Archive

AT the last count the amount of council tax unpaid was £5m. If debt collectors can be used to collect unpaid parking fines, why cannot they be used to collect this vast sum? J H Smith, Stephenson Street, Horwich.

I WAS horrified when I read the article on "bring back corporal punishment". As a parent, I would never stand by and let anyone use violence on my children, which smacking and caning is. Thankfully, society has changed its attitude towards using punishment

I WAS disappointed to read the letter from Andrew Morgan, Vice Chair of Bolton Association of Residential Care Homes, "Constant Sniping at Private Sector" (Bolton Evening News on April 1). In Bolton the Local Authority has worked hard to build a positive

SEVERAL local cricketers have passed the English Cricket Board level one coaching course. They are: Michael Crompton and Colin Edwards (Leigh CC), John Dudley and David Fairclough (Egerton), Chris Evans (ex-Bradshaw), William Halton (Astley Bridge), Mark

ATHERTON Cricket Club have been successful in a bid for funding from the "Awards for all Project" and part of the grant will be used to fund an Open Day for young cricketers, at the cricket ground on Saturday, April 13. Children aged nine to 15 years

A TEAM of 40 firefighters battled a moorland blaze that threatened to engulf farmhouses and a forest on the outskirts of Bolton early today. At its height the fire -- which raged between Chapeltown, Cox Green and Dimple for more than 10 hours -- covered

LITTER, rubbish, filth and grime -- eyesores like these are a common sight in Bolton. Our streets are used as dumping grounds, our buildings are covered with graffiti and our pavements are flecked with sticky-gum. But it doesn't have to be that way. Today

KEVIN Nolan, who has withdrawn from the England U20s squad for tonight's friendly in Portugal, may have to wait until next week to learn whether he will be credited with the first goal for Wanderers against Aston Villa. A Premier League panel, assigned

HAILED for helping secure the victory that put Wanderers in touching distance of Premiership survival, Rod Wallace may not be around to enjoy the fruits of his labours next season. The former Southampton, Leeds and Rangers striker - out of work when Sam

WANDERERS and Ipswich met in their latest confrontation last weekend but the Whites' 4-1 win was just another absorbing episode in a series of intriguing fixtures between the two sides. Here we chart the contrasting fortunes of both sides over recent

A MAN had shown a careless disregard for his safety by taking drugs and alcohol, an inquest heard. Bury district coroner Barrie Williams, recording a verdict of accidental death on John Lysons, said he had chosen a lifestyle which his system could not

A 23-YEAR-OLD man who appeared before magistrates charged with theft has had his case adjourned until April 23. Daniel Mark Cording, of Chorley Old Road, Bolton, was granted bail on condition that he does not go into town centre shops.

A MAN who appeared before Bolton magistrates charged with failing to produce a driving licence has had his case adjourned. Cuneyt Halac, aged 30, of Rogerstead House, Deane, pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence on February 15. His trial date has

RESERVOIR bosses have vowed to reel in rogue anglers who are putting wildlife at risk at a popular beauty spot. Increasing problems are being caused by fishermen carelessly discarding bits of broken fishing line and other tackle at the Jumbles Reservoir

THE case of a Radcliffe man accused of slashing one of three other asylum seekers with a knife in Heywood has been remanded to the Crown Court by Rochdale magistrates. Mocktar Zoveidavi, aged 28, of Ulundi Street, Radcliffe, was bailed to appear at Minshull

A TEAM of students from India studying at Wigan and Leigh College won the top prizes in a prestigious marketing competition only weeks after arriving in the UK. The students won the prizes in the Chartered Institute of Marketing's 15th North-west student

FATHER-TO-BE Phil Neville showed he is ready for the new addition to his family when he was given the keys to a sponsored car. The Manchester United and England defender, whose wife Julie is expecting a baby in 10 weeks, was only too happy to drive home

