Northwich Victoria 1 v Blackburn Rovers 2

Rovers ran out 2 - 1 winners despite non-league Northwich Victoria taking the lead on 31 minutes.

New signing Paul Robinson is reported to have made a couple of good saves and was unlucky to concede the opening goal to a cruel deflection.

Blackburn lined up with a second strength side which included a few fringe players who impressed in the reserves and on loan last season. Treacy, Gallagher, Kane and Judge are all promising players who could push for a place in the first team with new boss Paul Ince.

John Byrom opened the scoring for the Blue Square Premier side and Blackburn had to wait until the second half before they drew level through a Paul Gallagher strike on 50 mins. It was another deflected goal which eventually decided the outcome of the match when Northwich player Matt Bailey was credited with an own goal 9 minutes after the equalizer.

Local lad Matt Debyshire also got a run out with Fowler partnering McCarthy up front. Fowler, 33, is currently trying to prove he can still cut it at the top level and, although Northwich are a non-league outfit, the game should have improved his fitness and allowed Paul Ince to evaluate his match performance during this pre-season tryout.

The other notable player in Rovers line-up was Zurab Khizanishvili at the back. The game allowed Paul Ince to try out different players and it will be nice to see a few players rewarded with some first team appearances during the coming season. Players like Kane, Treacy and Gallagher will all be hoping to impress Ince after being overlooked by Hughes on many occasions last season.

Meanwhile David Bentley's new team, Tottenham Hotspur, ran out 5 - 1 winners against Leyton Orient. Bentley made the transfer for £15 million following months of speculation. The amount could rise to £17m depending on appearances but it is reported that Arsenal will receive a percentage of the £15m due to a sell-on clause when Rovers originally signed Bentley from the London club in 2006.

The former Norwich player had become unsettled at Blackburn after they failed to qualify for European football and he believed a move to a bigger club would help him further his career, especially on the International scene, however, Spurs actually finished below Rovers in the league last term and it will be interesting to see how both teams fare this season.

Goalkeeper Robinson, who moved in the opposite direction last week after being told he no longer featured in the managers plans at White Hart Lane told the Telegraph "The amount of players Tottenham are losing, it is going to be a rebuilding job for them."

"Not long after Juande Ramos came in, he made his thoughts and things quite clear to everyone, so it is a relief to be out of there now and it's nice to be wanted again."

Both players made the switch to improve their chances of gaining more international caps and the former England #1 added "I have a bit of hunger back which maybe I've missed the last couple of years. I feel I can be England's No 1 again." He also told Sky Sports "I want to start playing well on a consistent level and get back in the England team. I'm 28 and I've got 42 caps and I intend to add to those."

It will be interesting to see which player will benefit the most by switching clubs over the next few seasons. Bentley will be a big loss to Blackburn as he was very impressive in many games since he was signed in 2006, not least in the first game after signing his contract with the Lancashire club - scoring a hat-trick against bitter rivals Manchester United.

However, many big money moves have taken players like Damian Duff & Chris Sutton to bigger London clubs in the past but they've struggled to live up to their price tags in many people's eyes following their moves away from Ewood Park.

Darwen Online will feature more match reports and results from Blackburn Rovers and Darwen FC throughout the 2008/09 season. Bookmark us for and call back for future result and match report / match details. Next up is a friendly against Wolves on Saturday 2nd August at the Molineux stadium.

Facebook Bus Lane Group Battle

Two rival groups have appeared on popular networking site Facebook. Both groups have been set-up to discuss the controversial bus lane proposal for Darwen, Blackburn and Accrington.

Opposing the bus lane: Local MP, Janet Anderson started the first group named: "Say No to the Bus Lane on the A666 in Darwen"

The group currently has 440 members in support of the campaign. One of the members, Matt Lyons commented "Stop messing with darwen! Over the past few months we've had the upheaval of the one way system, demolition of Crown Wallcoverings, demolition and re-build of the leisure centre and the joke that is the Darwen Academy." He also added "The bus lane will take space off businesses on the main road, and may even cause some smaller businesses to close. It's a very poor idea"

The group was established following the huge support received from the Rotary Club's "NO BUS LANE" leaflet which can be seen in hundreds of residential & shop windows.

The other group "I will boycott businesses that display this poster" is in favour of the bus lane, although boycotting businesses displaying the leaflet possibly isn't the best way to help anyone in Darwen.

This group, established eariler this month by Alex Martindale, only has 36 members despite recent publicity in the Lancashire Telegraph. The group is younger than the one setup by Janet Anderson MP and it remains to be seen which group will eventually gain the most online support.

