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Stories for 28 May 1999
Accrington News
Killing: Grieving mum hits out
THE angry mother of teenager Sajjad Mahmood, who died after he was beaten by drug dealers, today said the failure by police to fully investigate her son's disappearance cost vital evidence in the case. more...
Bottom-of-table school pulls itself up
A SCHOOL which was placed under 'special measures' after a highly critical inspectors' report were today celebrating after the conditions were lifted. more...
Killing: Family proud of hard-working son
SAJJAD Mahmood was a hard-working teenager with everything to live for, his distraught mother said today. more...
Killing: Death gang pay price
THREE men were today beginning prison sentences totalling 22 years for their part in the beating and killing of teenager Sajjad Mahmood. more...
Tarty truckers' show
SINGING truck drivers The Heathrow Flyers are swapping their denims and boots for gymslips and stilettos to transform themselves into schoolgirls for an outrageous charity show. more...
Blackburn Business
Green is for go!
A £200,000 boost will help East Lancashire firms go green. more...
Venture growth
VENTURE capital group 3i, which has stakes in several East Lancashire firms, has enjoyed a profits rise. more...
Blackburn Leisure
FIVE YEARS AGO: Donna's dream win
POP mad teenager Donna Hurles, 18, won a dream meeting with chart-toppers Bad Boys Inc. And the boys' number one fan took her mum, Nikki, 38, a grandmother-of-two with her. The pair, from Fern Gore, Accrington, won a Lancashire Evening Telegraph competition to meet the group at Lar-De-Dars nightclub in Accrington. Donna, 18, has travelled all over the country to watch the group perform, accompanied by her mum. more...
10-YEARS-AGO: Town centre terror
CHANTING, bottle-throwing youths terrorised a town centre as a notorious gang raided pubs and clubs. It was Accrington's worst night of violence that year, and licensees said the trouble started when the "Burnley Suicide Squad" hit town. More than 60 youths were believed to have travelled into the area before causing trouble in a number of town centre pubs. more...
Blackburn News
Rescued refugees tell of Kosovo killings
DEVASTATED Kosovar refugees have re-lived the full horror of the crisis in their homeland - as the people of East Lancashire put a comforting arm of friendship around them. more...
Another 150 refugees arrive
VOLUNTEERS and council staff have been working round the clock to prepare temporary homes for more Kosovar refugees who arrived in East Lancashire today. more...
Why I want to wine on about age
Shelley Wright takes a wry look at life more...
Stories woven in time
Drive and Stroll with Ron Freethy more...
Parents - don't give up
REGARDING your article (LET, May 17) about allocation of secondary school places, two years ago we went through the same experience. more...
Nothing's for free
AS a car owner and user, I was very interested to read John Blunt's comments (LET, May 19). more...
Attitude unchristian
I FEEL compelled to reply to R J M Lobell (Letters, May 21) regarding the Kosovo refugees. more...
It's only natural
IN making his exaggerated claims about sparrowhawks, Brian Tattersall of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association says that a few decades ago they "never had any problems with sparrowhawks" (Letters, May 17). more...
This is not democracy
THE forthcoming European elections are a travesty of democracy. The European Parliament only exists to create the spurious impression that there is some democratic control over the European Commission. more...
Join fight for special school
REGARDING the closure of the primary department of Crosshill Special School in Blackburn, I think it is stupid and ridiculous and I just feel sorry for the children because they are having to be moved to mainstream schools, which I don't think should be done. more...
We should steer clear of euro land
IF EVER a political leader needed a lifeline it is Tory William Hague, embarking on the European election campaign with his party still deep in the doldrums and his own personal ratings falling to new lows in the latest opinion poll today. more...
'Log carry' made £800
I WOULD like to thank all the firms and individuals in East Lancashire who gave sponsorship money to my team and myself for our recent marathon 'log carry' over the Brecon Beacons - and the team members and back-up crew who braved horrific weather conditions to make this event possible. more...
Man's death is still a mystery
THE sudden death of a 28-year-old Blackburn man will remain a mystery after an inquest was told that a leading Home Office pathologist had been unable to determine the cause of death. more...
Death crash drink driver jailed
A BLACKBURN man who admitted causing the death of his partner when he drove after having a large amount of alcohol has been jailed for three years. more...
Another 150 refugees arrive
VOLUNTEERS and council staff have been working round the clock to prepare temporary homes for more Kosovar refugees who arrived in East Lancashire today. more...
New mercy crew director
LANCASHIRE'S emergency ambulance service has a new man at the wheel. more...
Surgery staff shining bright
STAFF at a GP surgery were given the perfect tonic today after they were singled out as a shining example of good practice in the NHS. more...
Silage pollution plea to farmers
FARMERS are being urged to help prevent pollution by taking special care when making silage in the coming weeks. more...
Golden neighbours are such good friends
FOUR Blackburn pals have stayed together through thick and thin to achieve the double gold. more...
Sub-postmaster is committed for trial
A SUB-postmaster is facing trial on allegations of the theft of £101,627 and 90 benefit books. more...
Blackburn Sport
RIBBLESDALE LEAGUE CRICKET: India can make final: Shantanu
GREAT HARWOOD professional Shantanu Sugwekar is backing India to make it to the final of the cricket World Cup. more...
Back trouble flares up for Fogarty
BACK problems could scupper Carl Fogarty's bid to extend his lead in the World Superbike Championship at Monza on Sunday. more...
Werherall is a target
LEEDS United central defender David Wetherall could well figure on Brian Kidd's summer hit-list, once the Blackburn Rovers boss has sorted out his signing priorities. more...
Sales better than last season
BURNLEY are on course to better last year's total of season-ticket sales, with the fans rallying round Stan Ternent's side after their fighting finish to the Second Division campaign. more...
Blackpool News
Dawn raids trap benefit tricksters
HOUSING benefit fraudsters woke up to dawn raids in Blackpool this week. more...
Support unit will help poor children
THOUSANDS of children living in poverty or violence are to be helped with a new Blackpool family support strategy. more...
Debut single for mini fab four
GIRL power is going strong for four lucky Blackpool songbirds as they shoot for the stars with a top pop video for their debut single. more...
Town gears up for carnival
CARNIVAL fever is back in the mind of many a St Annes' resident as preparations for the town's annual celebration get under way. more...
Mobile library is a barrow
LAZING on the beach with a good book could have a whole new meaning in Blackpool this summer. more...
New life for Street site
BLACKPOOL'S axed Magic of Coronation Street attraction could be the venue for a new Pleasure Beach thrill ride. more...
You'll be next
DRIVERS on the M6 motorway have a new deterrent to speeding - 1,270 motorists have already been caught driving too fast through roadworks. more...
There's lots happening in port
FLEETWOOD'S face-lift continues with the development of an art feature, known as the Wave. more...
Limited taxi service for Millennium
A STAY-at-home Millennium - that's the prospect on the Fylde Coast as most taxi drivers are opting not to work on the world's biggest New Year celebration. more...
