ZLAST week it was announced that Scottish and Newcastle had bought Greenalls Restaurants and Pubs chain, which comprises of more than 700 outlets with more than 50 per cent based in the North West.

I am hopeful that the takeover will result in the expansion of the Chorley distribution depot with the potential for future jobs to be created.

I have written to Scottish and Newcastle asking them to indicate their future plans and while ensuring that no closures take place, I am looking for a growth in the numbers employed in this sector in Chorley.

ZDuring the Parliamentary recess I took the opportunity to visit local schools in the constituency.

Recently I went to Bretherton Endowed CE Primary School, which had received an excellent Ofsted report. I also visited Trinity & St Michael's School in Croston, which since joining forces on one site allowing for the upgrading of old classrooms and further expansion, has made one of the nicest schools in the area.

Both visits were enjoyable and gave me an insight into the work of the schools providing the opportunity to discuss with staff any issues they felt relevant.

It is my intention to visit as many primary schools as possible in the constituency before I return to Parliament.

I know that this will be of benefit to myself and hopefully to the staff and pupils of the schools.

ZI will continue to fight for the introduction of a farmers' market in the area and feel that Chorley is an ideal location for such a market.

The introduction of a market will assist local farmers in promoting their produce and help farmers in Chorley to recover from the crisis that has been facing the industry over the past few years. I always urge people to buy British produce where possible and this is another way in which that campaign could be boosted in Chorley and the North West.

ZThe Stop Fuming campaign began on September 20 and runs all week until Sunday, September 26.

The campaign is the second national campaign to be conducted in order to promote cutting down on fuel emissions. Free test centres will be set up across the country so that motorists can check to see if their vehicles are within the required target.

The test centre in Chorley will be at the Vauxhall garage on Standish Street, opening from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

This is one way in which motorists can help to improve the quality of air we breathe which is in the interests of all the residents in Chorley.

ZI was delighted to hear of the prizes won by many villages in the Chorley area in this year's Best Kept Village contest.

Coppull has been named as the most improved village, as well as joining Croston, Eccleston and Wheelton as runners up in the large village category.

The efforts to refurbish the war memorial in Heapey and Wheelton were also recognised.

A total of 124 villages took part in the contest and it is very satisfying to see the villages in Chorley receiving rewards.

I think this is a great compliment to the residents of these areas and I hope that such improvements continue to take place in our villages and towns.

ZCongratulations to Bob Hardwick, head teacher of St Michael's School who has climbed every Munro mountain in Scotland.

All mountains over 3,000 feet are classified as a Munro. Although I was aware that head teachers were encouraged to keep fit, I didn't think it had gone quite this far.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.