the work of the Royal British Legion in Lancashire and put the spotlight on

  • School toasts personal best

    A HEADTEACHER praised the efforts of pupils and staff who helped to make it a record-breaking year. In her speech at last night's annual awards night, Pleckgate High School headteacher Heather Jamison said the school had achieved its best ever GCSE results

  • Carolyn's a new face of the small screen

    VIEWERS of an interactive game show channel launched recently on digital television may recognise a familiar face. One of the five presenters fronting Channel Avago is former Westholme School pupil Carolyn Ashton, who is now based in London but used to

  • Why are we the only ones?

    ONCE again, the question of forced medication of our water supply, via fluoride, raises its ugly head. Why must we be faced with this undemocratic compulsion? Continental Europe has virtually no fluoridation. Holland has banned fluoridation. Germany,

  • David Dunn is a real star

    I WAS sitting in my son's home in Clayton-le-Moors last Thursday when in walked David Dunn with a birthday card for my grandson. His name is John and he is 11-years-old. He is confined to a wheelchair and he is absolutely football mad, watching the whole

  • Where has sell-off cash gone?

    IN your report about Standard Life's intention to dispose of Blackburn's shopping precinct (LET, October 11) the Council's Chief Executive referring to the company as just being a "pension fund'" suggests how oblivious the council is of this company's

  • Why does the council ignore people's views?

    THIS week's Lancashire Evening Telegraph (October 21-26) has produced some very interesting articles. Margo led the way with her comments on the Church Street debacle, the effect on town centre business and the fact that even after considerable opposition

  • Long to Raine over us

    THE BLACKPOOL girl who played Emmerdale's bitch from hell is switching from soaps to Cinders this Christmas. Eighteen-year-old Raine Davison has landed the starring role in the Preston Guild Hall's festive panto, Cinderella and says she can't wait for

  • Lucky break made Glenda a star

    THERE'S only so many affairs a girl can have, insists actress Glenda McKay. So the former TV soapstar wasn't sorry when, three years ago, her Emmerdale character, unlucky-in-love Rachel Hughes, was pushed off a cliff. "Rachel was having an affair with

  • Boss blasts 'pathetic' RMI

    Moor Green 2 Leigh RMI 1 - FOR a club as financially insecure as Leigh RMI, not allowing lightning to strike twice is imperative. That deja vu at Sherwood Road was so comprehensive is almost inexplicable. The run-up to the fourth qualifying round game

  • Train takes the strain

    ROVERS ditched the usual coach and air travel arrangements yesterday, opting instead to arrive in Glasgow by train. And there were a few surprised faces at the City's central station as Souness whisked his players off platform nine before heading for

  • Decision affects us all

    HOW many Lancashire residents have heard of the Convention on the Future of Europe? My guess is probably not many, yet its members are drafting a European constitution that is likely to determine the way in which decisions affecting us all are taken.

  • New lease of life for hall?

    CAMPAIGNERS are urging housing developers to fulfil a promise to restore two dilapidated old halls to their former glory. Historic Worden Hall, Leyland, and Buckshaw Hall, situated in the former Royal Ordnance Factory site in Euxton, near Preston, are

  • Park and ride boost

    WORK started this week to improve the Portway park and ride scheme in Preston. The work, which began on Monday (October 28) will affect the Lune Street and Fishergate bus stops. It includes raised platforms at the drop-off points to improve access for

  • Party time for ghouls

    CHILDREN in Lea are putting on masks and dressing-up as ghosts and ghouls for a special Halloween bash. Residents of Sheffield Drive, Nelson Crescent and Brook Place have been handed £500 from the Community Chest fund to make their own entertainment.

  • Study has paid off

    THREE Preston employees have been short-listed for a special award. The National Training Awards give just a handful of prizes to individuals and companies across the country, and this year four of the finalists are from the Preston area. They have been

  • Councillors on the beat?

    COUNCILLORS could soon be leaving the debating table in the town hall and start pounding the beat with local police officers. Teams of representatives and police community beat managers could be sent out on special walkabouts in local areas. They will

  • Swapping classes for trek

    A DEDICATED Preston teacher is preparing to swap life in the classroom for a while to take up a new challenge, trekking across New Zealand! High school teacher Nafis Dayala, 27, is planning to pull on her hiking boots and journey to the island where the

  • A music haul!

    GARAGE music stars of the future could be learning their trade on a Preston estate -- thanks to a scheme that sells drug dealers' assets. Money raised from the sale of assets is being channelled into a special fund, which goes back into helping communities

  • Charity starts at home

    HUNDREDS of orphans in famine-stricken African country Malawi are being clothed and fed thanks to a caring South Ribble woman. Mary Woodworth, 37, of Liverpool Old Road, Walmer Bridge, set up the Friends of Mulanje Orphans charity and has been using her

  • Hunt for 'trick or treat' sex pest

    DETECTIVES today revealed they are hunting a hallowe'en sex pest who exposed himself to a group of girls who were out playing trick or treat. Police said the man struck as three 13-year-olds were heading home from Pasturegate Avenue, near Coal Clough

  • Abuse probes 'ruining lives'

    INQUIRIES into historic sexual and physical abuse, including two in Lancashire, have been criticised for "ruining people's lives". The Home Affairs Committee investigated dozens of probes nationwide including two by Lancashire Police. Operation Care was

  • New drama production set for war memorial

    JUNIOR schoolchildren are to be introduced to the theatre of war, and the bravery of Leigh's WW2 heroes, thanks to a new drama production. Leigh Community Sixth Form students will perform an original work on the war memorial to an audience of young and

  • Pop hopefuls showing Eastern promise

    YOUNG Latvian Magda Ozolina is already making her presence felt in Padiham -- after joining a Pop Stars: The Rivals style band. Magda, 12, came to East Lancashire with her parents last year and has formed the band, Personality, with fellow Gawthorpe High

  • DIY school pupils 'suffering badly'

    BURNLEY'S council leader has said pupils at the town's DIY school are "suffering badly" but admitted he couldn't find an answer to the problem. The DIY school, set up by parents who were angry their children didn't get a place at their chosen school,

  • BNP speak out in praise of police

    BURNLEY'S British National Party councillors put forward their first motion during a meeting of the council last night. Their first motion -- the first time they have taken an active role in council business -- praised the police for helping to reduce

  • Salesman hit with mallet

    A SALESMAN was hit in the face with a mallet and robbed of £10,000 worth of phone cards by two masked attackers. The two men in balaclavas approached 28-year-old Sajjad Mahmood and his boss 48-year-old Tazarab Hussain. They had just come out of Walton's

  • Battling Bury tough it out

    Lincoln City 1 Bury 1 - A SECOND half fight back earned Bury a share of the spoils at Sincil Bank as Andy Preece's side proved they can battle with the best. They faced a cash-strapped Lincoln outfit that have a number of former Nationwide Conference

  • Women follow the trail of Pendle Witches

    FANS of the famous Pendle Witches can now follow their journey for trial at Lancaster Castle with an audio cassette created by two local women. The On The Trail Of The Pendle Witches series includes a guide, audiotape and film produced by UPR focused