Palace points mean prizes
DANCE the night away this Bank Holiday weekend at the World Famous Palace nightclub. more...
The plot thickens over allotment dispute
UPROOTED gardeners are angry they can't move on to new allotments. more...
Pounding the Euro
SIR, - AT the European Parliament election on June 10, a key issue for voters will be whether to abolish the Pound for the Euro. more...
£12,000 fine over 'poison' gas drama
OWNERS of a Fleetwood holiday park were fined £12,000 this week after a swimming pool gas cloud put swimmers in hospital. more...
Search for relatives
WE are trying to find living relations from the Lancashire area and hope Citizen readers will be able to help. more...
Cycling circus comes to town
WAS it a bird? Was it a plane? more...
Signs of a bad driver
WHY do many motorists find it so difficult to use their indicators correctly? more...
Future is fuzzy for ice ducks
CASH strapped ice skaters are appealing for sponsorship in a bid to rescue what could be a unique display sport. more...
Pulling a pitiful sight
BLACKPOOL landaus may have had their check-up for roadworthiness and been given the OK (Citizen, May 20), but what about the health of the poor horses who have to pull them up and down the Promenade all season? more...
Verity joins the 'royal' family
WHEN Verity Brown is crowned rose queen of St Christopher's Church she will be carrying on a family tradition which has spanned more than 30 years. more...
US should foot the bill
AS if the bombing in Kosovo wasn't already costing us taxpayers a fortune, we now have thousands of refugees flooding in to this country, stretching our already struggling welfare services to breaking point with handouts and free accommodation. more...
Intruder alert
A CLAMPDOWN on repeat burglaries on the Fylde Coast has been launched, targeting the victims themselves. more...
Risky business
I THINK the Americans mistakenly bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade because they are too windy to risk their necks at low level bombing. more...
Developers pull out of superstore appeal
SUPERMARKET developers have pulled out of a planning inquiry over a proposed Poulton store, less than three weeks before it was due to take place. more...
Citizen deliverer hangs up his bag
WHATEVER the weather you could always rely on one Citizen delivery man for a smile and a wave. more...
Cleaner se on the way
FYLDE Coast beaches are still among the worst-polluted in the country - but campaigners say cleaner seas could be on the way this summer. more...
Sporting honours for pupils
TWO of the county's most promising sportsmen, both from King Edward VII School, Lytham, have been recognised by Lancashire Schools' selectors. more...
Hiiting the right notes
SINGING sensations from three Blackpool schools have pipped hundreds of entries to the post to reach the regional final of a Millennium song writing competition. more...
Key deal with school
PUPILS at Christ the King Primary School are busy improving their IT skills thanks to a local business. more...
Weaving a willow wonder
A NORTH West willow expert wove her charms at Holy Family School, Blackpool. more...
Czech mates
A LYTHAM school is set to strengthen its links with the Czech Republic. more...
Blackpool Sport
Cricketing suicide
BLACKPOOL committed their own version of cricketing suicide in their Vaux Northern League Division One game at Chorley on Saturday (May 22). more...
Cornall at a canter
CHRIS Cornall was instrumental in Blackpool cantering to victory in the third round of the National Knockout Cup at Fulwood on Sunday (May 23). more...
Small-sided soccer round-up
IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes league The Untouchables stay in the lead after they beat Kings Arms FC 2-1. more...
Rogan may be back
ANTON Rogan, released at the end of the season by Blackpool, could well be on his way back to the club. more...
Junior soccer awards
OUR Lady JFC annual awards: more...
Gutsy performance
A FURTHER five changes were forced on St Annes IV for this Wareing Cup first round match against Comrades, following their spirited win of the previous day and this gutsy young side seriously looked like snatching it. more...
Twin towers date for Collegiate girls
THIS Saturday (May 29) at Wembley Stadium Adidas is holding the first ever girls Predator Community Cup Final for under 13s. more...
Parent power and junior grit
ST ANNES IV - hugely depleted by shortages throughout the club - turned to a mixture of parent power and junior grit to earn a superb win in Fylde League division 2 against Wyre. more...
PRO-WRESTLER Shak Khan from Blackpool, current mid-heavyweight Asian wrestling champion Azad Kashmir
Khan's opponent is Robbie Michaels from Liverpool who has a reputation for being a real street fighter. It's not for the faint hearted. more...
Darts and dominoes
LYTHAM Leisure Centre secured the best win of the season with a convincing 20-4 victory over newcomers Our Lady to advance from third position to head the table of the Lytham St Annes Darts and Dominoes Summer League. more...
Bolton Business
When the going gets tough, the Tough get going!
BOLTON West MP Ruth Kelly was on hand to celebrate after helping a Westhoughton company win a vital licence. more...
Bolton Leisure
Greyhound Motel, Warrington Road, Leigh.
A ROAST Sunday lunch with all the family is a tradition that unfortunately is fast losing its appeal. But it is still something to savour and a meal for all the family at a price that won't break the bank can still be had. It's just a matter of knowing when and where to look. more...
What's on in and around Bolton, Saturday, 29.5.99
BOLTON Strings Together Ensemble, junior strings together approximate grades 1-3, 9.30am-10.45am and advanced ensemble, approximate grades 4-7, 11am-12.15pm, Somerset Road United Reformed Church, off Chorley New Road. more...
Gig guide
TONIGHT (Friday, 28.5.99): Oscars, The Wellsprings, Bolton, Muvva Luvvas, The Academy, Manchester, Presence; Moses Gate Hotel, Farnworth, Lion Tamers, Manchester Apollo, Mary Chapin Carpenter; Band on the Wall, Swan Street, Manchester, Spellbound. more...
REVIEW: Opera North: Arabella, by Richard Strauss, Palace Theatre, Manchester. Repeated tomorrow.
ARABELLA is a fairytale opera by Richard Strauss - no relation to the waltzing Strausses, but the composer of Also Sprach Zarathustra, the theme music to 2001: A Space Odyssey. more...
Bolton News
The toughest job in town?
DYNAMIC John Young may only have 41 pupils but he probably has the toughest job of any headteacher in Bolton. more...
From the BEN files
25 YEARS AGO more...
Sarah steps out for funds
POPULAR TV actress Sarah Lancashire is putting her best foot forward for a Bolton charity walk. more...
Business is beautiful for former mechanic
A BOLTON man who threw away his spanner in favour of a blusher brush has opened a new beauty salon - thanks to a helping hand from the 3Ds Partnership. more...
Marathon man Mark plans to splash out in the Big Apple
A BOLTON swimmer will be ensuring his ambitions do not sink when he takes part in a 28.5-mile swimathon next month. more...
Man has to be caught
A COUPLE of weeks ago I was walking around the Entwistle reservoir. As I got to the far end I was startled by my dog barking loudly at a man who was crouching behind the broken stone wall. He was committing an obscene act. I was terrified and I ran as fast as I could to get away from him. more...
