Archive

  • Cut the red tape and make it work

    IT will be of considerable dismay to everyone working for the economic regeneration of East Lancashire that a visionary phoenix-out-of-the-ashes project at Burnley to boost training and create more than 1,500 jobs has been hit by severe delays. The setback

  • Council failing to 'sell' Church Street revamp

    THE key aim of Blackburn's ambitious, and often-controversial, redevelopment of town-centre Church Street is improvement of the town's image. And the centrepiece of this delay-dogged scheme is the £240,000-worth of public art consisting of five conceptual

  • Do not ignore the voters' cry for help

    I DEBATED with myself long and hard about this week's chat. Should I or should I not join in the local furore over the Mill Hill election result? But the Telegraph headline Shameful! made my mind up for me. It made me think, 'Yes it is shameful that ordinary

  • Bury & Radcliffe League

    LATEST results: U11 Division: Boothstown Jnr 7 Radcliffe Boro 0; Swinton Boys 3 Beechfield Utd 1. U12 Cup: Moston Brook 18 Elton Fold 0; Avro 0 Moorside 1; Brandlesholme 2 Marauders 2; Little Lever 4 Radcliffe Jnrs 3; Horwich St Mary's C 3 Radcliffe Boro

  • Cash in with Cooney farce Funny Money

    AN HILARIOUS Ray Cooney farce begins a five-day run at Bacup Leisure Hall tonight. Funny Money will be staged by The Rossendale Players and is directed by Mark Storton. After picking up the wrong briefcase on the Tube, the hapless Henry's problems escalate

  • Where was Euro cash for lights?

    COUNCILLOR Dave Smith states that Blackburn's Christmas lights and switch-on celebrities like Atomic Kitten are paid for by the owners of the shopping centre via the rent from the traders and that traders in Darwen do not contribute towards having a personality

  • A chance for town to shine

    THE election result in Mill Hill, Blackburn, was a terrible moment for anyone who cares about this town. In the past, election of Nazi candidates has led to sharply increased race-related attacks, as well as the thuggery which groups like the NF bring

  • Taxi rank attack victim still ill

    A MAN attacked outside a taxi rank three days ago is still lying unconscious in hospital today. The 23-year-old from Lowton suffered a serious head injury outside the Rainbow Taxi office in Wigan Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield at about 1am on Friday. Police

  • "Warming" cars hot target for thieves

    DRIVERS are being warned to follow simple crime prevention measures following a spate of car thefts in Ramsbottom. Inspector Steve Clark said a number of vehicles had recently been burgled in Nuttall Lane and CD players stolen. He added: "In some cases

  • Rat run closed for repairs

    SUMMERSEAT'S notorious commuter route will be closed for five months for roadworks. Bass Lane shut from Monday (Nov 25) for 20 weeks while essential repairs are carried out. Nearby Rowlands Road will also be closed, though there will be access for pedestrians

  • Cash blow to jobs scheme

    PLANS to transform a former Michelin site into a £2million technology centre and create more than 1,500 jobs have suffered a delay. And Burnley MP Peter Pike has called for urgent action to get the project back on track. Burnley Council's executive board

  • Council slammed for tree trip

    TWO officers went on a 520-mile round-trip to Norfolk -- to measure eleven council Christmas trees. Blackburn with Darwen Council paid £7,000 to buy the trees and have them delivered to the area for the start of the festive season. But before they arrived

  • Registrar dies aged 91

    A FORMER registrar for cemeteries in Bury, Radcliffe and Ramsbottom has died at the age of 91. Mr Leonard Warburton served the local authority for 26 years, initially with the old borough council and subsequently Bury Council until his retirement in 1975

  • Met events axed because of fire pay dispute

    TWO of Bury Met's special Christmas events have had to be cancelled because of the fire service pay dispute. Both concerts were due to be held at the Castle Armoury in Bury town centre. But the venue is being used as a temporary fire station housing Green

