LAST week we criticised Rossendale Council for writing to the grieving relatives of people buried in one of its cemeteries at Haslingden. They were being told to remove ornaments they had placed on the graves of loved ones even when they had been there
EAST Lancashire MP Janet Anderson is furious that changes to Commons hours in the name of modernisation and being "family friendly'' will deprive local schoolchildren of the chance to see Parliament in action. In the New Year MPs will sit in the mornings
WARBURTONS bakery is extending its successful breakfast club scheme to two more schools -- benefiting more than 50 youngsters. Audley Primary School in Queens Park Road and neighbouring Intack Primary in Whitebirk Road have joined Crosshills special needs
STARLIGHT is shining bright once again over Blackburn after an electrical fault threatened to extinguish a Christmas tradition. The Christmas Star at Thwaites Brewery was out of action for two days when scaffolding erected at the brewery caused an electrical
THE National Blood Service is appealing for people to be blood donors and give the best Christmas present of all. And East Lancashire folk are being urged to remember that the demand for blood never stops. Indeed some blood products required for chemotherapy
STAFF at a Blackburn charity shop are appealing for a security system because thieves are targeting them. The Cancer Research UK shop on Northgate, Blackburn, is looking for somebody to donate old security devices to prevent the increase in theft the
A SOCIAL worker accused of sexual relationships with two 15 year old boys has been cleared of all charges relating to one of them. Lisa Smith was found not guilty in relation to nine charges of indecent assault by a Preston Crown Court jury, which took
I HAVE just been to the opening night of the stage production of 'Brassed Off,' at Blackburn's Thwaites Theatre and would like to say those who got a ticket to see this play will have had a real treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it, worth every penny of the
THE firefighters are fully justified in resorting to strike action in their bid to secure a fair pay award and safe working conditions. Here we have an essential and dedicated public service who feel so undervalued by the government that they are striking
GONE are the days when a library was just for taking out books and reading the day's newspapers. Nowadays the place is full of computers! Darwen library is more like a call centre than a library, as there are computers just about everywhere. The 'reading
A NEW service to breakdown language barriers at Fairfield General Hospital has been given the thumbs-up by patients. Three interpreters have been employed at the hospital, paid for through funding from Health Action Zone. In its two months of operation
TWO teenage couples are being hunted after a man was glassed in the face in Prestwich. The 33-year-old later needed stitches to a deep gash to his forehead as a result of the attack in Whittaker Lane. It is believed the victim had been involved in a dispute
BURY'S cultural future can be shaped by public opinion. An invitation has gone out to the borough's residents who are interested in having their say on the development of Bury's cultural activities. One workshop has been held and another is to be staged
POLICE today named a man they want to question about a doorstep attack which left the victim fighting for his life. And detectives said they had taken the unusual step of issuing a photograph of Blackburn man Carl Lawson after they were unable to trace
YOUNG artist Hassan Sarfraz will be helping to brighten up homes in East Bury this Christmas. The seven-year-old pupil at St Thomas's CP School came up with the winning entry in a winter colouring competition. Organisers of the East Bury Initiative have
THOUSANDS of council house tenants in Bury are to receive a newsletter keeping them up to date with the future levels of investment in their homes. Bury Council's executive member for regeneration and housing, Councillor Ray Watts explained that the Stock
IF Everton fans could have one wish this Christmas then tying Joesph Yobo, above, to a new long-term contract would surely figure prominently on nearly everyone's list. Some questioned David Moyes's wisdom in the summer when he made a pre-season swoop
BLACKBURN Rovers are facing a fight to hang on to influential skipper Garry Flitcroft after talks over a new contract for the player broke down. Negotiations have been going on for some time about a new deal for the 30-year-old whose existing contract
A NEW housing renovation boss has been appointed to tackle the problem of East Lancashire's crumbling stock. David Taylor, 52, is now chairman of the Pathfinder Board. He was head of English Partnerships, a national regeneration agency based in London