  • Teen tells court of policeman's car drag horror

    A TEENAGER told a court how he saw a policeman clinging to the door of a car which was reversing at high speed. Ryan Grundy said he heard a commotion outside his house and went to his bedroom window to see what was happening. The 17-year-old told how

  • Views welcome on rail link

    WITH regard to your article on the proposed A56 by-pass (LET, October 22). Pendle Council takes very seriously the views of the many local people who wish to see the Colne to Skipton rail link reinstated. Further to that, the overview and scrutiny committee

  • Brig set for 'fresh start'

    BAMBER Bridge FC have been given the go-ahead to sign new players after their embargo was lifted by the UniBond League. Since the embargo was imposed, because of the club's financial difficulties, team manager Paul Byron has struggled to raise a team

  • Tactical flaws cost Hoppers dear

    A DISAPPOINTING performance by Hoppers saw them lose to fellow strugglers Bedford. Indiscipline (two yellow cards) and injury didn't help, but after trailing by only 7-19 at the break better use of the wind advantage and less disjointed play could have

  • First league win for Preston

    PRESTON Hockey Club claimed their first league victory of the season on Saturday with a 7-3 defeat of Deeside Ramblers. Preston finally found the scoring touch to embellish the finesse of their build-up play. Skipper Luke Watson scored four times, the

  • Crash death inquest

    AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a 56-year-old man whose car crashed into a lamppost on October 26. The hearing, at Burnley Magistrates Court was told John Paul Brear, of Quarry Bank Court, Leeds, died after the smash in Keighley Road, Laneshawbridge

  • Merseybeat stars to launch project

    A PROJECT which will provide support for both male and female victims of domestic abuse in Pendle will be launched by Burnley's Merseybeat actors John McArdle and Kathy Jamieson next month. A team of five, referred to as the Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative

  • Officers set to hit the beat

    PRESTON and South Ribble will get a crime fighting boost from December when new police community support officers take up their posts. Each of Lancashire Constabulary's six divisions will have 12 officers to patrol the areas. Preston is covered by Central

  • Driving force Tommy scoops top award

    A VOLUNTEER driver has scooped a special award for his service to the community. Thomas Cocker, 77, is a familiar face to Preston Community Transport travellers after being a driver for the voluntary service for ten years. Thomas, or Tommy as he is known

  • Plan for special needs

    PARENTS are set to have a say in the future of Lancashire's special needs schools. Lancashire County Council's education chief will present his plans for special needs to the county council next week, and if they are passed a public consultation lasting

  • Ten years ago

    TWO East Lancashire pubs were voted 'blooming' marvellous in a brewery's flower competition. The White Hart Inn, in Sabden, and the Florence, in Blackburn, were voted tops when they won the Thwaites Pubs In Bloom competition.

  • Five years ago

    A FORMER pupil of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, saw his film company make record profits after its film Shooting Fish became a box office success. Gary Smith, of Winchester Multimedia, received the good news after his film made £2 million

  • Final exhibition for artist Suki

    ARTIST Suki Chan ends her two years in residence at Leigh's Turnpike Gallery with a new exhibition. "Little Rituals", a culmination of her work, will be on show from November 23 to January 18. The display will form an interactive installation of moving

  • What's on around Preston

    PREPARATIONS are under way for a talent contest at Lostock Hall Labour Club, Watkin Lane, Preston, next year. The competition will run on each Sunday during January and February 2003, and is open to anybody over the age of 16. Any talent is welcome, from

  • Blast fear as garage blazes

    FOUR cars were destroyed after a welder sparked a blaze in a garage. Two crews from Accrington and one from Oswaldtwistle were called to the commercial garage in Dale Street, Oswaldtwistle, at around 4.16pm yesterday. Accrington station officer Andy Taylor

  • Head's got pride in pupils

    A PROUD headteacher last night paid tribute to pupils at his school during the annual awards night. Barry Burke, of Rhyddings High School, Haworth Street, Oswaldtwistle, referred back to August 22 when the GCSE examination results came out and said: "

  • Concert for care homes costs

    A FUND-RAISING concert will take place at the Poplar Club, Wellington Street, Accrington next month. Providing the music will be the Houghton Weavers and there will be an auction of footballing and entertainment memorabilia. Lots include a signed photograph

  • Council defends licence policies

    HYNDBURN Council bosses today defended their licensing policies after a convicted sex offender was found to be driving special needs children around the Great Harwood area. Philip King, 48, appeared before Blackburn magistrates last week where he was

  • Young speakers put Rotary in line for top award

    ONE of Leigh Education Action Zone's most innovative projects put Leigh Rotary Club on cue for a prestigious regional award. Rotarians were so pleased they produced a document, outlining a public speaking initiative, as its entry into the movement's Indian

  • Crossing safety fears for elderly

    AN elderly woman who lost her brother in a road accident is worried about the safety of the newly opened two-way traffic system along Mealhouse Lane, Atherton. Alice Cook is 87-years-old and lives in Mealhouse Court. She is concerned that, although the

  • Diesel do as a police recruit!

    EASTERN Division's latest recruit is set to commence police training at just 10 weeks old and those working with him already think he's barking mad. Diesel, a German shepherd pup, has just joined Eastern Division's Dog Unit based in Accrington and will

  • Church tower appeal closes in on target

    LEIGH Parish Church is three-quarters of the way towards its tower restoration appeal target. Almost £100,000 has been raised since Leigh firefighters's world record breaking launch in June last year. They lit 1,000 candles on a huge cake to kick off

  • Bag slash thieves prey on shoppers

    POLICE are warning shoppers to be on their guard after a spate of cheeky pick-pocketing in Leigh town centre. As always, police security will be stepped up around the town in the run up to Christmas to help prevent the recent run of purse and bag snatches

  • Attackers beat wrong man

    TWO drunken men, who burst into a pensioner's house searching for a man who had attacked them, beat up the wrong man, a court heard. Eric Gunning, who had helped the elderly man to his home from the pub, was attacked without warning and beaten around

  • Plea for extra 999 crews

    A CALL for increased ambulance cover in the Ribble Valley fell on deaf ears at a council meeting in Clitheroe. Ribble Valley councillor Allan Knox asked fellow councillors to back his call at a meeting in the council chamber. But health bosses have already

  • Save our bacon - plea

    THE Ribble Valley's "last remaining pig farmer" has warned that the industry is on the verge of collapse in Lancashire. And an MP is calling on East Lancashire consumers to buy British pork and bacon to beat the decline. Phillip Edge, of Fairfield Farm

  • E-mail rogues

    A RATHER misleading, but not illegal, e-mail is doing the rounds that sees everyone in your address book receive a message you have not sent. Users receive a link to an e-card site FriendGreetings.com where you are invited to install some computer code

  • Winter tips

    IF you need to get out into the garden before winter bites, then drop by the Internet to get a few helpful hints and tips. For a reliable site visit the Royal Horticultural Society at www.rhs.org.uk. They have a comprehensive advice section and talk about