  • Security guard helped in raid on store

    A FORMER armed robber got a job as a security guard and on his first night shift at an electrical store helped steal £17,600 worth of goods, a court heard. Clifford Nicholson was employed by an agency which placed him with Dixons electrical stores in

  • Post Office saved from closure

    WHITEFIELD Post Office looks set to remain open even though the owners are to retire as planned on Wednesday. As reported earlier, the Bury New Road business was due to close and services transferred to Besses o'th' Barn Post Office until a replacement

  • Keep your cool

    BLACKBURN midfielder Garry Flitcroft today urged his Ewood team-mates to 'keep their cool' as Rovers attempt to address the slump which is threatening to undermine their season. Rovers have now gone a month without a victory in the Premiership and Sunday's

  • Stig set to play in reserves

    DEFENDER Stig Bjornebye is planning to give Rovers a further injury boost by making his long-awaited comeback in the reserves tonight. The former Norwegian international has been pencilled in for a starting place against Manchester City at Hyde United

  • Fears grow for missing woman

    POLICE say they are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a Burnley woman who disappeared a week ago. Samantha Jane Fielding, 31, of Coultate Street, was last seen in the White Lion Pub in the town centre on Tuesday, November 19. She is white

  • Man says sorry for behaviour

    A DRUNKEN man taken to safety by the police was told by magistrates he should be grateful to them - even though he ended up in court. The Burnley bench had been told how Peter Hadden, 40, had been found lying on the floor on Colne Road, in the town. Hadden

  • Radio kids on the right wavelength

    STUDENT radio presenters at a Burnley school have picked up awards for their broadcasting brilliance. The 21 pupils at Ivy Bank Business and Enterprise College have reaped respect from the British Association, which recognizes achievement in science,

  • Cash blow to jobs scheme

    PLANS to transform a former Michelin site into a £2million technology centre and create more than 1,500 jobs have suffered a delay. And Burnley MP Peter Pike has called for urgent action to get the project back on track. Burnley Council's executive board

  • Injured trio in Reserves test

    GEORGE Clegg, Gareth Seddon and John Gaynor continue their fight for full fitness when Bury reserves take on Huddersfield Town at Stainton Park on Wednesday afternoon (2pm). But one player who might not feature is former Manchester City skipper Andy Morrison

  • Ex-soldier's hoard 'could make bombs'

    A FORMER Army man has appeared in court charged with possessing a haul of suspected bomb-making equipment. Gordon Hudson, 58, of Townhouse Road, Nelson, was arrested last Thursday after police executed a warrant. Burnley magistrates heard that a substantial

  • Remember riots?

    I THINK it is disgusting, especially in light of recent events, that a party like BNP can stand, never mind win. It will create more conflict -- remember the race riots of last year! The people who voted for this racist party should be disgusted with

  • Band booking a touch of sanity!

    ON the very same day that we learn that we have a new BNP councillor in the area (LET, November 21), we are also informed that the Darwen Library Theatre is staging a Zimbabwean band this Friday evening! How nice to see that the whole of the district

  • Bigots we can do without

    IT is an absolute disgrace that a member of the BNP has been elected in Mill Hill, Blackburn. As a local girl, I feel really disappointed and ashamed that people voted for them. People have to start to realise how dangerous the BNP and other far right

  • Equality council has lost the plot

    THIS is a sad result, but the council and organisations such as the Racial Equality Council should take a long hard look at themselves and ask could they have done more. They should have been focusing on promoting good relations instead of on internal

  • Top marks for M & S effort

    I WOULD like to give the menswear staff at Marks and Spencer's store in Blackburn 10 out of 10 for trying to get orders for their bosses. Their Accrington store told my wife they could not help her to get a few pairs of trousers for the size she wanted

  • Ten years ago

    THE Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley, Coun Edward Ingham and his wife Elsie were among those invited to Ivy Bank School, Burnley, to see its facilities. The visitors listened to the school band and browsed in the refurbished library and science department

  • One step forward, two steps back

    A MEDICINAL jar or two was called for on Sunday evening to dull the pain as our recent mini slump continued unabated. On the one hand I was a lot happier with the performance and commitment level than in previous weeks. On the other, we were still some

