Latest news with #Lancashire
Daily Record
40 minutes ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Showbiz Luke Littler sends New York darts fans wild with thrilling 120 checkout missing a treble
World Champion dazzles and fans at Madison Square Gardens lup up the darts Showbiz Luke Littler lit up Madison Square Gardens with hat-trick finish as he stormed out of the blocks in the Big Apple. The Nuke got his New York campaign underway with a stylish victory over Jules van Dongen and produced the exhibition finale to seal the deal. Littler was in control and on his way into the next round as he had the Dutch Dragon toiling before capping off the win in thrilling style. The teenage World Champion raised the roof in The Theater by sealing his 6-1 win with a 120 checkout of three double tops. Crowds lapped up the entertainment and the reigning World Series of Darts Finals champion now meets Nathan Aspinall in Saturday's quarter-finals as he bids to claim his maiden New York triumph. Aspinall, the 2019 US Darts Masters winner in Las Vegas, landed eight 180s and averaged 105 in a sensational 6-2 win over Canadian No.1 Matt Campbell. He said: 'I knew I had a tough game against Matt and I had to produce some good numbers. The 180s were flowing and it was a great game and an amazing crowd. I'd love to win another US Darts Masters title. I've not won one since 2019 and I think I'm a better player than that.' While it was joy for the Lancashire and there were wins for Michael van Gerwen on comeback and World No.1 Luke Humphries, it was misery for Rob Cross who had the defence of his title ended within six legs by Danny Lauby in a whitewash whipping. The Indiana-born left-hander has lost three times previously in the US Darts Masters first round and admitted: 'That was amazing. Every win is difficult; I've not had a whole lot of stage experience this year so there's nothing but positives. 'I know how good Rob is and he didn't play to his standard and I was fortunate enough to take advantage. I'm really happy and looking forward to Saturday. I've not really done myself justice on the tour so I needed this and I'm going to build on this. 'The North American Darts Championship is obviously the most important thing for my ranking and Ally Pally, so I'm really gunning for that one, but obviously I want to do every one of my supporters proud and I might as well win them both!' Humphries came from 4-3 down against Stowe Buntz and van Gerwen and 2024 finalist Gerwyn Price will meet in a tasty quarter-final on Saturday following impressive opening victories. Price shone in his 6-2 victory over American qualifier Adam Sevada, while Van Gerwen marked his return to action by averaging almost 100 to dispatch Leonard Gates 6-1. Damon Heta punished nine missed doubles from Jim Long to claim a 6-1 win over the Canadian, averaging almost 99 on his New York debut to set up a clash with Jason Brandon, who stunned Stephen Bunting.
BBC News
an hour ago
- Business
- BBC News
Darwen's Perspex plant demolition moves a step closer
Planners have cleared the way for the demolition of a former Perspex plant in east with Darwen Council has told James Industrial Ltd an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would not be needed at Orchard Mill in authority is now considering a separate application from the firm for proposed demolition works of the industrial buildings on the 6.5 acre (2.6 hectare) Duckworth Street site prior to any of Perspex - a clear acrylic sheet - began at the site in 1940 when the firm was part of ICI. Job-creating investment Perspex International vacated the complex as part of its relocation for the centralisation of its manufacturing operations at its Chapels Park hub in firm's move is based around the creation of a new £40m Polymerisation Hall and Energy Centre at the main site off Goose House Lane – the first stage of a five-year job-creating investment programme in the then marketed the land of the now redundant industrial complex – which includes part of the original mill building – for redevelopment, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.A planning officer's report said the site "comprises of various commercial buildings, plant installations and areas of hardstanding".It said: "The following non-designated heritage assets are recorded as lying within the boundary of the application: the former site of Orchard Commercial Mill – built 1844, demolished 1895 and replaced by new weaving sheds, also demolished 1961; Darwen Gasworks – late 19th Century, demolished 1967 and Livesey Fold calico printworks built in 1777, demolished prior to 1894."The proposed development involves the demolition of buildings alone and it would involve a significant deintensification of the site's usage."Therefore, it is unlikely that the environmental effects of the proposed development would be so significant to generate the need for an EIA." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
New guide to amazing place to visit in Lancashire this summer
A new guide has been launched celebrating what Lancashire has to offer this summer. The 90-page 'Visit Lancashire in Summer Guide' from highlights the county's diverse attractions, from award-winning locations to budget-friendly family activities. Here are some of the guide's top places in Lancashire to visit this summer: Towneley Hall, Burnley Towneley Hall (Image: Supplied) A Grade I listed building dating back to the 1400s is set to reopen in July. It has been under repair and restoration for two years to preserve its historical features. Visitors can expect to see restored plasterwork, paint, roof, stonework, and windows. The museum's exhibitions and a collection of objects stored since 2023 will also be on display again. The reopening will be marked with various events, including 'Bill's Teddy Bear's Picnic' in July. For those planning an overnight stay, the four-star Crow Wood Hotel offers an opportunity for a spa break at The Woodland Spa. The Woodland Spa, rated the Best UK Day Spa by The Good Spa Guide, has recently completed a £16 million refurbishment, doubling in size. Samlesbury Hall, South Ribble Samlesbury Hall (Image: and Matthew Grainger) The hall is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year with a packed programme of events. These include a new Food and Drink Festival, illustrated lectures, additional guided tours, and a living history weekend. It also boasts a history of 13 known ghosts, and has recently added a dedicated Ghost Room and Witches Room to its public