Final touches on Wembley transport details
FRANTIC final touches have been put to preparations aimed at transporting thousands of Super Whites supporters to Wembley. more...
£5m to be spent on home plan
HUNDREDS of Leigh residents will be offered home improvement grants to develop a declining estate. more...
Relative shock for Ruth
IT'S been a double celebration for Bolton's blockbuster author Ruth Hamilton, above. more...
Cyclist, 50, dies in road tragedy
A CYCLIST was killed in an accident with a lorry in Farnworth yesterday. more...
OPINION: In memory of two supporters
BOLTON Wanderers' decision to go en masse to the funeral in Middleton of Martin Hunt and his six year-old son Matthew was one which will be generally applauded. more...
Our prayer for Matthew
SCHOOLMATES of tragic young Bolton Wanderers fan Matthew Hunt penned a moving prayer in his memory. more...
THE DAILY POEM: Mother's Roses
Dimpled cheeks, shiny satin dress more...
OPINION: Ideas are needed
THE idea of whisking people from Bolton town centre to Middlebrook by cable car might strike some people as too wacky. But, as one of a host of different ideas dreamed up by the local business community, it does prove that a variety of schemes suggested to ease traffic congestion are being considered. more...
THE DAILY POEM: I'll Settle
I'll settle for a minute now more...
Wanderers, the world wishes you success!
I think it has been a very hard season for all the fans, to sit and watch through. I have to say that I honestly believe we are too good for this division and on our day we can beat anyone in it, even Sunderland! more...
Wanderers pay last respects
GRIM-FACED Bolton Wanderers stars make their way up a churchyard path, preparing to pay tribute to father and son fans killed in a road accident last week. This was the sombre scene yesterday at Middleton Parish Church as family, friends and football stars gathered for the funeral of Martin Hunt, 28, and his six-year-old son Matthew. The two, both Super Whites fanatics, died as they travelled home from their team's play-off victory against Ipswich Town when their car crashed on the M62. more...
Vicky's trip of a lifetime: Family join plucky youngster in Florida
A BRAVE teenager has just been told that she and her family have been chosen to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime, all expenses paid holiday to Florida. more...
Tensions run high at High Lawn meeting
PARENTS of children from Oldhams County Primary dominated a meeting to discuss the future of schools in North and Central Bolton. About 100 teachers, parents and children met education chiefs last night at High Lawn primary school to discuss a proposal to tackle surplus places at Oldhams by giving it the axe and transferring its pupils to High Lawn. But right from the start parents and children from Oldhams made their opposition to the proposal clear. more...
From town to Reebok Stadium - by cable car
PEOPLE heading for the Reebok and Middlebrook Retail Park could be whisked from the town centre - on an Alpine cable car ride! more...
Voters angry after missing out on poll
HUNDREDS of would-be voters have been told they are too late to register for a postal vote for the Euro elections. more...
We want you as a new recruit
SMASHING the stereotypes is the latest focus in a recruitment drive by Greater Manchester Police. more...
New train station is record breaker
THE NEW £3.7million station at Horwich near the Reebok Stadium is on track to create a unique record when it opens on Sunday. more...
Hole in the wall gang steal £3,000 mower
TURTON Bowling Club members were cut up after discovering a gang had smashed a hole in a wall to steal their brand-new £3,000 customised lawn mower. more...
Soccer world mourns Martin and Matthew
SOCCER fans from across the world have paid their own special respects to Martin and Matthew Hunt. more...
Reasons for low turnout by the voters
I SHARE you letter-writer's concern at the low polls in recent local elections, but there are many reasons for this. more...
Right time right `Place'
TOP local blues band Night Train take to the rails tomorrow when they perform at The Place on Lower Bridgeman Street as part of the Virgin Megastore Local Showcase series. The band developed their style in the early eighties and were favourites on the north wests 'biker' circuit playing a unique brand of Hendrix-style Chicago blues. "We're pleased to be supporting this biker-friendly venue,"' says the group's spokesman and saxophonist Jim (the Reverend) Sax, "it's a long time since Bolton had a decent live rock venue, and we're hoping to meet a lot of our old friends". more...
Ghost that isn't bitter
THE landlord of a haunted town centre pub is appealing for help from past licensees and customers to explain a host of strange goings-on. more...
Up to their old `tricks'
TWO former Smithills School pupils have met up again after fifteen years whilst shooting the video for England's Unnofficial Cricket World Cup anthem Come On England. Neil Howarth, former member of local rock band Dirty Tricks, left Bolton some years ago for a successful musical career in London and has recently produced the anthem for the same company which gave us last year's soccer hit Vindaloo. Whilst filming the video, which features Ian Botham, Chris Tarrant and Faye from Steps, he was amazed to find old cricketing rival and school chum Ronnie Irani (captain of Essex) also lining up for some shots. more...
Let acting profession come to the rescue
IN the wake of the large numbers of self-interested actors and actresses writing from all parts of England, in support of the Octagon Theatre, may I put my point of view as a non-theatre goer? more...
Bolton Sport
Play it again
COLIN Todd will reward the players who triumphed in the dramatic semi-final tussle with Ipswich when he reveals his Wembley line-up. more...
CRICKET: Walkden welcome back Reidy
BERNARD Reidy the ex-Lancashire all rounder who helped Walkden to a Bolton League double in 1989 is returning the club. more...
Reebok to stage RL games
WANDERERS' Reebok Stadium will get two major games in next year's Rugby League Lincoln World Cup. more...
Leaders aim to keep hot pace
IT'S top against bottom in the Bolton Association tomorrow with leaders Walshaw taking on struggling Clifton. more...
Burnley News
Ex-miners get compensation advice
FORMER Burnley coal miners suffering from lung disease are one step nearer to a compensation settlement after receiving help at a special advice clinic. more...
Bury Business
Female first for Margaret
A BURY woman has brought to an end more than 200 years of female-free partnerships at a local firm of solicitors. more...
Green grants aid scheme
PILSWORTH Environmental Company has awarded a £90,000 "green" grant to a pioneering scheme which is helping create and secure jobs in Bury. more...
Success for Andrea
HAIRDRESSER Andrea Rothwell is proving that a disability and the discouragement of school teachers are no barrier to success. more...
That's neat!
BURY'S top Young Enterprise squad has done the borough proud. more...
Bury News
Borough nearer to democracy
DEMOCRACY day is drawing nearer for residents and groups who want to have more say on local affairs. more...
Police call for budding bobbies
YOUNG people in the Bury area now have the chance to become crime- busters. more...
Fight against bullying
A NEW anti-bullying initiative has been launched in Bury. more...
Watchdog worries over ambulance closure
PROPOSALS for the closure of Whitefield Ambulance Station were discussed at a meeting of Bury Community Health Council. more...
Tory Euro hopeful comes to town
YOU do your bit and we'll do ours! more...
Red Nevilles!
GARY and Phil Neville entered football history on Wednesday as they celebrated a unique treble triumph. more...