  • Armbands ensure pupils will be seen

    PRIMARY school children are being given extra protection against the dangers of the roads this winter as they walk to and from school in the dark. More than 500 pupils at Haslingden Primary School, in Ryefield Avenue, have been given fluorescent armbands

  • Fracas part of family feud

    TWO brothers who took part in a fracas in an Accrington street have kept their freedom but been warned the trouble must stop. Burnley Crown Court heard how weapons were brandished in the melee and two people suffered minor injuries. Waseem Akhtar, 27

  • Bosses' tributes to tragic couple

    THE bosses of a couple found dead at their home today spoke of their shock and sadness about the tragedy. The bodies of John Carroll and his wife Linda, both aged 54, were discovered by police at their home in Pendle View, Burnley Road, Altham, around

  • Concert tickets selling fast

    TICKETS for Christmas concerts at Samlesbury Hall are selling quickly. The hall, in Preston New Road, will feature a series of festive concerts in December featuring the Blackburn Cathedral Choir and the Salvation Army Singers. Organiser Sharon Jones

  • Lancs sign Sutcliffe

    LANCASHIRE have signed Iain Sutcliffe, the 27-year-old left-handed batsman from Leicestershire. Sutcliffe is the second batsman to come to Old Trafford this autumn following Mal Loye from Northants, filling the gaps caused by the retirements of Neil Fairbrother

  • All eyes on the skies

    JUPITER and Saturn can be viewed as part of the year-round observing programme at the Planet Earth Centre, Bacup Road from Thursday, December 5 until Saturday, December 7 from 8pm until 10.30pm. A further session, adding the Gibbous Moon, is from Thursday

  • Lenny looks to the future

    IT was three wins in three appearances for talismanic midfielder Lenny Johnrose at Carlisle on Saturday. The Shakers favourite, in his second spell at the club after being released by Burnley, put in a typical all-action performance in his first game

  • Cumbrians crumble to Preecey pearler!

    Carlisle United 1 Bury 2 By Phil Thorp at Brunton Park ANDY Preece's happy travellers wrapped up another three away points in a game that only came to life midway through the second half. Both sets of defenders were well and truly on top until Cumbrians

  • Driver thrown out of taxi

    POLICE are appealing for information after a taxi driver was thrown out of his car by thieves who then drove off. Three men got into the grey K-registered Proton called to the Wellington Hotel, Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, at 1.40am on Sunday. The

  • Teenager stabbed in head

    A TEENAGER needed more than a dozen stitches after he was stabbed in the head with a broken bottle. Police said the 16-year-old was attacked after a night out in Blackburn town centre on Saturday, at 10.30pm. His attacker hit him with the bottle and the

  • Deli-ghted to help Ian fight

    A DELI owner who sunk his life savings into his business is preparing to hand over a petition after council bosses threatened to close him down. More than 2,600 people have put pen to paper to back Ian Finch's battle to stay open. Mr Finch, of Barrowford

  • Too much passing

    AGAINST Everton, Rovers were good down the wings, but always made too many passes and did not do enough first-time shooting on sight. If there were only six shots and headers at the Everton goal, there were the opportunities for three times as many --

  • Not good enough Mr Souness

    AS A die-hard Rovers' fan, I was disgusted with the manager's remarks after the Everton loss -- that he thought we played well even though we lost. Sorry, Mr Souness, it isn't good enough. And my fellow Roverites paid good money to see terrible performances

  • BNP win 'bad for our image'

    THE future regeneration of East Lancashire could be wrecked if the BNP gets any more seats in local councils, it was claimed today. As Burnley's town centre manager admitted the election of three far-right councillors in the borough had made her job of

  • Too much pretty football

    FOR somebody who was called a tough man of football Graeme Souness ought to be man enough to admit that some of his recent purchases are not working. In the last few matches we have seen some "pretty-pretty" football, but that won't bring results. You

  • Enough excuses

    ONCE again, Graeme Souness is making his excuses and telling us how much effort and so much good football the Rovers are playing. I very much disagree because this team made Celtic look like world-beaters when, in fact, they were just an ordinary team

  • Dale travel

    ROSSENDALE United travel to Workington in the UniBond first division tonight. Dale, under new manager Jim McBride, have lost their last three league games.

