THREE Lytham schoolgirls have talked their way into a top award in a regional competition. Merita Crookenden, Alison Barratt and Theresa Coles have won first prize in the North Lancashire Speaking Competition run by the Rotary Club this month. The girls
FORMER pupils from King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham are to have their own Midsummer Night's Dream this month, when the school holds a summer reunion outside a top London attraction. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, on the South Bank, will be
A BLACKPOOL headteacher is celebrating his 35th birthday this month, only one day after he toasts his school for being ten times as old! Graeme Dow, headteacher of Bispham Endowed CE Junior School, has organised a week-long programme of events to raise
BURY FC soccer chiefs are stepping up their campaign to recruit more Asian supporters. Muslim religious leaders drawn from the local mosques met Shakers chairman Terry Robinson during a summit at Gigg Lane last Friday. Mr Liaqat Ali, chairman of the Islamic
SWINTON LIONS go into tonight's home-but-away game against Whitehaven Warriors without goalkicking half back Ian Watson. "Watto" has been handed a two-match ban by the RL's disciplinary beaks and sits out tonight's match at Orrell RUFC's ground near Wigan
NAMELESS: Local MP Frank White gave his support to residents who protested about their street's poor lighting, crumbling road surface and non-existent name-plate. The street sign disappeared along with the house it was attached to when demolition men
FULL marks to Councillor Dave Smith, of Darwen, pictured twice in a week (LET, May 24 and 25) -- once with destroyed trees and again with piles of rubbish dumped on spare ground. In the past couple of weeks we have had three trees (only recently planted
MAY I thank Ron O'Keeffe for his remarks (Letters, May 31) in which he castigates me personally and extols the virtues of Jack Straw? His letter brought instant response on the night from three former Labour supporters (including one of 50 years), giving
I READ with some disbelief the comments of Ron O'Keeffe (Letters, May 31) concerning Jack Straw. Mr O'Keeffe states that Mr Straw has been the best Home Secretary for more than a decade. Where has he been living? Like Alice -- in Wonderland? When Jack
WE would like to express our most sincere thanks to everyone who so kindly sponsored our friend Adrian Fearnley in the London Marathon. The total raised was £2,000 for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, a registered charity which relies on donations
A RETIRED businessman was found dead after the motorised mobility buggy he was driving fell from a bridge into a pond in his garden. Roland Halstead, 86, of Foulridge, was discovered by his gardener at 9.25am yesterday. Police said there were no suspicious
MEMBERS of Bury Hospice are dancing with delight after being presented with a cheque for £400. The money comes from proceeds of a line dance, attended by more than 100 people, which was organised by Councillor Dot Cassidy at Bury Town Hall's Elizabethan
A BODY pulled from the River Irwell at Ramsbottom on Sunday afternoon (June 4) has been identified as Bacup man Derek Butler. The 29-year-old had been reported missing by his family earlier that day. Fishermen discovered his body hours later snagged to
UNDREDS of young people marched through Ramsbottom for the "Millennium Parade" of the Scout and Guide Association. Around 350 members, from 30 groups, took part in the service and parade. They were joined by Bury North MP David Chaytor and local councillor
BURY'S Sandcastle Trust is on the crest of a wave after receiving their latest lottery cash boost. The mayor and mayoress, Coun Bill Johnson and his wife Joyce, were on hand to present the trust with a cheque for £13,527 on behalf of the lottery. The
A TERRIFIED 34-year-old woman was confronted by a masked armed man in the driveway of her home. She was parking her Subaru car at the house in Old Hall Road, Whitefield when she saw the masked man, armed with a monkey wrench. He demanded the woman hand
PATIENTS have been promised NHS improvements as an extra £10 million is given to local hospitals. More services, shorter waiting times and more help for the elderly are on the way for all parts of the borough. Bury Health Care NHS Trust is about to receive
GENERATIONS of rose queens will gather in Bury this month for a special reunion. It is being staged by Christ Church Walmersley to mark the end of an historic tradition. In 1930, Miss Vera Whitworth was crowned as the church's first rose queen. Since
DEREK Fazackerley today backed Alan Shearer to fire the goals to lead England to Euro 2000 glory. The former Blackburn Rovers defender (pictured) has joined the debate over the nation's underfire skipper as Kevin Keegan's men make their final preparations
BLACKBURN Rovers are prepared to let Scottish international midfielder Billy McKinlay leave Ewood Park this summer. Manager Graeme Souness has informed the board that the 31-year-old does not figure in his long-term plans. And the club are now ready to
MINE is a true story which I have waited to tell for over half a century. I won't need to remind the older male generation of St Helens that to be employed underground, as a coal miner, in those now far-off days one had to be prepared to do a hard day's
MY name is Maggie and I live in Haydock and I have cancer. During the month of May I have been making a journey through Haydock calling at small and large businesses asking them if they would kindly donate a gift, or gifts for the Cancer Day Unit at Whiston
THIS will cause a stir amongst Saints supporters, but I am quite amazed how our council have decided to invest between £5 million and £6 million of local people's money in building the new, rinky-dinky, state-of-the-art stadium. Firstly, one would need
VISIONARY county council chiefs have set themselves eleven goals to propel Lancashire into the 21st Century. County officers say the objectives presented in "A Vision for the 21st Century" -- their Local Agenda 21 strategy -- will help create a more secure
THE fate of a proposed taxi firm, run exclusively by and for women, lies in the hands of Preston Council's planning committee after plans came under fire from a group of residents. Sandra Chester, secretary of Preston Hackney Carriage Association, is
THE fate of a proposed taxi firm run exclusively by and for women lies in the hands of Preston Council's planning committee this month after plans came under fire from a number of residents. Sandra Chester, secretary of Preston Hackney Carriage Association
A PRESTON travel firm is turning back the clock to the days of the steam-hauled excursion train. On July 22 the 11-coach Fishwick Fellsman will roll into Preston Station to pick up passengers for a round trip to Carlisle and hauling the train will be
SOUTH Ribble Borough Council's new mayoress is just starting to settle into her new role, but she told The Citizen that years ago she handled an altogether different one - a roll of wallpaper! Margaret Davies, wife of mayor Graham Davies, spoke about
ONE of the youngest councillors in Preston is planning to set up a special youth group to try to get more youngsters involved in local politics. Liberal Democrat Coun Alan Valentine, from Riversway ward, wants to set up a young people's council with the
A PRESTON North End fan who 'glassed' another man in a Merseyside pub following the club's FA Cup tie with Everton, has been banned from all football matches for two years. Liverpool Crown Court heard that Roger Waddington brought a pint glass down on
CARNFORTH'S troubled Leighton Hall stately home has been given a boost after a glowing report from English Heritage. The hall, formerly the home of the Gillow furniture making family, faced a cash crisis after Government inspectors blocked plans for a
A DELEGATE at the Women's Institute national conference has criticised the 'bad manners' of colleagues for heckling Prime Minister Tony Blair. Although Anne Atkinson, former president of Simonstone and Read WI, agreed with criticism that Mr Blair's speech
THE City Council needs to find another £41,000 to have enough in the kitty to start work on a new bus station for Lancaster. Special meetings have been organised to identify cost savings and find the extra funds needed for the project. Councillors have
COUNCILLORS are growing increasingly concerned about the development of the disused Kingsway site in the city, The Citizen can exclusively reveal. The authority has until July to commit itself to plans proposed by London-based developers, Chelverton Properties
TWO schoolgirls are back home after a national hunt which ended in a 110mph car chase. Citizen paper girl Lindsey Whaymen, from Heysham and her best friend Linzi Clarkin, from Morecambe, both 14, were found by police last Friday. Family and friends had
A VERDICT of death by misadventure has been recorded after a university student was killed in an early morning bus crash at Lancaster last October. James Christopher Raw, 19, of Neves Hill, Burley Road, Menston, near Ilkley was only weeks into his combined
AFTER the narrow defeat at Bradford Saints' coach Ian Millward is expected to name the same squad for the trip to Wakefield on Sunday, kick-off 3.30pm. But he's not much choice. Because Keiron Cunningham, Tommy Martyn, Vila Matautia, Freddie Tuilagi and
A FOURTH-WICKET partnership of 123 between Alan Richardson and professional Stephen John put Leyland DAF into a strong position in their Northern League clash with visitors Fleetwood -- but soon after their run-spree the rains cam and their efforts proved
ENGLAND World Cup soccer hero Nobby Stiles will be guest speaker when Saints hold their next First Friday Club dinner at the St. Helens Hilton on July 7. Details from Helen Lawrenson on 23697.
