WE all know that whatever politicians might say, our society is getting more and more violent. But as programmes like TV's Crimewatch so often tell us, in an effort to reassure, a large percentage of victims are not selected at random - the offenders
FAZAL Ali Perwez lied after being put on the spot as he drove his brother's car to a snooker club. Blackburn magistrates heard that Perwez put his brother in the frame by giving his details but police eventually discovered that he had taken the car without
A DARWEN plastics company has scooped a top environmental award. Octaveward, which manufactures canopies, GRP mouldings and composite doors, won the British Green Champion title in the category for Products at the ninth Green Apple Awards. The awards
THERE was a game, popular with the lads 100 years ago, called 'Sprang Jemmy,' 'Stick-knife,' 'Split the Kipper' or 'Knifie,' with derivations, originated from medieval days. One interpretation is for the player to balance the point of a Scouts hunting-type
HAVING read the 'Blasted' headline (LET December 8), I wondered what major scandal had been uncovered by the Tory leader. It was somewhat surprising to find that the story revolved around the fact the Conservative and Liberal members of Blackburn with
YOUR correspondent Mr Smith complains (LET, December 8) that Darwen councillors have nothing to do all day but complain about the m-way service station sign. He has a point. If that's all Darwen councillors did then Darwen electors should kick them out
Dagenham 1 Leigh RMI 2: LEIGH RMI's survival hopes gained a timely boost with their first double of the season. It was only their fourth win of the season and the second success under manager Phil Starbuck, who was quick to give all the credit to his
BLACKBURN defender Markus Babbel today insisted his 'goal' against Arsenal should have counted. The former German international thought he had snatched a valuable point for Rovers at Highbury when he rose to head home Barry Ferguson's cross in the 59th
Arsenal 1 Blackburn Rovers 0 - Andy Neild reports WHEN the dust finally settles in the race for the title, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may well look back on this result as one of the pivotal moments in his side's season. The Gunners, never at their fluent
WOMEN and children suffering domestic violence are set to benefit from a new leaflet produced by Burnley's Community Safety Partnership. It contains information about where they can go for confidential help and support. The leaflet will be available through
BURNLEY'S community warden service may be improved following a review by Burnley Council. Proposals are designed to increase the visibility of the service, expand and develop its work, and improve its coordination and effectiveness by working closer with
YOUNG volunteers are being urged to get involved in a project aimed at creating community cohesion in Burnley. Burnley Youth Action Zone is a scheme designed to get young people more involved in their local communities and help improve their relationships
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was found semi-conscious and injured in an alleyway in Nelson. The 60-year-old victim, who was taken to Burnley General Hospital suffering from concussion, a fractured cheek bone, and cuts and bruises, cannot
A RECYCLING project in Colne has been awarded one of the top 10 prizes in the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) awards. The Open Door project, which recycles unwanted furniture and domestic appliances to people who cannot afford to furnish
Aladdin, at King George's Hall, Blackburn. THE pantomime production of Aladdin at King George's Hall, in Blackburn, has everything you could wish for - oh yes it does! Traditional panto frolics, renditions of pop songs, fantastic effects, sumptuous lighting
DIANA the monkey was entertaining crowds in Nelson. The monkey - which came from the Diana monkey tribe in Central Africa and was also known as 'the bearded lady' - had been shown on TV by zoo expert, George Cansdale. Diana was bought by pet shop owners
FLURRIES of snow and hail turned East Lancashire into a winter 'blunderland'. Several cars crashed into each other on the M6, partially blocking the carriageway for two hours, and traffic ground to a halt on the Grane Road between Blackburn and Haslingden
YOUNGSTERS from across Hyndburn got the chance to take part in a special interactive music and dance event at Accrington Town Hall. Fuse II was attended by 250 people. The free event was organised as part of the Creative Activities Project. Around 25
TWO men from East Lancashire will swap the wet British weather for the scorching hot deserts of the Sahara in a 100km trek to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Michael Beckett, from Whalley, and Stewart Atkinson, from Burnley, are to take part
Burnley 1 Coventry City 2 - Darren Bentley reports I KNOW Christmas is a time for giving, but this is ridiculous. On the pitch, the Clarets could not have been more charitable if they had donned red suits and false white beards. Off it, manager Stan -