  • Blues' top striker walks out

    NELSON top scorer David Gray has confirmed that the sacking of manager John Bailey was behind his decision to leave the club. Gray signed for Nelson's North West Counties second division rivals Bacup Borough at the end of last week and could make his

  • From the Bury Times of Wednesday, November 26, 1952

    PLAYING an improved brand of soccer against a team that was completely lacking the essential power in attack, Bury won comfortably 2-0 at Hull on saturday to record their fourth success of the season and their second away win. The points collected were

  • Geared up to be good sports

    PUPILS at a Bury primary school are set to prove they're really good sports! And it's thanks to a grant of £4,500 which has been awarded to St Paul's CE primary school by Sport England. The cash boost will allow St Paul's to develop new sports, including

  • Murder hunt after man beaten to death

    A RADCLIFFE man died after being punched and kicked in the head more than three times, it was revealed today. Unemployed joiner Shane Eckersley was beaten to death in the late-night street attack after a night out. Mr Eckersley, aged 40 -- who has a 12

  • Rams make it tough for classy Cables

    Ramsbottom United...2 Prescot Cables...4: RUNAWAY leaders Prescot secured another three points, but it was far from easy for them as Ramsbottom put in a battling display that belied their position at the bottom of the table. This was a much better performance

  • Man accused of attacks on students

    A 23-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court charged in connection with two attacks in which female students were allegedly indecently assaulted. Imran Gathia, of Whittaker Street, Blackburn, was remanded in custody until December 2 by Blackburn magistrates

  • Drug-end drink fine

    A MAN who went out to celebrate completion of a heroin detoxification programme had too much to drink and was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. David Gifford, 32, of Dawlish Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at Blackburn magistrates. He was given

  • An insult to the voting public

    I THINK that your headline 'Shameful' (LET, November 22) referring to the victory by the BNP in the Mill Hill by-election in Blackburn was a disgrace and an insult to the public who voted for this ward. Those people knew exactly who they were voting for

  • Schools snap up offer to see Honk

    A MUSICAL adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling comes to Todmorden next week. Honk! will be performed by the Hippodrome Youth Theatre and the show will run from Tuesday, December 3, until Saturday, December 7. Honk! tells the story

  • Give priority to British natives

    IT would be interesting to see whether any of those who criticised the BNP, referring to them as 'Nazis' etc. are at all familiar with any of their policies. The BNP does not promote racism but believe that British natives should be given priority. They

  • Right or wrong, the BNP are in

    HOW can Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Bill Taylor say he will not be able to work with Robin Evans, who won the Mill Hill by-election for the BNP? Mr Evans was elected by the voters of Mill Hill to represent them -- either rightly or wrongly. If

  • Where are 'out of date' engines?

    I CAN remember the last firemen's strike 25 years ago when the same Green Goddess fire engines were used. No doubt that if there is another strike in another 25 years they will be used again, even though they were obsolete in 1977. Since the last strike

  • No place for BNP in our town

    I WAS shocked and saddened to see the election of a BNP candidate to the Mill Hill ward in Blackburn. I think people must recognise that a political party based on the politics of exclusion, not inclusion, can have no place in our town. The BNP is an

  • Blair is the real danger

    YOUR headline was 'Shameful' (LET, November 22) -- that's just what it is: the way the Mill Hill by-election in Blackburn has been reported and presented. Two questions that are paramount and have not been asked. Did Tony Blair's intervention (LET, November

  • Who pays for fans' invasion?