HAYDOCK'S Kevin Thompson has been named the North West Counties League coach of the year. Kevin guided the club to the Premier League championship after a nail-biting play-off against neighbours Thatto Heath Crusaders.
THATTO Heath will join neighbours Blackbrook in the National Conference League next season. Their application was given the green light at the league's annual meeting on Monday. It follows Heath's successful season in the North West Counties League when
A RETIRED businessman was found dead after the motorised mobility buggy he was driving fell from a bridge into a pond in his garden. Roland Halstead, 86, of Foulridge, was discovered by his gardener at 9.25am yesterday. Police said there were no suspicious
MY old chum Duggie Greenall brought up the subject. "Where have all the town-centre characters gone?" asked the old Saints warhorse who himself was a somewhat larger-than-life figure during his illustrious days at Knowsley Road. (Remember his Al Jolson-inspired
POLICE chiefs have revealed their delight at the fall in recorded crime in Lancashire last year. Recorded crime fell by almost eight per cent and nuisance and disorder by almost nine, smashing Lancashire Constabulary's targets. Dr Ruth Henig, chair of
A GIRLHOOD friendship has been renewed after a space of more than 40 years -- and I'm flattered to learn that it's all down to the pulling power of this ancient column. Barbara Wilson and June Deane played happily together as kids, and remained close
EMPLOYEES from BNFL Springfields site in Salwick have given a helping hand to families of leukaemia sufferers at Manchester's Christie Hospital. The Springfields employees medical research and charity trust fund has donated kitchen equipment and furniture
PRESTON will host one of the most colourful civic processions of the year on Sunday when the new mayor and mayoress enjoy their first official date. Led by the Lancastrian Brigade Band and Corps of Drums, who have just returned from the Dunkirk remembrance
ADVENTUROUS volunteers in Preston are needed to take part in a novel fund-raising event. Corporate teams who think they are up for a challenge are being invited to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise funds for The National Deaf Children's Society
PRESTON cyclist Steve Woods got more than he bargained for when he told Halfords he was cycling through Kenya for charity. For kind-hearted store bosses handed him a £500 bike, all the gear to go with it -- and a 24-hour helpline for any problems he encounters
LANCASHIRE County Council and Lancashire Constabulary have launched a joint summer drink-drive campaign called "Together We Can Make a Difference." The campaign urges organisations to sign up to the campaign and do their bit to discourage drink driving
FRESH industrial action by Stagecoach Ribble bus drivers is on the cards in the next few days after the latest pay talks broke down. Stagecoach bosses confirmed that drivers plan to strike this Saturday and Monday. The latest walk-outs follow three one-day
SPECULATION is growing as to the real reason for a meeting of around 10,000 staff from BAE Systems' two main sites near Preston. Workers believe there could be more job cuts, after bosses invited to staff to an off-site meeting next week. Around 900 jobs
LANCASHIRE emergency services have joined forces with local quarry operators in a vital child safety campaign. The Quarry Products Association's Play Safe...Stay Safe initiative will warn children of the dangers that face them if they trespass into quarries
PRESTON College has come to the rescue of the Pukar disability resource centre, left without facilities following a recent break-in. The College has donated six computers to the centre to replace those stolen -- and has promised more hardware and teaching
AMBULANCE unions claimed that patients could be left in agony while paramedics stood by because of an experiment to see if Lancashire could cope with emergency-only ambulances. Back-up crews responding to 999 calls were told not to take people to hospital
A £250,000 bid to help keep the Lancashire Police helicopter in the air was shot down by the Government. The force had wanted to borrow the cash to buy new ground control equipment as well as hangar and office accommodation. But the Home Office said forces
RISING star Martin Lambert is planning to set up a Roy Orbison tribute band after winning The Journal/Hippodrome Stars in Their Eyes grand final. Martin, 31 from Newton Road Lowton, has been in touch with a working band who are interested in the proposal
MENTAL health services in Leigh have been given a boost. A new Wigan and Leigh Mental Health Directory, providing information on national and regional services for people with mental problems, was launched this week. The new booklet will help people who
STUNNED workers wept as bosses at one of East Lancashire's biggest factories announced it is to close with the loss of 550 jobs. The decision by Leoni to shut the former Lucas Rists site is the latest announcement in a disastrous week which has already
A POLICE clampdown on drug dealers and burglars has snared more than 40 suspected criminals. The huge haul followed a month-long police operation - codenamed Hurling - in the Shakerley and Tyldesley areas, after police chiefs, had identifed a surge in
A FATHER of three died after taking four times the fatal dose of anti-depressant tablets, a inquest heard. Anthony Dooley, 45, had taken an overdose of amitriptyline as well as a number of other anti-depressants which had caused him to collapse on his
ByBrian Gomm TWO Atherton super babies scooped the Journal's Child of the Millennium titles. Readers selected 13-months-old Ellie-Jay Hurst tops in the under two section and Jaydi Battersby the star of the two and over group. Both beat-off tough competition
ASTLEY's distinctive lattice pit headgear used to be just one of many dotted around JOURNAL-land. Now it is unique in the gritty bit of the north west known as the Lancashire Coalfield - the last striking reminder of why a good percentage of people reading
A FYLDE woman who had the controversial soya bean oil breast implants five years ago told yesterday (June 7) of her agony at discovering that she and her small daughter may be at a higher risk of contracting cancer. Heidi Weber, 34, of St Annes, spoke
I WRITE in reference to your front page article of Thursday, May 25 concerning the bus station. What appals me most is that we have such a body administering our local affairs. Surely, the alternatives must or ought to have been considered before coming
KING Edward and Queen Mary School's under 12s cricket team has shown promise and determination in their first season of competitive spirit. Under the captaincy of James Atherton, the side has acheived notable wins in close finishes over Cheadle Hulme
BLACKPOOL were well poised in their Bay 96.9 Northern Premier League clash against Darwen at Stanley Park on Saturday (June 4). Darwen had been reduced to a measly 60-6 when the rain that had been threatening for the two hour duration of the innings came
MORECAMBE'S troubled annual carnival could be ruined by council red tape. Carnival chiefs say the August charity festival, which has been running for almost a century, could be crippled by new restrictions. They have been told: Hot food retailers and