It appears that the original group is against the proposed bus lane whereas this latest group seems to be against businesses who display the poster. Perhaps a group in favour of the bus lane may have been more constructive and gained more support, but Alex Martindale is basically in favour of a bus lane and doesn't undertsand why so many people are against the idea.

Mr Martindale, a local businessman who works in Darwen and lives in Blackburn, names businesses who display the poster and suggests people refuse to use these shops until the signs are removed.

Both groups put good points forward but it would still appear that most people are against the idea of having a bus lane installed along the A666. 100% of votes in our own online poll are currently against the proposal, although many believe their opinions will be ignored and the lane will ultimately be installed.

Members of Facebook can view/join the groups below:
In favour: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24093326196
Against: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18523317767

Don't forget to register your vote in our poll on the right hand side of our NEWS PAGES.

Update: Since this post 31 additional people have registered for the MP's group, taking the total to 471 whereas Alex's group still has 36 members. Our poll shows 19 people (100%) think the bus lane is a BAD idea. (1st August)

Latest Update: There are now only 35 people in favour of the bus lane yet the group opposing the bus lane idea has grown to 508. It would seem that whilst more people are joining to support the local MP, Alex's group is actually losing members. It isn't just people from Darwen who wouldn't like to see a bus lane introduced, houses in Ewood are now diplaying "NO BUS LANE" signs in their windows.

Local Weight Watchers Group

Two ladies have lost over 50lbs each at a local weight watchers group. The group, run by Lorraine Jones, is held every Thursday at the New methodist church on Blackburn Rd, Darwen at 9.30am, 5pm and 6.30pm.

Anyone interested in joining should contact Lorraine or Weight Watchers on 0845 345 1500 or customerservices@weight-watchers.co.uk

Last week in class they had an Australian theme to go along with warm weather and ideas for healthy BBQ's. The photo shows some of the participants from the group. Lorraine says "We not only support weight loss but we have fun too."

Each week people come along to get weighed and get support in their weight loss journey and we always have an informative, interactive talk with some fun elements. For example Healthy and bad fats which fats raise blood cholesterols and which fats are good for you.


The New Methodist Church in Blackburn Rd, Darwen is located next to ATS tyres. If anyone wants more info or details of other Weight Watchers classes in the area please contact Lorraine Jones or Weight Watchers on 0845 345 1500 or customerservices@weight-watchers.co.uk

See yourself online - come to the Soul Party

The Soul Party which will be held at the ICI Club on Friday 1st August is the latest event to be organised by Eileen Connell. Darwen Online are pleased sponsor local events arranged by the local businesswoman, especially as everyone has such a great time.

Over the past few months parties have been held at the ICI Club and the Masonic Hall. Approximately 120 people turned up to her most recent event, the June Salsa Party.

The Soul Party starts at 8pm and it is advised that people wishing to attend buy tickets prior to the night to guarantee entrance. The venue has a limit of 120 people and Eileen will be resigned to turning people away should they try to gain entrance without tickets if they have already sold out.

Tickets, priced at just £3.50 are available from Cue Music, ICI Club and Clive's Stall in the 3 day market.

As with previous events, photographs will be taken on the night which can be viewed on Darwen Online after the weekend. For something a bit different why not buy yourself a ticket and enjoy a Soul Night featuring two local singers and a DJ. Who know - you might even feature on the website's homepage!

Photographs of the last event can be seen below:

Darwen Library Theatre Green What's On Guide

Darwen Library Theatre have taken another step towards being a more eco-friendly company by replacing printed what's on leaflets with email and website notifications.

Previosuly printed listing guides were distributed to keep people informed of upcoming events. The new system will not only save paper but it will also allow theatregoers to keep more up to date.

The problem with print is that it is expensive and difficult to update. Once leaflets had been distributed it was difficult to then get information out about a cancellation, date change or sell out.

By using email notifications, people who sign up can receive regular updates and keep informed of new dates, sell outs and cancellations.

The manager of Darwen Library Theatre, Steve Burch, told the Lancashire Telegraph: “Some of our local customers have been disappointed when shows have sold out sometimes before news had reached them of that particular event.

“It is the way forward with more people having access to the internet.

“There will be posters and leaflets in the usual spots around town but people who join the emailing list will be the first to know all.”

People without Internet access will still be able to see what's on by viewing the usual posters around Darwen. Darwen Online will also be promoting events on the website via our local events guide. For a complete list of forthcoming events please visit the Darwen Library Theatre website.