  • A big brother with 3-way versatility

    IF you have seen the matchbox-sized L'espion camera, then take at look at its bigger brother. The Epsilon (www.digitaldreamco.com) looks more like a proper camera, has a range of features and costs about £100. The standard camera features eight megabytes

  • Rugby: Haydock stick knife in

    STANLEY slipped to their third defeat of the season after completely outplaying their opposition Haydock but not turning all the possession into points while their opponents took their chances when given. It was Haydock kicking off against a strong breeze

  • Football: Junior club results

    A LOOK at the local football scene. BLACKPOOL RANGERS U14s 13 WYRE JUNIORS O DESPITE the recent weather, a perfect playing surface with Rangers dominating throughout. They raced into a 5-0 half-time lead and during the second half they turned on a dazzling

  • Death riddle of 22-stone man

    A PATHOLOGIST has been unable to find out why a 22-stone man died. An inquest heard how Brian Whitehall's body was so badly decomposed it hindered the post mortem examination. Although he had been seen alive the afternoon before, the warm weather may

  • Young gun Nicks cup glory for the Shrimps

    Injury worries couldn't halt Morecambe's charge to the first round proper of the FA Cup as their kids showed they were alright in a comfortable qualifying victory. Teenagers Danny Carlton and Nick Rogan were instrumental in a win, which gives the Shrimps

  • Great Scott, he's got it!

    GOALS from Scott Taylor and John Murphy ensured a fine victory for Pool against Plymouth. Coupled with the home win against Cardiff last week the win on the south coast pushes Pool right back there with the promotion chasers, trailing league leaders Wigan

  • Protest march against war on Saddam

    CAMPAIGNERS were to demonstrate against US attacks on Iraq with banners and placards in a march through Burnley town centre today Organised by the Stop The War Coalition, the rally is one of numerous similar events taking place on Hallowe'en night across

  • Off the Ball with Steve Dunthorpe

    In the week when England struggle to a 2-2 draw with a country that didn't exist 15 years ago, a stunning fact emerged. David Beckham is Britain's third greatest sportsman. Ever. Not of this year, not even of this decade, but in history. That is, of course

  • Rally thrills in Cumbria

    The Classic Illuminations Rally, sponsored by Pye Motors and Coopers Lancaster Brewers, proved to be a enthralling duel added to by the weather as it used roads throughout the south of Cumbria last weekend. Previous winners Geoff Hall/Paul Bosdet in their

  • Portrait is tutu good not to show

    A PORTRAIT of a prima ballerina who began dancing in Leyland could take pride of place at South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre. Marian St Claire, 56, is a top ballerina who started her dancing life in the Old Age Pensioners' Hut in Leyland when she

  • First class Players

    ST JOSEPH'S Players production of Cat's Cradle, a mystery thriller by Leslie Sands, was brilliant, a really professional production. The cast, scenery, lighting and costumes were all first class. It was good to see their efforts were thoroughly enjoyed

  • Weavers in Christmas show

    THE Houghton Weavers will perform their annual Christmas Show to the Monaco Ballroom, Hindley on Sunday, December 15. The music and comedy band will bring their own unique brand of entertainment for their 14th Yuletide production, with special guest,

  • A drop of the Irish...

    IMAGINE Tarantino and Scorsese meet Father Ted... the outcome would be something very similar to the Octagon's forthcoming productionThe Lonesome West. Set in Leenane, Galway, The Lonesome West tells the story of Valene and Coleman, two brothers living

  • Guide reveals best local pubs

    Lancaster and Morecambe may be home to the area' s biggest pubs - but, for the best, you need to go further afield, writes Steve Dunthorne. That's the message from the 2003 'Good Pub Guide,' the drinker's Bible, which features more than 5,000 alehouses

  • Big demand for nursery places

    Health service staff in Lancaster are already clamouring to get their youngsters' names down on the waiting list for a new nursery set to open next summer. The Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust has won around £1million of funding to build two 58-place

  • Bird survey

    FARMERS and landowners in north Lancashire are being offered a free survey of the birds living on their land. The scheme, which is being run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Farmer Alliance project, aims to give farmers a true picture

  • Bond of love

    A CANDLE service is being held for all those who have lost a child through miscarriage, no matter how long ago. The Wigan and Leigh District Miscarriage Association is holding the 'Bond of Love' event at Christ Church, Ince Green Lane, Ince, on Thursday

  • 'Robocop' offers clean-up advice

    He's been dubbed 'Robocop', forced to resign from the police force and been elected Mayor of Middlesbrough - now he is helping Morecambe's councillors clean up their area. Ray Mallon first shot to prominence when he advocated American style ' zero-tolerance

  • Fancy some extra cash for Christmas?

    ANYONE over the age of 13 can earn extra money in time for Christmas by delivering the Journal in their area. Distributers are required to spend around two hours every Thursday delivering the newspapers door-to-door. The minimum wage applies to anyone

  • City Hall hosts Asian awards

    THE thriving Asian business community brought a taste of India to the civic grandeur of Lancaster Town Hall at the weekend. Exotic food, dancers and live music gave invited guests a truly cultural experience as Asian businessman and women celebrated the

  • Conman warning

    PEOPLE have been warned against handing over money for building work until it is finished after a man posing as a builder conned £360 out of a 92-year-old. The incident happened on Monday between 11.30am and noon, when the pensioner opened the door of

  • Police hunt men after assaults

    Police are urgently appealing for witnesses after two teenagers were indecently assaulted in Lancaster and Morecambe in the space of 12 hours. In the first incident, a 15-year-old local girl was saved from a more serious attack after two passing motorists

  • Kevin aims for world title

    LOCAL body builder Kevin Alder is on his way to the World Championships after being crowned British EPS Champion last weekend. Kevin, of Manor Road in Astley, has been body building for 17 years and is no stranger to titles, having come second in the

  • Young Harriers shine

    LEIGH Harriers young athletes travelled to Bury and produced some outstanding running in the off road obstacle relays. The Under 9s girls 'A' team gained silver medals. Sophia Thornton recorded 4:23, Kashmira McCann 4:33 and Rebecca Morris 4:56. The '

  • Weak Tyldesley take a battering

    Oldham 64 Tyldesley 21 - WHEN you travel to face the unbeaten league leaders it normally helps to take your strongest side possible. However Tyldesley RU were denied that luxury as a total of six changes from the previous week were forced on them. The

  • Demolition derby...