NEW environmental legislation came under the spotlight at a special seminar in Bury. And four representatives from the Environment Agency were the guest speakers at the event, hosted by Bury's Business Environment Association (BEA). Topics which came
A PHYSIOTHERAPIST will be putting her back into an innovative project to make sure vulnerable workers throughout Bury take the strain off theirs! Miss Beth Hallows has been appointed by Bury Business Environment Association (BEA) to spearhead a year-long
FYLDE people looking for a new hobby are being invited to join the Hi-Life Diners Club, which encourages members to spend their time eating and discovering new taste sensations from around the world. The North West-based club has a directory of nearly
FOLLOWING last weeks article about a special family reunion for people with the surnames Tuson or Desoer, organiser Kathleen Hargreaves has revealed what a great response she has had to the appeal. But we would like to inform readers that the reunion,
HOW does your garden grow? was the question on everyone's lips last week, when Leyland hosted a green fund-raising event. Ten local people revealed the secrets behind their growing skills to the public to help raise cash for renovation work at St Andrew's
LAST week's article about a special family reunion for people with the surnames Tuson or Desoer proved to be a huge success for organiser Kathleen Hargreaves. Hundreds of people turned up to the long lost family event at the Bay Horse Hotel, in Preston
RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has launched a scathing attack on the way Labour has run the country since the general election. He said: "Most people have now seen through New Labour and their gimmicks and they will certainly see through any other attempts
LANCASHIRE emergency services have joined forces with local quarry operators in a vital child safety campaign. The Quarry Products Association's Play Safe...Stay Safe initiative will warn children of the dangers that face them if they trespass into quarries
VISIONARY county council chiefs have set themselves eleven goals to propel Lancashire into the 21st Century. County officers say the objectives presented in "A Vision for the 21st Century" -- their Local Agenda 21 strategy -- will help create a more secure
ANIMAL lovers in Preston will be pleased to hear that Lancashire Constabulary has put animal welfare high on its agenda. The constabulary's dog training centre was given the all clear to take rescue dogs donated by the National Canine Defence League after
POLICE investigating the murder of Blackpool man Wayne Joseph Evans arrested a man in Yorkshire last night (Monday). A team of officers from Blackpool working with West Yorkshire police arrested a 36-year-old man after the recovery of a burnt out vehicle
CLASSIC cars will be winding their way through Lancashire this weekend in a huge city-to-seaside procession. More than 100 veteran, vintage and classic cars will be making the momentous journey on Sunday (June 11) for the 38th Manchester to Blackpool
CHILDREN with life-threatening illnesses recently had their wishes granted with a top day out in Blackpool. Youngsters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, nominated charity of the International Year of the Carousel, were treated to their wish -- a day out
MORECAMBE motorcycle ace John McGuinness grabbed his second Isle of Man TT victory on Wednesday - and immediately dedicated his win to a friend who died in the previous year's festival. McGuinness took first place in the singles TT race, riding a Chrysalis
THE PATIENT waiting list at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has fallen by nearly one thousand since January -- one of the largest reductions of any NHS Trust in the North West. The hospital narrowly beat its yearly target for waiting lists which stood at
A BRAND new purpose built conference centre is at the heart of an ambitious multi-million pound plan to revitalise Blackpool's tourism industry. The £93 million plan, co-ordinated by Blackpool Challenge Partnership, involves developing new conference
IS there such a thing as an Ideal Husband? And if so who better to play the part than Barbara Cartland's perfect man Marcus Gilbert? But the dashing star of romances such as Hazard of Hearts, Jilly Cooper's Riders and, surprisingly, Sylvester Stallone's
LYTHAM'S community got together to make a wish for the future last Saturday (June 4) -- and they got one granted earlier than expected. Lancashire County Council Youth and Community Service helped organise a "wish list day" on Saltcotes estate, Lytham
ACTRESS Prunella Scales has joined the campaign to stop the Lancaster Western Bypass. The Fawlty Towers star, who is President of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, attacked the planned £55 million road. She said: "It's difficult to see
GOING out on the pull helped to raise £1,500 for blind welfare last Sunday. Nine teams joined the Preston & North Lancashire Blind Welfare Society's tractor pull at Halton Army Camp. Development worker Tony Kempton said: "Nine teams arrived at Halton
ONE weekend in the nation's capital and I reckon I've got the great North-South divide debate sussed. Well, what do you expect? I'm from the North, me, and it doesn't take a genius to work out the Holy Grail, the knowledge, the secret that lies behind
LEIGH East Tigers were edged out 18-16 by Wigan St Pat's Under 10s. The Tigers were in front twice with Ben Taylor and Karl Morris working hard in defence. They managed to keep St Pat's out until the conditions helped by holding the ball up in a puddle
A NEW Millennium and a brand new challenge for Leigh Athletic FC. After 40 years in the Lancashire Amateur League the Madeley Park outfit has taken the ambitious step of moving into the Manchester League. Allied to significant summer changes behind the
A BURY Council water tanker driver is quenching his thirst for adventure with the "charity cycle ride of a lifetime". Tony Walker is embarking on an epic 480-kilometre journey along the Great Wall of China, with all the funds he raises going to Mencap
A WOMAN who doctors predicted would never be able to walk or talk is to take part in a sponsored tandem paraglide. Bury's Woman of the Year, Mrs Judith Taylor, (53) of Kenmore Avenue, Elton, Bury, is a spastic diaplegic and is disabled and walks with
THE local health authority has come second bottom in a national league for needless hospital admissions and deaths. The shock findings emerged in a report, drawn up by a Sunday newspaper, using figures compiled by the Government. In a total of six categories
THE Ian Wright saga took yet another twist today when his agent said the quit claims were true. Despite suggestions from Burnley chairman Barry Kilby and his former Crystal Palace colleague Mark Bright that the former Arsenal and England striker might
BLACKPOOL boss Steve McMahon is being linked to a move for Wimbledon misfit Carl Leaburn (pictured). Leaburn is a tall striker, who has only scored five goals for the Dons since his arrival. A Wimbledon spokesman said: "We aren't aware of any official