THE Leader of Burnley Council today clarified his position over the future of a prime town centre site. Coun Stuart Caddy said although he was a not against a Job Centre Plus in Burnley he would prefer to see it developed on a more suitable site. He noted
A COMMUNITY festival could be on the cards for Burnley after a new initiative designed to bring culture within the reach of Burnley residents was discussed by councillors. Burnley Council are working on a new 'culture strategy' after the Department of
MORE than 100 jobs were set to go today as one of East Lancashire's oldest and most famous firms ended production. Riley's Leisure which makes snooker equipment from its base and head office at Hapton was due to finish production after going into administration
CHILDREN sneaking off school in Burnley and Pendle were caught red-handed this week when police and education welfare officers teamed up to target truants. The truancy sweeps took place across the two boroughs and 85 youngsters between the ages of 10
SHAKERS are sweating on the fitness of skipper Jon Newby ahead of Saturday's tough trip to play-off chasing Scunthorpe Uited. The club's top scorer seemed to have recovered from a knock to his knee in the LDV Vans Trophy win over Tranmere, with manager
BACK on familiar territory! That's a Radcliffe firm of chartered accountants which is re-establishing itself in the town after making a welcome return. Gortons left its long-established office at Stanmore House in Blackburn Street after merging with a
A WORRIED dad is calling for police intervention to put the brake on speeders on a busy Radcliffe road. Mr Gary Koehler says that two road accidents in Dumers Lane in just six weeks is two too many and is demanding the police take action before lives
SINGLES: BADLY DRAWN BOY: Born Again (Twisted Nerve/XL) DAMON Gough has got plugged in and gone all electric here. With a message of hope it's a great record for the festive season.CL CHUMBAWAMBA: Jacob's Ladder (Not In My Name) (Mutt) ORIGINALLY penned
NEW Nelson boss Denis Underwood has given himself six games to decide how to tackle the rest of the season. Underwood believes the next half a dozen games will go a long way to shaping his side's season -- and also determine what sort of players to bring
FUND-RAISERS were honoured at a lunch to mark the first birthday of the Action Factory support unit, in Blackburn. And mayor Coun Eileen Entwistle presented awards to the fund-raisers who had made the most progress during the year.
A TRADITIONAL Christmas panto with a mix of Eastern and Western cultures was performed by college students to Asian audiences in Pendle. Nelson and Colne College took a Pakistani story and mixed in the traditional elements of a panto in the production
A CHRISTMAS tree social begins today (Friday) at 7 pm at Bag Lane Methodist Church, Atherton. Admission is £1.
A PLANNING application for permission to set up a private hire taxi booking office in Church Street, Accrington, has been refused by Hyndburn Borough Council. The application to convert the former Pets and Ponies shop by P Hussain was turned down because
A SCHEME to help elderly and vulnerable people in Hyndburn stay safe in their own homes is getting a cash boost, thanks to the owners of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. A £5,000 cheque from the Gannett Foundation, a charity set up by this newspaper's
DESIGN students are to work their magic and make a dream come true for a teenage Harry Potter fan who has undergone a life-saving operation. But the gesture has had some of the gloss knocked off it because the family's new Barratt home, where the transformation
A 92-year-old woman was killed on Thursday in an accident with a truck. The pensioner, who has not been identified by police, was crossing Bury New Road at its junction with Bury Old Road in Whitefield when she was in collision with the articulated lorry
A FLOODLIT nativity play will be performed in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle on Friday, December 20. Spectators are asked to meet at Castlegate at 6.45pm for a procession to the castle bandstand, where the nativity will be performed. Admission to the
WHALLEY went Victorian last night as an annual festival took the village back in time. Pickwick Night, with people dressed in Victorian fancy dress, was opened by Whalley-born Steve Pinder, Max Farnham from Channel Four's Brookside. A stage near the bus
A SOLICITOR was today branded a disgrace to his profession after being struck off for his part in an international marriage racket. Robert Pickles, 67, of Copster Green in the Ribble Valley, was struck off at a tribunal hearing held in London yesterday
A FAMILY has been told to undergo genetic testing after a 41-year-old woman died from a rare disorder within days of becoming ill. An inquest heard that the day before her death, a doctor told Julia Mary Dunn she had an infection of the middle ear and
BUSINESS and tourism in East Lancashire has been given a £5million boost thanks to a hit TV series, it was revealed today. Now the agency responsible for attracting film-makers to the county is planning to turn Lancashire into filming hot-spot by persuading
