Blackburn with Darwen Council chief confirms drastic cuts "inevitable" after finance settlement

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has reacted to yesterday’s local government grant settlement, confirming tough times are inevitable for the next two years.

The government confirmed the grant settlement would be cut drastically for local councils, with deprived areas remaining worst hit.

Despite announcing a new “transition fund” to help poorer areas, Blackburn with Darwen will gain just £2.8M from the fund, with current projections showing the council at the same time facing a cut of at least £27M over the next two years.

The Government’s own figures show the borough is one of the 40 worst affected councils in the country with the maximum 8.9% budget cut. Some more affluent areas of the country face a cut of less than 1%.

Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council and NHS Care Trust Plus, Graham Burgess, said:

“This looks to be the harshest settlement we have ever had to deal with. We are still working through the fine detail and the government has only given us figures for the next two years which will hamper our long term planning.

“Despite the government’s attempts to soften the impact, some towns with added challenges like Blackburn, Darwen and many of our Pennine Lancashire neighbours, are going to be facing much bigger cuts than others.

“Over the next two years we expect to face cuts of at least £27M. This is a massive and unprecedented reduction. We are concerned that this figure could get worse as we understand the full detail of the settlement.

“The Council will still have some very difficult decisions to make in the coming months. We will be continuing to listen to the community as we make decisions.

“We have been preparing for the worst and this will help us get through. Reductions to services and job losses are now sadly inevitable. The Council will have to shrink but all focus will be on ensuring we can still aim to serve the needs of our communities.”

Celebrate New Years Eve at Darwen Conservative Club

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY

Celebrate New Year

at

Hollins Grove Conservative Club, Darwen

Starring Darwen's own Nigel Myer's

Buffet included

Tickets £8

Call 01254 702367 for details

www.hollinsgroveconclub.co.uk

Race Night & Quiz Night @ Conservative Club Darwen

Race Night

Saturday 27th November

Starts 8pm at

Hollins Grove Conservative Club and Function Room

Blackburn Road, Darwen

10 Races

Supper provided

Free Entry

Prizes to be won

Come along and enjoy a Flutter

call Vince 07970958275 for details

www.hollinsgroveconclub.co.uk

Quiz Night

Sunday 28th November

Starts 8pm

£5 per team ( max teams of 4)

Hollins Grove Conservative Club and Function Room

Blackburn Road, Darwen

call Vince 07970958275 for details

www.hollinsgroveconclub.co.uk

Christmas Fair - Hollins Grove Conservative Club

CHRISTMAS FAIR
TABLE TOP SALE

Sunday 28th November
10AM - 2.30PM

At
Function Room

Hollins Grove Conservative Club,
Blackburn Road, Darwen

£7 a Table

Entrance 50p per Person

Come Along and Grab a Bargain!

Please call Vince
On 07970958275

 
www.hollinsgroveconclub.co.uk

ROSA Website, Darwen - Residents Of Sunnyhurst Association

ROSA Darwen

The Residents Of Sunnyhurst Association would like to direct people to their website @ http://www.rosadarwen.co.uk for all the latest information about what's happening in the area.

The website, maintained by members of ROSA has been set-up to allow the residents of Sunnyhurst to connect with each other and they encourage people to get in touch with any imortant information they may wish to share or with any questions they might have.

Visit the website today at: http://www.rosadarwen.co.uk or by clicking the image below:

Event: Legendary comedian Jimmy Cricket @ Darwen Library Theatre

Legendary comedian Jimmy Cricket will bring his familiar brand of whacky and visual comedy when he makes his first appearance at the festival on 11th November 2010 (7.30pm) @ the Darwen Library Theatre.

If your tonic is an evening of fun and frivolity, sprinkled with giggles galore, then don’t miss this local chance to see one of the UK’s finest exponents of family comedy, which will appeal to all the generations.

Tickets £12 Concessions/Groups £10

For ticket information visit: http://www.darwenlibrarytheatre.com/events/the-jimmy-cricket-show.html

Table Top Sale in Darwen

TABLE TOP SALE

Sunday 31st October

10AM - 2.30PM

At

Hollins Grove Conservative Club,

Blackburn Road, Darwen

£7 a Table

Entrance 50p per Person

Come Along and Grab a Bargain!

Please call Vince

On 07970958275 for Further Details

The Madison Allan Appeal, Darwen

Support the Madison Allan Appeal at the Hollins Grove Conservative Club on Friday 22nd October 2010. Call Vince 07970 958275 or call into the club for more details.

Tickets £3.00

Gold and Times - UK Online Watch Store

Gold and Times sell a full range of mens and ladies watches online including popular names such as Rotary, Seiko, Police, Accurist, DKNY, Skagen, Seksy, Casio, Ben Sherman and more.

Visit the website to view all the products where you can also securely place an order online - www.goldandtimes.co.uk

Reminder: Second Car Boot Sale @ Brocklehead Caravan Park, Darwen

Note: All porceeds from entrance fees goes towards the East Rural Network, spending money to improve our community.

Confirm your attendance on Facebook

Darwen Community Farmers Market

A farmers market is being held at Brocklehead Farm & Caravan Park on Sunday 12th September 2010 from 11am. Entrance is just £1 with children under 12 free.

If you're interested in booking a traders space please ring Hayley or Carol - spaces available from £25. Please visit www.brockleheadcaravanpark.co.uk for more information and contact telephone number.

Special Offers @ Harvest Animal Feeds Pet Food, Darwen

Harvest Animal Feeds, Darwen, are pleased to be running a number of special offers on in-store purchases.

Harvest Animal Feeds is a Darwen based animal feed supplier, serving customers from across the Blackburn area and beyond.

Established since 1986, with over 20 years experience; we offer a friendly and reliable service to all our customers. 

Please contact us by visiting Darwen Online for our contact details and we will be more than happy to help you with your requirements.

 

Our Offers:

Dog Food: Buy any 6 bags of Eukanuba and get one FREE (with our loyalty card)

Cat Litter: 20ltr Catsan bag only £8.99

Dog Food: 6 packs of Caesar only £3.00

Cat Food: 2 boxes of Whiskas 12 pack only £5.00

 

 

 

Car Boot Sale in Darwen

A car boot sale is being held in Darwen on Sunday 25th July 2010 from 11am until 4pm at Brocklehead Farm, Roman Rd, Eccleshill.

Sellers interested in booking a stall should contact Hayley (07950 750594) or Carol (07976 597676) to reserve places.

Cars are priced at £6, vans are £10 with trailers £2 extra. Sellers can arrive from 8.30am.

On the day parking is FREE with entrance charged at £1 per adult or free for children.

So whether you are looking to grab a bargain or would like to sell some of your unwanted items and have a summer clear-out be sure to support the East Rural Network and Brocklehead Farm and attend the car boot sale on Roman Road, Darwen.