FEARS are growing that Sean Gregan, Preston's sensational skipper, may not be fit for the start of the season. Sources within Deepdale say there are growing concerns that Gregan, one of the most influential and admired players at North End, will not have
GORGEOUS Louise Glover (pictured) is celebrating after winning a place in the regional finals of Miss Great Britain, which will take place in November this year. The 17-year-old was one of only 20 girls from the North West chosen from among more than
CYCLISTS from St Helens and Knowsley will help make cycling history on Wednesday, June 21 with the launch of the link of a national cycle network. They are among thousands of cyclists riding routes all over the country, which when placed together, form
BIG Kevin Francis could be set to team-up with former team-mate Andy Preece in the next few weeks. The giant striker - six foot seven inches in his stockinged feet - is hoping to train with the Shakers after being released by Stockport County at the end
TWO vets are preparing for the daredevil experience of a lifetime. They're off white water rafting down the Zambezi. And it's all in aid of charity. The plucky pair, Martha Jolly (27) and 29-year-old Rachel Taylor (29) have been based at Rutland House
ALLANSON Street Primary School has reason to be proud this week after 11-year-old Laura Wilson became the second pupil from the Parr school to receive the Young Citizen of the Year Award. Laura, from Seath Avenue, Parr, received the accolade, which is
RAINHILL High School is gearing up for its annual Summer Fayre and Festival of Transport on July 1. The festival was started seven years ago by geography and environmental studies teacher Mel Neale with the help of then-pupil, Damien Lawton, who both
STAFF and pupils at Whiston Willis Primary School have been inundated with offers of help following a break-in by thieves who stole the bench which formed the centrepiece of a special garden tribute to local people who died in the second world war. The
PILKS boss Sir Nigel Rudd is claiming that the restructuring of the last three years is now having a positive impact on the St Helens-based company's profits. And Pilkington results for the year reveal that profits (before exceptional items and taxation
A SHOP-to-shop community radio system to combat crime has been given a new lease of life by police public inquiry assistant Lisa Bell. The system was introduced into shops in Bacup in 1997 but had fallen into disuse. Lisa, 26, has worked in the police
Jennifer Brookes is the new Rose Queen at St. Paul's Church, Westleigh. She was crowned by Barbara Catterall a former teacher at the school. (H2308/18)
MY husband and I are in our early 60s and we only have a small pension to live on until my husband reaches 65. As a birthday treat we booked to see The Mikado, at the Charter Theatre. The tickets cost £17.50 each. When we arrived for the show the theatre
HOW very kind of PNE Disabled Supporters Association to sort out transport for disabled fans (Citizen, June 1). Not exactly practical; if they can't get in the grounds when they arrive at an 'away' fixture, if the grounds aren't wheelchair accessible.
BLACKPOOL Council was thrown into turmoil this week following the shock resignation of Ivan Taylor as leader. Coun Taylor, who has been council leader since 1991, announced his resignation on Monday (June 5), saying he wanted to devote more time to "family
HOME is where the heart is for Blackpool old boy John Inman. A household name for his role as Mr Humphries with THAT famous phrase in the TV sitcom Are You Being Served?, John, pictured here, is delighted to be back in the town where he went to school
IT'S a case of "Vive la difference!" for this week's Little Champions who are putting their best feet forward for a unique show in aid of the Macmillan Windmill Appeal. Boys and girls, pictured here in full costume, are to join older members of The Chaddeans
NOSTALGIA comes steaming back to Blackpool North Station on two Saturdays next month. Memories of the heyday of the seaside excursion trains will be revived on July 29 when the former Southern Railway Merchant Navy Class steam locomotive Canadian Pacific
THEY Think It's All Open ..... It is now! Jonathan Ross, motor-mouthed star of BBC's top comedy sports quiz and famed for pronouncing his Rs like Ws, will be cutting the ribbon on the Pleasure Beach's latest multi-million pound thrill-ride Valhalla. The
THEATRE lovers across the Fylde coast have shown just how close Blackpool Grand is to their hearts with an impressive start to the Glorious Grand Appeal. £72,500 has already been collected for the £250,000 needed for the interior refurbishment programme
FULWOOD Hall Hospital, in Preston, has been identified as one of the medical centres where women have received breast implants which could cause cancer or damage to unborn children. Around 5,000 women from across the UK have been advised to have controversial
ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman has laid the foundations for his side's promotion push by snapping up Morecambe midfielder Paul Burns on a Bosman-style free. As we exclusively revealed three months ago, Stanley old-boy Burns was top of Coleman's
LANCASHIRE are heading for a Roses summit meeting with Yorkshire in the First Division of the County Championship. John Crawley's team crushed Hampshire for their third win in six matches at Liverpool yesterday to go back to the top of the table. They
EARLESTOWN angler Gary Whalley is out to net the biggest prize of his life. He's off to Denmark next week to compete in the final of the Embassy Challenge - the world's leading pairs event. Gary, aged 33, from Market Street, is teaming up with Jimmy HInes
ST HELENS Council's sports development team is looking for girl footballers to represent the town team at the Merseyside Youth Games. Littlewoods Merseyside Youth games football tournament trials are being run at Selwyn Jones Sports Centre on Wednesday
THE Government is to give a disruptive pupil allowance to every school thus afflicted, although it has not been made clear just how throwing money at this problem will serve to cure it. No doubt the troublemakers will be sent on "adventure holidays" which
WITH regard to your article in The Citizen (June 1), yes the NHS could be a lot better if they would stop wasting money -- eg "we'll shut that unit, build a new one somewhere else and it'll only cost a couple of million." Why shut down something when
THREE years into a Labour administration, Britain's small businesses are crying out for help. The British Chamber of Commerce has calculated that increased regulation since May 1997 has cost firms more than £10bn. Just like all previous Labour Goverments
I AM trying to trace a number of members of my family and in particular Brenda Greatbach, who is aged 65 and, I am told, lives in Blackpool. I know that when she was young she lived in Montgomery Terrace Road, Sheffield, with her parents Richard and Mary
ALMOST £7,000 is up for grabs in one of the country's biggest crown green bowling competitions. It's the Hamlet Championship, staged in association with Scottish and Newcastle, at the Carr Mill Hotel. And the winner will walk away with a cool £2,000.