New head for Woodhey
WOODHEY High School have finally chosen a new headteacher. He is Martin Braidley, now head of Mossley Hollins High in Tameside. more...
Lib Dem top man boosts campaign
LOCAL Liberal Democrats were given a campaign boost when the party's favourite to become an MEP came to town. more...
Bus operators face music
DISCIPLINARY public inquiries have been ordered into five bus companies operating in the Bury area. more...
Our little nest egg
A HANGING basket has turned into a botanical haven for feathery visitors to Summerseat Garden Centre. more...
Farmland walk guide
BURY has one entry in a new guide to farmland walks published this week. more...
Schools should teach first-aid
THOUSANDS of lives could be saved if school pupils were taught first-aid, says Bury North MP David Chaytor, backing a St John Ambulance campaign to have first-aid on the National Curriculum. Forty per cent of crash victims who die before reaching hospital could be saved by first-aid at the scene. more...
MEP shops for support
LABOUR is out in force today (May 28) on Bury Market urging people to vote in the Euro elections. more...
Stolen car had dad's ashes
A MAN faced an agonising two-day wait after thieves took his car containing his father's ashes. more...
Woodhey: 'resign' call is misguided
AS a Year 11 student at Woodhey High School, I must say how disgusted I am with the attitude of those individuals calling for the school governors to resign (Bury Times, May 21). more...
Awards prove that our pupils care
I AM writing to express my congratulations to the recipients of the country's first gold awards, given by the British Epilepsy Association to eight of our "Family of Schools". more...
Failure to vote is a cop-out
IF I wanted to abstain in an election I think I would go to the polling station, collect my ballot paper and write "abstain", or perhaps something more pointed, across it. Far from being a principled action, not turning out to vote is a cop-out. more...
Their gain is Woodhey's loss
WHAT a wonderful "own goal" the governors of Woodhey High School have scored with the news that their deputy head, Mrs Lynn Dunning, is to leave (Bury Times, May 21). They ought to be truly ashamed. more...
Thanks for caring about our town
NOW that the election dust has settled, I would like to thank publicly my former councillor colleague, Anne Beckett, for her work in Ramsbottom over the last four years. I know the amount of time she spent trying to improve the town for its residents and visitors. more...
A bit of respect costs nothing
I AM writing to let parents in the Limefield Brow area of Bury know of the abuse I have been subjected to in recent weeks, by children who were certainly no more than nine or ten-years-old. Some elderly residents have told me that this is quite commonplace, particularly when young people are asked not to kick footballs near to property. more...
NHS waiting lists are 'manipulated'
I WAS surprised to read (Bury Times, May 14) that Mr Evan Boucher and his fellow hospital bosses are delighted at the progress that they have made in reducing hospital waiting lists in the Bury area. more...
Bins: someone else's turn
ONCE again, because of Bank Holiday Monday, residents of Unsworth - whose dustbins are normally emptied on Mondays - will have to wait two weeks. more...
Kind words are appreciated
IT would indeed be remiss of me were I not respond to the letter written by my successor in Redvales Ward, Councillor John Smith (Bury Times, May 21). more...
Wardens wanted on estate
RESIDENTS on a Radcliffe council estate want community wardens to replace the bobby on the beat they claim they no longer have. more...
Builder: we'll put horror house right
A HOUSING developer has responded to the complaints of a Radcliffe couple who claimed their dream home had turned into a house of horror. more...
Near miss for young players
YOUNG footballers had a lucky escape when the suspension broke on a bus bringing them back from a European tournament. more...
Have a healthy holiday
BANK Holiday visits to the countryside can lead to illness, according to Bury health bosses. more...
Play your cards right
BURY police have invested £1,000 in a campaign to ensure teenagers play their cards right. more...
New headteacher appointed at high school
RADCLIFFE High has appointed a new head to take the school into the new millennium. more...
Fun ahoy at carnival
BUSINESSES will say a big "thank you" to the people of Radcliffe when they get in on the act at the town's annual shindig. more...
Revamped market shapes up
BURY'S £5 million revamped market is rapidly shaping up for the new millennium. more...
Fitness guru is Business Person of the Year
FITNESS queen Louise Brooks crowned a personal success story by being named Bolton and Bury's Business Person of the Year. more...
Firebugs target yard for ninth time
A "SERIAL" arsonist is threatening to force a thriving Bury business to close. more...
Today's the day!
A look back at events in history on May 28 with Mike Badham. more...
Bury Sport
Soccer: Tigers chasing Lutel James
BURY boss Neil Warnock has rubbished claims that striker Lutel James is about to join Hull City. more...
Soccer: Deano talks of his dream move
SHAKERS hero Dean Kiely has described his £1M transfer to Charlton Athletic as a `dream move'. more...
Rugby League: Lions clinch derby victory
Swinton Lions 31, Oldham Roughyeds 24 more...
Tennis: Beaten Brook are a shining example
THERE will be no local interest in today's Premier Division final of the National Clubs League at the Hampshire Tennis Club, Southampton. more...
Rugby League: Lions bid to stay on track
THE Lions face the long trip to Cumbria on Sunday as they bid to keep their mini-revival on track. more...
Chorley News
The progress made in public transport
I AM delighted to be given the opportunity to explain some of the improvements being made to public transport in Chorley, especially in Coppull. more...
Miso'shi will lend hand to schools
A TOUCH of West Africa will come to Chorley this autumn. more...
Why has labour scrapped choice?
I write to advise readers that Lancashire County Council has now scrapped the idea of parental choice for school admissions. more...
MP campaigns to end bear baiting
CHORLEY MP Lindsay Hoyle has voiced his support for a campaign to put an end to bear baiting in Pakistan. more...
Change of hue for disabled voter
I DISAGREE with the recent letter by Labour Councillor Cronshaw criticising Mr William Mellor and Councillor Simon Jones (Citizen April 15) for lack of action for the community. more...
MP backs mums' traffic campaign
CHORLEY'S MP together with with a group of cross-party councillors have voiced their full backing for a campaign by two mothers to curb speeding motorists on a busy road. more...
Hospice staff in fundraising project
CARING staff at St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Hall, have boxed up a great idea for raising vital cash for the charity with the launch of a 'small change box'. more...
MP rejects plea to halt bombs
CHORLEY'S Labour MP Lindsay Hoyle has rejected a plea from trade union chiefs, urging him to press the government to halt the Nato bombing of Yugoslavia. more...
Road safety seminar for teens
A SEMINAR takes place today, organised by a popular local college which has become a road safety pioneer. more...
Roadworks speedsters get warning
SCARE tactics are being used to get motorists to slow down at roadworks on the M6 in Lancashire. more...
Warning over conmen's scam on alarms
POLICE and Trading Standards officers have alerted the public to a scam targeting elderly people in the Chorley area. more...
Firebugs again strike at cricket ground
MINDLESS firebugs have again targeted a Chorley cricket ground - this time destroying a wooden scorebox. more...