BOLTON and Bury Chamber has given its response to the Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates at four per cent. Mr Andrew Ratcliff, Chamber chief executive, said: "The Bank faces a tough challenge juggling the risks that an overheating housing
BURY-based commercial property specialists Kings Business Transfer are toasting their latest arrival. The company have appointed licensed trade consultant Gordon Hume to spearhead their drive to go nationwide. Partner Gerry Murphy said: "Gordon's appointment
ROYAL VISIT: Prince Charles cut out the red tape of his visit to Bury as he laughed and joked his way through his two-and-a-half hours in the town. The Prince of Wales dispensed with the usual royal visit formality as he stepped away from his security
ELEVEN forward-looking Bury companies and organisations which have achieved Investors in People (IIP) status. They were among a total of 60 from across North Manchester who celebrated their success at the third IIP recognition awards and presentation,
BACK on familiar territory! That's a Radcliffe firm of chartered accountants which is re-establishing itself in the town after making a welcome return. Gortons left its long-established office at Stanmore House in Blackburn Street after merging with a
GARETH Taylor will be hoping that he does not literally go head to head with Martin McIntosh at Turf Moor tomorrow. And there is certainly no point in asking him what he remembers of the last meeting a month ago. Taylor was walked off in a daze after
JOHN Mullin is preparing for his first return to Turf Moor since his transfer to Rotherham just over a year ago and he admitted: "It will be a strange experience." But the midfielder, who was back in the Millers side at Ipswich last weekend after a couple
MUSIC for a medieval Christmas is to fill the atmospheric surroundings of historic Astley Hall. A group of musicians known as Tapestry of Music will play in period costume and demonstrate traditional musical instruments. The event starts at 7.30pm on
COUNCILLORS on Wigan MBC will hold the following advice surgeries: FRIDAY, December 13: St Mary's Church Hall, Lowton (6-6.30) L Liptrot, J O'Brien; Tyldesley Town Hall (6.30-7.30) S Hellier; Higher Folds Community Centre (7.30-8.15) F Walker. SATURDAY
A BOGUS taxi driver is being hunted by detectives after carrying out a sex attack on a female passenger. The victim had been enjoying an evening out in Prestwich on Sunday (Dec 8) when she decided to get a taxi home from outside The Grapes Inn, on Bury
STUNT lovers who jumped through hoops to get a unique skate park for Radcliffe have seen their efforts rewarded. The Radcliffe Association of Dedicated Skaters (RADS) celebrated the opening of the North West's first free and fully equipped skatepark on
PLANS for a new pub have been unveiled in Darwen - just days after the town was dropped by the Wetherspoon's chain. Private developers are one step closer to converting a former bank in Market Street. But plans are still in the pipeline and a final decision
ROSSENDALE Council is seeking new recruits for a 'citizens' army', dedicated to improving parks. Councillors plan to sign members of the public to make it easier to get grants. Loveclough residents recently established their own action group for Loveclough
THE festive spirit is definitely out there! Due to popular demand and because they're just so darn nice at Cream, they have decided to extend their festive ticket offer. For those of you buying three or more tickets for Cream NYE at Blackpool's Empress
MARK Queen failed to keep what he saw as an appointment with the jailer because he wanted to spend time with his dying father. But Blackburn magistrates heard that his absence from court had only delayed the inevitable and he had aggravated matters by
A BLACKBURN director has been disqualified after his business failed with debts totalling £157,000. Alexander Ralph Saunders, of Stonehill Drive, Sunybower, was disqualified for five years from holding directorships, or taking any part in company management
A SUPERMARKET has vowed to clean up around its store, after complaints the mess was 'ruining' a £3,000 canal tidying project. KwikSave, Bolton Road, Blackburn, has suffered because of rubbish strewn over the land surrounding the Leeds and Liverpool canal
POLICE today named a man they want to question about a doorstep attack which left the victim fighting for his life. And detectives said they had taken the unusual step of issuing a photograph of Blackburn man Carl Lawson after they were unable to trace
TRADING Standards has launched a Christmas crackdown on counterfeiters who are cashing in on the Harry Potter craze. Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen's departments are warning shoppers to beware of "dodgy" car boot traders, "here today gone tomorrow