KEN Hudson proved he is undisputed number one golfer at Grange Park, when he hit a new course record 66 gross to win the Ex-Captain's Clock. As a result his handicap has now been reduced to 0.4 making him the only amateur in the club to play off scratch
PRESTON North End bosses are to hold a meeting at Deepdale giving supporters a chance to ask questions about the recently announced share issue. Members of the board of directors and manager David Moyes will be on hand to answer any queries on the share
STUBBORN Brett Angell's options seem to be more limited than ever now after Brentford pulled out of the race for his signature. As The Citizen revealed last month, Angell has turned down a one-year deal at North End in the hope that he can persuade boss
NORTH End manager David Moyes has pledged his future to the club following speculation over the latest moves in the managerial merry-go-round. Moyes was linked with the Sheffield Wednesday job, and was thought to be second choice after ex-Wimbledon supremo
IF Tom Tomlinson dies intestate (without a will or a surviving relative) any estate he leaves behind will be taken by the Duchy of Lancaster. So if he wants to keep his head in the Greater Manchester clouds, I hope he understands that when it comes down
ON Monday, May 29, I was appalled by the organisation of the Manchester and Bury transport companies. That night there was a large street festival in Manchester which well over 3,000 people attended. There was also a Steps concert and a concert at Manchester
WHEN the women from Dunblane visited America recently in support of tighter gun controls, they no doubt quoted some facts and figures to support their arguments. However, I suspect that one set of figures were not given. So I will give you them now. Despite
POLICE closed the Liverpool and Manchester bound carriageways of the East Lancashire Road shortly after 1.30pm on Tuesday afternoon after a man fell to his death from Windle Hall Bridge. The man, who was in his 50s, is believed to be from Essex. The East
WARGRAVE House school in Newton-le-Willows is running a special programme for parents of pre-school children recently diagnosed as autistic to help them to understand and manage their child's behaviour. The National Autistic Society (NAS) EarlyBird Programme
ABOUT 40 butchers in St Helens will need to be licensed from November 1. The licences are being introduced nationwide following the fatal outbreak of food poisoning in Scotland and result from a public inquiry. Local butchers are being advised to apply
ST HELENS Business Club, made up of members of St Helens Chamber, is calling on local companies and organisations to enter teams for a charity hike in the Yorkshire Dales to raise money for The Meningitis Trust and the Mayor of St Helens' annual charity
DOG owner Karen Jones is celebrating after one of her pets achieved another success at a major show. Karen's eight-month-old Japanese Shiba Inu, Murphy earned a place in the record books by winning the dog championship ticket at the Bath Championship
A FOURTH-WICKET partnership of 123 between Alan Richardson and professional Stephen John put Leyland DAF into a strong position in their Northern League clash with visitors Fleetwood -- but soon after their run-spree the rains cam and their efforts proved
A BABY owl caused a real hoot among spectators at the Saints Academy game against Salford at Knowsley Road. The young bird was disturbed by a goal-kick which sailed onto the roof of the Edington stand. Luckily, as our picture shows, it landed safely in
ST HELENS Council's Library Service will be putting the spotlight on the service provided for children during the next two weeks. Young people and parents and carers will be asked what they think of the service as part of a national initiative, Kidsplus
PAUL Terzis will know on Tuesday how many of his five transfer targets will be joining the Centurions' push for Super League. The Hilton Park boss has guaranteed that at least two new faces will be on board before next week's transfer deadline. "We're
HOUSEBUILDERS have re-submitted controversial plans to build on a Bury wildlife haven. The move comes less than six months after the firm pulled out of a public inquiry into whether 16 homes could be built on and around Barracks Lodge. Bolton-based Stately
BLACKPOOL boss Steve McMahon is being linked to a move for Wimbledon misfit Carl Leaburn (pictured). Leaburn is a tall striker, who has only scored five goals for the Dons since his arrival. A Wimbledon spokesman said: "We aren't aware of any official
PUPILS of St Mary's Catholic Primary School, in Claughton on Brock, have teamed up with Wyre Countryside Service to breathe new life into the neglected school pond. They used nets to investigate what plant and animal life exists beneath the surface and
A BLACKPOOL schoolgirl has been titled "super student" in recognition of her first class academic profile. Racheal Gilligan, 16, a pupil at St Mary's Catholic High School, in Blackpool, was presented with the "super student of the year 2000" award in
THERE was nothing common about the way 12-year-old Jason Bilinkewycz landed this 28lb carp. The Bury schoolboy angler (pictured left) timed his big catch well -- just three days before his birthday! And he followed it up by winning his first junior match
TT sidecar ace Allan Schofield didn't have a lot of luck in this year's event over in the Isle of Man. He blew up two engines, one of them twice, had to pull out of his first race on the first lap and was only able to enter his second event after a colleague
CRAIG DUXBURY'S feat in taking 9 for 62 in the recent match against Glossop set Prestwich Cricket Club's statistician Bob Hinchcliffe poring through the record books. And while Duxbury's exploits with bat - he hit 150 not out against Sale Moor - and ball
1672: Tsar Peter the Great, who stood 6ft 7 inches in his cotton socks, was born on this day. The man who put a tax on beards, deposed his mentally defective half-brother, shipped his sister and his first wife off to a nunnery and tortured his son to
THE recent case of the driver who faces a fine for having a drink of water while in charge of her car, further highlights the folly of many others who drive, using mobile phones in one hand, women applying make-up on the move, drivers smoking cigarettes
IN answer to Mr Walt Meadows' hysterical attacks on Mr Blair, I think he should be aware of the phrase: "Once you resort to personal abuse, you have lost the argument." But then, Mr Meadows lost his argument 20 or 30 letters ago. So I ask, who, in this
IN response to the letter from S Unsworth (Letters, June 2), the comments made about the behaviour of disabled drivers in supermarket car parks were insulting and revealed a real lack of understanding. I have a disabled daughter aged 12 and confined to
IN response to Mr Jim Buckley's queries (Letters, May 24) regarding the proposed transfer of Blackburn with Darwen's council homes to Twin Valley Homes -- a new independent not-for-profit housing organisation set up by the council, the Director of Housing
SHOCK figures show Leigh is losing out on millions of pounds of Lottery cash. Charity bosses have dished out grants worth a national average of £176 per head from their six 'good causes', covering art, sport, heritage, education, health and the environment
STUNNED workers wept as bosses at one of East Lancashire's biggest factories announced it is to close with the loss of 550 jobs. The decision by Leoni to shut the former Lucas Rists site is the latest announcement in a disastrous week which has already
FIREFIGHTERS cut a 20-year-old driver from the wreckage of his car after a head-on crash. Colin Binder was trapped by his legs in his Vauxhall Corsa after the accident in Pilsworth Road, Bury, near the entrance to a quarry. He was given medical treatment