Hoodies assault man in unprovoked attack on Hindle Street

A gang of youths approached a man as he walked down Hindle Street on Friday night and proceeded to punch and kick him repeatedly in an unprovoked attack.

The attack may be connected to a separate incident in the same area on July 6th. This time a 49 year old man was targeted on Barley Bank Street in the same area of town. The attackers are described as male, aged between 18 and 22 and all wearing hoodies.

Detective Sergeant Ian Geogarty, of Darwen police, told the Lancahire Telegraph: “I urge anybody who witnessed the attack or has information relating to the offence to come forward."

This type of cowardly attack will come as a shock to local residents. One man who lives close by and wishes not to be named told us "I'm often out walking the dog after I return home from the pub around midnight and I've never given a thought about this type of thing in the past. It used to be such a safe area."

Both Hindle Street and Barley Bank Street are close to Avondale Primary School and the Alexandra Pub in the Sunnyhurst area of Darwen. Some houses on Hindle Street have been derelict for quite some time awaiting demolition as part of the towns 'regeneration'. As a result parts of the street have started to look very deserted with boarded up windows.

In August 2007 Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend were subject to a similar unprovoked attack by a gang of youths. Lancaster, 20, later died in hospital as a result of her injuries. Five youths aged 15-17 were charged with Sophie's murder and grievous bodily harm.

As the trial opened the prosecution told the hearing: "Sophie and Robert were singled out not for anything they had said or done, but because they looked and dressed differently." This was another unprovoked attack and Sophies mother said "The thing that makes me most angry is that it is seen as an isolated incident, maybe the seriousness of what happened to Sophie is isolated, but attacks are far from isolated. Just because you follow a different culture you are targeted; you are seen as easy pickings."

Despite two of the attackers receiving life sentences for the murder of Sophie Lancaster these type of attacks still seem all too common on our streets. The attacks are cowardly and unprovoked but are happening more often. A separate incident saw a couple in their twenties attacked in Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen in May. This particular incident saw a 28 year old man suffer a broken jaw, his 29 year old brother being knocked unconscious and his 39 year old girlfriend being hit over the head with a bottle. Up to 20 youths were involved in this attack.

At the time Det Con Rachel Hill, of Darwen CID, said: "These three people were enjoying an afternoon drink in the sun when they were set-upon by this group of teenagers for no apparent reason. Random attacks like this are rare in Darwen and I urge anyone with information about who was responsible to contact us." Unfortunately unprovoked attacks aren't as rare as they used to be.

If you have any information relating to this latest attack you can contact the police on 0845 1 25 35 45

Why has crime like this started to escalate? Please leave comments in the boxes below or on our forum (if you don't see the comment boxes below please click on the title of this news article first)

Darwen FC 'owner' banned from Anchor Ground

Darwen FC "owner" Ted Ward has been banned from The Anchor Ground following a legal dispute over the rightful ownership of the club.

Ted Ward now risks going to prison if he fails to comply with the court order. The hearing took place at Birmingham's Civil Justice Centre in which previous owner, Kevin Henry, claimed he had received just £20,000 of the £95,000 agreed for the sale of Darwen FC over 18 months ago.

Mohammed Zaman, who was acting on behalf of Mr Henry told the court how a separate company had been setup called Darwen Football and Rugby Club to have a very similar name to the original company "Darwen Football and Social Club" which was set-up in 1973.

It is claimed this was done to pass the new company off as the old one and allow Mr Ward to divert funds into the new company. The Lancashire Telegraph recently reported that 'The court was shown evidence that no money had been banked into the account of Darwen Football and Social Club between December 2006 and January 2008.'

Representing himself in court, Mr Ward said "It’s a terrible statement to say we were diverting funds." and showed a copy of his personal bank statement, telling them "“I am a man of substance."

However, Judge Kirkham said the second company had been set up “to present a muddled picture to the outside world.” and granted the injunction meaning Mr Ward and his assistant, Ms Baiste, are banned from The Anchor Ground and may face prison if they are found in breech of the terms of the court order.

The ruling raises doubts over the short-term future of local newspaper The Darrener, which is being run from portacabins in The Anchor Ground. We are unsure whether staff of The Darrener will still be allowed access to their offices or if the court order simply applies to the owner and his assistant. Either way it's unlikely Mr Henry, who says he's looking forward to running the club again, will allow them to continue operating from The Anchor Ground without paying rent.