A LONG-SERVING drop-in centre that has been a 'beacon' for residents on Blackburn's Roman Road estate is to close because of a funding shortage. After 18 years Mustard Seed House, Fishmoor Drive, will shut its doors for the final time next Thursday. The
A TRADERS' boss slammed a new parking scheme after it was revealed shoppers will struggle to find on-street parking spaces for another four months. Shopkeepers in Blackburn had been hoping for a bumper Christmas trade after council bosses announced plans
PAUL MASHITER may make his debut for Great Harwood against his former club Ramsbottom when the two teams meet in the Worthington Trophy tomorrow. Mashiter, who has been a prolific marksman in the local leagues for many years, had a brief spell at the
ROSSENDALE boss Jim McBride is in upbeat mood ahead of tomorrow's clash with Spennymoor insisting he can still guide his team to the end-of-season play-offs. Dale are unbeaten in their last three league and cup matches and McBride believes a top five
TOP marksman Paul Baker has a new rival in the goalscoring stakes. Dennis Hill is currently Darwen's top striker with eight goals this season - six of the them in the last four games - just ahead of Baker with seven. Baker has been Darwen's top scorer
AFTER last weekend's cup double header, it's back to the bread-and butter of the English League for Blackburn Hawks on Sunday. Billingham Eagles provide the opposition at the Arena in a match player-coach Bobby Haig insists the Hawks must win! "They have
CHORLEY defender Ian Leather reckons it is time the Magpies stopped being a 'should-be' team. The Magpies are fighting for promotion back to the UniBond Premier League, four seasons after relegation, and expectations are high after some lean years recently
COUNCILLOR Andy Kay, who is in charge of regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, does not believe asking for money for art projects will jeopardise the area's prosperity. Council rules means any development in the town centre costing £250,000 or
Richard Topham is the managing director of Charles Topham and Sons, the firm given permission to build an industrial estate near to the M65 at Darwen ... if it pays for public art. He said: "This is effectively planning blackmail. It puts development
MAY I point out to H. M. Chidgey (Your Letters, Nov 29) that just because other hospitals in Greater Manchester charge for parking does not mean that Fairfield should fall into line. Parking charges do nothing to improve security; the Royal Bolton Hospital
IN response to the letter from Mr Tattersall (Nov 29), I would like to correct some of the misconceptions he and many people have with regard to the fire service. He spews out the usual "bar room expert" criticism about a subject he clearly has no knowledge
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Father Christmas tours Mellor Village. QEGS Carol Service, Blackburn Cathedral, 7.30pm. "The Wizard of Oz," Municipal Hall, Colne. 4fr Fingers, King George's Hall, Blackburn
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. "Dick Whittington," Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, 7.30pm. "Jack and the Beanstalk," Read United Reformed Church, 7.30pm. Christmas Line Dance Party, St Edwards Church
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. SATURDAY A Magical Victorian Christmas, Blackburn Town Centre, 11am-4pm. "Cinderella," King George's Hall, Blackburn. Until January 12. Christ Church Ramblers meet outside
SCHOOLCHILDREN filled the night air with the sound of music and laughter during a town centre concert. Two primary and two secondary schools joined for the performance in Blackburn Shopping Centre Victoria Court. It was the finale of a six-month scheme
BLACKBURN'S pavilions were brightened up last night -- by a spectacular light show. The three listed buildings in the revamped Church Street had images from the town's past beamed on to them to celebrate the changing face of Blackburn. A Christmas lantern
A PUB is trying to rid Blackburn of workaholics by asking local businesses to nominate their most industrious member of staff for a 'reality check'. O'Neills, King William Street, has invited the town's worst workaholics to answer a questionnaire on such
A TRAINING programme to boost the economy of East Lancashire has been unveiled by the region's Chamber of Commerce. Training is being offered to raise the standard of business practice, professionalism and profitability throughout East Lancashire. The
REGARDING the article (LET, December 3), "Councillors won over in health base row." As I put in my last letter, I welcome the id of a new health centre etc, but not where Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust, LIFT and now councillors want it. Some
I VOTED in the local election in the Mill Hill ward in Blackburn. This was done ignoring the interference of Tony Blair and Jack Straw who were telling me which way to vote (LET, November 20). At the polling station I handed in my voting card (which contained