    I CONGRATULATE Margo Grimshaw (LET, November 19) for being one of the few voices daring to speak the truth about the Celtic fans' mass invasion of Blackburn last week. Yes, it was a siege and it would seem that there were instances of broken windows and

  • Geared up to be good sports

    PUPILS at a Bury primary school are set to prove they're really good sports! And it's thanks to a grant of £4,500 which has been awarded to St Paul's CE primary school by Sport England. The cash boost will allow St Paul's to develop new sports, including

  • Waitress takes orders for Xmas number one

    SINGING waitress Lauren Jackson is hoping to release a Christmas single after being discovered in a local restaurant. The 22-year-old wowed the crowds at Bolton's Christmas lights switch-on last Thursday (Nov 21) with her new song, Thank you for giving

  • Variety is the spice of area board meeting

    ROAD safety to regeneration, policing matters to teenage pregnancies. There will be no lack of variety when Radcliffe Area Board holds its next meeting on Wednesday. As usual the venue will be Radcliffe Civic Suite, starting at 7pm. However, while the

  • Villagers to oppose barn plan

    VILLAGERS in Simister are to turn out in force to try and block an application to convert a barn and stables. An application to transform the empty Whitehouse Farm Stables, in Farm Lane, into partial residential accommodation is minded for approval by

  • Tidy-up team takes to streets

    BURNLEY'S Fast Glass has teamed up with Burnley Borough Council to help clean up the town. The company, based in Smirthwaite Street, has diversified so when its vans are en route to jobs they take the opportunity to help tidy-up Burnley and Padiham, putting

  • Cure sought for health budget deficit

    HEALTH bosses in Burnley Pendle and Rossendale will try to find a solution to a £3.5million budget deficit today. Members of the NHS Trust revealed the gap last month, blaming a huge increase in emergency admissions for the overspend. Care chiefs blame

  • Credit to staff for school's glowing report

    STAFF at a Burnley school are celebrating gaining top marks in a government inspection. St John the Baptist RC Junior School scored well in a report by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). Inspectors spent a week at the school before compiling

  • Casualty fracas man bailed

    A MAN who started trouble in a hospital casualty department claimed he was victimised by the police. Stephen Joseph Slattery, 36, told Burnley magistrates he put it down to his Irish name and said officers had picked on his brother for 18 years. Slattery

  • Police appeal for clues on sex pest

    THIS is the face of a man police want to question in connection with two indecent exposures in Padiham last week. Police have issued the artist's impression after a man was seen exposing himself and performing a sex act by a 35-year-old woman in Shakespeare

  • It's a tough call for 'Bingo Brian'

    BURNLEY'S number one bingo caller saw his dreams shattered when he was pipped to a national title. Brian Gillatt travelled to the Mecca bingo club in Wandsworth to compete for Bingo Caller of the Year on Sunday. And although judges were impressed with

  • Injured trio in Reserves test

    GEORGE Clegg, Gareth Seddon and John Gaynor continue their fight for full fitness when Bury reserves take on Huddersfield Town at Stainton Park tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon (2pm). But one player who might not feature is former Manchester City skipper

  • Unsworth joins goal hunt

    DEFENDER Lee Unsworth is ready to give Jon Newby and manager Andy Preece a run for their money in Shakers' goalscoring charts writes Chris Hall The full-back has scored twice as many goals as he netted last season after firing his second of the campaign

  • Shakers aim for a treble chance

    SHAKERS are just three consecutive victories away from giving their promotion credentials a massive boost according to boss Andy Preece writes Phil Thorp Saturday's victory at Carlisle leaves the Gigg Lane men sitting eighth in Division Three, 10 points

  • Schoolgirl 'victim of fondle'

    A 58-YEAR-OLD man fondled a little girl under her school uniform, a jury was told. Alan Pate was later attacked by her mother who flew into a rage when her daughter told her of the alleged incident. Pate, of Belgrave Street, Nelson, denied indecent assault

  • Arsonists poured petrol over HGVs

    Police are hunting an arsonist who caused nearly £150,000 worth of damage at a Radcliffe company. The firebug was seen pouring the contents of a petrol can over two HGV lorries parked at the S and M Plant and Tippers compound in Church Street before setting