BURNLEY bosses have played down reports of a rift in the camp following a training ground bust-up between manager Stan Ternent and defender David May. National newspaper reports over the weekend claimed that Ternent may face FA charges following an alleged
BLACKBURN defender Markus Babbel today insisted his 'goal' against Arsenal should have counted. The former German international thought he had snatched a valuable point for Rovers at Highbury when he rose to head home Barry Ferguson's cross in the 59th
IN an amazing bid to clear his name Robert Lund, suspected of murdering his wife Evelyn, today takes the lid off the tempestuous months that led up to her death. And the man who admitted he was the prime suspect, took the Lancashire Evening Telegraph
'PEOPLE living in the Dandy Row area of Darwen are being urged by the police to lock up their property after a series of shed and garage break-ins during the last two weeks. The latest incident happened between Saturday, December 6, and Tuesday 9, in
DETERMINATION by vilagers has paid off after a council decided to modify a controversial traffic calming scheme. But some Tockholes residents say the compromise is not enough and that more still needs to be done. Traffic bosses agreed to look again at
RAWTENSTALL Asian Women's Group, which was launched earlier this year, now has 38 members. Activities have included aerobics and women's health. Sixteen women attended the first business meeting and ideas for future activities were put forward, including
RESIDENTS are being invited to take part in the 'Great Debate - Fluoridation in Rossendale.' Lancashire County Council has asked Rossendale Council for their views on the issue and a meeting has been arranged for Tuesday, January 6, at the Astoria Ballroom
A COUPLE who have opened a new art gallery in Bacup hope to create an artisan quarter in the town. Artist Diane Hamnett and her partner John Turpin are behind the recently opened Waterbridge Gallery, in Burnley Road. John said their aim, together with
FESTIVE revellers and church-goers in Blackburn can once again hop on the bus for free on Christmas Day. Anyone wanting to visit relatives and enjoy the Boxing Day sales can also take advantage of special services on December 26 and New Year's Day. Blackburn
CHILDREN in East Lancashire will be unwrapping better presents than their southern peers this Christmas, new research has revealed. A study by Legal and General Insurance shows that Northerners are much more generous than Southerners when it comes to
A FLY-on-the-wall TV documentary which followed the fortunes of an East Lancashire council is set to make a return to in 2004. Granada's Are You Being Serviced?, broadcast in the autumn, featured workers at Blackburn with Darwen Council. Now the series
A FESTIVE clampdown on criminals crossing the borders into Lancashire has been launched by the police. The force has set up a 'ring of steel' around the county using their hi-tech advanced number plate recognition system. Anybody whose number plate is
A MOTHER has appealed for help to get back her son's precious Christmas gift after it was stolen from outside their house. Andrew Hargreaves had been given a customised Go-Ped by his parents as an early Christmas present about three weeks ago. The petrol-powered
AN MP is calling for law changes after a disqualified driver involved in an accident which killed a young girl was jailed for just four months. Amy Houston, 12, had to be freed by firefighters from underneath a car after running into the road near her
MORE businesses must offer students a chance to experience the world of work if the skills shortage is to be tackled, according to East Lancashire education experts. The East Lancashire Education Business Partnership (ELEBP) arranges work experience placements
TWO teenage boys were robbed during a night out at the cinema in Bury by a gang of three older youths. The victims, aged 13 and 14, were in the games room at the Warner Cinema in Pilsworth Road, Pilsworth, at about 2.30pm on Sunday. They were approached
New Friends of Hyndburn Widows Club, 13 Hereford Close, Accrington, 7pm-9pm. Luncheon Club, 12 noon; OAP Club, 2pm-3pm, Derwent Hall, George Street, Darwen. Line Dancing, Beechwood Club, Little Harwood, Blackburn, 7pm. Sequence Dancing, Senior Citizens
HANDWRITTEN patient records are being abolished as Lancashire Ambulance Service becomes the first in the country to use an electronic system. The NTL system means that 55 ambulances, 20 hospitals and 24 ambulance stations in the county will be linked
A NORTH west GP has taken over as commanding officer of a Blackburn-based Territorial Army regiment. Major Robin Jackson, 49, from Lancaster, is now head of the B Squadron, 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital (Volunteers). The adventurous officer has been
REGARDING your 'Opinion' on the importance of voting: The choices for voting are pathetic. The regard for politicians of any persuasion are almost nil. There are no honest politicians any more, and almost all of the existing ones are power mad. Vote..