FAMILY and friends of a motorcyclist who was killed in North Wales have raised more money to provide air ambulance cover for the remote area where he crashed. Experienced rider Mike Spencer, aged 27, of Astley, died in July 2000 while riding his Yamaha
STAFF at Bury's Megabowl were attacked with pool cues during a brawl on Friday night (Dec 6). Trouble flared when a group of customers were asked to leave the bowling alley complex at Pilsworth. The men then turned on security staff and attacked them
ALMOST 140 pupils from Unsworth Primary School nearly took a foothold in the record books. They joined thousands of other youngsters in a series of record-breaking attempts at a special "Monster Smash" event in Manchester. They were trying to set a UK
A WOMAN suffered a broken arm when she was struck by a passing car. The 38-year-old pedestrian was hit by the wing mirror of a green 4x4 vehicle at 11.30am on Friday (Dec 6). The car failed to stop, although police and the victim believe its driver may
A MAN has become the second mugging victim in a Bury subway within a week. Just six days after a 29-year-old male was attacked from behind and robbed of his mobile phone in the Parsons Lane underpass, police have released details of a fresh attack possibly
BUSINESS and tourism in East Lancashire has been given a £5million boost thanks to a hit TV series, it was revealed today. Now the agency responsible for attracting film-makers to the county is planning to turn Lancashire into filming hot-spot by persuading
COUNCIL house tenants are about to benefit from the local authority's new "super" staff. Five building services employees have had multi-skills training to provide a quicker and more efficient service. It means they can do plumbing and joinery work on
THE weekend Nightbus service which has helped Bury revellers make their way home after a night out in Manchester city centre has celebrated its first anniversary. The 135 runs between midnight and 3.30am every Friday and Saturday night and offers visitors
A BOGUS caller fled empty-handed on Tuesday afternoon (Dec 10) when the elderly householder became suspicious. However, the con man was successful 20 minutes later when he targeted another elderly resident. The thief used the same ruse to gain entry into
TWO women in their eighties fell victim to the same burglar within the space of half an hour. Both OAPs escaped injury despite being knocked backwards as the intruder barged into their homes. The burglaries happened at addresses just several streets apart
BURY Council has launched its annual appeal to bring a smile to children in care. Toys and gifts are needed to be distributed to youngsters and teenagers throughout the borough. Bury's social services children and families section is spearheading the
ACADEMY starlet Jay McEveley will fulfil a childhood dream if he keeps his place for Rovers' clash with Everton at Goodison tomorrow. McEveley grew up supporting the Toffees and even played in the same youth team as Wayne Rooney with the Blues until the
FORMER Blackburn winger Alan Irvine today said Everton's impressive start to the season has taken even him by surprise as he prepares for tomorrow's clash with Rovers at Goodison. Irvine has played a major part in transforming the fortunes of the once
RESIDENTS living in the Duke Bar area of Burnley are being given a chance to air their concerns about crime at a police surgery. Local community beat manager PC Richard Collopy will hold the surgery at Kwik Save in Briercliffe Road. PC Collopy will be
A BANNER which has taken four months to craft is to be officially launched after a candlelight carol service on Sunday. The launch of the "unity" banner will be held on Sunday at 5pm at the Unitarian Church in Padiham with Canon Richard Spurin presenting
PEOPLE thinking about buying a new dog for Christmas have been urged to think about taking on homeless animals desperately in need of a loving family. Linda Fegan, who runs the Animal Kingdom Rescue in Padiham, said there are more and more dogs being
EXTRA police will be patrolling the streets of Burnley town centres this Christmas in a bid to crack down on pickpockets who prey on shoppers. During the festive period there is an annual rise in the number of so-called 'dippers' visiting town centres
A STREET drinking ban in Burnley town centre is to be brought forward following the death of teenage football supporter Nathan Shaw. The council and the police are working to speed up the introduction of the alcohol-free zone -- which will make it a criminal
IT will be a tough game at Scunthorpe on Saturday. 'The Iron' were only beaten to a play-off place last year by goal difference and, under the guidance of ex-Nottingham Forest ace Brian Laws, are desperate to make the top seven this year. They currently