A 61-year-old male cashier was threatened by thugs during a robbery at a service station. The thugs escaped with £60 from the till of the Shell service station in Bury Old Road, Prestwich. Police said the victim had earlier locked the door of the shop
PAUL Terzis will know on Tuesday how many of his five transfer targets will be joining the Centurions' push for Super League. The Hilton Park boss has guaranteed that at least two new faces will be on board before next week's transfer deadline. "We're
I WAS utterly appalled to read an article in the Star headed 'Vandals wreck screening unit.' On April 17 my mum was told she had a lump in her breast, which was cancerous. She had been to the Screening Unit on Safeway car park two weeks before. She has
I WOULD like to express my opinion on the recent headline news issue about the student Laura Spence who was rejected from Oxford University, yet accepted by Harvard. It really annoyed me when I heard that she was blaming her Oxford rejection on the fact
A PRESTON band is about to be catapulted into rock stardom after their demo tape was snapped up by a top US agent. The five members of Treehouse 3 are hoping to sign a contract with artist management firm Triune Music at their gig in Preston's Adelphi
ANIMAL lovers in Preston will be pleased to hear that Lancashire Constabulary has put animal welfare high on its agenda. The constabulary's dog training centre was given the all clear to take rescue dogs donated by the National Canine Defence League after
A CIVIL servant from Leyland will be helping to keep the wheels of charity turning next month when he takes part in a national motorcycling event. The National Rally on July 1 and 2 is one of the motorcycling calendar's most eagerly anticipated events
THE family of Christopher Kain the St Helens youngster who died suddenly after playing football with his friends, have told the Star of their gratitude to family, friends and local community for their moving messages of support. Former Star paper boy
AN anti-drugs project in Morecambe has won a 12-month extension after a glowing report by the Institute of Health Research. The Breaking the Chain project encourages youngsters to develop skills such as DJ mixing skills, computer music making and art
PLANS for a non-alcoholic bar in Lancaster have suffered a set back after being refused grant funding. A bid for cash from the Prince's Trust was rejected in the latest round of grant applications. The project is being organised by a group of city teenagers
HOME Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw was today meeting senior councillors from Burnley and Pendle to hear their grave concerns over the placement of asylum seekers in the boroughs. They were pressing Mr Straw to give councils a greater role in finding
UP and coming Lancaster chef Chris Dickson has cooked up a sizzling TV debut. Chris, head chef at the Thurnham Hall timeshare complex, has appeared on Granada TV's new digital channel, Granada Breeze. And his sizzling debut on 'club vegetarian' could
A NEW poster campaign is being launched in a bid to discover what happened to a Morecambe mother, two years after her disappearance. Margaret Brennan, then 55, was last seen on the platform at Lancaster Railway Station, on June 15 1998. Her Daughter,
LOCAL athlete Mark Croasdale has completed an amazing first in one of the world's strangest sporting showdowns. The 35-year-old Royal Marine corporal, became the first human to beat a horse in the annual William Hill Man versus Horse Marathon at Llanwyrtd
PEOPLE in Pendle will be asked their views on how best to recycle more of their household waste as the council considers its strategy on meeting new Government targets for recycling. A major consultation exercise will be carried out in the coming months
THE Northern Premier League are on collision course with the Manchester Evening News Inter League Cup competition organisers. For the first round of the competition, eight of the Northern League sides are taking part in different competitions -- and the
BLACKBROOK Royals meet Pilkington Recs in the North West Counties League under 10s Cup Final at Liverpool St Helens' Moss Lane ground this Sunday, June 11. Kick-off is at 12.30.
VINE Amateur Rugby League Club's official move to their new ground on Thatto Heath Primary School, was a star-studded occasion when television producer, Phil Redmond and some of the stars of his shows paid them a visit. Phil, the chairman of Mersey Television
A HOMESPUN pack star who reluctantly left Saints in 1995 has hung up his boots after earning an elusive Challenge Cup winners medal with Bradford Bulls. Proud son of Thatto Heath Bernard Dwyer (33) retired after snapping bicep tendons in both arms, and
Langworthy under 12s 12 Pilks 36 Pilks' tries came from Houghton, coaches award winner Ian Redcliffe (2), Rogers (2), man-of-the-match Anthony Stanley and Topping, with conversions from Rogers (3) and Stanley (2). Ste McBride was top tackler and Jamie
Bradford Bulls 17 Saints 16 BATTLING Saints' 11-match winning run came to an end at fortress Odsal on Friday, but if ever a side earned glory in defeat inspirational skipper Chris Joynt's men did! Picture the scene. League leaders Saints set to face third-placed
Bradford Bulls 17 Saints 16 BATTLING Saints' 11-match winning run came to an end at fortress Odsal on Friday, but if ever a side earned glory in defeat inspirational skipper Chris Joynt's men did! Picture the scene. League leaders Saints set to face third-placed
A PRESTON women's refuge has been renovated by hardworking Prince's Trust volunteers. For twelve weeks, the team, led by Phil Hall of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, has undertaken team-building exercises and learned skills necessary to
BEFORE downtown Parr earned its latter-day respectability, it apparently earned quite a reputation for the rough and tumble stuff. Even wedding day punch-ups were not uncommon. And keen local history buff Ken Melling, from Chancery Lane, has been chuckling
SOCCER and cricket are games that England is credited with presenting to the world -- although we're not much good at either these days! But what about Weak Horses and Guinea Cat? These almost-forgotten forms of team rivalry peaked during and after the
PRESTON anglers are being asked to keep an eye out for net poachers. The Environment Agency and The Ribble Fisheries Association have joined forces to launch an anti-poaching campaign. The campaign was launched on the banks of River Ribble by the Environment
LAST week's article about a special family reunion for people with the surnames Tuson or Desoer proved to be a huge success for organiser Kathleen Hargreaves. Hundreds of people turned up to the long lost family event at the Bay Horse Hotel, in Preston
PRESTON singing star Stephen Bayliss has agreed to be the opening act at a charity concert in Manchester this month, called A Night To Remember. And why wouldn't he -- he'll be on the same bill as Diana Ross, Celine Dion, and the girls from Abba. Well
CANCER Help Preston has been given a helping hand by one of the largest grant-making trusts in the country. The Preston charity received £12,000 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation to fund the salary costs of its development and bereavement worker. Margaret
NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch co-ordinators in Fulwood have reminded residents of the crime dangers that summer poses. The Lightfoot Lane and Lansdown Hill Watch -- the first in Preston to be requested by residents -- has given locals a list if security checks