    Leigh Miners Rangers 30 Leigh East 10 - MINERS Rangers were comprehensive winners in the first of this season's heavyweight derby clashes. The Miners repeated last season's league double and play-off triumph while East were never able to reproduce the

  • Leigh RU round-up

    Leigh 1st XV 43 Northwich 22 - PLAYING with a strong wind at their backs, Leigh set off at breakneck speed and an early break by Wynne fed Bridge to score the opening try converted by Wilcock. Bridge was on hand again shortly afterwards to gather a Leigh

  • Souness says, go for it

    GRAEME Souness plans to win the grudging admiration of Celtic's fans when Rovers go into war against the Scottish champions in tonight's UEFA Cup showdown at Parkhead. The former Rangers boss will send his players out with a clear message to turn on the

  • Weekend starts with a real bang

    THE weekend starts with a bang on Friday, November 1 when Blackpool Pleasure Beach puts on a fizz-popping firework extravaganza. Together with Rock FM and Magic 999, they'll be firing up the pop with guest appearances by TV fame hunters the Cheeky Girls

  • War led to 60 years of marriage

    SECOND World War conscription led to 60 years of marriage for two sweethearts. Jean, 78, and Frank, 80, McEvoy, of Harwood Street, Darwen, celebrated their anniversary yesterday. They met in Llandow, Wales, while Frank was in the RAF and Jean the WAAF

  • Snorkellers in deep water

    A SNORKELLING club that has run for 20 years may be forced to close after it was told it could no longer use a Blackburn pool. Darwen Snorkelling Club were told by staff at Waves Water Fun Centre that they will have to move to Bank Hey pool, in Upper

  • Council alert over fake letter

    RESIDENTS in Rossendale were today warned to check out official correspondence after a bogus letter writer issued a threatening letter to a dog owner. Rossendale Council described the offender as a high-tech conman after the authority's official crest

  • Help for oseoporosis sufferers

    HUNDREDS of people have benefited from Culcheth Lions' Club's Osteoporosis Days. At the last scanning session at the Daten Club the 300th client was checked. The group wishes to apologise to those who could not book because of a telephone failure. The

  • Seeking tales of old Shakerley

    AN Atherton woman is seeking stories of Shakerley from years gone by. An anonymous writer wants to hear from people who lived in the area, used the Piggy Bridge or played in Bluebell Hollow. She is collecting both serious or humorous tales. Anyone wishing

  • Calling sappers to get in touch

    IF you were a sapper between 1939 and 1963 and have service photos that you'd like to have included in the companion volume to the recent history of the Royal Engineers in National Service times, write to Mr Pegg, 14 Reginald Street, Burwood, Christchurch

  • MP keeps up fight for asbestos victims

    LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has vowed to fight on for justice for asbestos victims. Speaking in a Commons debate he urged the government to keep up the battle for ex-employees of Turner and Newall suffering from asbestos-related diseases. He said a way must

  • Hospitals' spot on

    I HAVE been in the Royal Preston Hospital (RPH) and Sharoe Green for a few weeks and also been to RPH two or three times as a day patient. During which, I could not find fault with anyone. The food and treatment were spot on. Some of the patients were

  • Stop the thugs

    WE now see, on a daily basis, how the rule of law is being dismissed and ignored. There's a worrying trend of attacking dedicated members of our society who provide valuable services such as paramedics helping the sick and injured, or members of the fire

  • Pleasure Beach hit by fire

    A FIRE has broken out at Ripley's Believe It Or Not Odditorium at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Five engines are currently attending the fire, which began today (Thursday, October 31) at around 11am. A Lancashire Fire and Rescue spokesman said firefighters

  • Looking to recruit

    BLACKPOOL Social Services adult placement service is recruiting people to train as carers for adults with learning difficulties. A new campaign asking Blackpool residents to consider committing themselves to the scheme begins on November 11. A council

  • You can't rain on our parade!

    EVEN nightmare weather could not stop a dream coming true for nine Blackpool disabled people as their brand new bungalows were officially opened. Despite heavy downpours the group cut the ribbon themselves at the recent opening of their eight new bungalows

  • Opening gambit delights friends

    A BLACKPOOL windmill may finally be opened to the public following a meeting between campaigners and Blackpool Council. Little Marton Mill, on Preston New Road, could open next May for two "heritage days" as a result of a meeting at Blackpool Town Hall

  • Are you sitting comfortably?

    COMFORT and privacy are at the forefront of a £750,000 revamp at a Blackpool Victoria Hospital clinic. The orthopaedic outpatients department has undergone a major transformation to provide modern facilities and a much-improved environment for patients

  • Bold plan for square

    A BLUEPRINT for the development of the site of former Moor Lane flats in Preston was unveiled this week. It is largely for student accommodation and small businesses, with a provision for youth and community facilities, such as an all-weather play area

  • Centre fails to attract a buyer

    THE owners of Blackburn Shopping Centre have still not found a buyer three weeks after announcing it was for sale. Standard Life put the centre on the market earlier this month for an undisclosed sum. Bosses said they were confident of a quick sale and

  • Saving the town from running dry

    WORKMEN will soon have extra time to prevent Blackburn running dry in an emergency thanks to a new reservoir. Water company United Utilities is investing £3.6million in the replacement facility at the Fishmoor Water Treatment Works off Roman Road and

  • Pub bonanza as fans cheer them on

    THE eyes of the nation will be on Rovers tonight as Blackburn fans get set to roar their team on to victory in the Battle of Britain. A fleet of coaches carrying 3,000 supporters was setting off from Ewood Park this afternoon for the UEFA Cup tie with

  • PACT's pub conversion is rewarded

    YOUNGSTERS have hit back against drug problems in their area and transformed an empty pub into a drop-in centre. The Parent Action For the Community and Town group formed in April to tackle "severe issues" in the area. Its aim -- to get drug users off

  • I want answers, demands mum

    THE mother of a teenager shot dead by his mentally ill friend has demanded someone is made accountable for his death following an inquiry by health bosses. Mark Harrington had a history of mental illness and had been receiving treatment at the psychiatric

  • Plunge pensioner's seven-hour ordeal

    AN 82-year-old man suffered a seven-hour ordeal after becoming trapped between a stair lift rail and wall. Frank Higham, a former councillor of 30 years until 1997, landed with his leg stuck after falling five feet down the stairs at his home in Larkhill

  • Next stop, Rovers

    BLACKBURN ROVERS today revealed it was going full-steam ahead in a campaign for a train station outside Ewood Park. It is part of the club's plan to increase attendances so it can continue signing top players with the extra revenue. Blackburn with Darwen

  • Tattersall takes the individual honours

    NEIL Tattersall must have read last year's race report before running the Accrington 10K Road Race on Sunday. Pendle's ace distance man replicated his dominant victory of 12 months ago almost exactly, once again winning by a minute and a half. Despite

  • Referendums a farce

    THE shenanigans over the referendums in Eire have given rise to the joke if you don't like the answer, ask the question again. The first referendum returned a NO; the second one, a YES. Why was a second referendum held anyway? If the first was invalid

  • Readers are so generous

    THANK you for saving the Longview Animal Home from closure. Your readers must be congratulated for their support and generosity which has undoubtedly played an enormous part through the "4000 Friends Appeal," and of course to the Citizen for the coverage

  • Beat me to it!

    I AM working on a book project on the beat music scene in Lancashire, and would like to hear from anyone who has any cuttings, pictures, or memories about any of the following groups: The Warriors, The Party, The Gentle Party, Le Cruches, all of which

  • Fuller's return is confidence boost

    ONE win, one defeat from the last two games is not brilliant but it's better than two draws! The Reading game at Deepdale wasn't good to watch. We've played better and only drawn, but a win is a win. Not sure about playing Tyrone Mears up front - the

  • New lease of life for hall?