  • Headline tells the wrong tale

    AFTER reading Joan Scholes' cutting, but timely, remarks (Letters, November 19) on the apparent hypocrisy of our county councillors who, she said, could not care less for the elderly who survived the war but now need residential care, I happened to open

  • Applause for your Telegraph

    I APPLAUD the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's campaign against the BNP and hope it will maintain its efforts to ensure that the far-right do not gain further ground in East Lancashire. I do not think I am alone in believing that this shock victory came

  • Not all of us are racists

    HAVING been a resident of Blackburn's Mill Hill area for over 20 years, I was proud of the sense of community, but no longer. To all who voted BNP on Thursday night, I say this -- you sicken me. I would like to put the record straight. To all the non-residents

  • Public wise to Labour antics

    PERHAPS we have only to look at the treatment of the late Bank Top Community Association by their 'friends' on Blackburn with Darwen Council to understand why they were rumbled in Mill Hill. The ordinary people of Blackburn are wise to the antics of the

  • Poet Nellie reaches 100

    A WOMAN known as the Pam Ayres of Barrowford has celebrated turning 100. Nellie Wilkinson, whose poetry writing skills earned her her nickname, was born in Colne in 1902 and worked in the cotton mills from the age of 12. She married her late husband Harold

  • 'Conjuror' Blake has too many tricks up sleeve

    THE Saturday before last, 2,000 Burnley supporters huddled together in Rotherham's ramshackle Railway Stand, as the Clarets and their hosts perpetrated some of the worst crimes against football ever witnessed in this country. Seven days on, the contrast

  • Five years ago

    CAPTAIN Mark Phillips met members of Blackburn Pony Club at the Osbaldeston Riding Centre during a Pony Club Instructors' conference. The young club members included Oliver Mitchell, 12, from Bacup, and Rebecca Cairns, ten, from Belthorn.

  • Singers hunt for new leader

    AN EAST Lancashire singing group has put a new musical director at the top of its Christmas wish list. The A Capella Singers, whose members are mostly from Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, will lose Chris Gill, 26, who has been with them for a year. Members

  • End in sight for flooding misery

    RESIDENTS in Oswaldtwistle have welcomed a £30,000 flood prevention system being installed to end further disruption to their homes. The defence system, which will raise the pavement around 16in above the road, is being built by Hyndburn Council on behalf

  • Go-ahead for mental illness homes plan

    A PROPOSED housing scheme in Clitheroe for five people with severe mental illness has been recommended for approval by planners, despite widespread opposition from residents. The scheme, at Rockmount, in Pimlico Road, will comprise five flats for single

  • Payton out for six weeks

    ANDY Payton went under the knife this afternoon for a hernia operation. The 35-year-old striker has not yet started a game this season but has been on the bench in the last couple of weeks. He is in the final year of his current contract and he now knows

  • Mexican night is a spicy success

    A MEXICAN evening at the Royal Hotel, Waterfoot proved a big hit. Sixty customers sat down to tasty and spicy food in the Cellar Bar downstairs. The food had been prepared over several hours by Judith Stannard, executive partner in the hotel's business

  • Opportunity is knocking

    OPPORTUNITY Knocks for wannabe pop stars thanks to the efforts of an East Lancashire publican. Lynn Riley, of the Tim Bobbin Hotel, Burnley Road, Padiham, has put on a number of entertainment nights to showcase new talent. The nights are for upcoming

  • Landlord looks back on a great year

    A YEAR in charge of a popular old pub has left its landlord looking back on his achievements but relishing the challenge of the next year. Graham Ferguson, who runs the Hoghton Arms, situated off the A674 Chorley Road in Withnell, is celebrating 12 months

  • Mixed response to opening hours Bill

    A CONTROVERSIAL bill that could see East Lancashire pubs open past 11pm has taken its first step towards reality. The Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Bill has had its first reading in the House of Lords and is expected to become law next July. The

  • Keep your cool

    BLACKBURN midfielder Garry Flitcroft today urged his Ewood team-mates to 'keep their cool' as Rovers attempt to address the slump which is threatening to undermine their season. Rovers have now gone a month without a victory in the Premiership and Sunday's

