THERE has been a lot of criticism of the usefulness of government inspired targets in the NHS. Some have complained that they focus too much attention on hospitals moving patients around to avoid being highlighted at the wrong end of a league table. But
IN an exciting and close LFA Inter League Cup encounter, the U12s Boys Fed team overcame Bury and Radcliffe with a gritty performance and goals by Jackson, Abdullah and Gough, to advance into a semi-final tie away at Barrow in three weeks time. In the
LATEST details U8 Section A: Boothstown Brazilians 5 Westhoughton Jun Stripes 1; Boothstown Jun 1 Horwich St Mary's Tornadoes 1; Eagley Rangers Dream Team 0 Eagley Rangers Nightmares 8; Elton & Walshaw Panthers 1 Ladybridge Lightning 4. U8 Section
LATEST details U8s Section A P W D L F A Pts Eagley Rangers Nightmares... 4 4 0 0 23 3 12 Boothstown Brazilians... 4 4 0 0 19 3 12 Ladybridge Lightning... 4 2 1 1 10 8 7 Jun Stripes... 4 2 1 1 11 11 7 Farnworth Tigers... 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 Bromley Cross Aces
IT is inevitable there will be leaves on the East Lancs railway lines. So reducing the number of station stops will help to keep on time. Pleasington, Cherry Tree and Hapton are all stations that are set in woodland. Huncoat has the same amount of trees
MANY of us will enjoy watching the large number of birds visiting our garden bird feeders. It must then make our hearts sink to learn of wild, exotic birds being snatched from their natural habitat and sold as pets in Britain. Shamefully, the EU is now
DOCTORS throughout East Lancashire today faced a last-minute search to find replacement stocks of flu vaccine after supplies dried up. Surgeries said they didn't know when they would be getting new stocks -- just a day after a North West campaign to promote
Leigh RMI 1 Carlisle United 6 by David Magilton: "NO more Mr Nice Guy", fumed Phil Starbuck after watching his side humiliated by high-flying Carlisle. Neither the manager nor assistant Gary Kelly tasted a 6-1 defeat in their playing careers but the pair
The 53-year-old, whose playing career took him to Wigan, Pretson, York and Rotherham, joined the Ewood staff in 1997. He replaces Simon Smith who left the Magpies coachign set up last month.
BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Barry Ferguson has vowed to score the goals to fire Mark Hughes's side up the Premier League table. The former Rangers star is already the club's joint leading scorer on two following his strike against Aston Villa on Saturday
But Stead is aiming to bounce back BLACKBURN Rovers striker Jonathan Stead has admitted he's going through one of the toughest spells of his short career. The 21-year-old forward, who was a revelation for Rovers in the Premiership last season, has yet
The Glenn Keeley column WHAT a breath of fresh air it was to see Youri Djorkaeff in full flow at Ewood Park on Saturday. As Mark Hughes said before the game, the Frenchman was always going to give Rovers something different and this he did by providing
POLICE are hunting two perverts who flashed themselves to young people, including a brother and sister aged 10 and eight. But today police revealed they are not linking the two incidents, nor are they linking them to a spate of incidents this summer.
AN investigation has been launched after a mental health patient was left waiting on a trolley at a casualty department for more than 12 hours. Bosses at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust today spoke of their concern that unless mental health beds became
DOCTORS throughout East Lancashire today faced a last-minute search to find replacement stocks of flu vaccine after supplies dried up. Surgeries said they didn't know when they would be getting new stocks -- just a day after a North West campaign to promote
A NIGHTCLUBBER'S face was smashed up when he was attacked in an Accrington street in the early hours, a jury was told. Burnley Crown Court heard how Glynn Fort suffered serious injuries to his cheek and jaw and a black eye, allegedly at the hands of Danny
ONE of the country's most successful businessmen praised an Accrington firm at an official ceremony. Lord Kirkham, millionaire founder of the DFS furniture chain, was on hand to unveil North Lancs Training Group's new centre of vocational excellence -
THE first steps towards bringing back A-levels to Hyndburn could be taken this year. For two years. students hoping to study beyond GCSE level have been forced to travel out of the borough, after Accrington and Rossendale College scrapped their A-level
A NEW "super" chamber for Bury firms and others throughout Greater Manchester officially came into being on October 1. Chamber of Commerce Greater Manchester represents 7,000 members and is the largest in the country. It was formed after a merger between
BUSINESSES in Bury and elsewhere in the north west are being urged to conserve energy and cut costs as the price of US crude oil hits an all-time high. The warning has come from Energy 2000 which currently controls the destination of £56 million worth
MAGISTRATES imposed an anti-social behaviour order on a 15-year-old Longridge boy after reading a catalogue of criminality. Police said Steven Crossthwaite was becoming "uncontrollable" as he terrorised ordinary law-abiding people in the Ribble Valley
PRIDE of East Lancashire double award-winning charity Trinity Community Partnership has picked up another accolade in the prestigious UK Charity Awards. The Clitheroe-based charity, which won two awards in last year's Pride awards, which were backed by