Confirm your attendance on Facebook

Big re-think will help Council meet financial challenges

Blackburn with Darwen Council today announced details of early proposals from a major re-think of all the services it provides as part of efforts to ‘make the best of less’ Government funding.

Members of the Council’s executive board are being asked to consider a number of recommendations as part of the ongoing reviews on July 8. The Council’s overall savings efforts to date add up to more than £5m.

Council leader, Councillor Michael Lee, said: “A major aspect of the planning work which we have been doing in preparation for funding reductions has been to take stock and look at how we do things. Our priority remains to protect the frontline services that our communities value and rely on the most.

“We are determined to be in the best shape possible to make more of less. To do this we need to make significant changes and implement them as quickly as possible or we are just storing up even more pain for later.”

The Council is potentially facing a funding reduction of up to £40m over the next four years . The first findings from the 42 service reviews are related to community and leisure ....

Read more & discuss

Furniture Clinic Emporium Ltd - Summer Sale (Darwen Online)

Furniture Clinic Emporium Ltd - Summer Sale!

This year we have introduced over a dozen new ranges of furniture. To make room we decided to reduce prices on some of the shop stock i.e: End of ranges & Ex-display.

The savings are substantial with up to 50% off!!

Note: This offer can only last for a limited period, so call in and bag a bargain on solid hand made & finished hard wood furniture.

Also a limited amount of upholstered pieces in stock - settees, chairs & suites

For more info visit our web site, telephone us or better still pop into see us at our showroom.

Click here for contact details

More mountain bike trails for Pennine Lancashire

Two new mountain bike trails are to be officially opened at Witton Park on June 26th.

As part of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s commitment to encourage cycling and improve levels of physical activity amongst children and adults, a new cycle network has been created in Billinge Woods.

As part of the opening ceremony, which starts at 1030am, some professional riders will be showing members of the public how best to use the routes.

These two routes, linked by a figure eight circuit and have been designed by Architrail Ltd and constructed by Dinsdale Moorland Services Ltd.

Read more & comment

Darwen & East Rural Scarecrow Festival

Individuals, households, local groups and businesses from within the East Rural area have been invited to take part in the scarecrow competition on Saturday 3rd July and Sunday 4th July 2010.

The scarecrows will be displayed throughout the East Rural area and members of the public can follow routes round the area to view the scarecrows by foot or by car and vote for their favourites.

If you'd like more information on where the scarecrows can be seen or suggested routes to take please leave a message in our online forum and one of the organisers will respond.

Will you be visiting the event?  

Read more & Discuss

Special Fathers Day Offers at MJ's Restaurant, Darwen

MJs Restaurant & Bar, Darwen

Looking for somewhere local to take your father on Fathers Day this year?

MJs Restaurant are putting on a special FATHERS DAY MENU on Sunday 20th June 2010 which includes 3 courses for £16.95! Click the link below to download the menu from their page on Darwen Online.

In addition to the Fathers Day menu, MJs are also offering a special WORLD CUP MENU until 12th July 2010.

To take advantage of this offer meals must be pre-booked. Please quote "Darwen Online World Cup Menu"

Download the menu

NWDA airbrushes Darwen out of new tourism guide

New MP for Darwen, Jake Berry, has today written to the Chief Executive of the Northwest Development Agency demanding an explanation as to why major tourism attractions in Darwen and the surrounding area have not been included in the latest tourism guide published to promote the Northwest’s economy.

Jake commented, “I picked up a copy of the ‘Prime’ guide while travelling down to Westminster. When reading it, I was surprised to note that that the town of Darwen has been missed off the map of Lancashire altogether. Darwen has some of the best tourism attractions in Lancashire including the world famous Jubilee Tower, Darwen market and Sunnyhurst Woods.” Read more & discuss

Local artists needed for big competition

Are you the Picasso of Blackburn? Or the Van Gogh of Darwen?

If so, your borough needs you to design original art for the massive Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme at Pleckgate Mathematics and Computing College.

An art competition is running at Pleckgate and the winners will have their creations displayed on large hoardings around the construction site while the new state-of-the-art BSF school is being built.

Local residents, schools, clubs and groups can enter and the art must be of images of the Pleckgate neighbourhood - past, present and future.

Using your own artistic talent and imagination, you can include references to
architecture, cultural diversity, sports, leisure and natural environment.

The artwork should be in A3 size, using one of the following: photography, drawing,
painting, collage or mixed media. All entries must include name, age and contact details including telephone number.

The closing date for entries is June 25 at 3pm and winners will be announced on July 1st.

Entries and enquiries should be sent to Susan Covill (Community Development Officer), Pleckgate High School Mathematics & Computing College, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn. Tel: 01254 244320 or email: susancovill@pleckgate.blackburn.sch.uk.

Shopping bags and robot wars!

Budding young inventors at Blakewater College are building a worldwide reputation!

An invention by the Year 7 pupils has attracted the attention of sponsorship from groups impressed by their creative gadget.

The pupils also created a robot, called Gizmo, which led them to represent the UK at the international Lego Championships.

The pupils - Sahib Ali, Sufyan Hassan, Haajra Iqbal, Mohsin Mayat, Billy Maxwell, and Bahiya Hussain - have created a contraption to make shopping trips easier.

The bag carrier is shaped like different animals and is called the Anabag. It holds up to five shopping bags through hooks on the animal shape which is attached to a comfortable strap, which eases the weight of heavy bags after a shopping trip Read more & discuss..

Facebook group dedicated to "the alien of the window in Darwen"

A Facebook group has been setup dedicated to "the alien of the window in Darwen"

Currently sporting 421 members the group was started by Facebook user Benn 'tooly' Leyland under the category of FAN CLUBS.

Amongst the discussions on the site about the blow up alien located in a house facing the Shell garage on the A666 is the question "How long has he been there?"

Many Facebook users agree it's been there as long as they can remember. Maybe someone could shed some light on this popular question?

Visit the Facebook group today or join the discussion in our forum below:

Harwood's Blinds, Darwen

Opening Times

Monday to Friday:  9.30am  to  5.30pm

Weekends & Bank Holidays: CLOSED 

Home appointments can be arranged at your convenience from 9.30am until late. 

Now located in a beautiful, purpose-built retail showroom in Darwen, Lancashire, close to the M65 ,with 100's of displays, Harwood's Blinds offer you the complete service. With our ideas and inspiration, we can help you choose the right combination of styles, colours and fabrics to make your house into a home!

We offer you a free no obligation quotation service, which means that we bring our samples and experience to your home. Our exceptional service also includes free installation of your blinds by our professional fitters.

If you prefer, you are welcome to visit our beautiful showroom. There you will be able to see with your own eyes, the exceptional quality of our bespoke blinds.