'OVER the hill' became 'under the spotlight' this week when golden oldies from all over Lancashire flocked to the Whitbread Senior Citizens Talent Contest regional final. And pensioner Josephine Iddon, from Walmer Bridge, competed alongside nine other
A FORMER Rists employee today gave an insight into life at the stricken plant and explained why it was so important that the jobs should be saved. For 10 years, Coun John Griffiths worked at Leoni, when it was known as Lucas Rists, as a financial manager
COUNCIL chiefs were today having crisis talks with bosses at Leoni in a desperate attempt to salvage some of the threatened jobs. All 550 workers at the Pickup Street site were yesterday told they would be made redundant in November after the firm, formerly
DEVASTATED workers at the factory reacted with shock and many burst into tears following an announcement that they were all to lose their jobs. And they claimed that the closure would kill the economy of Accrington. Bosses at the company, in Pickup Street
STARS from the nation's favourite soap were shooting in the Leigh area this week. Coronation Street camera crews descended on the picturesque Lowton inn, The Travellers Rest, early on Monday morning, from where The Journal cameraman was turned away. Granada
THE 550 workers at the former Lucas Rists plant have become the latest East Lancashire victims of the cheap foreign labour that is devastating local manufacturing. The company has confirmed that some work from the Leoni site is to be moved to countries
ASTLEY residents celebrate the year 2000 on Saturday with the opening of a new Millennium Green, a self-made wildlife pasture for the community. It is one of just 25 granted in the north west, and the only one in Wigan borough. And the former landfill
BRAVE mum whose disabled son drowned in a bath has been dealt new heartache. Two years ago Brenda Rowley's 30-year-old son Malcolm died in a bath at a Salford Council care home. Just nine months later her husband Fred, 56, died of heart failure and on
Under grey skies grim-faced mourners mark the passing of a Leigh rugby hero. Hundreds of people descended on a town centre church to say their last goodbyes to John Westhead. His children left the simple message, "We love you loads forever." The dad-of-three
I WOULD like to totally agree with Mr Geoff Woodhead (Citizen letters: June 1) regarding Lancaster bus station. I don't have a car so me and my family walk or catch the bus, but I do not see the need for a new bus station. How about a lot more bus shelters
HILTON Dawson accuses the Greens of having no transport policies or of having nothing to offer the poor and unemployed. Well, actually, we were the only party to produce a full manifesto of local transport and other policies at the last local elections
I'M amazed by some of the arguments made in favour of the bypass, not least by Geraldine Smith MP. What she seems to be saying is 'Its OK to sacrifice countryside and the quality of life of the residents of south and west Lancaster so that ten minutes
LEE Collins has not yet put pen to paper on a deal with the Seasiders -- but he is expected to do so next week. Although various press agencies -- and even Swindon Town Football Club -- have announced that the deal is done and dusted, the Citizen can
A LYTHAM schoolboy bowled over the opposition in a local league cricket match this week when he claimed a great eight wickets for just one run. Pace bowler Michael Rigby, who attends St Bede's High School, achieved the brilliant figures playing for Freckleton
KENDAL captain and professional Ross Veenstra won the toss and elected to bat in this Bay 96.9 Northern Premier League fixture on Saturday (June 4). And it appeared to have been a poor decision when St Annes professional Dave Callaghan had opener, Steven
FORTON teenager Tom Boardman finished in a fine eighth place in the sixth round of the national saloon car championship at Kent's famous Brands Hatch circuit. Qualifying problems left Boardman's Peugeot 306 GTi6 at the back of the grid, but he took advantage
Lune & District junior 7-a-side Division A Cup Final Bowerham Bombers 2 Morecambe 2 (2-2 aet, Morecambe win 4-3 on penalties) DESPITE hard work and determination, Bowerham Bombers were outgunned in a penalty shoot out. Morecambe took the lead in the
AWARD-WINNING bakers Waterfield have proved that DIY really is a piece of cake. This is because the family-run company have added another cherry to their pie by supplying bread, savouries and cakes through their in-store coffee shop at Bury's B&Q
THE contract for the building of Bury's new £12 million has just been awarded. Little Hulton firm G & J Seddon has secured the contract with De Vere Group Plc for the construction of the Village Leisure Hotel at Heap Bridge which will begin this month
A WHITEFIELD company has quite literally had to deal with a flood of business. Carringtons Claims Consultants, who handle insurance claims on behalf of domestic policy holders spent most of Monday (June 5) assisting flood hit residents of Calderdale sort
KEEP it strictly confidential. That's the message being given to businesses in Bury. They are being advised to ensure that they comply with the new Data Protection Act which regulates details held about employees, clients and suppliers. But according
LYTHAM'S community got together to make a wish for the future last Saturday (June 4) -- and they got one granted earlier than expected. Lancashire County Council Youth and Community Service helped organise a "wish list day" on Saltcotes estate, Lytham
BURNLEY are expected to unveil a new sponsor in the next few days. As revealed yesterday, P3 will no longer be the name on the front of the Clarets shirts next season after Burnley rejected their offer. "We have concluded talks with P3 Computers, as sponsors
THE Ian Wright saga took yet another twist today when his agent said the quit claims were true. Despite suggestions from Burnley chairman Barry Kilby and his former Crystal Palace colleague Mark Bright that the former Arsenal and England striker might
LEYLAND'S C'est Tous Theatre Company is to perform at the home of the Bard. The Company is putting on a one-show special of Midsummer Night's Dream in the Midlands by request at Stratford-Upon-Avon. But one unlikely member of the cast will not be making
FYLDE people looking for a new hobby are being invited to join the Hi-Life Diners Club, which encourages members to spend their time eating and discovering new taste sensations from around the world. The North West-based club has a directory of nearly
YOUNGSTERS in Fleetwood are to present a display to highlight the death toll of children in debt-ridden developing countries. Rainbows, Brownies and Guides will join together with Sunday School children on Saturday (June 10) to raise awareness for the
POULTON'S Gala Queen gave the town a regal wave of approval as she paraded through the streets on Saturda (June 3). Eleven-year-old Sian Simpson, from Poulton CE School, said she was delighted to be picked out from the many hopefuls keen to get their
PUPILS at Highfurlong School (pictured) have great memories of the fourth annual Special Schools Music Festival -- especially getting their "paws" on a £200 cheque. The Blackpool school was among six which took part in the event held at Ribby Hall earlier
MORECAMBE piper Len Henson played a special role in the TV commemoration of the Dunkirk evacuation. Len was filmed by the BBC while playing a lament during the special commemoration service on the French beaches last Sunday as well as at a church service
MORECAMBE Bay Independent councillors have moved to allay fears that the area's taxi cabs are to be de-regulated. However, environment policy committee chairman, Cllr Mark Turner, is planning a number of initiatives in a bid to improve taxi provision.