  • Payton out for six weeks

    ANDY Payton went under the knife this afternoon for a hernia operation. The 35-year-old striker has not yet started a game this season but has been on the bench in the last couple of weeks. He is in the final year of his current contract and he now knows

  • Crisis-hit holiday giant scraps statement

    TROUBLED holiday giant MyTravel plunged into further chaos today when it abandoned plans to announce its financial results for the year. After a series of three profits warnings which wiped more than £1 billion off its value, the company, formerly known

  • Artist's work goes on show for first time

    A EXHIBITION of paintings by a brewery worker is being staged until December 20 in Darwen Library. Brian Elmer, 53, of St. Peter's Close, Darwen, is realising a dream after devoting more time to his talent while off work with a blood pressure problem.

  • Help us to make it a real cracker!

    THE Darwen Lions today made a passionate appeal for public support after battling back from the brink of closure. A two-day indoor Christmas gala is being staged this weekend at Darwen Leisure Centre to try and get the group back on track. They desperately

  • Jet-set Colin revs up with sponsor deal

    ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD motocross champion Colin Collier has secured his third sponsorship deal just months before he jets off to Spain to take part in a five-week training exercise with ex-British Champion Paul Malin. Colin, a pupil at Fearns High School, Bacup

  • Five held in drug swoops

    A SERIES of early morning raids by police in Rossendale resulted in the arrest of five people and the seizure of a substantial amount of drugs. The operation was carried out by 35 officers, three teams of special support teams and two teams of local officers

  • MP accuses Blair of bungling

    LABOUR MP Greg Pope today accused his own government of bungling the firefighters' dispute and putting lives at risk. As he publicly backed the strikers in his Hyndburn constituency by joining two picket lines, the former government whip said the government

  • London's Burning as Boro turn up the heat

    EASTWOOD TOWN 0, RADCLIFFE BORO 1: BORO claimed their fifth straight league victory, but lowly Eastwood Town proved tough opposition writes IAN HANNAY. It took some resolute defending to protect Richard Landon's 49th minute winner as Town belied their

  • Rush-hour chaos

    HUNDREDS of motorists were plunged into rush-hour chaos after a lorry carrying beer overturned on the M65. The lorry mounted an embankment and landed on its side over the hard shoulder and part of the slow lane after hitting two cars in between the slip

  • Prize and joy after horror fall

    A STAR pupil has been described as an inspiration for staying top of the class despite breaking his back while ice skating. Scott Winter, 14, was given a special award by Queen's Park Technology College, Blackburn, to reward his determination since the

  • Two more pieces in sculpture 'jigsaw'

    IT was a case of better late than never for two new arrivals in Church Street, Blackburn. A pair of sculptures were installed on the pedestrianised street which, when finished early next year, will symbolise the growth of Blackburn as a town built on

  • Bathroom baby's 15-minute birth

    A FIRST-time mother is the envy of her friends after she had one of the easiest births on record. Amanda Schofield gave birth to baby Elizabeth Hazel Ann Stevens just 15 minutes after she realised she was in labour. "My friends are ecstatic for me," she

  • Evicted tenant's plea for second chance

    A WOMAN evicted from her house after failing to keep the garden tidy has pleaded with landlords to give her a second chance. Linda Holden, 34, was given 14 days to move out of her home in Ballantrae Road, Shadsworth, after Blackburn County Court agreed

  • Council slammed for tree trip

    TWO officers went on a 520-mile round-trip to Norfolk -- to measure eleven council Christmas trees. Blackburn with Darwen Council paid £7,000 to buy the trees and have them delivered to the area for the start of the festive season. But before they arrived

  • Not a bad display for a bunch of unfit fat lads!

    FAT Lads 1 Accrington Stanley 0. That was the headline in the North West Evening Mail after Barrow beat Stanley up in Cumbria. Barrow's boss Kenny Lowe must be pulling his hair out with all the criticism he has received this season, for despite beating