Featured Darwen Business
Darwen Online Business Directory

M Cars Taxis - Darwen Taxi & Airport Transfers

M Cars Taxis are proud to serve Darwen residents with a relaible taxi service for local journeys and out of town journeys including airport runs.

Current special offers include journeys anywhere in Darwen for only £2.20 (up to 1 mile)

Whether you're going on a night out, returning from shopping or just need to get from A to B think M Cars, Darwen. Give us a call to book your taxi on 01254 775591.

Featured Darwen business from Darwen Online

Your local online business directory

Darwen video shows one-handed pool trick shot

A new video has been submitted to Darwen Online showing a one handed pool shot in the Anchor Pub in Darwen.

In the video clip Gareth, from Darwen, pots the black ball and white ball using a one handed shot.

Online search for an old friend from Darwen

Featured forum post: Juergen Sporkmann from Germany got in touch with Darwen Online recently in his quest to get in contact with an old friend from Darwen.

The pair had been friends in the late 1980's but have since lost contact with each other. Juergenposted a message on our forum in the hope of getting back in contact:

"Hi all,

I´m looking for an ol´mate from Darwen. I´have lost his adress and don´t know his last name. What I got is his first name, Andrew. His father makes his money with a tribe butchery, maybe now he´s retired.

Maybe someone knows him, we had some good time in the late 80´s. He visited me and I had one visit too in Darwen. Perhaps he moved away from Darwen meanwhile.

Perhaps someone has an idea to get in contact..."

Man fined in dog fouling case

A man has been ordered to pay £215 for not cleaning up after his dog.

David Nolan, of Glenluce Crescent, Blackburn, was charged with failing to clear up foul left by his dog, under the Dog Fouling-Act 3 of Fouling of Land by Dogs, Blackburn with Darwen Order, 2008.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Blackburn magistrates on May 28.

The offence was committed on Friday, April 9 2010. Two PCSOs witnessed Mr Nolan’s dog foul outside the Spar shop on Rothesay Road. The dog was not under control and the mess was not picked up.

The case was brought by Blackburn with Darwen Council

Mr Nolan was fined £100, ordered to pay £100 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

New Darwen live music venue - 3 in a Bar

A new live music venue is opening its doors for the first time in Darwen on Friday 28th May.

The venue, called 3 in a Bar, is located on Belgrave Square in the centre of Darwen and will feature live music from bands playing jazz & soul music.

Whilst opening the doors for the first time this Friday, the bar will be welcoming a number of acts to co-incide with Darwen Music Live including:

Sunday
Blackburn with Darwen Brass Band Quartett (12pm-1pm)
John Wickam Trio (1.50pm - 2.30pm)
Cherry B's (2.45pm-4.30pm)
Paul Rigby & The Northern Jazz Orchestra (11.30pm - 2am)

Monday
NJ4 Jazz Quartett (2pm - 4.30pm)
Mundo Jazz (2.45pm - 4.30pm)
Lemon Soul (7pm - 8.45pm)
Swing Commanders (9.30pm - 11pm)

Builders in Darwen - Halsall Construction UK Ltd

 

Established in 2007, Halsall Construction UK Ltd provides an extensive range of construction related solutions including maintenance contracts and major works.

Halsall Construction UK Ltd are proud to offer a complete construction service from design & construction to refurbishments and maintenance.

If you're looking for a builder in Darwen or anywhere throughout the UK, be sure to give Halsall Construction a ring to find out how we can help.

Man Lee Chinese Restaurant, Darwen

Our opening hours are:

Mon-Thurs: 5.30pm - 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 5.00pm - 11.30pm
Sundays: 3.00pm - 10.30pm

In addition we are open for
BUSINESS LUNCH:

Thursdays & Fridays 12 noon - 2.00pm

OPEN ALL BANK HOLIDAYS 4.30pm - 10.30pm

MUSIC FESTIVAL SPECIAL
Darwen Music Live 2010

Why not have a walk up to the Man Lee Chinese Restaurant whilst you're at Darwen Music Live. Within walking distance of the main stage, we can provide affordable food from our specials menu and will provide a special drinks offer - BUY 2 GET ONE FREE! 

10% off À la carte menu when you quote DARWEN ONLINE
(Sunday & Monday, during Festival)

Move to improve Darwen shop front appearances

“Terrible” shop shutters along the main route through Darwen are making the town look derelict, according to town councillor John East.

He suggests that one way to brighten things up a bit would be to paint the shutters, improving shop exteriors and says the town council should be coming up with ideas to give Darwen a better appearance.

The development committee of Darwen Town Council is now looking into the possibility of a carrying out the painting scheme.

Read more

What are your thoughts on schemes like this? What would you like to be done to improve the towns appearance?

Conservative candidate Jake Berry wins Darwen seat

It was declared early this morning that Conservative candidate Jake Berry is the new MP for Rossendale and Darwen after receiving 41.7% of the vote.

Mr Berry, who replaces Labour's Janet Anderson following 18 years as MP for the consituency, has promised to serve the residents - whatever their political persuassion and thanked the previous MP for the work she's done since 1992.

Full local results as follows:

• Jake Berry (Conservative) 41.7%, 19,691 votes

• Janet Anderson (Labour) 32.1%, 15,198 votes
• Robert Sheffield (Liberal Democrats) 18.1%, 8,541 votes
• David Duthie (UK Independence Party) 3.4%, 1,617 votes
• Kevin Bryan (National Front) 2.2%, 1,062 votes
• Michael Johnson (English Democrats) 1.4%, 663 votes
• Tony Melia (Impact Party) 0.5%, 243 votes
• Mike Sivieri (Independent) 0.2%, 113 votes

Darwen Soul Night, Friday 23rd April

Fri 23rd April @ 8.30pm
DJ LESTER’s Soul Night

At Hollins Grove Liberal Club, Falcon Avenue, Darwen

Tickets £3.00
Tel Vince on 07970958275 or Pay on the Door

Janie brings a ‘wee’ bit of Scotland to Darwen Market

Business is booming at Darwen Market with three new traders recently taking up pitches.

One of those, Janie Cookson, recently opened a Scottish food stall, Wee JJJs, after trips north of the border gave her the seed for the idea.

Says Janie: “I had a friend who gave me £50 whenever I went to Scotland and told me to bring back some bread, haggis or other Scottish food. I did some research and discovered that, according to the 2001 census, 26 per cent of people in Darwen are Scottish. That seemed like an interesting niche so I decided to go for it.”

Janie, whose background is in catering, set up the stall with the help of No Limits, support for new businesses.

Determined to keep things authentic she forged links with suppliers north of the border and now has produce sent direct from Scotland. She says: “I source the food from Edinburgh, Glasgow, all over really. The deliveries usually take about two days; all the produce comes down fresh and chilled.”