    CAMPAIGNERS are urging housing developers to fulfil a promise to restore two dilapidated old halls to their former glory. Historic Worden Hall, Leyland, and Buckshaw Hall, situated in the former Royal Ordnance Factory site in Euxton, near Preston, are

  • All tyre-d out by this neighbour...

    HOW'S this for a Mrs Bucket? A new neighbour doesn't like getting her car wheels dirty! I'd cleaned my car on the track behind my house and was in another part of the garden when I saw her glare at the water which had formed puddles on the pebbled area

  • Why not licence fireworks?

    DEREK Abbott, of Tyldesley, has come up with a sparkling solution that could solve the firework "season" nuisance. While holidaying in Hawaii he read in the local paper that the islands had the same problem. Their solution was simple. Anyone who wishes

  • Fire causes road chaos

    THERE was traffic chaos this morning after a large fire broke out in a derelict building in Bury. Fumes from the blaze in Orchard Court, Manchester Road, spread across the road and motorists were temporarily diverted away from the area. The cause of the

  • Woman mugged

    A 46-YEAR-OLD woman was left badly shaken after being robbed in Bury. She was walking along Horne Street, Bury, at about 6.30pm yesterday when she was approached from behind. The thief pushed her to the ground and grabbed her handbag containing a mobile

  • Teen heroes of OAP robbery attempt

    THREE teenagers went to the rescue of a 72-year-old man they spotted being attacked in a Bury street. They ran to the aid of the pensioner when they heard his cries for help and saw him struggling with his attacker. The thief fled when he saw the teenagers

  • Fisher nicks it with late strike

    Atherton Colls 2 Squires Gate 1 - ATHERTON Colls followed up Saturday's superb win at Salford City with a deserved 2-1 victory over newly promoted Squires Gate at Alder House in the North West League Division One. Paul Vandenburg broke the deadlock a

  • Wrexham head for Hilton Park

    IN recent weeks, English football fans have been down in the dumps, while their Welsh counterparts have been in the unusual position of jubilant as they feel on top of the world. But Leigh RMI are hoping to change that in the second round of the LDV Vans

  • Macca calls for home improvements

    VISITORS Stockport shocked the Seasiders with three second half goals to destroy Pool's unbeaten home record. Given County's inferior position in the division and with winning twice on the trot, Steve McMahon's men were confident that the three points

  • EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, November 1

    A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Robbie Williams Tribute, The Pines Hotel, Preston Road, Clayton-le-Woods, 7.30pm. Irish Ceili Festival, Windsor Suite, King George's Hall, Blackburn, 8.30pm. September

  • Classy Miners

    LEIGH Miners Rangers U12s stormed into the next round of the cup with a 24-0 hammering of Ince Rosebridge. They outplayed their opponents and led 20-0 at half time with tries from Haggarty, Fazakerley and S Marsh (2).Youds kicked two conversions. In the

  • County game

    AN exciting game is in prospect when Lancashire U18s and Yorkshire U18s meet at Tyldesley RU's St George's Park on Sunday in the County Championship. Both sides are undefeated and the winners should progress to the quarter-final knockout stage. Last time

  • Crew faces danger chimney

    FIREFIGHTERS were called to a smoke-logged house last night and discovered a potentially lethal chimney fault. Crews from Blackburn were called to the address in Redlam at around 6.30pm after the owners complained of smoke. When firefighters arrived they

  • Three drunks held up mercy mission

    AN ambulance answering an emergency call was brought to a halt by two drunks standing in Darwen Street forming a human barrier. Blackburn magistrates heard they were being encouraged by a third man and all three became abusive when police stepped in to

  • Point me in the right direction

    I HAVE been asked by Blackburn with Darwen's tourism and marketing unit to conduct a heritage tour of areas mentioned in "The Road to Nab End," William Woodruff's best-selling book about his childhood years in Blackburn. Obviously, I have read the book

  • Leaver should tell the truth

    WITH regard to Eric Leaver's column (LET, October 23), I was extremely disappointed to read such an ill-informed, ill-researched and inflammatory article. May I respond to some of his comments? Firstly, "Where do they get that 40 per cent figure from?

  • Council leader has sums wrong

    REGARDING the statement by Hyndburn Council leader Ian Ormerod about the amount of money needed to take legal action over the closures of County Council old folk's homes (LET, October 3) if he and any other Hyndburn councillors had taken up the invitation

  • Wheelchair access is vital for us

    CINDERELLA in her wheelchair was invited to a wedding recently at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel at Clayton-le-Moors. At the end of the evening Cinderella's coach came to take her home. It was booked at Betty's Private Hire in Great Harwood. A driver called Jack

  • Fire fighters averted Formby Hall disaster

    FOUR brave fire fighters, who averted disaster when a blaze broke out during a karate class packed full of children, have been honoured for their action. Instructor Dee Fakira and three parents leapt into action at Atherton's prestigious Formby Hall earlier

  • Hairdresser stunned by laser girls

    A Saks Hair Salon stylist is taken hostage by three laser gun/hairdrier wielding girls from The Return of the Return of the Forbidden Planet, showing at the Opera House until Saturday, November 2. From left: Ally Holmes, Wendy Parkin and Jane Milligan

  • Diva date

    OPERA fans will be heading for Blackpool tomorrow as The Chisinau National Opera visits The Grand Theatre. The company are performing Verdi's Aida tomorrow and Saturday, and Bellini's Norma on Sunday, singing both in the original Italian with English

  • Gaffer wasn't only one gobsmacked

    IT wasn't only the gaffer who was "gobsmacked" on Tuesday night and we, the players, are still trying to work out what happened at Grimsby. It really was a horror show, a freak result and we all now just hope that has got it right out of the system. The

  • Salesman hit with mallet

    A SALESMAN was hit in the face with a mallet and robbed of £10,000 worth of phone cards by two masked attackers. The two men in balaclavas approached 28-year-old Sajjad Mahmood and his boss 48-year-old Tazarab Hussain. They had just come out of Walton's

  • Next stop, Rovers

    BLACKBURN ROVERS today revealed it was going full-steam ahead in a campaign for a train station outside Ewood Park. It is part of the club's plan to increase attendances so it can continue signing top players with the extra revenue. Blackburn with Darwen

  • Reserves secure first win

    MARC Richards was the star of the show as Rovers' reserves won for the first time this season at home to Bradford last night. Richards struck twice in the first half before a second half header from Jimmy Corbett finally sealed a fine 3-0 win over City

  • Beat Celtic and we can win Cup

    GARRY FLITCROFT today warned Celtic: "We don't fear you." Confidence is sky-high in the visiting camp after they made it four wins out of five thanks to a morale-boosting victory at Highbury on Saturday. As a result, Rovers are currently sitting pretty

