Story shorts - 10/03/08

0 Comments | Lancashire Evening Post (Preston, England), March 10, 2008

A round-up of news in brief from around Lancashire.

Smokers are given advice

Smokers in Preston who want to kick the habit will be offered advice on the best way to do it during National No Smoking Day on Wednesday. Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust's Stop Smoking Team will have a kiosk at the Mall Shopping Centre, giving information and advice on the best ways of quitting.

The kiosk will be open all day and in the morning members of the Breathe Easy Group from the British Lung Foundation will also be giving advice.

For more information call 01772 678067.

Big fright for sunbed user

A woman trying to get an early season tan almost got more than she bargained for when her sun bed overheated.

Two fire engines were sent to a tanning shop in Pall Mall in Chorley, just before 6pm on Friday, when smoke began pouring out of a sun bed.

Nobody was injured and it is believed a fault caused part of the electrical system to overheat.

Benefits of hour change

Changing the country's hours of daylight could boost the North West tourist industry by an estimated [pounds sterling]76m a year.

Tourist chiefs say it would bring huge financial benefits because the extra hour's light in the evening would give time for leisure pursuits and lengthen the tourist season.

Distraction raids advice

Schoolchildren are helping the elderly learn about the dangers of distraction burglars.

Age Concern Preston and South Ribble is handing out a colouring booklet called Three Little Tricks to pupils. It explains the importance of warning the elderly of the dangers involved.

The charity is hosting awareness events at Kingsfold Community Centre, Penwortham, on March 14; Central Methodist Church, Lune Street, Preston, on March 19; and Welcome Hall, Carr Street, Bamber Bridge, on March 26.

Plan put in for taxi office

An estate agents in Bamber Bridge could be converted into a taxi office.

Plans for the building in Station Road have been submitted to South Ribble Council.

Homes bid submitted

Nine new homes could be built on land in Bamber Bridge.

Warrington-based Wainhomes NW has applied to South Ribble Council to construct five detached and four terraced homes on land off Goldcrest Drive and Kingfisher Way.

Ponds plan for BAE land

Aerospace giant BAE Systems has applied to create two new ponds at its site in Samlesbury.

The company has applied to South Ribble and Ribble Valley Councils for planning permission for the new development.

NHS website for the public

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has launched a new website to help inform prospective patients and visitors about its services. The website can be viewed at www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk and features a number of sections.

Sheep on run by rail line

Sheep were rescued from the side of a railway line in Lancashire.

The two animals escaped from a field through a hole in a fence close to Clitheroe Golf Club.

They got to within yards of the Preston to Blackburn track before they were spotted and rescued.

Train services were not affected, a British Transport Police spokesman said.

Coffee helps mini bus fund

Little Sisters of the Poor will host a fundraising coffee morning on Saturday.

The event starts at 10am and admission is [pounds sterling]1 including refreshments.

The money raised will be used to help the Garstang Road charity buy a new mini bus and washing machine.

Black tie ball will be a first

Galloway's Society for the Blind will hold its first black tie ball next month.

The charity's Spring Ball will be at Bartle Hall, Lea, near Preston, on April 18.

Preston singer Stephen Bayliss will provide the entertainment and Mike Finnigan of Preston-based motivational company Advance Performance will be speaker.

Tickets are [pounds sterling]40. For details call 01772 744148 or 07743 825818.

Victim of forced marriage appearing at Waterstones

A woman who was the victim of physical and emotional abuse and almost forced into marriage will be appearing at Waterstones in Preston tonight to sign copies of her book and give a talk about her life.

Ferzanna Riley, originally from Preston, will attend the event at the store on Fishergate, Preston, at 7pm.

Moped rider injured in crash

A 16-year-old girl was taken to hospital by ambulance after crashing her moped in Lancaster.

The girl lost control on Halton Road at 11am on Saturday. No other vehicles were involved. The girl was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary with minor injuries.

Windsurfer rescued off Morecambe

A windsurfer had to be rescued by lifeboat after being blown half a mile out to sea by strong winds and currents.

A lifeboat from Morecambe was on a routine patrol off the coast, near the town's promenade, at 1.50pm yesterday, when a woman was spotted drifting out to sea. The woman, thought to be in her 30s, was brought safely back to shore.

Storms to miss Lancashire

Heavy storms were set to hit Lancashire today but the worst of the rain and floods battering the United Kingdom is set to miss the county.

There will be strong to gale force southeasterly winds and rain today which could disrupt travel services. Strong winds will continue tonight with further showers but it will clear by the morning.