So far, business has been good. Says Janie: “Feedback from customers has been good, they’re happy there’s a stall like mine here. The most popular items have been Scottish morning roles, Scotch pies and puddings.”

With her stall now up and running, Janie is looking forward to the future. She adds: “The is the first stall I’ve had on Darwen Market. I’m happy to be here though, it’s good place to do business from.”

Darwen market boasts over 90 stalls under cover, offering an amazing variety of produce and specialist items. Parking is also free.

Visitors can expect to receive a warm and friendly welcome and an attentive and uniquely personal service from the stall holders, many of whom have long standing associations at the market; sometimes stretching back through generations.

You’ve got a friend with new Shadsworth ‘buddy’ scheme

Good Morning Shadsworth is a new scheme offering a phone call every week to anyone who is in need of a friend to talk to.

A ‘buddy’ will call you at your preferred time on Mondays to have a chat - you can choose the subject and it's free. They will ring you so you will not be charged.

Your buddy will stay on for as long as you like, whether it is two minutes or 20 minutes.

Volunteer Angie Allen will be manning the phones every Monday, and said she is looking forward to chatting to other residents: “We will be ringing people who can’t always get out of the house and help them get more involved.

“I will be asking the people if they are OK, if they know what is going on in the area, and what sort of things they want to talk about.

“Everyone is invited to come to the coffee morning at Shadsworth Community Centre once a month, where they can sit and talk to other residents.

“People can also tell us if they are not feeling very well and we will immediately call their next of kin, so we can make sure they are OK.”

Mrs Elsie Price from Shadsworth, who has signed up to receive the phone calls, said she hoped to get a chance to talk about issues concerning her in Shadsworth: “I want to talk about Shadsworth, and what is going on here. I think it will be good to know more about what is going on because it can be hard to get out and about.”

Mrs Pamela Blackburn, also from Shadsworth, said: “I think this is a really good idea, especially for people with disabilities who can’t get around very well and want to feel more involved in the community.”

A partnership between the Council and Twin Valley Homes (TVH), Good Morning Shadsworth is based on research by the University of Manchester, which found that the phone calls were one of the best ways to reach people who are not able to get out of the house much.

Anyone who is interested in becoming somebody’s volunteer buddy or in receiving the phone calls from a buddy, please contact Lesley Fox on (01254) 503203.

Jean Thompson, TVH support community worker, said: “We value all our tenants and we are delighted to be working with Blackburn with Darwen Council on this really important scheme. The Shadsworth project is a pilot and we hope that residents Shadsworth will find it useful. If it is a success we will be looking to roll it out to other areas of Blackburn with Darwen.”

Follow Darwen Music Live 2010 on Facebook

Join the Facebook Group for Darwen Music Live 2010 or follow them on Twitter.

The Facebook group currently boasts over 1,000 fans and people have been sharing their thoughts on the recently announced line-up for this years event. It has been announced that organisers will be using the social networking sites to keep fans updated.

Headliners announced for Darwen Live

Headliners for this year's Darwen Live music festival have been announced.

Topping the bill for 2010 are 'rockgrass' tribute band Hayseed Dixie along with Derek Forbes and Brian McGee ex Original Simple Minds.

Hayseed Dixie who made their name with their distinctive bluegrass and rock covers of AC/DC songs will be performing on Sunday, May 30.

Derek Forbes and Brian McGee who have reunited to perform songs from their time as Simple Minds will be taking to the stage on Monday, May 31.

This year the mini festival organised by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council celebrates eleven years of showcasing local talent as well as bringing well known performers to the town.

The free, two-day music festival will boast many local musicians and support for the event is as strong as ever with a the Council’s Facebook fan page attracting over 800 fans just two days after it was launched.

All performances will take place on the festival’s main Stage located on the Darwen Market Square, and on the acoustic Stage, which is located at the Darwen Library Theatre. Local pubs and clubs will also be providing live entertainment.

The main stage will run from 1pm - 9pm, Darwen Library Theatre is 1pm -7pm.

Check with individual pubs and clubs for programming details.

Steve Rigby, director of Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: "We are delighted to organise yet another Darwen Live, which in it's eleventh year has come to be something of an institution in the town.

"It is an extremely popular event and is a chance for people to come together and celebrate community spirit."

Work begins on new Darwen THI scheme on Bolton Road

The restoration of another building in Darwen’s conservation area has begun.

The Darwen Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative comprises of a £2m Common Fund provided by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Heritage Lottery Fund.

Grants are provided towards property and environmental improvements within a designated area of the town centre.

The new scheme, at 17-21 Bolton Road, includes the reinstatement of architectural detail and repairs and improvements to the shopfronts, doors, windows and vacant floorspace.

The upper floor and basement will be used for commercial use with the ground floor taken up by a take away and taxi office.

This block of properties, formerly occupied by a newsagents and taxi office, is undergoing the substantial improvements with the support of £132,244 grant aid through the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

The works are expected to be completed by September 2010.

Councillor Alan Cottam, Executive Member for Regeneration and Environment, said: “The Darwen THI scheme seeks to reinvigorate historic buildings in Darwen that are run down and losing their original character through the removal of architectural detail and alterations.

It is great to see another of Darwen’s historic buildings being brought back to life. They all play an important part in the unique nature of the town.”

THI projects are already underway at several other sites in Darwen, including: the Town Hall, Holker House, 25 Bolton Road and 15 Bridge Street.

Others are due to commence shortly at: 3 Foundry Street, 51-53 Railway Road, Belgrave Chapel, Former Burton Building ground floor pharmacy unit at 29-31 Market Street and 46 Railway Road.

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “The beginning of new conservation work shows that real progress is being made here in Darwen. The THI scheme is breathing new life into the built heritage of Darwen, revitalising the historic centre of the town. This will create long-lasting benefits for local people and for many generations to come.”

Scammers try all the tricks in the book

Fraudsters have tried four different tricks in just one week to con East Lancashire people out of money.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s public protection service says people must be on their guard for the top four scams as fraudsters will try everything to steal money from people.

Chris Allen, head of public protection, said: “First of all never, ever respond to anyone who phones or emails you for your bank or building society details. An Asian family lost £200 recently through someone phoning them and asking for their details so they could give back bank charges. Financial institutions, credit card companies, e Bay, and Pay Pal never, ever ask customers to hand over their personal details in this way.

“Secondly never respond to claims you’ve won money in a lottery where they ask you to send an administration fee. Stop and think – did you enter this lottery? If not, how can you have won anything? It’s just a con.

“Thirdly never send money to homeworking agencies. A lady recently lost £30 thinking she would be sent materials to work at home and earn money. That was just a con too.

“Fourthly, if someone you don’t know calls, claiming to be a government agency, official body or asking to you dial to hear a message, don’t respond. You could be dialling a premium phone line.