  • Souness: Go for it

    GRAEME Souness plans to win the grudging admiration of Celtic's fans when Rovers go into war against the Scottish champions in tonight's UEFA Cup showdown at Parkhead. The former Rangers boss will send his players out with a clear message to turn on the

  • Blue-blooded Camilla

    BLACKBURN Rovers clash with Celtic is set to become a Royal affair after Camilla Parker-Bowles revealed she's looking forward to the match. Camilla said she had been watching Rovers progress this season in a meeting at an awards ceremony with a Blackburn

  • Celtic fans owe Souness

    ROVERS legend Colin Hendry believes Celtic fans owe Graeme Souness a huge debt of gratitude for transforming their club into the force it is today as the Blackburn boss prepares to step into a cauldron of hate at Parkhead tonight. Souness, the former

  • Paramedics play vital role too

    I was angry and horrified to read the letter of John Whitelegg from the Green Party in your paper of October 24. I think he is being a little misleading. There is no mention in his letter of the Ambulance Service, one of the vital services who have no

  • MPs unite in BAE dispute

    THE area's MPs have joined forces to back trade unions in retaining more than 400 jobs at risk in the BAE Aerostructures business at Samlesbury. Labour MPs Mark Hendrick, representative for Preston, and South Ribble MP, David Borrow, met with the joint

  • Duo taking a star turn

    THERE are just two weeks to go until the grand final of South Ribble Borough Council's Search for a Star competition. For one lucky performer, the £200 prize money is getting closer and closer, and in the run-up to the big event The Citizen has been featuring

  • Meetings discuss role of street wardens

    ANYONE interested in becoming a community warden is invited to take part in information sessions. The events have been organised by Burnley Borough Council as three new posts are advertised to help patrol the streets and support communities. The new jobs

  • Padiham and Hapton Bulletin

    FROM Monday, November 4, police constables and one sergeant will be 'on the beat' as community support officers. Burnley Superintendent Steve Hartley announced the initiative this week and said the officers will work closely with the people of Padiham

  • Smart move to stop stone thefts

    BOSSES at one of the area's major tourist attractions have signed up to a pioneering crackdown on the growing crime of stone theft. Gawthorpe Hall has joined forces with Lancashire Police in a bid to foil the stone thieves who are stripping the East Lancashire

  • Councillor lashes out over crime and cleaning

    A FURIOUS parish councillor in one of Burnley's most affluent areas today accused the police and borough council of abandoning residents and said: "We will only take so much." Brenda Lambert, who sits on the Worsthorne-with-Hurstwood committee, hit out

  • Head injuries probe

    AN INQUEST has been opened and adjourned on a 30-year-old man found dead at his home. The hearing, at Burnley Magistrates' Court, was told David Lee Cardwell was found slumped on the floor at Berkeley Street, Brierfield, on October 27. A pathologist had

  • Bring back Jim Bowen

    I FEEL very strongly that Jim Bowen should give up all thoughts of retiring (LET, October 7) and make a triumphant return to 'Happy Daft Farm' on BBC Radio Lancashire. N GRAHAM, Gillcroft, Eccleston, Chorley.

  • Hotel revamp brings in jobs

    ONE of the area's landmark hotels has been given a multi-million-pound refurbishment that could help bring in extra jobs to the town. Plans were approved for the owners of the Tickled Trout Hotel, Samlesbury, near Preston, to build 30 new bedrooms, a

  • Exhibition on the move

    A MOBILE exhibition giving information about Hyndburn's next local plan will move to Accrington Central Library tomorrow . The display has been touring the borough to encourage residents to have their say on future development sites. Visitors to the exhibition

  • Burglar breaks legs in freedom leap

    A BURGLAR caught in the act by police officers broke both ankles and legs after jumping from a bedroom window to escape. The man made his desperate bid for freedom when an officer walked into the bedroom in Elizabeth Street, Accrington, after receiving

  • Teenage cycle sex pest strikes again

    POLICE are stepping up patrols after a serial sex pest exposed himself to a 14-year-old girl. The girl was walking along Fordside Avenue, Clayton-le-Moors, when a teenage boy rode past her on a bike and exposed himself. PS Dave Reddin, of Great Harwood

  • Ear bitten off in bar fight

    A MAN needed emergency surgery after his ear was bitten off in bar room fight at the Limelight Club in Tyldesley. Tony Jeffries was at the Lime Street night club with his girlfriend last Friday when, during a fight with a fellow reveller, he had part

  • Teenager Emma is VIP cinema guest

    WHEN Accrington's new cinema opens tomorrow night it will be history in the making -- and it's all down to schoolgirl Emma Allardice's dogged persistance. Three years ago the youngster, then 13, spent two weeks collecting 140 pages of names in her quest

  • Echo rescued in nick of time

    A CHILD'S pony, trapped in a water-filled ditch, was saved by firefighters braving last week's horrendous weather conditions. Karen Yaqub, of Moss Side Farm in Astley Moss, noticed her new eight-year-old filly, Echo, was missing when the family returned

  • Walking for charity cash

    WHEN Kathleen Roberts lost her husband she rallied family and friends for a fund raising walk in his memory. Fifty-four of them banded together to complete a 10k hike around Pennington Flash, and together they have raised over £3,000 for Epilepsy Action

  • Chris hits right notes!

    MUSICAL teenager Christopher Hobson has been honoured for his voluntary work in providing entertainment for all ages. The 16-years-old Astley student has won Soroptimist International of Leigh and District's "Youth In The Community Award." The Journal-promoted

  • School to get right royal treatment

    WORK on the multi-million pound development at King Edward V11 and Queen Mary Schools, Lytham is under way. When complete, the complex will house a new junior school, 11 new teaching rooms for senior students, changing rooms for girls and a specially

  • Hallowe'en revellers get warning

    HALLOWE'EN revellers hoping to visit Pendle Hill tonight are being warned of traffic and parking restrictions. The hill attracts thousands of visitors every Hallowe'en, due to its historic connection with the Lancashire Witches. It was closed to the public

  • 'Cannabis for acne' claim

    A CLITHEROE teenager who used cannabis to help control his acne got himself in a spot of trouble with the police. Blackburn magistrates heard that Jonathon Gorge Blenkinship was seen to approach a car with two occupants and a piece of cannabis was found

  • Shoplifter's 100 previous convictions

    A SHOPLIFTER who became the scourge of traders in his home city of Liverpool has been locked up by a judge in a bid to protect Burnley shopkeepers from the same fate. Jason Miles, 31, had almost 100 previous convictions and was told by District Judge

  • Club sets sigths on new league

    Plans for a new Lancaster Rugby Club are pressing ahead, with an official application for a place in the 2003 Rugby League Summer Conference. Following a meeting of current and applicant teams in Salford before the Superleague Grand Final, it was confirmed

  • Nic stays on at Palace

    CLARETS keeper Nik Michopoulos has extended his loan spell with First Division rivals Crystal Palace for another two months. Earlier this week, the Eagles boss Trevor Francis had indicated that he would be allowing the 32-year-old international to return

  • Spurs: We fear Clarets

    TOTTENHAM watched Burnley's 6-5 defeat at Blundell Park on Tuesday night but they are taking nothing for granted for the cup clash. Spurs visit Turf Moor next Wednesday night for a Worthington Cup third round tie and Glenn Hoddle's right-hand man John

  • Scots don't scare me

    I'VE played in some hostile atmospheres during my professional career but, as the gaffer keeps reminding me, I don't think anything will quite prepare me for my first taste of Scottish intimidation. Parkhead, packed to the rafters with screaming Glaswegians

  • No one wants us!