A BRITISH Aerospace engineer stole £600 conference phones from his employer then sold them to the highest bidder on internet auction site e-Bay. But his sales were uncovered when investigators successfully bid for one of their own items and it was delivered
BURNLEY goalkeeper Danny Coyne is close to getting the nod to halt England's World Cup charge in its tracks. Sources in Wales have hinted that Coyne could edge out regular number one Paul Jones for this weekend's crucial qualifying match at Old Trafford
THE Magpies splashed their way to a much-needed but well-deserved win over a depleted Clitheroe at Victory Park last night, avenging last month's defeat at Shawbridge. Torrential rain at the start of the second half turned the playing surface into a swamp
Results 12B: Heywood Rangers 0 Chaddy End 7; Forest Wanderers 4 Ladybridge 3. 13A: Avro 3 Rad Boro A 4. 14A: Woodbank Juniors 1 Manchester 4; Westbury Sports 2 Marauders B 2. 14B: Elton Fold A 0 Horwich Colts 2; Horwich Eagles 3 Avro Juniors 5; Elton
BURNLEY goalkeeper Danny Coyne is close to getting the nod to halt England's World Cup charge in its tracks. Sources in Wales have hinted that Coyne could edge out regular number one Paul Jones for this weekend's crucial qualifying match at Old Trafford
RESIDENTS in Darwen are invited to give their views on what activities and projects they would like to see in their neighbourhood through the town's network of community associations. The associations were set up as a way in which the council and other
HORSE rider Felicity Coulthard is hoping local businesses will dig deep and back her dream to reach the 2008 Paralympics. Felicity, 19, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has begun her long haul towards her bid for the games in Beijing. But she needs sponsors
CUSTOMERS contacting a Darwen firm are getting the best service available - that's official. Staff at Capita's TV Licensing department centre at India Mill have won the prestigious National Customer Service Award for Customer Service Training Team of
A CUT-PRICE package to help improve the energy efficiency is being offered to people in Rossendale. Viscount Insulations - in conjunction with Rossendale Borough Council - is offering an energy efficiency initiative with discounted prices on loft and
A POLICE inspector who was at the scene during a fire service water rescue attempt told a court he had been concerned that the rescue had been going on too long, minutes before it went tragically wrong. Inspector Keith Metcalfe was controlling the police
TEACHING unions today claimed staff at Queen's Park Technology College were told their jobs would be safe less than a week ago. Union representatives hit out at the 'cloak and dagger' way Blackburn with Darwen Council broke the news to staff late on Monday
THE chairman of governors at Blackburn's troubled Queen's Park Technology College sent a clear message to parents today: "Trust us and be patient." Peter Dawson admitted continued efforts by the local education authority and school had not been successful
This really is a load of cobbles I'VE been writing a comedy script in a bid to break out of the rat race. It's about a load of Portuguese workmen who are brought over to England to fit traditional cobbled stones in a Lancashire street. It's a bit of a
Learn how to care for children with disabilities AN evening to raise awareness of the placements and short breaks carers provide to children and young people with disabilities is to be held tonight . The event organised by Lancashire Social Services,
Mill is swan to watch PEOPLE all over Lancashire know about Oswaldtwistle Mills with its sales outlets, cafs and its time tunnel history of the textile industry. James Hargreaves started it all and the family still run the mill. Who, however, would think
I AM writing to praise the staff and doctors at Blackburn Royal Infirmary A&E. On Sunday morning, September 26, I attended Mass at my local church where I developed chest pains and almost passed out. I was advised to have a check-up at Blackburn Royal
I HAVE been asked by some of my wheelchair user friends to write representing their points of view. One of their pet hates is dropped kerbs. Great for access to pavement or road IF there is no obstruction such as unthinking car drivers who blatantly park
DETECTIVES are hunting two armed raiders who escaped with cash from a post office in Leigh. Two masked men burst into the Plank Lane Post Office on Firs Lane on Monday, just before 11am. The pair forced their way behind the shop counter and one man held
DOCTORS throughout East Lancashire today faced a last-minute search to find replacement stocks of flu vaccine after supplies dried up. Surgeries said they didn't know when they would be getting new stocks -- just a day after a North West campaign to promote
CLARETS legend Andy Lochhead today recalled his memories of the 1969 FA Cup Final, just days after thieves stole his medal in a raid on his house. The striker, who made his debut for Burnley against Manchester City in 1960, was playing against the same
FIREFIGHTERS came under attack by yobs throwing stones in Burnley last night. Thugs pelted crews with rocks as they arrived at an arson blaze on land in Coalclough Lane at 9.15pm. No one was hurt but firefighters had to call for police assistance. A group
AN 83-year-old widower walking his dog was knocked down by a driver - who then picked him up and put him on the pavement, an inquest heard. Parker Ince was with his pet Max in Dryden Street on January 6 this year when he was run over by Robert Healey.