Clint's boy on jazz trail
THIS July, Wigan Jazz Festival plays host to one of America's hottest exports - Kyle Eastwood. more...
Council denies rift over cameras
COUNCIL chiefs have this week vowed to work closely with police to improve the CCTV coverage at the town's bus station. more...
Street surgeries pay off for councillors
LONG-AWAITED repair work got the go-ahead in Clayton this week after local councillors held a series of street corner surgeries to get to grips with local issues. more...
Driver in ufo shock
A WOMAN motorist, left shocked and distressed following a terrifying ordeal with a mysterious bright light, may well have encountered aliens. more...
Chorley Sport
Billy sets course record
LOCAL runner Billy Burns created a new course record by winning the Harriers' '10' in 51min 04secs. more...
Panthers put on thrilling display
Chorley Panthers Under-7s 16 Orrell St James under-7s 16 more...
Magpies play waiting game
CHORLEY FC are no closer to finding a new manager following the departure of Dalton Steele. more...
Bowlers have a field day
CHORLEY 133-5 BLACKPOOL 129 more...
Clitheroe News
Rescued refugees tell of Kosovo killings
DEVASTATED Kosovar refugees have re-lived the full horror of the crisis in their homeland - as the people of East Lancashire put a comforting arm of friendship around them. more...
Flocking in for a week of folkert
MUSIC enthusiasts from across the country will converge on Clitheroe next weekend for the annual folk festival. more...
Colne News
Diamond couple's seaside love match double
LIKE mother like daughter could be the rule when it comes to romance on the female side of 83-year-old Stella Whitehouse's family. more...
Sir Cyril drums up support
POLITICAL heavyweight Sir Cyril Smith joined shoppers in Colne yesterday to encourage them to turn out and vote in the forthcoming European elections. more...
Lancaster News
Bad hand played in drug deal
A MORECAMBE traveller who stole from a man he was conducting business with in Gloucester, has been hit in the pocket by a judge. more...
Shooting from the lip
'OH for the glory, glory days of Morecambe when all the top acts were here, the streets were packed and all was well with the world,' - so goes the seemingly neverending lament. more...
Andy's Euro dream
LITTLE do the customers of the Spar shop on Slyne Road in Beaumont know that 5,000 miles away bets are being placed on the abilities of the man serving them. more...
Tough get going
WHEN the going gets tough - the tough get going and at Halton Training Camp at the weekend more than £3,500 was raised by foolhardy volunteers for the local blind charity. more...
Christley to sue council
FORMER tourism chief David Christley is to sue the city council for a six figure sum following his controversial sacking for alleged gross misconduct the Citizen can exclusively reveal. more...
Lancaster goes wild
LANCASTER will be the scene of some wild African rhythms on June 12. more...
Treble delight
Lancaster 12 Rotherham 8 FORGET Manchester United. Lancaster water polo team achieved a domestic treble of their own last weekend with a victory in the final of the ASA knockout Trophy held at Slat Ayre Leisure Centre. more...
Scenic route to learning
CHILDREN at Hornby School are to take the scenic route to lessons - and a continental breakfast will be awaiting them when they get there. more...
Succour and supper
THE local branch of International Aid have organised a hot pot supper and audio visual presentation of their work. The group, which has recently collected 30 tons of humanitarian aid for refugees in Albania, is hoping to attract more supporters and helpers. more...
Sign of the times
MORECAMBE'S multi agency resource centre, Signposts, has celebrated its fifth birthday. more...
Chip fest scheduled
MORECAMBE'S newest summer festival will be celebrating that Great British institution - fish and chips. more...
Rooftop rescue drama
MORECAMBE shoppers gathered to watch firefighters rescue a man from the flames at his home on Euston Road on Tuesday. more...
There is an alternative
LOCAL people concerned about Government proposals to control the sale of herbal remedies have rallied together to fight the plans. more...
Chalk up a winner at the Platform
LOCAL heats of the Young Pavement Artist of the Year Competition will take place outside the Platform in Morecambe on Sunday. more...
Care system under fire
SONS and daughters of old age pensioners surviving under the stretched social services care system spoke of their worries this week. more...
Best foot forward
LANCASTER and Morecambe College is appealing for people to join their sponsored Cross Bay walk on June 12. more...
A LANCASTER woman neglected her alsatian dog to the point where half of its body was covered in sore
Suzanne Clifton's husband refused to give her money to feed herself, her children or the dog and became violent if she spent any time with it, the defending solicitor told magistrates. more...
Liberals fire big gun!
LIBERAL Democrat big gun Cyril Smith was in Lancaster this week to boost the fortunes of the party's candidate for the Euro elections, Chris Davies. Said Sir Cyril: "It doesn't matter if you are keen on Europe or not. The fact is we are part of it and we need to make the most of the opportunities. For the first time we will have a fair election system which means every vote will count." more...
Police give the SP on the TT
LOCAL police have teamed up with colleagues on the Isle of Man to drive home a major road safety message to thousands of motorcyclists passing through the district on their way to the TT Races. more...
Pool developments
MORECAMBE MP Geraldine Smith will meet parents concerned about the future of Hornby, Carnforth and Heysham swimming pools. The MP will meet with the parents on Wednesday, June 2. In the meantime the campaigners are sending letters to a number of councillors to gain support. As well as putting pressure on the county council to provide money they want the city council to contribute. more...
Shutting the gate on crooks
PART of £60,000 of extra government cash given to Morecambe police will be spent on gateing off every back alley in the West End. more...
Counter blast!
GREEN councillors have spoken out against plans to sell animals at a Morecambe DIY superstore. more...
Major trouble for pet lover
THIS Morecambe animal lover reckons he was sold a pup when he accepted a rabbit from the RSPCA. more...
Health chiefs pledge to reduce complaints
THE number of formal complaints against Royal Lancaster Infirmary has rocketed, according to latest figures. more...
Police search for HGV driver
POLICE are trying to trace a HGV driver who attened the scene of a horrific fatal accident on the A65 at the weekend. more...
On the crest of a wave
THE re-launch of the historic Heysham to Belfast ferry service has been a great success with more than 24,500 passengers crossing the Irish Sea in just two months. more...
Have they learned anything at all?
WHAT lessons have been learned following the recent local election results? Not many I fear! How to be gracious in defeat perhaps... er maybe not. more...
Newcomer has learned so much, so quickly!
AS a newcomer to the area I have been struck by the obvious efforts recently made to make Lancaster and Morecambe more attractive places to live, such as the work on the front at Morecambe, and the pedestrianisation of town centres. more...
We'll carry on working for the area's elderly
COUNCILLOR Bob Clark's phobian letter (Citizen: May 20) citing my response to enquiries from your editorial team lacks definition although I respect it was well intended. more...
Choice should be based on facts tempered by experience
I WISH to reply to the letter headed "Fox holes" in the Citizen (May 20). more...