SHAKERS boss Andy Preece reckons his players have fully adapted to the squad rotation system enforced at Gigg Lane this season. Despite the impressive Tranmere taming in midweek, the Bury boss is likely to make a string of changes for Saturday's league
A BLAZE at a designer children's shop has caused £50,000 worth of damage to exclusive clothing. The fire is said to have been caused by an electrical fault in the unoccupied flat above Tir-Na-Nogue, on the junction with Carr Road and Manchester Road in
A NELSON-based electrical company has shown the true meaning of "Christmas spirit" after stepping in to repair festive tree lights in time for the big day. Barrowford was faced with a bleak and dark Christmas after Pendle Council revealed it did not have
COLNE are still searching for a new manager a fortnight after John Lister resigned. Player-chairman James Webster says temporary boss Andy Lawson will take charge of team affairs for tomorrow's home game against Daisy Hill (kick off 2pm) and for next
THE festive season is in full swing at Colne town centre, with a host of attractions for shoppers. The Market Hall is providing entertainment throughout the period, including: Tomorrow: Nelson Brass Band Wednesday, December 18: 10am to noon the Salvation
AN ANNUAL entertainment programme for elderly and disabled people of Pendle has raised £750 for a number of local charities which this year are being backed by the Mayor of Pendle, Coun Pauline McCormick. The 'Bit of a Do' at Colne Municipal Hall raised
THE annual Christmas production at The Octagon is usually an evening out worth looking forward to and this year's production is no exception. The Firebird is a colourful, lively fairy story which will appeal to children and adults alike. Performed in
CINDERS, Buttons and the Ugly Sisters will be out to bring some colour and excitement into the lives of children of all ages from tomorrow when Blackburn's great family pantomime opens for its festive run. Cinderella will take over Blackburn's King George's
POLICE today appealed for help tracing an Oswaldtwistle pensioner who has been missing for three days. Brenda Dilworth, 63, left a friend's house in Spring Street, Rishton, around 3.30pm on Tuesday to walk to her home in the Thwaites Road area. She set
DOG OWNERS are being warned to protect their pets after a suspected outbreak of Parvovirus. In the last two weeks seven suspected cases have been detected in the Clayton-le-Moors, Altham and Huncoat area and three of those animals have died. Steve Cheetham
THE Prince of Wales will visit East Lancashire in the New Year, it has been announced. Prince Charles will call at the new Clitheroe bus and railway interchange and Chipping to see the village hall on January 9. More details will be annouced in the coming
A HUSBAND and wife were seriously injured in a head-on collision, Gordon and Barbara Durham, of the Kirklands, Chipping, were today being in the Royal Preston Hospital after the crash in Preston Road, Longridge, yesterday. Mr Durham was trapped for an
ORGANISATIONS in the Ribble Valley with cooling towers or air conditioning systems featuring evaporative condensers are being asked to contact environmental health officers in an offensive against Legionnaire's Disease. Government regulations require
1577: Francis Drake set out from Plymouth in The Golden Hind on his journey around the world. 1878: The first electric street lighting in Britain was erected in London. 1904: The Metropolitan underground railway in London was electrified. 1923: Dr Lee
BURNLEY Youth Band and the East Lancashire Youth Orchestra are joining in a concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 21, at St Peter's Church, Burnley. The evening will include traditional carols and Christmas music. Young Rossendale Wind will also play
A UNIQUE scheme to aid East Lancashire people who have been diagnosed with cancer has been extended after it proved so popular. Rossendale Hospice, based in Cribden House, Rossendale, has extended a once a week early diagnosis service to two days a week
WITH the long term future of Marlon Beresford still very much in the balance, manager Stan Ternent admitted: "I am worried I could end up with egg on my face." The 33-year-old is currently part-way through his fourth month long contract since he returned
ROTHERHAM boss Ronnie Moore may have started the season with the aim of avoiding relegation, but now he feels things are on the up. Tomorrow's match marks the halfway point of the campaign for both the millers and the Clarets and Moore, believes the two
STAN Ternent has set his side a target of putting together a series of wins over the Christmas period, starting against Rotherham at Turf Moor tomorrow. "We need to string together two, three or four wins to cement our place in the top eight," he said
ADD A Voice is looking for volunteers to train as advocates for their group. The service, set up in 1994 to provide advocacy services to individuals and groups in Leigh, is now interviewing volunteers for the training course which starts in February.