spaces. Visitors can also enjoy the courtyard, play area, and grounds. If you would like to stay overnight, its 'Hamlet' of shepherd's huts are equipped for up to four guests. The Hamlet is adding a wood-burning hot tub, sauna, and cold water drop bucket, ready for the summer months. For dining, the Hall's Garden Room eatery offers a menu in botanical surroundings. Domain Boutique Hotel, Lancaster Domain Boutique Hotel (Image: Supplied) The hotel features bold interiors, premium bathrooms, and a digital check-in system. Each room is powered by renewable energy, and each booking supports ocean plastic clean-up through a partnership with Plastic Bank. The Springbank Manor Hotel in Darwen has also undergone refurbishment and restoration under new management, returning to its original name from 1898. The newly designed rooms take inspiration from the hotel's gardens and views of the West Pennine Moors. Brindle Distillery, Brindle Peckish at Brindle Distillery (Image: Supplied) The distillery is introducing a new community dining concept, Peckish, which pairs the distillery's award-winning spirits with dishes from vendors Fratellis and Meld. From outdoor dining in picturesque beer gardens to wildlife encounters, Lancashire offers a variety of experiences for all interests and budgets. Must-visit alfresco dining spots Top alfresco dining spots include Chew's Yard in Preston, the Black Bull Inn in Old Langho, and The Cartford Inn in Little Eccleston. Chew's Yard, a new food hall and bar space, offers a garden and events space. READ MORE: Town centre beauty salon set for takeaway makeover 300ft weather mast for proposed wind farm gets go ahead Emmerdale star lands new role in rival BBC drama months after leaving ITV soap The Black Bull Inn, a bustling gastropub, has an award-winning outdoor dining provision with a luxury stretched tent. The Cartford Inn, a riverside pub, offers a newly landscaped dining terrace with views of the River Wyre and the Lancashire countryside. The guide is available to download from
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Music festival cancelled after poor ticket sales
A two-day Lancashire music festival featuring Chesney Hawkes, Bewitched and Sam Ryder has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. The stars were among the acts due to perform at the iMEP festival at Accrington Cricket Club in Lancashire on 19 and 20 September. But organisers said ticket sales "have not reached the required level" and "combined with challenges in the live music sector and hospitality sectors" the event was "no longer viable". All tickets already purchased will be refunded, they said. The event took place for the first time last year, headlined by British singer Jess Glynne. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Chesney Hawkes to perform at Accrington festival Kate Nash to headline Accrington festival Festival raises £10,000 for free music lessons for children International Music Event Production
The Independent
10 hours ago
- The Independent
Record number of rare hen harriers killed or missing in the past five years, RSPB warns
Record numbers of hen harriers have been killed or gone missing under suspicious circumstances in the last five years, according to the RSPB. The protected bird species is one of the rarest in the UK, known for their acrobatic 'skydancing' courtship display over the uplands, such as Forest of Bowland in Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales. A total of 102 the protected birds of prey were illegally killed or went missing between 2020 and 2024 – mostly in areas where grouse shooting takes place, the RSPB says. Some hen harriers were shot and their chicks being stamped on, while others were poisoned or illegally trapped, according to the charity. In Scotland, grouse moors are licensed, and conservationists have repeatedly pressured Westminster governments to do the same. When Labour was in opposition, it indicated that it would consider licensing grouse shooting in England. MPs are due on Monday to debate calls for a ban on driven grouse shooting after a petition launched by campaign group Wild Justice attracted more than 100,000 names. But in its response, the government said it had no plans for a ban. It said: 'Well-managed grouse shooting can be an important part of a local rural economy, providing direct and indirect employment.' The RSPB's report, called Hen Harriers in the Firing Line, highlights a strong overlap between deaths of the bird of prey and the extent of grouse moors. A recent study of illegal killings found that survival rates were unusually low, with birds surviving for an average of just 121 days after leaving the nest. Persecution accounts for 75 per cent of deaths in birds aged between one and two years. Hen harriers, a red-listed species that breeds in Britain's uplands, is the most persecuted bird of prey in the UK for its population and numbers are heading towards local extinction, the wildlife charity says. Numerous studies confirm that illegal killing limits their recovery. But no one in England has ever been convicted of killing one because most kills happen in remote areas and a criminal burden of proof near-impossible to secure, campaigners say. James Robinson, of the RSPB, said: 'This species will not recover until the criminal activity stops, and for this to happen we need regulation of the grouse shooting industry – specifically the introduction of a licensing system for shoots in England, so estates proven by the police and Natural England to be linked to raptor persecution would lose their licence to operate.' Andrew Gilruth, chief executive of the Moorland Association, disputed the RSPB report, saying the data has been assembled without independent checks and that the allegations 'poison perceptions of gamekeepers'. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation said the report presented 'unproven allegations as evidence'. Its statement said: 'Proposals for a licensing system based on a civil burden of proof risk punishing the law-abiding without due process. 'Instead, we support constructive, evidence-led solutions such as Natural England's Hen Harrier Action Plan.' A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "Hen harriers are a rare and precious feature of our national landscapes. 'It's why through our work with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the Hen Harrier Taskforce is using innovative technology such as drones and specialised detection dogs to help tackle illegal persecution.'