    A CAT-ASTROPHE is looming for a feline charity because people are unwilling to adopt adult moggies. 'Cats in Leyland Aid and Welfare Society' (CLAWS) cannot home adult cats because people only want to adopt kittens. Nicky Rollinson, who runs the charity

  • Date at the Mill

    GILBERT O'Sullivan will be at the Mill at the Pier in Wigan on Sunday, November 3 from 7.30pm. Tickets at £14.50 are available from the box office on 01942 76090.

  • LSurgery dates

    LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has postponed surgeries planned to take place this weekend. The new dates are Friday, November 8, at Atherton Town Hall from 6pm to 6.45pm and at Golborne Day Centre from 7.15pm to 8pm, and on Saturday, November 9, at the Market

  • End of era for church

    THE doors of a small north Lancashire village church have closed after almost a thousand years of worship. A church has stood on the site of St Chad's of Claughton since around 1100, but in recent years the number of worshippers at Sunday services had

  • Town trail challenge

    Visitors to Carnforth could soon be able to explore the town's heritage by following a town trail if budding local historians take up the challenge of devising a past-packed path. A new six-week local history course is set to start in the town on Friday

  • Bottle scheme safety success

    COULD one of the bottles in your fridge save your life? Lancaster Lions think so - and 7,000 local people seem to agree. One year since the launch of their 'Have you got the bottle' campaign, the fund-raising organisation is celebrating its continuing

  • Ancient trees win reprieve

    PLANS to fell scores of trees in a Lancaster park have been sent back to the drawing board following fears the scheme was too radical. City council officers had drawn up proposals to improve the woodland off Wyresdale Road in Williamson Park, which would

  • Illegal workers deported

    Polish and Latvian illegal workers have been sent home after being discovered working up to 16 hours a day on two Lancaster mushroom farms, reports Steve Dunthorne. Police and immigration officers swooped early on Friday morning at sites in Quernmore

  • Traders furious at rent increase

    Market traders are outraged after being told their rent could double unless they slim down their stalls. Colin Gibson, chairman of the Morecambe branch of the Market Traders Federation, said he was livid to receive a letter from the Lancaster council

  • Comeback kings hold their nerve

    Comeback kings Lancaster City hope to motor to victory in another home game this weekend. The Dolly Blues host Vauxhall Motors, the club with whom they had a series of exciting clashes last term, as they look to build on two straight victories. City now

  • Hat-trick of honours

    JOINT-SKIPPER Adam Bristow scooped a hat-trick of major honours at the Super Leigh 2000-LISA Player of the season awards night. The Aussie loose-forward won the LISA Player of the Year, Leigh Supporters Player of the Year and the Stewart Halliwell Memorial

  • Teams for Saturday 2nd November

    1st XV From Bailey, Bentham, Bridge, Browning, Bullough, Cunliffe, Fletcher, Hampson, Harrison, Jones, Murray, Penn, Prescott, Sutton, Wilcock, Wynne, Young(c), Newton, Wood. Oldershaw away. Meet at 12.15pm 2nd XV From Benson, Travers, Dewhurst, Mills

  • RMI need to get back into the groove

    DEFLATED and disheartened from FA Cup failure, Leigh RMI return to league action this weekend in the knowledge that it could be worse...they could be Kettering Town. The Northamptonshire-based side travel to Hilton Park for a real relegation six-pointer

  • Rovers fall to sucker punch

    RIVAL keepers Brad Friedel and Rob Douglas ensured this much-hyped 'Battle of Britain' remained goalless at the halfway stage after both men pulled off vital saves during a gripping first half. It was Rovers who had the better of the chances in the opening

  • Spurs: We fear Clarets

    TOTTENHAM watched Burnley's 6-5 defeat at Blundell Park on Tuesday night but they are taking nothing for granted for the cup clash. Spurs visit Turf Moor next Wednesday night for a Worthington Cup third round tie and Glenn Hoddle's right-hand man John

  • Making a racquet

    BUDDING tennis star Alex Du Noyer of St Annes, netted a date with Tim Henman after winning the regional final of a nationwide competition. Alex, 12, was a winner in the under-12s Robinsons JNR Tennis challenge run in conjunction with the Lawn Tennis Association

  • Silentnight makes loss of £7.1m

    TROUBLES are mounting at the Silentnight beds and furniture group after the shock announcement that the company had made a £7.1 million loss for the first six months of the year. The company, which only weeks ago ousted chairman Keith Ackroyd and chief

  • Schools soccer by Graeme Hollinshead

    Bury Under 15s have been given a tough local derby against Salford in the 3rd Round of the English Schools' Wizards Trophy. The Bury lads have had a magnificent start to the season winning their first five matches before going down 1-0 to Blackburn in

  • Broken skull: Boy admits wounding

    A BOY of 16 admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after a teenager's skull was broken with a golf club. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered the plea at Preston Crown Court following the incident last August at

  • Friendship's tragic finish

    A WOMAN who had found happiness the second time around through a dating agency died after inhaling her own vomit. An inquest heard that Janet Brown, 55, and her new love planned to marry in the near future. But their dream was shattered when he found

  • Greens outraged at power station concession

    Cash-strapped nuclear power giant British Energy has asked Lancaster City Council if it can defer payment of its business rates. At a closed cabinet meeting on Tuesday the city council agreed to the move, which will cost local taxpayers £ 18,000. The

  • Kids' French connection

    CHILDREN at three Roman Catholic primary schools in Rossendale have said "bonjour" to a new languages teacher who will be giving them a double whammy of French lessons every week. Youngsters will be making the most of their new language lessons to help

  • Alan joines the Zone

    ACCOUNTANT Alan Greenwood has joined the Zone. He has become a member of the Leigh Education Action Zone's Action Forum with special responsibilities for financial affairs. Mr Greenwood of Taylor Road, Hindley Green is a part-time accountant with Jackson

  • Thanks for charity cash

    THE Atherton branch of the Royal Naval Association wishes to thank the people of Atherton and Leigh for their generosity during recent town centre charity collections. The group now meets in the Atherton Arms, Tyldesley Road, Atherton, on the second Thursday

  • Phone success

    POLICE rung up a resounding success at a mobile phone security marking weekend. A total of 2393 phones were branded with the owners' postcodes at sessions in Leigh and Wigan town centres and superstores -- when participating owners were supplied with

  • Town Hall climber arrested

    A MAN threatening to jump off Leigh Town Hall in the early hours of the morning eventually slide down a drainpipe. Leigh firefighters, complete with aerial ladder platform, were called to the town centre scene at 1am on Monday to rescue the man from the

  • Dog couple face court

    A LEIGH couple were due to appear at Wigan Magistrates Court today (Thursday) faced with RSPCA animal cruelty charges. Stanley Raymond, aged 55, and wife Hazel, of Newlands Road, are charged with causing unnecessary suffering to their St Bernard dog,

  • Thanks for your help after my fall

    I WOULD like to thank the very kind gentleman who assisted me after my fall on Wickes' car park on Monday, September 30, at about 5pm. Please would he contact me via The Citizen on 01772 255523. Mr Richard Alston, Cambridge Court, Preston.