Lodge a complaint
YOUR correspondent Fred Webster (Citizen May 20) writes a lot of nebulous stuff about asking the wrong questions and dreaming up so many unworkable answers but the one dogmatic assertion he makes is that councillors' main motivation is "not to run the business for us but to hold power". He is wrong. During 30 years on the council I found that councillors of whatever political party wish to do their best for those they represent. Of course they differ, have different priorities and different solutions for problems. The difficulties councillors face are reconciling conflicting demands and prioritising conflicting interests. On the one hand we want reduced council taxes and on the other we want improved services. (Keep pools open, cut verges more frequently, employ more dog wardens and so on). Then there are the conflicting interests. The environmentalists want to discourage cars from clogging up the town centre and no M6 link and shopkeepers want lower car parking charges to encourage more people into the town centre and Heysham port wants better access to the motorway. Being a councillor is like being a football referee. You'll never make the right decision for all those on the side lines. Perhaps Fred Webster should get on the field and give us all the benefit of his obvious expertise rather than from the safety of the touchline tell others how wrong they were. more...
Subtle and complex issues seem to escape some
IN response to Joanne Donnelly and others in last week's Citizen. more...
Thanks for the bath
MAY we, through your letters page, thank all the people who responded to our recent appeal for a tin bath? more...
Lancaster Sport
Hans on deck for easy win!
Preston 142-9 Lancaster 144-5 LANCASTER had a comfortable five wickets victory over Preston at South Meadow Lane. more...
Morecambe hit for six
Morecambe 154-9 Darwen 157-4MORECAMBE were beaten by six wickets at Woodhill Lane by league leaders Darwen. more...
Leigh News
Best 40 minutes of Leigh's season!
Leigh Centurions 27 Hull KR 20 more...
Centurions report 'Psycho' for Donlan injury
ANGRY Leigh Centurions officials have cited Hull KR star Paul Fletcher after young full-back Stuart Donlan suffered a serious eye injury in Sunday's top of the table clash at Hilton Park. more...
Millennium road mud party
POTHOLED roads, flickering street lights and inadequate drainage have stung isolated villagers in to action. more...
From Tyldesley with love
THE first consignment of food collected at local supermarkets - and vital to Kosovan refugees' survival - has left Tyldesley en route to the Balkans. more...
School plan angers residents
PLANNERS are going back to a school where locals fear extensions will bring problems. more...
£6,000 pay-day for new look councillors
LOCAL councillors are to receive a flat rate £6,000 a year allowance. more...
Rangers honour mum Ellen
A LEIGH mum, who always put others before herself, is to have a trophy named in her honour. more...
101 and 'brilliant' - that's Ada
BUSY bee Ada Hilton celebrated her 101st birthday with a party on Tuesday. more...
Battle stations at the junction
CAMPAIGNERS are to oppose the planned Xanadu station. more...
Emergency? Now we're open all hours
OPEN all hours shopping traits have killed-off a chemists' tradition. more...
Art of defence
WOMEN don't need to be martial arts experts in order to protect themselves. more...
Time to play the game, says Bishop
THE Bishop of Manchester has likened the church to football. more...
Candidate warns: I'll be thorn in Labour side
AFTER the Andrews liver salts have been applied to the election hangovers, I have no doubt the Labour Party representing Leigh East ward will be sitting down and asking itself questions. more...
Red road!
RAILWAY Road is fast becoming Leigh's red light district from what I can gather. more...
Cashing-in on pay-offs
A PRISON warder is the latest to jump on the suing bandwaggon. more...
Sweet memories
I TOOK a trip back to childhood this week. more...
40 bloody footprints at kidnap scene
FORTY bloodstained footprints mark the beginning of a four-day journey to hell and back for a Lowton kidnap victim. more...
Death crash witness plea
A LEIGH driver has been killed in a North Wales coastroad crash. more...
Search for stars
A LEIGH charity is to praise its star performers during National Volunteer Thank You Week which runs to June 6. more...
Champion for Millennium
A publishing company is looking for the Leigh poetry champ of the Millennium. more...
Leigh Sport
St Paul's tops
ST PAUL'S top the Churches Bowling League. more...
Flood victory - but fight goes on
FLOOD victims whose homes were swamped with raw sewage have won a £200,000 compensation battle. more...
Victories with a difference
WALSHAW and Adlington continued their neck-and-neck battle at the top of the Association with two contrasting wins on Saturday. more...
League top spot
ASTLEY and Tyldesley are three points clear at the top of Leigh & District Midweek Bowling League. more...
Ladies Bowls
LATEST results from Leigh Ladies Bowling League: more...
Jason's Match of the Day
RUGBY League scrum-half Jason Donohue met his match at Hilton Park on Wednesday - just four days after his last visit ended with him being sent off! more...
Leyland News
Shoppers facing store clamp threat
A PARKING row has broken out between supermarket giant £-Stretcher and their new landlords, just days after the store opened its doors in Leyland. more...
Company bosses banned
A LEYLAND man has been disqualified as a company director for six years and another man for ten years. more...
Curtain up on troubled firm
ELEVEN serious bids to buy struggling Leyland curtain manufacturers Curtina Group Ltd have been received. more...
Council leader's a kerb crawler!
PARENTS struggling to push prams over steep kerbs have had their prayers answered - thanks to a 12-week-old baby! more...
Fire strike threat cools
A STRIKE threat by Lancashire firefighters has been averted for the time being after firefighters opted for conciliation talks with ACAS. more...
Walk to school kids - it's fun!
AROUND 150,000 children across Lancashire ditched bikes, buses and cars, and strode to school on foot as part of National Walk to School Week. more...
Warning over 12-year-old hoax chain letter
A HOAX chain letter appealing for business cards to be sent to a sick child so that he can get in the Guinness Book of Records, has been slammed by Trading Standards officers. more...
Dad's ashes go missing at parlour
A GRIEVING Preston man is facing a distressing battle as he tries to retrieve his father's remains following the disappearance of a local funeral director. more...
Leyland Sport
Parkinson could be back soon
INJURY-prone defender Gary Parkinson has given PNE a massive boost with the news he won't be out until next February. more...
Lytham News
Waiting at the church
ALL the wedding day planning in the world couldn't have predicted being jilted at the altar by the vicar - but that's exactly what happened to one unlucky couple. more...
Lytham Sport
Robbed by the rain
LAKELAND rain robbed St Annes of victory against Kendal at Shap Road on Saturday (May 22). more...
Nelson News
Firm gets hump over bus route
RESIDENTS are fighting to retain a bus service after operators announced they were pulling out of a Brierfield estate because of problems with the road humps. more...
Accident driver's 'stolen car' ploy - court
A DEPRESSED banned driver smashed into another vehicle then rang police and reported her car stolen. more...
Angry dad's knife threats - court
AN AGITATED father-of-two who uttered threats to stab people was found by a police officer to have a five-inch bladed knife up his sleeve. more...