LEIGH Rotary Club is appealing for extra wheels to help with this year's Christmas float collection. Safety and insurance requirements ban collectors from travelling in float-towing vehicles so charity fund-raisers need a minibus. Venues are: December
A CHARITY which helps crime victims come to terms with their traumatic experiences is appealing for volunteers. The Victim Support and Witness Service which answers cries for aid from distressed casualties now needs assistance of its own. Recently the
FATHER Christmas is hitting the streets aboard Tyldesley Rotary Club's sleigh. Proposed routes are: December 13,14,15, 20, 21, 22: Somerfields, Shuttle Street. December 17: Mosley Common Road, Manchester Road, Gilda Road, Glendale Road, Bridgewater Road
Gardeners 10, BICC 3; Paulettes 4, Ladybirds 10; Red Rose 7, Eastleigh 8; Lilford 11, Aardvarks 5; Lowton Park 7, Leigh Bowling 8; Falcons 7, Musketeers 4; Us Three 23, Benters 2; Nomads 8, RBL 10. Table: Ladybirds 12pts; Leigh Bowling 11; Us Three 10
SLAMMING and dunking is catching on throughout the borough, thanks to Bury Council's sports development unit. Staff acted as the catalyst for a newly-formed organisation to promote basketball in Bury. Made up of representatives from Bury Juniors Basketball
STREET criminals are at the top of Bury police's Christmas card list. As part of a new force-wide festive initiative, more than 100 Christmas cards will be sent to known offenders throughout Greater Manchester in an attempt to reduce raids on security
A rail watchdog group has called for the old Bolton-Bury-Rochdale line to be reopened to help to revolutionise Bolton's rail services. The Rail Passenger Council, the official independent voice of rail passengers and the rail industry's statutory watchdog
WAREARTED Bury residents are being urged to check the credentials of charity collectors as the season of goodwill approaches. Trading standards officers are warning that the public may be misled by organisations that sell on donated goods for a profit
WINNERS' envelopes were sealed and tables laid as a crowd of distinguished diners gathered in anticipation of the borough's premier green event, the Bury Groundwork environmental awards dinner. About 370 guests came together in the elegantly-decorated
BURY'S Jinnah Day Care Centre is under investigation amid claims of financial irregularities. The local authority, which provides an annual grant of £68,000, has drafted in a team of auditors to examine the centre's books. But an angry Jinnah chairman
STAN Ternent has set his side a target of putting together a series of wins over the Christmas period, starting against Rotherham at Turf Moor tomorrow. "We need to string together two, three or four wins to cement our place in the top eight," he said
BLACKBURN Rovers are facing a fight to hang on to influential skipper Garry Flitcroft after talks over a new contract for the player broke down. Negotiations have been going on for some time about a new deal for the 30-year-old whose existing contract
KELLY Llorenna returns to the area this weekend for a couple of pre-Christmas public appearances. The Rochdale-born star, signed to Blackburn's All Around The World Records, has had the best year of her career so far, building up her own name with a Greatest
THE festive spirit is definitely out there! Due to popular demand and because they're just so darn nice at Cream, they have decided to extend their festive ticket offer. For those of you buying three or more tickets for Cream NYE at Blackpool's Empress
A 93-YEAR-OLD woman suffered a dislocated shoulder after a thief grabbed her handbag. The pensioner was walking along Eton Hill Road, Radcliffe, when the man approached her from behind. He grabbed her bag with such force that she feel to the ground and
TICKETS are still available for Darwen Library Theatre's production of Scrooge following the performance's opening on Wednesday. The Christmas spectacular is showing from today until Monday, December 23. The show for Christmas Eve is sold out. For more
FIVE professional storytellers will unravel tales in Darwen next summer. They will draw on many cultures, aiming to develop the art of sharing stories with parents and carers of children aged five to 13. There will be separate and combined sessions for
DARWEN Churches Action is in urgent need of two volunteers to help deliver furniture to local people in need. The group is also making an appeal for donations of bedding and pots and pans to be handed out to the community. Bob Kearney, manager of Churches
A BURGLARY workshop at Sudellside Community Centre was attended by almost 30 Darwen residents. Officers were on hand to give handy tips to lock up and stay safe over the winter months. Inspector Graham Ashcroft said: "Half the time it's really simple
CHILDREN could be asked to design future displays of festive lights, in a bid to brighten-up town centres. They will be asked paint designs at schools across Rossendale to help attract sponsorship from lighting manufacturers. In a second step to improve