  • Jail for drunk who bit arm of policeman

    A MAN who bit a policeman's arm while being arrested has been jailed for six months. David McNichol was found drunk and covered in blood outside a Hindley Green pub where he had smashed a window after being thrown out after head-butting a customer. At

  • Ideas for bus station

    I REFER to W Richard's letter in The Citizen (October 17) concerning the difficulty in obtaining taxis at Preston Bus Station. I, myself, have trudged to taxis with heavy luggage and have found it a very difficult and almost impossible task. Goodness

  • Calling 'house' in a new home!

    MEMBERS of Shipley's Bingo will soon be shouting "House!" in a new £2.5 million home. After seven and a half years in Windermere Road the company behind the successful Leigh bingo hall has decided its time for a change. Shipley's will relocate to a more

  • Political correctness gone mad?

    HAVING fought racism all my life, I was nevertheless quite amazed to learn that Jim Bowen had reluctantly resigned from his radio show after a gaffe which left his employers embarrassed. What indiscretion did he use to get his bosses in a flap? None other

  • Hospital bug warning

    A SICKNESS bug struck patients and staff at Fylde hospitals this week, prompting a call for visitors with the same illness to stay away. The virulent winter vomiting disease which causes sickness and diarrhoea prevented new admissions to some wards at

  • Getting in right spirit at bonfires

    DON'T drink and detonate was the warning from Lancashire fire brigade this week as they warned bonfire night revellers to stay away from alcohol. "The organiser of any private bonfire should be a responsible adult and they should not have a drink," said

  • Teenager victim of axe attack

    AN AXE-SWINGING robber attacked a 16-year-old boy near Bispham High School, on Bispham Road, Blackpool in the early hours last Sunday, October 20. The offender held the weapon in both hands to aim the long-handled axe at the youth's head. The teenager

  • Frodsham flora & fauna

    FLORA and fauna of the Frodsham area will be the subject of an illustrated talk by Andy Harmer at Leigh Ornithological Society tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library.

  • Bid to stop rogue clampers

    A NEW bill aimed at clamping down on rogue clampers could be introduced after a company was found to be operating without permission. Motorists leaving their cars on a site near Blackburn town centre found they had been clamped and were issued with demands

  • War gets into gear

    THE owner of a new bus company challenging Blackburn Transport for its custom today accused her rival of foul play. Suzanne Bailey, owner of Catch-me-bus.com, claimed Blackburn Transport buses were running earlier than they should yesterday to beat her

  • Blue-blooded Camilla

    BLACKBURN Rovers clash with Celtic is set to become a Royal affair after Camilla Parker-Bowles revealed she's looking forward to the match. Camilla said she had been watching Rovers progress this season in a meeting at an awards ceremony with a Blackburn

  • Gill flies the flag

    CHORLEY Harriers' Vicky Gill is still flying the UK flag during her scholarship at Florida State University. She has recently been named Cross Country Performer of the season after winning the Ladies Pre-National Cross Country race. She broke the 6k-course

  • Local trio win through

    EAST Lancashire athletes Vanessa Peacock, Jack Holt and Don Ashton were winners in Yorkshire at the Withins Skyline Fell Race over Penistone Hill. As a Saturday event, it beat the storms by 24 hours, and was run in good conditions, although it was wet

  • Younger cyclists not the problem

    PLEASE allow me to reply to Mrs. Nelson's letter, replying to the one I wrote regarding footpath cyclists. I was not referring to small children who have always ridden on pavements and always will, but older 'children' of 12 years old and sensible on

  • Blackpool Forum is on the move

    MAY I write to let readers know that the Blackpool Forum is moving in its 59th year to a new venue at the Resource Centre on Whitegate Drive. The new venue is well served by public transport and also has good parking facilities. The Forum meets on alternate

  • Pets need your consideration

    AS Bonfire Night approaches, please do remember that while some people enjoy fireworks, animals don't and can become terrified when fireworks are let off. They have excellent hearing and loud bangs and whistles can cause them pain and distress resulting

  • Wear your poppy with great pride

    FOR more than 75 years, The Royal British Legion has supported British soldiers, sailors and airmen who have defended our country and helped to keep peace elsewhere in the world. Many return to civilian life only to find great difficulty in re-adapting

  • A battle royal for club crown!

    BLACKPOOL'S bold 10-year plan has produced its first big investment -- and it could prompt a battle royal between three of the town's top nightclubs next year. The Palace Nightclub has changed hands and will get a revamp costing almost £3million in time

  • Ex-pupil's design

    A FORMER pupil at Howe Bridge School has produced the design for this year's fund raising Christmas card. Talented amateur artist John Douglas Ryder, who left the Leigh Road, Atherton, school in 1944 has drawn the church in a festive setting.

  • History with a difference

    PUPILS will have a history lesson with a difference in the new year -- exploring their own past. A former dinner lady and pupil at St John's, Mosley Common, are appealing to villagers for help in organising a heritage day at which the children can learn

  • Parents lose battle over school closure

    PARENTS have been left heartbroken after the final decision was taken to close a primary school. An independent inspector upheld Bury Council's decision to close St Paul's CE Primary School in Ramsbottom which means pupils will have to move into nearby

  • The writing's on the wall!

    THE state of the rubbish strewn by-pass has bugged me for years. Plastic bags and bottles thrown everywhere is bad enough, but on Monday I was horrified to see that graffiti vandals had struck, as far as I can remember, for the first time. An unmissable

  • Phone charge

    A MAN alleged to have broken into a neighbour's home during the early hours is to be tried at crown court. William Forrest, aged 22, of Thompson Drive, Bury, has pleaded not guilty to stealing a Nokia phone. Magistrates at Bury granted Forrest bail with

  • Driver in crash was drunk

    DRINK driver Bernadette Dempsey was nearly three times the limit when she slammed into a parked vehicle shunting it about15 feet along the road. Fortunately, magistrates at Bury were told, there was no one in the vehicle, although Dempsey needed hospital

  • Terzis stays

    PAUL Terzis' decision to accept Leigh Centurions offer of a new one year contract will be the springboard for another assault on Super League. Within hours of agreeing the deal, Terzis was drawing up his battle plans for a fourth NFP campaign. And those

  • Coaching vacancies

    THE Soccer 4 Kids coaching organisation currently has vacancies at its two indoor centres at Hesketh Fletcher High School, Atherton and St Mary's High School, Astley. Vacancies exist for boys who are currently in years 1, 2, 3 or 4 at primary school.