Causeway causes concern
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to tip 250,000 tonnes of soil and stones into a deep ravine to form a causeway to take farm animals from one field to another is set to raise objections from Pendle councillors. more...
Man found guilty of indecent assaults
A MAN is awaiting sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a schoolboy. more...
Preston News
Health chiefs' peace pledge
THE new chairman of the Guild Community Healthcare Trust has welcomed her new board members, appointed by Secretary of State for Health, Frank Dobson. more...
15 dialysis units for RPH
FIFTEEN more dialysis stations will be bought for the Royal Preston Hospital, thanks to government cash. more...
Game Zone
SEGA'S new Dreamcast console is making many, many friends in the gaming world. more...
Guinea pig doc killed himself
A 'GUINEA pig' doctor who was paid to take part in medical drug trials committed suicide after suffering from years of severe depression. more...
'We got soaked but had a good time'
TAKE a trip down memory lane to the 1952 Preston Guild, with former weaver Marjorie Amriding, as part of this week's readers recollections. more...
Firebomb is hurled into club
A YOUTH group leader has spoken of her horrifying experience when a make-shift firebomb - made by 11-year-olds - was thrown into a Preston church hall being used for a boys brigade meeting. more...
Trainers accused of red tape madness
A PRESTON businessman claims a local training organisation - designed to help people run their own businesses - is leaving would-be workers on the street because of red tape madness. more...
Play area deadline draws near...
RAILTRACK management trainees have just one day left to create an imaginative play area at Moor Park High School. more...
Crude sex book 'deeply immoral'
MORAL campaigners in Preston say that a book designed to get teenagers to read should be banned after they discovered that one story contained references to wife beating, lesbians and crude sex. more...
Euro cash bid 'vital for town'
MILLIONS could be pumped into some of Preston's most deprived areas if Lancashire County Council is successful in its bid for much-needed Euro cash. more...
Award for the secret plane
THE team behind British Aerospace's secret new defence programme - which includes futuristic unmanned aircraft - has won a prestigious award from the Ministry of Defence. more...
WIN a super Max Factor make-over
EVER wanted to look like Julia Roberts or the world's most famous movie star? Well now's your chance in our fantastic Notting Hill competition. more...
Threat to a walk on the wild side...
A WILDFLOWER meadow just yards away from Preston town centre is being destroyed by cyclists who are turning it into a BMX track. more...
Win a monster chance to be a photo star
HOW would you like the chance of having your little monster immortalised in print and being a celebrity for a day? more...
Play area deadline draws near...
RAILTRACK management trainees have just one day left to create an imaginative play area at Moor Park High School. more...
Millennium pay offer rejected by nurses
NURSES working at Preston's hospitals have rejected a Millennium pay offer from health bosses for staff working at the turn of the century. more...
Now it's safety first
ROAD safety could soon form part of the National Curriculum in Lancashire's schools after a pilot scheme aimed at teenagers in Leyland was hailed a resounding success. more...
Signs of the times
DRIVERS on the M6 motorway have a new deterrent to speeding - 1,270 motorists have already been caught driving too fast through roadworks. more...
Straw jury plan born at prison
HOME secretary Jack Straw says a chance encounter with a Preston prisoner helped him to decide a controversial shake-up of the right to trial by jury. more...
When the inspector (doesn't) call
A LEYLAND college has missed out on joining an elite band of beacon colleges because the inspector failed to call! more...
David's king of the mountain
CONQUERING the rocky heights of Ben Nevis might sound like a tough task but, for a local roofer, the job is right up his street. more...
Win a gas-powered barbecue and have a party
PICTURE a hot summer's day, relaxing with friends and family, with the smell of barbecuing food drifting across the garden. more...
It's divine inspiration for Jean
IT was poetic justice for a budding writer after scooping the title as the town's poetry champion. more...
Privacy plea at school
PARENTS have blasted a local primary school for failing to provide sufficient facilties for older pupils. more...
Winning a fight
PRESTON disability group PUKAR has finally been housed in new premises after a fight for survival. more...
Walk to school kids - it's fun!
AROUND 150,000 children across Lancashire ditched bikes, buses and cars, and strode to school on foot as part of National Walk to School Week. more...
It's hip to be safe on roads
S'COOLto be safe! That's the life-saving message given to children in a fast-moving, interactive road safety play which toured Lancashire schools this week. more...
Preston Sport
Alexander's four tries not enough
FOUR tries scored by stand off Neil Alexander were not enough to save Lynx from their ninth consecutive defeat in front of their lowest crowd of the season. more...
The ABC of North End
THIS week we launch the ABC of PNE, a lookback at Preston North End's history with a slightly different twist... more...
Concentration
FUMING Lancashire Lynx boss Steve Hampson wants his players to sit through a video of their weekend defeat by Batley Bulldogs. more...
Dropped catch proves costly for Preston
PRESTON'S recent run of good form in the league suffered a setback when Lancaster won comfortably by five wickets at South Meadow Lane. (Preston 142-9 Lancaster 144-5). more...
Rawtenstall News
Attack on wife with a baby in arms
A FATHER-of-eight attacked his estranged wife with a shoe as she cradled a baby in her arms, a court heard. more...
St Helens News
Health watchdog demands action
SOME local NHS patients are having to wait up to 169 weeks for a general outpatient assessment with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, according to a report produced by the College of Health. more...
Lol loves his new 'limo'
GLIDING around town in a civic Rolls-Royce was once par for the course for a former mayor, but he now proudly possesses his own version - a 'souped-up' electronic wheelchair model! more...
Cruel thieves wreck Sadie's dream
A SCHOOLBOY'S three-year labour of love has been wrecked by thieves who targeted a disabled woman's garden. more...
School is on the upgrade
OFSTED inspectors have described Sutton Community High School as "a good school" and added that "its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses." more...
Don't let it all hang out!
GARDENERS are being asked to think twice before letting their plants branch out too much. more...
Youngsters hit the high notes
THE depth of musical talent among local children was once again demonstrated at the John Houghton Trust Schools Festival, held at St Ann's Church, Rainhill. more...
Looking after the carers...
ST HELENS Council is holding a number of events to raise public awareness about carers and the services that are available to support them, as part of National Carers Week (June 7 to 13). more...
Historic landmark gets new look
BILLINGE Beacon has been given a facelift, thanks to Landfill Tax funding made available to the Wasteland-to-Woodland environmental project in St Helens by Mersey Waste Limited. more...
Local men held on M6
TWO men from St Helens have been arrested by Customs and Excise officers and Warwickshire police. more...
Haydock Park gets a new look
HAYDOCK Park Racecourse's sparkling new £3 million Centenary Grandstand opens to the public today (Friday, May 28). more...
Rotary Club's special thank-you
THE Rotary Club of Prescot has presented paramedics at Whiston Hospital's ambulance station with two spinal boards. more...
Lady Luck shines for winners
LATEST lucky £2,000 winner in the Willowbrook Hospice Lottery draw was Mrs N. Lowton from Whiston. more...