COUNCILLORS granted planning permission for 15 houses to be built in a Rossendale Village. Three detached dwellings at land of Beaufort Road, Weir and a separate plot of land was acquired for construction of 12 detached houses by S B Construction Ltd,
COUNCIL bosses have apologised to grieving relatives after admitting they were wrong to order them to take down ornaments from the graves of loved ones. Rossendale Council staff have written to relatives of the deceased in Haslingden Cemetery to apologise
A 13-YEAR-OLD schoolboy turned music promoter has pulled in his contacts to arrange a charity concert for people in Mozambique. Rossendale's answer to Bob Geldof will stage the 'Punk' event with three local bands at school. And Joe Conboy-Greenwood has
KELLY Llorenna returns to the area this weekend for a couple of pre-Christmas public appearances. The Rochdale-born star, signed to Blackburn's All Around The World Records, has had the best year of her career so far, building up her own name with a Greatest
CINDERS, Buttons and the Ugly Sisters will be out to bring some colour and excitement into the lives of children of all ages from tomorrow when Blackburn's great family pantomime opens for its festive run. Cinderella will take over Blackburn's King George's
A MAN ferociously assaulted on the doorstep of a house was still fighting for life in intensive care today. And detectives were continuing to hunt his attackers following the fight in Flimby Close, off Fishmoor Drive, Blackburn, on Tuesday night. Lee
SHELL-shocked pet shop owners who were victims of a smash-and-grab tortoise theft fear the pets could have been stolen to order for Christmas. The five animals were taken from Aquamania pet store, Kent Street, Blackburn, two weeks ago and despite tip-offs
A MECHANIC was crushed to death between a 26-tonne horse box and steel pillar after he left the vehicle in gear without the handbrake on, an inquest was told. Bernard Terence Meats, 51, of Crediton Close, Ewood, Blackburn, had an horrific catalogue of
CLITHEROE must turn their attentions to another cup competition tomorrow when they face Prescot Cables at home in the Worthington Trophy. But the Blues will be taking this game just as seriously as the FA Vase game a week ago when they secured their passage
JAMES Haydon has vowed to be back in action with the new Foggy Petronas Racing team at the earliest opportunity, despite suffering injuries in a testing accident. Haydon, suffered bruising after a mechanical problem threw him from the new FP1 bike on
RAMSBOTTOM captain Ged Walsh reckons the NWCL first division strugglers are capable of a mid-table finish - and in future years challenge for promotion to the UniBond League. The 34-year-old veteran defender, who has spent the majority of his career playing
ACCRINGTON Stanley look to put Bradford Park Avenue in their shade tomorrow at the Crown Ground. Leaders Stanley take on a Park Avenue side two places behind them in the UniBond Premier Division, but they hold an 11-point advantage on the side from Horsfall
PADIHAM have finally secured the funding they need to upgrade their ground ready for the North West Counties first division. The Storks, who are currently second in the second division and looking good for promotion, are now preparing themselves for a
BURY Hospice would like to thank everyone who supported our ceilidh evening on Nov 29 at St Bernadette's Social Club. Thanks also to the club for their help, Choice Cuts butchers at Sunnybank, the Village Hotel, Prestwich, everyone who donated gifts,
THE debate over the future of residential homes for the elderly has caused a stir on the Letters page in recent weeks, bringing accusations from the Lib-Dems followed by responses and counter-accusations from the Labour party. Opposition parties will
I WRITE regarding the issue of disabled access to Bury Arts and Crafts Centre and the possible threat to its future if the required work can not be carried out. At Bury Town Hall, proposals were put forward to a packed audience, mainly of those whose
JEAN Allison (Your Letters, Nov 26) attempts a feeble and rambling comparison between this Government's management of the economy during a world recession and the dismal failure of the Tories between 1979-1997. With splendid hindsight the Tories "predicted
RADCLIFFE'S proposed multi-million pound high school could be built on the site of the former East Lancashire Paper Mill. Town hall bosses have identified the Cross Lane site as a possible location for the new development. If the plans are approved and
TAKING a detour to beat rush-hour traffic nearly cost a mother-of-two her life. Mrs Moira Dalton cheated death by inches when a 30ft tree toppled onto her car as she drove to work. The 52-year-old pensions officer miraculously escaped with only minor
