Jake Berry, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for the Conservative Party in Rossendale and Darwen, today revealed figures showing unemployment in this area of East Lancashire has increased by 85% in the last year.Jake commented, “We all know someone who is either being made redundant or is under threat. I have been involved in consultation processes twice in the last year. The increase in the number of unemployed is scary for all of us trying to manage our family budget. This has got to... Read Full Story

Three local schools have been recognised by Blackburn with Darwen Council for their outstanding recycling achievements.St Paul's Church of England Primary School, Hoddlesden, Blakewater College and Crosshill School, both on Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, came top of the Council’s recycling league for primary, secondary and special schools by recycling the most per pupil over the past year.St Paul's managed to recycle 10.5 tonnes of paper; 145kg per pupil, Blakewater recycled 34 tonnes of paper; ... Read Full Story

Despite the tough economic times, business is booming at Darwen Market with four new traders recently taking up pitches.One of those, Mick Taylor, recently moved his business, Lullabies of Darwen, from a shop location on Duckworth Street to a prime pitch on the market.The nursery goods stall sells everything from pushchairs and cots to bottles, dummies and prams. They also offer free delivery.Mick said: “We’ve been on Duckworth Street for the past two years but wanted to get into the town cen... Read Full Story

Daisyfield Swimming Pools have been closed following an electrical fault.Engineers from United Utilities are working to fix the fault, which they expect to do by teatime today.In the meantime, swimming sessions are cancelled. Therse are the Parent and Toddler session, and the 'Lengths Only' session, both of which had been due to start at noon today.Anyone who is planning to come to one of the swimming lesson sessions this evening should call the centre on (01254) 277300 to check whether they ... Read Full Story

Do you want to see changes in your local community? Do you think ‘something should be done’ to improve your area?If you do, then neighbourhood boards are how you can make your voice count.Five neighbourhood boards covering the whole borough of Blackburn with Darwen were launched in November 08 to give local residents more say in how services are delivered in their community.The boards have money to spend on local projects and initiatives and they make sure action is happening on neighbourhood... Read Full Story

Languages, cookery, jewellery making and even how to draw caricatures are on offer as part of this year’s adult learning programme from Blackburn with Darwen Council.Over 70 courses are included in the free programme now available which covers everything from computers and first aid to food hygiene and recession busting sewing skills such as make do and mend.Enrolment begins next week and the cost of courses has been frozen for the third year running to encourage people to take part. People a... Read Full Story

Free parking is available for shoppers on the College car parks throughout August.As the car parks off St Paul’s Street and Feilden Street are not being used to their full capacity throughout August, the College and Blackburn with Darwen Council have agreed that shoppers and visitors can take advantage of the spaces available.There will be no cost and motorists have been assured that they will not be clamped as long as they park properly within the marked bays.The college car parks have alway... Read Full Story

Come down to Bank Hey Pool for some Swimming Taster Sessions.These courses are aimed at introducing children to aquatic disciplines in a fun and informative environment.Wednesday, August, 8, at 2-4pm, there is Aqua Fun (synchro) and a Mini Polo TasterThursday, August, 20 at 10am - midday, Flip n Fun, diving, and Rookie lifesavingWednesday, August, 26, at 2-4pm, Flip n Fun(diving) and Aqua Fun (synchro) TasterThe sessions cost £5.50 for non beez members and £5 for beez members.Children need to... Read Full Story

Big Cover Wood, Witton Park's new adventure play ground was officially opened yesterday.Councillor Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture and play champion for the borough cut the ceremonial ribbon for the lottery funded play area.The £77,000 project was designed by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and coordinated by the Council.The play area features unique Wild life sculptures, a giant wooden xylophone, a Billy Goats Gruff themed bridge and other challenging and exciting ... Read Full Story

Budding young filmmakers are helping to raise awareness of internet safety for children.Year 6 children from St Mary and St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Blackburn have scooped first and second prize in the Safety Competition 2009 to raise awareness of Safer Internet Day.Primary and secondary schools pupils were asked to write a plan for a short film to help other young people use the internet safely.The three minute films at the school in Bennington Street were designed during ICT lessons wi... Read Full Story