DAISY Hill FC will be taking on the cream of Bolton Wanderers' youngsters as a mouth-watering start to the new season. The local side will tackle Wanderers Under 19s Academy side on Tuesday, August 15, at the New Sirs home, kick off 7pm. Ex-Wanderers
LEIGH RMI manager Steve Waywell, left, has appointed Dave Miller as his assistant. Miller was Jimmy Harvey's assistant at Morecambe for 18 months and will replace Mark Ward who joined Altrincham as manager two weeks ago. Miller, the son of former Burnley
ATHERTON Town Under 15s enjoyed a triumphant end to their football season by winning a special invitation tournament in Sussex. The event at Camber Sands, Rye, was held over three days with the young Town team winning through the group stages and, in
BURY'S unsung heroes and heroines have received civic approval for their unstinting devotion and dedication. More than 80 men and women who give up their time freely to help various groups and organisations throughout the borough were feted on Tuesday
TWO gifted Ramsbottom painters will be making an exhibition of themselves in the nicest way possible this month. Mrs Elaine Clarkson, of Heatherside Road, and Mr Nigel Hitchen of Victoria Street, will both have works on show at the British Watercolour
THE voice of the people has halted plans to install a telephone mast in Brandlesholme. BT Cellnet's proposal to erect a 15-metre tower behind homes in Birks Drive was thrown out after councillors sided with residents and rejected the scheme. Residents
CROOKS have raided the local office of MP Ivan Lewis twice in two days, a week after he launched a crack-down on crime. And he fears that the incidents could be revenge attacks after he vowed that Prestwich would "get tough" on violent criminals targeting
TWO neighbours were so fed up with an overflowing litter bin outside their homes that they took matters into their own hands. Council officials were left in no doubt how Margaret Darlington and Margaret Birtwistle felt when the two dumped a load of rubbish
A NEW improvement programme aims to open up the borough's works of art to disabled people. And work is already underway at Outwood to improve access to the major Ulrich Ruckriem sculpture. The programme involves three sections of the Irwell Sculpture
ANY doubts that Radcliffe Carnival would die out now we are in the 21st century were firmly quashed on Saturday (June 3). Not even rain could deter townsfolk from turning out for the 35th carnival and, though the numbers were not huge, there was an air
BLACKBURN Rovers are prepared to let Scottish international midfielder Billy McKinlay leave Ewood Park this summer. Manager Graeme Souness has informed the board that the 31-year-old does not figure in his long-term plans. And the club are now ready to
WHEN Helen and Alan Free went on holiday to Normandy they never dreamed that they would return with the foundations for a classical orchestra based in St Helens. For it was a holiday visit to an orchestral concert which prompted Helen to say: "You could
A SMALL band of St Helens housewives are planning to 'have a ball' -- in aid of a worthy cause. The Summer Ball and Dinner, dubbed the social event of the year, is to be held at St Helens Town Hall on Saturday, July 1, to raise money for Willowbrook Hospice
ANGRY Windle residents fear they could lose "the last piece of open space in the area" following the news that a housing company want to build 29 new houses there. The recreational land off Rainford Road is owned by St Helens Parish Church and has been
By CAROL GRIFFITH Community Correspondent No more desserts for 'Two Puddings' Nick PORTLY greengrocer Nick Stratton aims to lose four stone in weight for charity. Nick, 33, known as "Nick Two Puddings" because of his love of food, takes over as Bacup
HEALTH bosses have been challenged to stop dragging their feet over the future of Rossendale Hospital and come clean on their intentions for the site. The call came from patient watchdog group chairman Frank Clifford, who says vital health care developments
THE ELDER sister of a man she has not seen for 12 years has sent out an appeal for him to contact her. Patricia Thompson, 40, from Salford, wants to meet her brother Wayne Boyd again. He will now be 34-years-old and last lived on Medway Close, Culcheth
Further to my letter dated 18/05/00, regarding the lazy, selfish, so called 'motorists' who block the phone box and bus stop at the bottom of Black Bull Lane, Fulwood, I write to say the main culprits are still there. Non-drivers have many advantages
A DECISION by Wyre Council on the redevelopment of Fleetwood town centre has sparked controversy in the town. The council has approved a scheme by developers Citypark Realty to construct an ASDA food retail store at the Cop Lane site in the town. It was
BLACKPOOL Transport bosses met with union members on Thursday (June 8) in a last-ditch attempt to avert the transport chaos of an all-out bus strike planned for the weekend. The meeting took place at 2pm with the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU
FOND memories of seaside life sit happily alongside the cutting edge of modern art this week at Blackpool's Grundy Art Gallery. Visitors to the Queen Street centre can catch Progress With Quality -- an exhibition of items charting Blackpool's colourful
BLACKPOOL could turn out to be top of the tots after an attempt at a record breaking charity toddle round the town's zoo. The zoo was host to around a thousand children who were ambling around the animal enclosures as part of Barnardo's Tots Toddle national
BUS chiefs have promised to keep disruptions to a minimum over two days of strikes. Drivers at Stagecoach Ribble have already held a number of one-day stoppages this year after talks broke down over pay. Union leaders say drivers in East Lancashire are
A HEALTHCARE firm is receiving a government grant of up to £2.4million to help move its factory from East Lancashire to County Durham, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph can reveal. SSL International, which was today criticised by Home Secretary Jack Straw
MOST cricketers would not welcome the rain -- but Todmorden captain Nigel Hunter is looking on it as a good luck charm for tomorrow's Worsley Cup quarter-final against Rawtenstall. The last time Todmorden lifted the Lancashire League's prestigious trophy
TNT were simply dynamite in their last two games in the St Helens Rounders League. They exploded into action in a high-scoring game against Haresfinch. But after the first innings they railed 8-13. Then Haresfinch blasted ahead to 21. But rounders by
A FIGHTING display by two of the youngsters players in the match ensured Eccleston had to settle for a draw against neighbours Sutton on Sunday. Batting first on a damp Bobbies Lane wicket, Eccleston reached 134-7. The highlight was Mike Manley's splendid
A BLANK Saturday after torrential rain was followed by a clinical and comprehensive disposal of Charnock Richard in the Sandhurst Shield on Sunday as Rainford continued their excellent run of form. Anyone seeing the Jubilee Recreation ground at 8.30am
JUST what are things coming to? Now everyone in the country is being asked what top three changes they think would make the NHS better. Then no doubt a large number of people employed, possibly civil servants, will spend hours, days, weeks vetting these
I AM writing to you in disgust after watching the Bobby Roberts Circus situated at Rossall near Cleveleys. I recently went to watch the circus to find a terrible sight -- three elephants in a nearby field surrounded by an electric fence. As I approached
ST HELENS Town boss Jimmy McBride is out to build a team to grace the best ground in the First North West Trains League. And with it he aims to take the club a further stage up the non-league pyramid. Town are leaving their Hoghton Road base and will
DAVID Moyes has revealed that he will be strengthening his side with further signings -- and has repeated his warning to clubs that Sean Gregan is not for sale. David said: "I repeat that we have received no offers for Sean Gregan. If we had received
PRESTON North End chiefs have revealed their delight at negotiating planning permission for a new 30,000-seater stadium at Deepdale -- and work could start by Christmas! At a supporters' meeting on Thursday night, chairman Bryan Gray and manager David