“It’s a shame people have to be so suspicious, but fraudsters will try everything they can to get you to hand over personal information to steal your money and identity. Don’t let them get away with it.”

Anyone who has been approached by scammers can report it to Consumer Direct, tel 08454 04 05 06.

£4 million highway improvements

Improvements to roads across Blackburn with Darwen have been unveiled as part of the Local Transport Plan 2 for 2010/11.

The Local Transport Plan is aimed at developing a safe, efficient and sustainable transport system which meets the needs of all people, including pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transport users.

The LTP 2 programme for 2010/11 is made up of integrated transport, maintenance and road safety schemes and has been recommended for approval at the Council’s next executive board in April

The schemes include:

* Expansion of the right hand turn lane on Preston New Road/Barbara Castle Way to reduce congestion

* Improvements at Haslingden Road - widening of road at a key pinch point to the west of Guide Village which could improve journey times by around five minutes accompanied with a new pedestrian crossing

* Completion of the roll out of real time bus information at bus stops along the 152 Preston- Burnley route

* Bus priority in town centre at Cardwell Place to enable buses to get to and from the College redevelopment and the new health centre on Alma Street

A number of main roads will also be resurfaced as part of the proposed programme including:

Darwen and rural -

* A675 Belmont Road, one of the country’s worst accident blackspots

* A666 Blackburn Road, Darwen from Earnsdale Road to Hawkshaw Avenue

* Bury Road, Edgworth from Temple Farm entrance to Bury Road

* Hoddlesden Road from Blacksnape Road to Hardwoods Lane

* Roman Road, Darwen from Drummers Stoops to Lower Aushaw Farm

* Slough Road/Watery Lane from Pole Lane to Clough Street


Blackburn -

* A6708 Lower Audley Street from Walker Street to Audley Bridge

* A6119 Ramsgreave Drive

* Cardwell Place

* Fecitt Brow from Bank Lane to Shadsworth Road

* Shear Brow from Colenso Road to Four Lane Ends

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “The Local Transport Plan 2 features transport schemes which help deliver the Council’s sustainable regeneration aspirations as well as looking at the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.”

Export event for local businesses

Businesses in Blackburn with Darwen are being invited to go global at a free event.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has joined forces with the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and No Limits to provide advice and guidance to businesses about expanding sales through export.

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “We have some world class companies but they may not consider exporting. This event aims to take some of the mystery out of the business of international trade.

"With the exchange rate currently to our advantage, and likely to remain that way for some time, now is a great time to consider exporting."

The event takes place at Blackburn Town Hall on Friday March 26 starting at 10am, and finishing with lunch at 12.30pm.

Sessions will look at understanding international markets, pricing and delivery, while one local company will talk about its experiences of exporting.

To reserve a free place, contact Marie White on (01254) 356448 or email m.white@chamberelancs.co.uk

Blackburn’s Fernhurst School looking to the future

Staff and students at Fernhurst School are gearing up for exciting change thanks to the Building Schools for the Future programme – and some top marks in its Ofsted inspection.

A new and innovative system for learning is coming to the school, called Progress2learn which could revolutionise the school and its pupils.

From September 2010 the school will instead provide an inclusion facility called Progress2learn for groups of students from local secondary schools who will spend two days a week at the school.

This is designed to engage disaffected learners in Blackburn and Darwen and give them an alternative curriculum with work based learning, vocational and work skills and the core curriculum and ICT.

In the two days a week they will also follow their school’s BSF curriculum as well as the personalised learning at Fernhurst, so will still be a part of the ambitious BSF programme.

The school has also been awarded some top marks in the latest Ofsted inspection.

Fernhurst, in Heys Lane, Blackburn, was rated ‘good’ overall by the government inspector who visited the school and it was given praise for its wide-ranging curriculum, ‘good, enthusiastic teaching geared to individual abilities and levels’ and students’ achievements.

Students at Fernhurst have emotional, behavioural or social difficulties and have statements of educational need related to this.

Chief inspector Honoree Gordon said: “Care, guidance and support for students are good, with staff keen to 'go the extra mile' with students, families and outside agencies and professionals to promote students' safety and well-being.

“Achievement and enjoyment are good. Students make good progress in lessons. They are keen to learn and lessons are carefully delivered in small steps to encourage them to do so.

All bar one of the students who left school in summer 2009 have gone on to further education or employment.

The inspector added that there were good relationships between students and teachers, which students said helped them to succeed, a strong focus on emotional well-being and good opportunities for exercise and healthy lifestyles.

“The new headteacher has re-invigorated the staff, building up a close-knit team of teachers and assistants who share his vision and high expectations of what the school can do to help young people who have become disaffected and whose attendance has been poor.

“As a result provision and outcomes for students have improved since the previous inspection.”
Fernhurst School is due to close in summer 2012 as part of the BSF programme and the students currently all in Year 11 are the last group of students on roll.

Headteacher George Sinclair said he was “thrilled” by the inspection results, and added: “The staff has achieved a good Ofsted as a result of team work in helping to create and share the vision for Fernhurst in the future.

He said that BSF is an opportunity and staff are enthusiastic to see the development of the Progress2Learn service after the closure in 2012.

Mr Sinclair added: “Staff have always been prepared to go the extra mile to support the students at Fernhurst. The development of personalised learning has been vital in helping to re-engage disaffected learners from other schools who share the provision at Fernhurst.

“The work done in PSHE and with Healthy Schools is another key indicator of our commitment to a holistic approach when working with the young people of Blackburn with Darwen.”

Cllr Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services, said: “Congratulations are in order for Fernhurst’s Ofsted result. The dedication and hard work of staff and students is apparent and I look forward to seeing the school flourish in its new facility in the BSF programme.”

Darwen Fire Crews Help Fight Moorland Blaze

Darwen Firefighters were called out yesterday to help their Greater Manchester colleagues combat a moorland blaze near Belmont.

It is not yet clear what started the fire, which started around 6.30pm, though some people suspect it was possibly a small fire which spiralled out of control.

Motorists are reported to have slowed to take a closer look at the moorland fire causing some traffic problems around Belmont Rd, though you didn't have to get too close to see the smoke which was visible for miles around before the blaze was brought under control after 9pm.

The fire affected moorland behind the Witton Arms pub in Belmont Rd which closed early for the night as a precaution although the building was unaffected by the blaze.

High tech voting system piloted in this year’s youth elections

A high tech voting system is being trialled by St Bedes R C High School as young people across the borough go to the polls this week to vote for the new youth MP.

Pupils at the Livesey Branch Road can log on to the learning platform a specialist website designed for schools and vote for their favourite candidate.

The new system means votes can be counted immediately and avoids mistakes that may lead to recounts.