EVERY year it amazes me how many sports stars get merited in the Queen's honours list for just doing a job they love (and getting a whopping wage into the bargain). There was David Beckham and now Jonny Wilkinson. What about the real public who work tirelessly
COULD someone from the council please explain to me and many other people why the flower beds at the entrance to Corporation Park have been demolished and replaced with fancy stones and paving which, on completion, will look very plain and boring? Could
EMERGENCY services in Greater Manchester have raised an alcohol-free toast to drive home this year's "Don't Drink and Drive" message. Police, ambulance and fire crews launched the campaign outside Leigh Fire Station in St. Helens Road, Leigh, on Monday
IN an amazing bid to clear his name Robert Lund, suspected of murdering his wife Evelyn, today takes the lid off the tempestuous months that led up to her death. And the man who admitted he was the prime suspect, took the Lancashire Evening Telegraph
LIBERAL Democrats in Pendle have described the proposed options for a major shake-up of councils in East Lancashire as "complete disaster" for the borough. The comments by Pendle Liberal Democrat chairman, Lord Tony Greaves, come as the executive committees
A BURNLEY charity shop is offering cut price subscriptions to magazines. Help the Aged, in Yorkshire Street, is offering savings of up to 25 per cent on the cover price of six magazines, including Home and Gardens Monthly. For every subscription sold,
THE Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) covering Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale has a new chairman. John Lloyd, a retired sales director from Hapton, has taken the role. The former independent councillor on Burnley Borough Council has served on several
PLANS for a mobile telephone mast for the emergency services in Burnley, which has twice been rejected by the council on the grounds of public safety, is to be reconsidered. The proposed 20-metre mast would have been installed on Lawrence Avenue providing
BURNLEY Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust (PCT) is urging people to get the right treatment this winter. The winter months bring special challenges for the NHS, social services and other caring and emergency services. The colder weather usually
WITH the Christmas party season in full flow Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust is reminding the public about the availability of the morning-after pill. The pill has been available free on request from selected pharmacies throughout the
AWARD-winning Burnley brewery, Moorhouses, has launched ambitious plans to have a pub in every major town within 150 miles of its base. The move is part of a company expansion which also includes £100,000 of new office space at its base in Moorhouse Street
Bury 1 Rochdale 2 by Phil Thorp: A DIABOLICAL first half display was the main reason why the Shakers went down to a second home defeat in four weeks against struggling local rivals Rochdale. Andy Preece's side were quite simply pitiful and the big question
MORE than 1,400 people braved the cold and rain to see the light they sponsored and dedicated to a loved one lit up at Pendleside Hospice. Two special services were held over the weekend to switch-on an estimated 3,000 lights in the hospice's annual Light
LIBERAL Democrats in Pendle have described the proposed options for a major shake-up of councils in East Lancashire as "complete disaster" for the borough. The comments by Pendle Liberal Democrat chairman, Lord Tony Greaves, come as the executive committees
A COLNE park will soon be bursting with colour thanks to the help of 60 primary school pupils. The children from Sacred Heart primary, in Red Lane, will help Pendle Council Park Rangers Service and the Friends of Alkincoats Park to plant 8,000 crocus
PLANS to turn a former solicitors office in Earby into a takeaway are to be decided by Pendle Council. The council has received four letters and a 27-signature petition from local residents objecting to proposals to change the use of the Victoria Road
CHILDREN with social and behavioural difficulties are to get a helping hand at a Colne Primary School. Park Primary School has officially launched the Rainbow Class, which is a special facility for children aged between four and 10 who have problems accessing
FOULRIDGE could be left without a Post Office in the New Year after the current subpostmistress announced her resignation. Barbara Bradbury, 61, has run the Post Office in Parkinson Street for the past 12 years and feels the time has come to retire from
A CAMPAIGN to fight seats at the next municipal elections, in a bid to improve roads, cut rent and rates and win more open government was on the verge of being launched by the Community Associations of Blackburn. The independent, non-political group,
A 27-YEAR-OLD Oswaldtwistle man ejected from a shop returned carrying a brick, a bottle of pop and a pint glass - which he threw against the shop window. Blackburn magistrates heard that when police arrived and arrested Lee Paul Brown he struggled violently