TRADING Standards staff in Bury, who are determined to stop "cowboy" builders, have issued a warning to people planning to have work done on their homes or gardens this summer. The call comes as the council service continues to receive an increasing number

AN A-level student from Heaton has lost four months worth of coursework after thieves stole computer disks. Daniel Kirkham, aged 18, had locked the equipment in the boot of his car to keep it safe, but thieves broke in and stole the disks, together with

FAMILIES of people with learning disabilities are being invited to a seminar to get help with their housing needs. Cllr Noel Spencer, executive member for housing, said: "It can be a great worry planning for the future of a relative with learning disabilities

GREAT grannie Annie Haydock is celebrating her 100th birthday today. Over the past century she has seen two World Wars, the Queen's coronation, Neil Armstrong walking on the moon and many other landmark events of the 20th century. But now it is her turn

BSF Rounders League: DARCY Lever CC A won the Champion of Champions Tournament by beating Barlow Park 129-110 in the final at Westhoughton Cricket Club. Lever overcame Mytham Ladies in the semi-final despite giving them a 70-run lead, while Park reached

BOLTON RUFC are holding an open day on Sunday April 21st at 10.30am at its Avenue Street ground off Chorley Old Road. There is no charge to take part and refreshments are provided. All children between 6 and 18 are welcome for the training sessions run

BOLTON'S only hope of a medal takes the plunge tomorrow in the Commonwealth Games swimming trials. Egerton's Anthony Howard picked up a bronze medal in Kuala Lumpur four years ago as a member of the 4x100m freestyle relay team but now wants to end his

Leigh 28- St Edward's Old Boys 18: IN this relegation battle, Leigh conceded an early penalty to trail 3-0 and missed an early chance to equalise shortly afterwards. They made good however when winger Wright scored in the corner but the visitors then

Bolton 0 Burnage 23: BOLTON crashed against the team immediately above them in the league, going down 23 - 0. In front of a good sized crowd swelled by the ranks of the second and third teamers who were left without a game this weekend, Bolton failed

Saddleworth Rangers U10s: 12 Westhoughton Lions U10s: 36 THE Lions dominated throughout and were leading 36-0 until the final 5 minutes when Saddleworth scored two converted tries. Excellent team work produced some very good rugby league and the Lions

CHILDREN have shown the way in getting the pride into Bolton -- by helping their mums and dads sweep the streets. They tidied up their neighbourhood in Horwich as part of the Brazley Residents' Association annual spring clean. Parents and members of the

VILLAGERS in Gin Pit, near Tyldesley, have become the first in the North-west to win a major award to improve their community. The residents' association successfully applied for a £7,800 People's Places Award from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

SHAKERS' struggle against relegation has suffered another blow as leading scorer Gareth Seddon looks set to miss their crucial last two fixtures writes Chris Hall It was hoped that the 21-year-old striker, with seven goals to his credit this season, would

WEATHERMAN Graham Fullarton could soon be using his forecasting skills to predict illness. Bosses at the Royal Bolton Hospital have come up with the idea of harnessing his talents to find out if they will be swamped with patients whose ailments are linked

A MAN had shown a careless disregard for his safety by taking drugs and alcohol, an inquest heard. Bury district coroner Barrie Williams, recording a verdict of accidental death on John Lysons, said he had chosen a lifestyle which his system could not

WINNING a top award was just the ticket for charity-minded Bolton travel agent Andrew Dickson. Mr Dickson, who owns St Andrew's Travel, was amazed when he was named as the first recipient of the Tony Rink Award for Corporate Community Involvement. With

TWENTY people a week in Bolton seek help after being attacked, abused or victimised by their own family. Cases of domestic violence in the town have rocketed by 33 per cent over the last 12 months, and an ever increasing number of victims are men. Experts

TRAIN drivers involved in a row over the disciplining of workers are to stage three further one day strikes, their union announced today. Members of Aslef at First North Western will walk out on April 22, 29 and May 6, threatening travel chaos across