In other news, the lease of The Anchor Ground has been renewed following speculation the land would be sold for housing after the current lease expired in 2010. Once all the paper work has been completed the new lease will run for 21 years.

Does this also spell the end of any plans for a £22m development at Robin Bank? Was it ever likely to happen or was it just a pipe dream? Would you be in favour of a move away from The Anchor Ground to Robin Bank? If not, what do you think the land should be used for?

To leave comments please click on the title of this post to reveal comment boxes below or visit our forum.

Say NO to Darwen Bus Lane

The controversial "Pennine Reach" scheme was discussed in a meeting held at Derwent Hall on 16th July.

The plan to introduce a one-way bus lane along a stretch of the A666 has been met with many critics of the proposed scheme. If the plan goes forward it would upset residents and business owners alike.

The new bus lane, which would be for public transport travelling from Darwen to Blackburn, would create more congestion on many busy roads - not least the A666. The original plans would mean road closures on many streets currently connecting to the main road to allow more parking spaces. This would create longer queus on busy side streets such as Lynwood Avenue and Earnsdale Road as people try to access the A road.

The negative effects of a new bus lane seem to outweigh any positives it may bring to the town.

Darwen Rotary Club have been campaigning against the new proposal in an effort to divert what many people claim would be a complete waste of time and money. In fact, they have previously collected nearly 2,500 signatures on a petition objecting the plans.

The fact people were able to voice their opinions was possibly a major factor in the council seeking revised plans. Tuesdays meeting allowed a consultation in which some businesses were thankful that an alternative plan wouldn't affect their businesses as much, however, it remains to be seen whether the opinions of local residents - many of which display their yellow "NO BUS LANE" posters in their homes, will be taken seriously.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe told The Bee radio "The consultation process to date has been a total sham and I can only hope that residents will not be ignored when Lancashire County Council makes the final decisions."

In the past residents and business owners have felt ignored on matters including the new road layout and the academy location. Hopefully the council leaders will listen on this occasion.

However, not everyone is against the proposed bus lane and it could potentially have some benefits. What are your thoughts? Should the redesign go ahead? Would you like to see revised plans? Post your comments below or join our forum.

(If you don't see the comments boxes below please click on the news heading)

Two teenagers in court following stable arson

Two teenagers were due to appear in court earlier today in connection with the stable arson attack in which four horses died.

The blaze took place at around 11pm Monday night at Whalley Sough Farm. Wendy Dewhurst, who owned one of the horses that died in the fire told the BBC "I just can't understand the menatlity of people who can set fire to stables, especially with the animals in there".

Two boys aged 17 and 18 were due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates. Meanwhile, a third youth who was arrested in connection with the icident has been released on bail.

Police are asking for any witnesses to come forward. Detective Inspector Andy Hulme, from Blackburn CID, told Lancashire Telegraph: “We are still appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

"I would like to speak to anybody who saw any suspicious activity in the Northumberland Close area between 10pm and 11.30pm on Monday to contact police. “

Waste Revamp Boost for Firms

Darwen companies are to be given a chance to see how their waste material can be transformed into precious treasure for schools and craft groups alike.

Joanne Mason, who runs SAMS (Scrap Art Materials Store) in Blackburn, will show business owners how they can reduce their waste bill while doing their bit for the local community at the Darwen Employers Forum at Ewood Park, Blackburn on August 6 at noon.

“At SAMS we receive all sorts of off-cuts and seconds from businesses and these are recycled by our members, who include all sorts of schools, community groups and individuals,” says Joanne. “Effectively, one man’s rubbish is another’s treasure. SAMS allows businesses to cut down on waste that goes to landfill and at the same time, help out a group from their local community. Everyone’s a winner.”

The forum, which is organised by Community and Business Partners (CBP) and supported by No Limits, will also feature an update on policing issues in the town from Andrea Bradbury of Darwen Police and a presentation on the changes and challenges facing Darwen from Councillor Simon Huggill.

“The forum promises to be informative and also a valuable opportunity for businesses in the town to meet and discuss the issues facing them,” says Linda Grimshaw, the Employers’ Forums Manager.

Community and Business Partners is a partner in No Limits, which has secured an initial £30m of government funding to regenerate the Pennine Lancashire economy through supporting new and growing businesses, creating up to 13,000 jobs and 4,000 companies over the next decade.

The No Limits partnership includes Lancashire County Council, the local authorities of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle, as well as Burnley FC, Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers.

To put forward items for discussion at future meetings, please contact Linda Grimshaw, employers’ forums manager on 01254 505050 or email linda@cbpartners.org.