It also allows voters to log on and vote in their spare time.

Voting is taking place in schools, colleges and a number of other of the Council’s partner organisations with the polls closing on Friday.

This year voters can choose from a list of 12 candidates all vying for the chance to represent the voice of young people in Blackburn with Darwen.

The would-be young MPs have been in training with the Council's youth forum since January.

They have attended sessions on issues such as public speaking, increasing their confidence and publicising themselves.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture, said: “It is important to encouraging young people to get involved in the democratic process.

“The new online voting brings the voting system into the 21st Century and will help make young people enthusiastic about exercising their democratic rights.”

Council leader Councillor Mike Lee, returning officer, said: “The Youth MP is an important role and I would encourage young people across the borough to cast their votes.

“Whomever is chosen will be responsible for making sure young people’s voices are heard and their issues are considered in the coming year.”

To find out more about the candidates visit www.learningbwd.org.uk and to see policy statements and videos of the candidates.

The count will take place in the Council chamber on Monday, March 22. It will be announced by the Leader of the Council Councillor Mike Lee at around 5.15pm.

£50k for urgent highway repairs has been announced by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The money will be spent on resurfacing and improving the condition of some of the worst affected roads across the borough.

Many of them were hit by the recent bad weather earlier in the year.

Each year, the Council spend tens of thousands of pounds fixing potholes across the borough and making the roads safer.

Now the snow has cleared, we have reviewed the roads to see what damage this winter has caused.

A campaign started by Dave Scott has attracted over 2,000 signatures and the accompanying Facebook Group now has over 250 members where people have been voicing their opinions of the worst affected roads, many of which are now due to be fixed:

* Olive Lane raised junctions
* Borough Road
* Back of Darwen Leisure Centre
* James Street West Darwen
* Weavers Row Darwen
* Atlas Road, Darwen
* Lower Eccleshill Road and Greenbank Terrace
* Long Hey Lane, Darwen
* Roman Road, Darwen
* Cloister Drive, Darwen
* Sudellside & Olive Lane (Speed Humps)
* Anyon Street


Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “We are aware that many of the borough’s roads have been left in a bad state of repair since the snow. The extra funding is aimed at addressing the worst effected ones. We know that it will not solve all the problems but we need to put safety first and tackle those which are in the worst state.”

Councillor Colin Rigby, executive member for resources, added: “We are committed in the budget for the coming year to investing to repair and maintain our roads and this is just the start. We know that it is a priority for many people living in the borough and extra resources will be invested in tackling this problem.”

Google Zooms in on Darwen Streets with Street View

Web giant Google has now extended its Street View to include areas of Darwen!

Internet users can now view panoramic images of local houses, pubs & shops etc from a ground level perspective.

Street View launched under some criticism although they've been allowed to go ahead despite some security concerns reported by worried individuals. To protect people's privacy car number plates and faces have been blurred and they also offer a 'report a problem' area if you see anything inappropriate.

Previously, only the larger towns and cities were able to zoom into Street View level but Darwen has recently been added following mapping by the special Google car during the back end of last Summer.


View Larger Map

Bglobal shares on the way up?

Shares in Darwen based smart meter supplier Bglobal responded well to recent contract wins.

The share price, which was just 10p at the start of last summer, had slipped 10p from the highs of 55p at the start of the year.

However, since announcing news of the contract wins, one of which will see its energy 'smart meters' installed into 23,000 schools, it is hoped the share price will once again start moving in the right direction as its installation programme recovers from disruption caused by the freezing weather.

The cold spells during the winter meant engineers struggled to visit homes, schools and businesses but the company, which employs 100 people, is pleased to announce the bullish trading update.

Along with the contract to supply schools, Bglobal also struck a deal with Npower to supply its business customers with smart meter devices.

The 'smart meters' allow owners to monitor energy usage in the home, school or workplace.

Jake Berry accuses MP of hypocrisy

Jake Berry has today slammed the current Labour MP for Rossendale and Darwen as a hypocrite, following revelations uncovered in a letter from Gordon Brown’s MP that was passed to Jake by a concerned local resident.

In the letter Ms Anderson confirms her expenses as “appearing excessive”, what she fails to mention is that the letter, sent on House of Commons taxpayer funded notepaper, may itself be in contravention of the expense rules.


Jake commented “The letter is a blatant piece of electioneering sent at the taxpayer’s expense as a last gasp attempt to try and justify 13 years of failure by Gordon Brown’s Labour Party. It is unbelievable to think that this letter admitting excessive expenses claims may itself be another abuse of the expenses system.”

“Last week Ms Anderson branded the new Darwen Leisure Centre as “hideous” yet now she takes the credit for building it. Six months ago Ms Anderson called for a leadership election to replace Gordon Brown, yet now she praises him in a last ditch attempt to save her job.”

“Stop treating the people of Rossendale and Darwen like fools. It’s time for change, and that change can’t come soon enough.”

Mr Berry confirmed that he has passed this letter to the relevant authorities for investigation.

'Brighten up' the borough with free paint

Community groups are now able to brighten up the borough with free paint from the Blackburn with Darwen Council’s paint donation scheme.

The paint is available following a donation of “waste” paint from local paint manufacturer Crown Paints, based in Darwen.

The paint donation scheme is aimed at raising awareness of the potential re-use of “rubbish” and at the same time supporting local organisations.

All local groups can register for free paint by contacting the Council’s cleansing line on (01254) 585863/866

The paint will be given out to those who have registered during two sessions at the Council’s regeneration and environment department at Davyfield Road.

These will take place on Thursday March 11 (4.30 - 5.30pm) and Saturday March 13 (9.30-11am)

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member of regeneration and environment, said: “One person’s rubbish can be another person’s treasure. Crown have kindly donated this paint which has come through their Testing Laboratory to the Council so we can pass it on to community groups who need it.

“This is recycling at its very best. Paint can also be a health and environmental hazard when it is thrown away and many organisations are desperate for it so everyone benefits.”

Met Office Scrapping Seasonal Weather Forecasts

The Met Office has decided to scrap its seasonal weather forecasts after coming under criticism for failing to predict the UK's coldest winter for decades.

This comes following false hopes of a "BBQ Summer" last year which turned out to be very wet and cool!

In a bid to restore faith the Met Office will now be issuing 30 day forecasts which they claim will be more useful to the public anyway after admitting that seasonal forecasts can never be as accurate as short-term forecasts.

If you want to check the weather forecast for Darwen over the next 14 days please visit metcheck.com

Almost 60 staff take early retirement at Blackburn with Darwen Council

Almost 60 staff have left Blackburn with Darwen Council after being offered early retirement. Full story

Refurbishment work in Darwen conservation area continues

Homeowners in Bank Street, in the St Peters conservation area in Darwen, are the latest to benefit from refurbishment work.

