GREATER Manchester Fire Service's campaign to fit free smoke alarms in the homes of pensioners turned out to be a life saver today: 10 Years ago from the Evening News November 28, 1995

Robert Longworth, aged 66, and his son Christopher 29, were saved by the bell' when an electric blanket caught fire at their home in Tonge Moor Road, Bolton. The alarm alerted the pair, who were sitting downstairs unaware of the danger. And it brought them face to face with the firemen who had fitted the life-saving device only three weeks earlier.

NURSERY places for under fives could be scrapped throughout Bolton in a desperate attempt by education bosses to balance the books.

The borough's education chief has described the cost-cutting options facing councillors as "horrendous".

In a report to go before the Education and Arts Committee tomorrow, councillors will be told the budget has to be slashed by three per cent a massive £4 million.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

November 28, 1980

Westhoughton'S new 15,000 sq ft supermarket will either be a "Godsend" or a "disaster."

Those were the widely differing views of Westhoughton Community Group members who, at this month's meeting, were split over the possible merits of the new store planned for spring 1982.

A PELICAN crossing is needed at Lee Lane, Horwich but it will have to wait until money is available.

Bolton's Technical Services Committee heard last night that a pedestrian and vehicle survey carried out at Lee Lane produced figures which were more than five times greater than Government criteria for the installation of a crossing.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

November 28, 1955

AFTER falling out of bed last night at his home, David Meadowcroft (7), 81, Plover-st., was treated at Bolton Royal Infirmary for a laceration to his scalp. he was allowed to leave later.

AN important step has been taken to save the Bolton County Grammar School from the threat of extinction, a threat which has given rise to many protests in recent months.

Bolton Education Committee will tomorrow consider the transfer of the school as a unit to a new site on the Breightmet secondary school base, the earlier plan to divide its work between three other secondary schools being abandoned.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News

November 28, 1905

AT a public meeting held in the Public Hall, Horwich, on Monday evening, it was decided to provide 100 free dinners per week for poor children, and also to provide a treat at Christmas for about 600 children. The Committee which carried on the good work last year was re-appointed, and an appeal is to be made for subscriptions. Councillor J. Fearnhead presided, and there was a fairly good attendance.

CATHERINE Riley (22), 15, Scott-st., carder at Messrs. Salmon and Taylor's mill, Gilnow, came into contact with the driving strap about 9 o'clock this morning, and was knocked against some machinery, receiving internal injuries. She was removed in the Fire Station ambulance to the Infirmary.