LOOKING BACK: Rail line closures, black pudding battles and arsonist burglars

TWO MPs have joined the battle being waged by an army of objectors against plans to axe the Bury-Bolton rail line.

The proposals have been put forward by the British Railway Board on economic grounds.

Bury and Radcliffe MP, Mr David Ensor, and Rochdale MP, Mr Jack McCann, have now pledged their support for the fight.

The six towns served by the 12-mile line ­— Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Rochdale, Heywood and Little Lever ­— are to present a joint case against the proposals at Bolton Town Hall next week.

If approved the proposed cuts would mean the closure of Bury's Knowsley Street Station, along with stations at Radcliffe (Black Lane), Bradley Fold, Broadfield, and Heywood.

British Rail estimate that the line is expected to lose about £105,000 this year.

However passengers have raised concerns about further difficulties at peak hours and the lack of booked connections.

The majority of passengers are workers, schoolchildren and housewives; and all complain of the inconvenience and hardship which would result if the services were withdrawn.

It is also contended that the already serious road congestion would be intensified as a result of the implementation of the proposals.

BURY black puddings have no equals as far as Mr and Mrs Jack Clark are concerned, and to prove the point they took some to London on Friday at the start of their weekend holiday.

The trip was their prize as winners of a Bury Times and British Rail competition.

In London the couple were met by the general manager of the London Tourist Board, Mr JH Williams, to whom they presented their puddings.

But despite his efforts Mr Williams was unable to persuade one of London's largest black pudding manufacturers to accept a challenge from Bury.

After a journey of more than 200 miles, the Bury variety were eagerly consumed by a gentleman from Scotland who also works for the Tourist Board.

Mr Williams said: "There has been quite frequent correspondence in London newspapers about the relative merits of London and Bury black pudding, and we though this an ideal opportunity of trying to settle the differences of opinion.

"But although we tried to get the London manufacturer to accept the challenge he would not do so and the argument is still not resolved."

For Mr and Mrs Clark, of Walmersley Road, Bury, this was their first holiday since they were married 29 years ago. They were due to return home yesterday.

INTRUDERS who broke into the home of a 60-year-old grandmother did not steal anything ­— but set fire to the front room.

Mrs Adriana Fraser, of Ainsworth Road, Bury, was spending the weekend with her son in Bolton when her house was broken into.

The intruders got in through a back window and piled clothing in the middle of the front room before setting fire to them.

The blaze resulted in severe damage to carpets and clothing.

Mrs Fraser, a grandmother of 13, knew nothing of the fire until Bury police contacted her at her son's home.

She said two men who had been passing had apparently seen the fire and broken into the house through the front door to put it out.

They then called the fire brigade because the house was filled with smoke.

Mrs Fraser, who lives alone with her dog, added: "If my dog had been here they would not have got in."