Since 2004, the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) programme will have funded refurbishments to 279 properties in the Darwen area.

The work undertaken by Blackburn with Darwen Council includes the cleaning and pointing of the front elevations of the properties, rain water gutters and pipes as well as installation of new front gates, railings, sash windows and hard wood doors were necessary.

The work funded through HMR is aimed at improving the appearance of properties, thereby helping to inspire confidence in the area with the aim of regenerating and boosting the local housing market.

The property refurbishments on Bank Street are to the National Heritage standard, which is a standard that uses design details and materials which are either the same as the original or appropriate to the historic character of the area.

Councillor Salim Lorgat, executive member for housing, said, “This improvement work is excellent news in terms of conserving the borough’s heritage. We will continue to work with local residents to improve the quality of housing in Darwen.

”We can already see how housing market renewal funding is making a real difference to our communities and housing through the work we have undertaken over the last five years, but we still have to continue to work on making Blackburn with Darwen a better to place to live.”

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has received £12 million this year, from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire (formerly Elevate) which is one of the HMR pathfinders created by the government to manage the multi-million pound Housing Market Renewal Programme for Pennine Lancashire.

Alternatives to Digital Freeview in Darwen

Many houses in Darwen still can't receive many of the digital freeview channels 4 months on from the local 'switchover'.

People have complained to Darwen Online that they aren't able to receive their favourite television programmes without spending money upgrading their aerials, despite having digital ready televisions.

However, their are alternatives available such as:

Freesat - you can opt to receive Freesat through a satellite dish. It would mean having the installation done and new aerials leading to your television sets but it would mean you have access to lots of freeview channels.

Online - there are various 'on demand' websites such as 4OD and BBC iPlayer which you can watch on your TV if you have the right equipment with Internet access.

This doesn't HAVE to be your PC or laptop either - games consoles which are already connected to your television may be able to access some on demand services:

Such as the Nintendo Wii which can access the BBC iPlayer or Playstation 3 which has it's own web browser or the Xbox 360 which can access Sky Player.

Alternatively some web-enabled mobile devices can also stream on demand TV shows such as the iPhone.

So, which websites should you visit to watch online?

TV Catchup
SeeSaw
Sky Player
BBC iPlayer
ITV Player
40D
Demand Five

If you can think of any website which should be listed please comment below and we'll add them to the list!

Of course, there are also various 'subscription' services such as Sky or Virgin Media etc which can provide the freeview channels as part of their packages but we are most often asked about free or one-off payment alternatives.

BBC set to cancel two digital radio stations

The BBC has revealed plans to axe two of its digital radio stations as they aim to reduce online spending by 20%.

6 Music and Asian Network have been confirmed as the digital stations to be cut, despite protests on Facebook to keep the stations going.

One Facebook group, SAVE 6 MUSIC, was approaching 20,000 fans as listeners tried to plead with BBC bosses to keep it going but director general, Mark Thompson defends his decision to axe the show.

Free Rovers tickets snapped up!

The 1,000 free tickets for the Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham match on March 24 have been snapped up in less than 24 hours.

The tickets were available thanks to Blackburn Rovers teaming up with Blackburn with Darwen Council and were given away on a first come, first served basis. Tickets were limited to four per family.

Darwen schools celebrate energy success

Four year 5 classes from primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen are celebrating after success in a Council energy saving event.

St Cuthbert’s C of E Primary School, on Saint Alban's Road, Darwen claimed first prize winning £150 high street vouchers.

Three other schools claimed joint second prize winning £75 high street vouchers each. They were Griffin Park CP School, on Cavendish Place, Our Lady’s RC Primary School, on Holmbrook Close and Sudell Primary School, on Sudell Road, Darwen.


Every Blackburn with Darwen Primary School was invited to take part in the event held over Autumn/Winter 2009, which was designed to promote the importance of conserving energy.

The classes learnt about energy conservation by taking part in an interactive presentation, playing games and completing a multiple choice quiz.

Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: “The event was designed to engage the children in activities and help them choose energy saving ideas that they can put into action themselves.

“My congratulations go out to everyone that took part, especially the winning classes.”

Local students engineer a bright future

Young people with big ambitions are gearing up to graduate from the first Diploma course introduced in Blackburn with Darwen.

The engineering Diploma was the first Diploma to be introduced into schools nearly two years ago and is about to send off its first students – and they all have ambitious plans for their careers and future education.

Lessons are held at Darwen Vale High School, Blackburn College and Training 2000, where students learn about all aspects of engineering.

As well as traditional practical and theory engineering subjects, the course includes maths, electronics, product design, manufacturing, automotive, and new modes of engineering based on renewable energy materials.

Diploma projects being made by the students include a speaker box made using electronics and plastic and a shelf with built-in iPod dock.

The Diplomas are qualifications on their own but are studied alongside GCSEs and give students grounding in specific subjects. Students might travel to different schools or colleges and even visit employers to study the Diplomas but still take the core GCSEs at their home school.

The four Higher Diplomas available at the moment are engineering, society, health and development, construction and the built environment and creative and media.

A Higher Diploma is roughly the equivalent of seven GCSEs A*-C, and from next September our first Advanced Diploma (3.5 A-levels) in Engineering will be on offer at Blackburn College, but still jointly led by the College and Darwen Vale with support from Training 2000.

Sam Leyland said he was thinking over different career options, including A-Levels in sport, the advanced Diploma in engineering and joining the police: “You have to put time and effort into this course, it’s not an easy option, and you need to do a lot of theory and practical work.

“There is a lot of teamwork and I think you have to push yourself more than in usual lessons, especially during classes at the college or at Training 2000. Employers sometimes come in to teach us and talk about jobs as well, which is really useful.

“My advice to Year 9s who want to do this course is to be prepared – if you want to put the effort in you will do well. It is not an easy option, it is challenging but it is really worth it.”

Danny Aspden is interested in taking the subject further and doing the advanced Diploma in engineering: “I have always had a keen interest in engineering and I want to go into further training to go into a career at British Aerospace.

“There is a lot of work involved in the Diploma course, but we are getting some great experience and we get to do some great training and learn about all the aspects of engineering. My parents know I have liked engineering and are really pleased that I have picked the course, and I know it will help me in my career.”

Joe George wants to become a technology teacher, and plans to train at Blackburn College before doing his PGCE teacher training. He said: “If you are interested in any aspect of engineering, then this course will be really good for you. There is a really good balance and I have enjoyed everything.

“My mum is really proud and supportive that I’m taking the course and want to be a teacher. I think it has given me a really good start in the subject.”

Cllr Chris Thayne, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “This is the first Diploma to see its students graduate and I am delighted that they have found it so rewarding, challenging and useful for their potential future careers.

