10 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

July 8 2000

AN urgent warning has been issued to passengers amid fears that a bogus “taxi” driver could prey on lone women in Bolton.

Police fear that a conman could be planning to pick up unsuspecting fares and attack women after a licence plate was stolen from a private hire vehicle in the town.

Officers say whoever stole the plate may just be intending to use it to make money by posing as a private hire man and not intending to attack anyone.

But Bolton Police community safety officer PC Steve Openshaw is almost certain that the plate could now be being used for someone to falsely represent themselves as a taxi driver.

He said: “An unlicensed vehicle will not be checked for safety and you will not be covered by insurance.”

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

July 8 1985

BOLTON steeplejack and TV star Fred Dibnah reckons that a conman cashing in on his fame is the height of cheek.

A rogue posing as Fred’s brother and business partner has been travelling the country leaving a trail of unpaid bills.

“He tells them he’s my brother, Frank Dibnah,” says Fred of Radcliffe Road, Bolton, who has no brother called Frank.

“He’s even had some ‘Dibnah Brothers’ business cards printed up. And I’m told he wears a flat cap and even looks a bit like me.”

Fred’s has been a well-known face throughout the country since the two BBC series’ about his exploits were screened over the past few years.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

July 8 1960

TWO women received treatment at Bolton Royal Infirmary yesterday after they had been affected by gas escaping from a faulty geyser at a hairdresser’s shop in Hall-Lane, Farnworth One woman, who was helping her neighbour at the shop, became ill about 2 p.m.

She was taken home, and later went by ambulance to the Infirmary.

The other woman found that something was wrong with the geyser, and informed the Gas Board but herself became ill and went to hospital.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

July 8 1910

The new Council chamber at Highfield House, Kearsley, which building has been acquired by the Kearsley District Council for the better conduct of their business, was opened yesterday afternoon by Mr. F. Shipperbottom J.P., chairman of the Council. He said the increased work of their staff and the many other duties which had devolved upon urban councils had made it necessary that they should have more accommodation, and he thought the steps they had taken would meet with the approval of the ratepayers.