A 31-YEAR-OLD man found love and the resolve to beat his heroin habit during an extended spell in hospital. Blackburn magistrates heard that Paul Doyle nearly died after contracting septicaemia in his leg. And as he was recovering on crutches he fell,
RIBBLE Valley residents are being asked to bank their festive food jars and bottles to boost glass recycling. Ribble Valley Council is backing a national campaign to remind people to recycle their glass jars, as well as bottles this year. Last year the
A CONMAN got cash out of a Copster Green hotel owner after telling a tearful tale. And Blackburn magistrates heard that Mukhter Singh pulled the same con on a woman living in Clayton-le-Dale just three days later. The court was told that Singh claimed
BURNLEY bosses have played down reports of a rift in the camp following a training ground bust-up between manager Stan Ternent and defender David May. National newspaper reports over the weekend claimed that Ternent may face FA charges following an alleged
I'M sorry, but one of the most stressful things about Christmas has got to be the unceasing advice on how to make it painless. We get so-called experts spouting forth with tips on how to make Christmas a doddle each year. These tips are seemingly endless
A WOMAN texted her husband from Entwistle Reservoir saying she was going to "end it all," police revealed today. The 63-year-old from Manchester was found barely conscious yesterday at about 4.30pm by paramedics and police, appearing to have taken a number
TOCKHOLES Road, Darwen is to be closed to allow building works on nearby land. The closure, allowed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, will come into force on Monday, January 5. The road will be closed from its junction with James Street West to
AN UNEMPLOYED football coach handed in a forged insurance certificate after being give a notice to produce them by a police officer. Blackburn magistrates heard that Paul Eric Thompson later admitted buying the dodgy document "off a man in a pub" because
A COUNCILLOR who suffered three heart attacks in one day has warned people not to think they are "invincible." Coun Frank Connor, of Darwen, has returned to work less than two months after the attacks put him in hospital for the first time in his life
Who killed Evelyn Lund? DESPITE suffering what he describes as a ten-month mental breakdown from the pressure of the investigation and the loss of his wife, Robert Lund is rebuilding his life. He has a job as a labourer in neighbouring town Albi, and
A MAN suspected of murdering his wife visited the lake where her body was found and insisted: I did not kill her. Evelyn Lund, 52, was found dead on the back seat of her 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser at the bottom of the Bancali lake in southern France in October
THE dream of a sun-drenched life in a home surrounded by rolling meadows lured Evelyn and Robert Lund to the hidden hamlet of La Veaute in southern France. For the former Darwen couple, a ramshackle yet picturesque farmhouse would be the perfect place
ROSSENDALE Family Forum is to receive a £5,500 cash boost. The Forum bid for the grant from the Countryside Agency's Local Heritage Initiative funding programme. This award will be used to develop the Playdays School and Community Project, where trained
A WATERFOOT theatre company has launched an appeal for volunteers. Horse and Bamboo, Lancashire's only Arts Council-funded national touring theatre company, is on the lookout for people willing to help with a range of jobs. Andrew Rawlinson, general manager
A 23-YEAR-OLD man has escaped a jail sentence for his 12th driving while disqualified offence - even though magistrates told him they could not believe he had clocked up so many charges. Steven Hurn, said to have been the "star witness" in a murder trial
A RANGE of Christmas carol services will be held at Blackburn Cathedral. Music lovers can get a taste of the festive season at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's concert on Friday. Before the service, the Salvation Army Band will be playing seasonal music
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after his housemate was stabbed at their home. Alan Fielden, 40, of Whalley New Road, in Bastwell, Blackburn, was taken to Blackburn Infirmary with a broken kitchen knife in his back at about 1.30am
BLACKBURN with Darwen Council is losing its battle to stop domestic violence victims suffering repeat attacks. The council set itself a goal of reducing the percentage of victims who are subjected to further attacks from 10.7 per cent to 7.2 per cent
A MAN who received more than 50 'junk mail' letters in two weeks has urged people just to bin them. Keith Hartley, 63, of St Michael's Court, in Blackburn, was sent the pile of letters offering him credit cards and prize draws, completely unsolicited.
A COUPLE symbolically representing Mary and Joseph' are visiting homes in Hoddlesden this Advent, spreading the Christmas message of love and peace. The figures from the crib at St Paul's Church will be travelling around, staying overnight at different
TRANSPORT bosses are encouraging people in Bury to use public transport over the festive season. Details of services are now available in GMPTE's annual Christmas and New Year timetable booklet and on www.gmpte.com Commercial public transport operators