A LATE strike by dead-eye Darren Emmett for Chorley was the last thing new Steels boss Wayne Biggins needed with his side desperate for points to stave off relegation from the UniBond First Division. The former Burnley player was promoted to team manager

A TREE-TOP walkway could be built through Greater Manchester's biggest wood in Worsley. Landowners Peel Holdings want to create the roped walkway on stilts through Botany Bay Wood, home to some of the rarest birds in the country. The company says it would

I WOULD like to thank most sincerely the person and driver who handed in my purse when it slipped out of my pocket on the 12.10pm lunchtime 501 bus on April 4 in Knowsley Street. I am very grateful and appreciate your honesty very much. Many thanks. E

IF Cllr Bob Howarth is concerned over empty shops, is it not time he and the other councillors got their heads together and cut the council tax and sorted the parking problems out? Then the firms will not leave for lower charges elsewhere and also more

LET'S try and stop the mobile phone idiots. Recently, while driving through town, I noticed in my rear view mirror a car about 18 inches from the back of my car. He was trying to steer with a cigarette in his right hand, his left hand was holding a mobile

I SAW the old gentlemen enjoying the rock gardens in Moss Bank Park (Looking Back) and thought -- what are they like now? The rock gardens and the walled garden are a disgrace to the town. I read about the council maybe going to open a restaurant so people

I WAS most dismayed and disappointed at the turnout for the Queen Mother's memorial service at the Parish Church on Sunday, April 7. Can so many Boltonians not be interested in going to a Sunday service for the Queen Mum. I would have thought that as

WE think of violence in terms of street muggings or pub fights. But, for an alarmingly high number of ordinary people, violence means home life. In Bolton each week, 20 people will seek help after being attacked, abused or victimised by family members

TONGE Cricket Club junior section are inviting boys and girls aged 9-15 to take the opportunity of playing in their under 13s, 15s or 18s teams. Cricket nets are held at the club every Friday night. Details from John Roberts 01204 846750.

POLICE have vowed to act against teenage drinkers after reports of gangs of up to 100 youths terrorising people in Westhoughton. The under-age drinkers, girls as well as boys, gather in Central Park and other parts of the town for late night binges. One

BOLTON'S oldest pub has taken a leap into the future -- after starting its own Internet service for customers. Regulars at Ye Olde Man and Scythe, Churchgate, can now enjoy a traditional pint and a free trip into cyberspace. Landlord John Jewitt hopes

WANDERERS Reserves, who are in action at Middlesbrough tonight, are set to lose the services of striker Chris Downey who is going for a one-month loan spell with Singapore club Sengkang Marine.

PER Frandsen has played his way into the World Cup reckoning. The Wanderers' midfield ace, back in the Premiership swing after a seven-match injury lay-off, has retained his place in the Denmark national squad and could well have booked his ticket to

DEAN Holdsworth could be set to team up again with his old Wimbledon boss Joe Kinnear this summer. Now in charge at Luton Town, who have just secured promotion from Division Three, Kinnear claims to have spoken to Holdsworth and that the Reebok favourite

RENOWNED folk singer Vin Garbutt will top the bill at Leigh Folk Club on April 26. One of the most sought-after performers on the circuit, Vin will bring his powerful and witty songs, accompanied by his guitar and whistle, to the Conservative Club in

TRUANCY rates in Bolton have dropped despite concerns that the problem is increasing nationally. But education officials have warned that confusion over compiling the figures is making it hard to assess the true scale of the problem. The number of days

CHORLEY Lynx's hopes of making progress in the National League Cup suffered a major blow when they went down to a disappointing defeat against Whitehaven at Victory Park. Lynx have now lost their opening two fixtures in the competition, which leaves them

TWO people had to be cut free from a crashed car by firemen after an accident in Church Street, Golborne, early today. A third person in the vehicle was freed before firemen arrived just before 5.30am.