Amy takes the helm
ST HELENS Floral Art Society have appointed Mrs Amy Bate as their new president. more...
Thinking caps on please
THE St Helens and District branch of the British Diabetic Association stages its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 2, starting at 8pm in St Helens Town Hall. This will be the last meeting before the summer break and will be followed by a quiz evening for members. Next meeting is on Wednesday, September 1 when the subject will be diabetes research. Admission to all meetings is free and refreshments are available. more...
Fun club gets under way
THE District Primary School in Patterson Street, Newton-le-Willows, has set up an After School Fun Club to run from Tuesday, June 1 to Friday, June 11. Activities will include painting, water games, learning about animals and nature walks. Charges are £8 per full day (8.30am to 5.30pm, take a packed lunch) or £4 for half days from 8.30am to 1pm. more...
Teeing up a grand night
A CHARITY Sportsman's Dinner is being held at Houghwood Golf Club, Billinge on Friday, May 28. There will be a three-course dinner, coffee and guest speakers and a few tickets, priced £20, are still available from Alan Williams on 01744 88 3945. more...
Viennese whirls for your delight
THE St Helens Sinfonietta are holding a Viennese Evening this Saturday, May 29 at Ormskirk United Reformed Church. more...
Blanket response for Kosovo refugees
MEMBERS of St Helens Soroptimists International let their knitting needles do the talking when they answered a plea by Children's Aid Direct for blankets to send out to Kosovan refugees. more...
Well walked for charity tonic!
MEMBERS of the St Helens branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society put their best foot forward for a sponsored walk along the Leeds Liverpool Canal bank to raise cash during Parkinson Awareness Week. more...
Big night out for the STARS
THE St Helens Royal Naval Association is holding a charity night in aid of the STAR Childrens Centre in College Street. It will be staged at the Royal Naval Club, Volunteer Street, on Saturday, June 12 and will include a 60s/70s disco, bingo and a prize raffle. Tickets cost £2 each and are available from the STAR Centre or the Royal Naval Club, or you can pay on the night. more...
Best foot forward please
A THREE to four-mile walk around Eccleston kicks off events for June organised by St Helens Council's Ranger Service. more...
Officers make drug arrests
POLICE have arrested a 29-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman in St Helens after finding a small amount of heroin and another substance, believed to be crack cocaine, at an address in Broad Oak Road, Parr. more...
Andy revs up for German mission
ST HELENS race driver Andy Middlehurst is bound for Germany this weekend to compete at the legendary Nurburgring. more...
Car stolen from dealers
A SILVER, s-registration Vauxhall Astra, valued at £9,000, has been stolen from the Lookers Vauxhall garage in Knowsley Road, St Helens. more...
Designs on your washing line!
TWO Ralph Lauren shirts, two Ellesse tops and a pair of jeans were stolen from a washing line in the back garden of a house in Nelson Street, Newton-le-Willows, some time between 9.30 and 10am on Thursday, May 20. more...
Watchdog swoops on designer fakes
TRADING Standards Officers from St Helens have seized a huge haul of more than 12,000 fake designer T-shirts - with an approximate High Street value of £250,000 - at a warehouse in Haydock. more...
Back on the boneshaker trail
SO our local motor-bus network did have its roots in the Sutton Manor district, as had been suspected all along by pensioner Daniel Cunningham (79) from Sherdley Park. more...
Tickled by old Feathers gang
THE old Feathers pub collected colourful characters like a stray cat gathers fleas. They abounded amid the foaming pint pots and glugging optics of that now-demolished St Helens watering hole of a million memories. more...
Theme to dwell on
BYGONE old dwellings - and cottages in particular - seem to hold particular fascination for customers of this column. more...
St Helens Sport
Saints out to add to Bluesox woes
SUPER League leaders Saints are determined that round 13 will not prove an unlucky omen when they travel to Halifax Bluesox on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. more...
Boost for Billinge
BILLINGE boosted their West Lancashire League title hopes with a fine win over Singlehurst. Batting first on a lively track, the Middlhurst brothers, Steve and Shaun set Billinge up in fine style. Steve hammered 70 and Shaun blaste 50 as Billinge reached 191-8 at tea. On the resumption, Singlehurst made a determined effort. But John Dillon took 2-28 as Singlehurst werer all out for 126. Elsewhere, Winwick 2 defeated Goodlass. In the Sunday Section Highfield beat Leigh by eight wickets. more...
New stand opens at Haydock
HAYDOCK Park is marking the opening of its new £3 million Centenary Grandstand with the introduction of one of the richest races in its calendar. The meetings tomorrow and Saturday see the first use of the new grandstand that replaces the former County Stand. And on Saturday prize money for the Tote Credit Club Silver Bowl has been more than doubled to £60,000, making it the third most valuable race at the course after the Stanley Leisure Sprint Cup and the Greenalls National Trial. more...
Saints put Wolves to the sword
Saints 57 Warrington Wolves 20 SUPER League leaders Saints passed the 50-point mark for the fourth time this seasonm - and scored ten tries without hitting top gear! more...
Batsmen to rescue for Recs
ST HELENS Recs held on for a draw at Worsley on Saturday. more...
Victory eludes Rainford
RAINFORD Cricket Club First XI dominated their fixture at Litherland on Saturday but couldn't take the one wicket that would have given them their first maximum points of the season. more...
Saints back on track
Castleford Tigers 14 Saints 33 SLICK-HANDLING Saints redeemed themselves in style for the 'blip' against Wakefield with this superb six-try victory at Wheldon Road. more...
Kath takes up national role
A ST HELENS Rounders League official has been appointed to a top national role. more...
Feast of rugby action
THERE'S a big weekend of amateur Rugby League in store at Bobbies Lane. more...
Haydock steamroll on
UNBEATEN now in three games the Haydock juggernaut keeps rolling as both first and second elevens enjoyed another successful weekend. more...
Way to the Shay . . .
TAKE exit 24 from M62 travelling east. Follow Eureka signs. The Shay is on the left about half a mile before reaching Eureka. Parking at Glyn Webb store is £2. Seating is £10 and £7, standing £9 and £5 (£2 with voucher). more...
St Helens win at a canter
ST HELENS CC strolled to victory against Maghull on Saturday. more...
It's a double for Ex-Services
THE St Helens Combination brought the curtain down on the season with the Sunday Division's Hatton Travel Cup Final at Ruskin Leisure more...
Barr blasts Sutton to victory
RUBEROID Sutton Cricket Club moved up to third place in the league with an excellent win against Cheshire Lines. more...
Parr's rounders aces hit the high spots
PARR High School produced a great effort to win the St Helens Schools Rounders Tournament. more...
Park set for earliest start
ALMOST before the ink is dry on last season's league table with West Park once again just missing the single promotion spot from Thwaites North West Division One (level seven) the earliest ever start to pre-season training has been set at Tuesday June 15. more...
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