PEOPLE living in Nelson can find out more about a new study looking at regenerating the area. The Prince's Foundation - a charity promoting good urban design and architecture - will be looking at how to improve Whitefield and Nelson town centre. The Foundation
PEOPLE living in two Brierfield streets said today that they still do not know why their homes are set to be bulldozed. Residents have met councillors to find out why Claremont Street and Berkeley Street have been chosen for demolition under a housing
A PUBLIC inquiry into plans to build 68 homes on a disused sports ground in Reedley began today. Pendle Borough Council gave the go-ahead to the scheme for Lucas Sports Centre, Colne Road, last December but because the site is "green field" land, Lancashire
POPULAR Barnoldswick butcher Harry Purcell hung up his apron after 40 years of service. Mr Purcell decided to call it a day after suffering two heart attacks. He took early retirement and vowed to spend more time with his wife and look after his health
AN Accrington woman was reunited with her long-lost brother she had not seen for 40 years. Ethel Watson-Park nearly collapsed with shock when brother Kenneth Spencer turned up on her doorstep and revealed he had been living only seven miles away in Darwen
A LORRY which skidded across a Burnley road, hitting a motorcyclist and crashing into a house, amazingly did not injure anybody. Only driver's mate Joseph Taylor, 53, suffered slight bruising to the leg after the lorry hit a greasy patch of road and skidded
SHOPPERS will be quizzed about their drugs knowledge as part of a research programme. The Blueprint roadshow will be visiting the Hyndburn Road ASDA store in Accrington, as part of the drug education research project that is involving schools in East
A TRAINING course on the procedures for debt recovery through the county courts is being held in Manchester's Novotel on Wednesday, October 13. The event is being organised by Benchmark Business Training and the course is presented by Mike Barry, a Fellow
UNITED Utilities has won a gold award for health and safety across all of its UK and international operations. The award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) was given in recognition of the multi-utility's outstanding health
RAMSBOTTOM man James Schofield, has been appointed service manager for Blue Bell BMW in Wilmslow after five years based on Bermuda. James (28), went out to help establish a BMW aftersales operation on the island in 1998 -- and stayed. He said: "Friends
A NEW survey has found that one in four independent retailers in the north west is considering closing their shop as a result of the effect that tobacco smuggling is having on their business. The survey by the Tobacco Alliance, which represents 19,000
DETECTIVES are offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a gang who attacked police officers and hijacked an elderly woman in a van. Anna Hughes, aged 82, was driven away by the masked attackers after they dragged
ENGLAND'S Rugby World Cup hero Will Greenwood today opened his heart over how his life fell to pieces after the loss of his baby son. The 31-year-old, originally from Hurst Green and a former pupil of Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley, said he and
PADIHAM went nine points clear at the top of the Moore and Co Solicitors North West Counties Football League Second Division table last night when they beat Blackpool Mechanics 2-1 at a windswept Common Edge ground to complete a double over the Fylde
PHIL Power will make a return to the non-league scene with BACUP BOROUGH tonight. Manager Brent Peters has signed the veteran striker, who played in the Football League for Crewe and Macclesfield Town. Work commitments have limited the 37-year-old's senior
BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Barry Ferguson has vowed to score the goals to fire Mark Hughes's side up the Premier League table. The former Rangers star is already the club's joint leading scorer on two following his strike against Aston Villa on Saturday
RAMSBOTTOM residents are invited to the first ever Annual Tenants' Conference to be staged staged next month. Bury Council is to hold the conference on November 2, at the Village Hotel, Bury, in a bid to give some of its 9,000 tenants the opportunity
A MAN has died following an alleged "vicious fight" with fellow holidaymakers in Tenerife. Stephen Howard Bennett, 51, of Rawtenstall, died in hospital after getting involved in a fight with two men, believed to be from Birmingham and Barrow-in-Furness
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build three apartment blocks in Rawtenstall are set to go ahead despite residents' objections. Councillors have been advised by council planners to give the go-ahead to the three-storey blocks - which will comprise a total of 34
PRESTWICH NHS Walk-in Centre will be open for the town's walking wounded from Monday, October 11. Located next to Prestwich Health Centre in Fairfax Road, the centre will provide instant access to an NHS nurse for advice and treatment for a wide range
COUPLES missing out on marriage-saving sex therapy sessions have overcome their shyness to talk about what goes on in the bedroom - thanks to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. At the end of June, Relate Lancashire said they were considering transferring
A TEENAGER told a murder trial jury that he saw his friend 'flip' and smash another man's skull in with a TV stand. Karim Bahm, 17, said he was frozen in shock as he watched Damien Fiocca, 19, of Whitendale Crescent, Blackburn, assault Andrew Rawes. After
DOCTORS throughout East Lancashire today faced a last-minute search to find replacement stocks of flu vaccine after supplies dried up. Surgeries said they didn't know when they would be getting new stocks -- just a day after a North West campaign to promote
PERHAPS it was fitting that devastated Accrington boss John Coleman reflected on another shambolic defeat by likening his defence to the Keystone Cops. Because right now, the alarm bells are truly ringing as a full-scale emergency rips through the Reds
A POLICE inspector who was at the scene during a fire service water rescue attempt told a court he had been concerned that the rescue had been going on too long - just minutes before it went tragically wrong. Inspector Keith Metcalfe was controlling the