A TREE-TOP walkway could be built through Greater Manchester's biggest wood in Worsley. Landowners Peel Holdings want to create the roped walkway on stilts through Botany Bay Wood, home to some of the rarest birds in the country. The company says it would

THE entire borough of Bury looks set to be bloomin' spectacular this summer, if a new and colourful scheme gets off the ground. Businesses and retailers are being urged to get involved with the innovative sponsored hanging basket scheme, which could completely

ABOUT 50 workers had to be evacuated when a shoe repair machine caught fire at their factory. Four firefighters wearing breathing kits had to go into the SPH Europe building in Rothwell Street, Daubhill, to fight the flames. They contained the fire, which

WHEN it comes to creating a record-breaking event, Lofty the Lion knows you can rely on your friends. The Wanderers' mascot got together with a handful of mainly furry pals to encourage fellow mascots from all over the country to come to the Reebok Stadium

A BRAVE father has completed his gruelling annual walk to raise money for good causes. Carlton Constantine, aged 33, enjoyed the 14-mile circular trek around Rivington Pike with a gang of eight youngsters. The former warehouse manager is hoping to have

TODAY the Bolton Evening News launches a campaign to build the town a brighter future. With the arrival of the Commonwealth Games in the North West now only months away, the eyes of the world will soon be upon us. Bolton plays host to four events and

CASTLEFORD coach Graham Steadman is backing his former boss Stuart Raper to turn around the fortunes of ailing giants Wigan. Raper, who faces his old team in Saturday's intriguing first Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup semi-final at Headingley, has

Ramsbottom Utd 1 Flixton 1 United keeper Paul Horridge showed why he has been named the NWCL goalkeeper of the month for March with a man of the match performance against one of the top performing sides. David Yorke-Robinson gave the Rams the lead on

A POLICE station in Lancashire was evacuated last night after a member of the public brought in an unexploded World War One smoke mortar bomb. Nearby roads were sealed off for more than an hour as bomb disposal experts made the device safe at Great Harwood

CONISTON Water is under attack from a weed officially described as an "alien species". New Zealand Pigmyweed is taking over the lake and the local plant life is under threat. The Lake District National Park Authority is warning boat owners and fishermen

THE design of Bolton's new police headquarters, and 15 other stations due to be built in Greater Manchester, has been condemned by a Government think tank. The stations, part of an £80 million modernisation, have also been attacked as bland and wrongly

A NEW report which highlights the French Government's failure to meet key European BSE consumer safeguards highlights the "blatant hypocrisy" of its own illegal ban on British beef, says the National Farmers' Union. The damning report by the European

TO the casual observer, it is little more than an ugly gas holder sticking out on the skyline in Spa Road, Bolton. But to one man it is a picture of beauty, a gritty symbol of modern-day life and our industrial heritage. It may seem strange to some people

A GROUP of more than 100 angry postal workers including staff from Bolton who are battling to save rural deliveries and stop private companies bidding for their routes lobbied MPs in London today. They will urge politicians to support their campaign to

ANGRY businessman Ian Powis is considering shutting up shop and taking his trade elsewhere after a series of vandal attacks. His company, Always in Our Thoughts, a memorial headstone company, has suffered endless damage since it opened a year ago. Vandals

A NEW campaign to get children to "belt up" is being mounted in Bolton after figures revealed 114 young passengers a year are being injured in accidents on the town's roads. Bolton road safety officers are using a cuddly teddy bear in the campaign, which

AN official report published this week shows that a huge number of rape cases falter without a conviction. Mark Donaghy spoke to a Bolton woman who was the victim of an appalling sex attack. AT 7.15am on February 18, 1992, Merlyn Nuttall's life changed

Air Miles Manchester League: BREIGHTMET United stormed to an excellent 4-2 away Division One victory at Whitworth Valley in the AIR MILES Manchester League. The home side had cancelled out Faisil Mohmed's fifth minute opener before the in-form Jimmy Beavers