“The Diploma courses are incredibly varied and possess both academic and vocational aspects and means students have an enviable range of options after taking the course.

“The student experience suggests the increased variety of opportunities that Diplomas provide has resonated with the way many young people wish to develop their talents and ambitions

“More young people are enjoying this extension of education and training in preparation for their future careers.”

1,000 free tickets up for grabs for Blackburn Rovers v Birmingham match

Blackburn with Darwen Council has teamed up with Blackburn Rovers in a 1,000 ticket giveaway for the Birmingham match on March 24 at Ewood Park.

The tickets will be given away on a first come, first served basis and will be limited to four per family.

Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture for the Council said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to watch a top flight, premiership football match at a very crucial stage in the season. I am sure the tickets will be snapped up within a couple of days.”

Tom Finn, managing director at Blackburn Rovers added: "Following the launch of the 'Taking Back Ewood' campaign, we have had great success in drawing fans from all over the North West. However this is an excellent opportunity for people in our core catchment area who have never been to Ewood, to come down and experience a live Premier League game."

Anyone wanting free tickets should telephone the Council’s beeZ hotline on (01254) 708080 before the closing date of Wednesday March 16. A high volume of requests are expected so if the line is busy please be patient and keep trying.

Darwen set for traffic chaos?

It has been revealed that plans to clean up River Darwen and River Blakewater include £35m of drainage works over the next 5 years.

The project will replace miles of underground pipes which will result in local road closures meaning a series of diversions will be in force. In Darwen the junction of Marsh House and Sudell Rd is likely to see disruption for a period of around 4 months.

More details on the proposed work and level of disruption will be available once planning permission has been obtained for the various stages of the work in Blackburn, Ewood and Darwen.

Meanwhile, there are growing concerns amongst Darwen residents about how the opening of the new town centre Academy will affect traffic with most people resigning themselves to the fact their journeys to work in the morning will take longer as a result of parents on the 'school run'.

The news of the proposed works comes as local business owner, Dave Scott, has started a campaign to improve our roads because he is tired of the constant potholes outside his business. He says that the work to fix the road defects isn't good enough and in most cases the holes re-appear within 6 weeks.

In other news it has been revealed that the proposed bus lane as part of the Pennine Reach scheme may not be going ahead after all. Plans have hit a stumbling block - not because the local public oppose the idea - but because the Government has less funding available for schemes like this as they look to cut back on spending.

The deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council says he fears a major £45million transport scheme may “never happen” after it emerged it is still waiting for the green light from the Transport Secretary.

The £45m plan to connect Darwen, Blackburn & Accrington may never become a reality as the Government looks to make cuts in spending. If eventually given the go ahead, despite objections from residents and business owners in Darwen, the work would coincide with the drainage work and run from 2011 to 2014 meaning more traffic misery for local drivers.

Part-Time Job: Keyring Photographer Required

Local business PC Roadshows are looking for a Keyring Photographer to work in the same bar/club on Fridays & Saturdays to create souvenirs for people attending the events.

They are looking for bubbly & fun people to apply for the part time job.

Read the full forum post here for more details.

Wayne Bridge pulls out of England World Cup selection

Wayne Bridge has made himself unavailable for selection by England as he feels his position in the squad is 'untenable and potentially divisive' following recent events.

Many England fans now feel that Wayne Bridge has been backed into a corner through no fault of his own and although the majority respect the full backs decision they feel John Terry has potentially cost the England team dearly in pursuit of personal gain.

Fabio Capello stripped former captain Terry of the armband for the forthcoming World Cup, yet despite Terry being one of the best centre backs the country has produced for years, some fans would be prepared to see him dropped from the squad completely.

Read the full story at Sky Sports

Drug addict sends Heroin warning from beyond the grave

The tragic story of a teenage drug addict who died from a heroin overdose has been making national news today as her mother has released a letter she wrote just weeks before her death entitled DEAR HEROIN.

Hannah Meredith, just 17, first started taking the drug when she was 15 and vowed to kick the drug. Hannah thought she had finally put it behind her when she penned the moving letter in her diary but was killed by an overdose shortly before her 18th birthday.

Her family are now setting up a charity in her name and offering support to other addicts in her hometown of Llanelli, South Wales. They have also decided to release the personal diary entry in a hope that it will warn other kids to stay away from heroin and alert them to the related dangers.

The letter explain how heroin can take over you, it's not just the risk of overdose that people should consider - it's the effect it has on your life and how ashamed you can become of your actions as the addiction forces you to do things out of character.

Read the letter in full:

Dear Heroin, I never want to touch you ever again, you've ruined my life, made me steal from my family, on probation 'cause of you, why I choose you I don't know?

You're the worst thing that ever came into my life. Yes, I did love you but now it's time to say goodbye.

I'm so ashamed of myself 'cause of you. I OD three times, you're a big risk to anyone that does it and to me.

So I'm going to be strong and stay away from you and never touch you again.

My family have supported me all the way but I just kick them up the backside taking advantage of them.

Stole off my mother, grandad, Mam Iscoed. I borrowed money off her and didn't give it back. She's getting old now, and look what you've made me do, my nan £120 stolen off her, once again 'cause of you.

I love my family from the bottom of my heart, it's not nice being called a junkie or smack 'ed.

It feels horrible, you feel so small. Well I feel small, you made me feel like I'm worth nothing, just a dirty junkie sticking needles in my arms.

You're out of my life now, don't need you no more.

Yeah, you've messed me up nearly 2½ years of my life but I've still got my whole life ahead of me and I'm going to prove to everyone that I can stay away from you, going to college, getting a job and a car.

Then get on with my life and get my family's trust back. Stop offending, that's the only reason I was doing all that 'cause of your dirty addiction. You make me sick, to be honest with you.

I did love the buzz of you but you're not worth it. By losing my family, thinking about you pi***s me off.

But not any more, I'll make sure you stay away from me, and I'll stay away from you.

I was brought up by a good family not a bad one, yeah I've had a lot of problems in my life, been quite bad actually, all because of you (heroin) (gear), (smack)!!

You're a killer, you've killed a lot of people and really they are good people.

I'm lucky that you haven't put me in a box cemetery.

Lost loads of my mates and it hurts me, they sometimes blank me 'cause they know I've been on you (gear) it's not nice when I've got pin holes in my arms and marks, track marks.

The illness that I go through when I use you and the after effects, cold turkey, clucking, withdrawals, it's the worst feeling that you've put me through, being bad off you.

Wanted to kill myself a few times 'cause I couldn't go through it.

Well guess what (heroin) I can and did do it. I can beat you any time. I can control you, you don't control me.

I've got enough will power to get you out of my life for good. I'm strong and much stronger than you can ever be.

I'm not losing anything over you. Goodbye heroin.

Never again. Family comes first.

Hannah Meredith