Pals tribute and sad farewell to brave Jessica
Following part 1 last week, we look back at stories and images that made the headlines in the second half of 2016
JULY
THE first day of the month began with a series of poignant events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
Thousands of people including members of the armed forces – serving and retired – dignitaries, guests, descendants of the Pals and members of the public gathered at services across the borough to pay their respects.
THE new £6.4 million Accrington Bus Station officially opened, however not everyone was happy about the relocation with angry traders saying their livelihoods were ‘on the line’.
More than 50 traders also signed a petition demanding action and claimed that the move away from Peel Street had driven away their regular customers.
JULY ended on a sad note with the passing away of three pillars of the community.
Long serving councillor Wendy Dwyer, Accrington Lions stalwart Frank Crabtree and retired chairman of the Great Harwood branch of the Royal British Legion Len Myerscough all passed away within days of each other.
AUGUST
THE ‘rejuvenation’ of the iconic Accrington Victorian Arcade reached a critical point this month with owner Tariq Aslam announcing that every unit was now filled.
The Observer marked its ‘blossoming’ success with two special reports and interviews with many of the traders.
AS A-Level students across Hyndburn celebrated their success, there was one teenager who was more overjoyed than most.
Kimberley Smith, from Oswaldtwistle, was diagnosed with stage 2 lymphoma in February this year and was still receiving chemotherapy just days before her exams.
However, the Blackburn College pupil overcame her cancer battle and recorded successful grades to get into her first choice university.
SEPTEMBER
PLANS for the new £2 million town square outside the Market Hall and Town Hall were officially unveiled.
Artist impressions showed how the area will be transformed to commemorate the sacrifice of the Accrington Pals and provide an exciting space for large public events.
PRANKSTERS gave Accrington police a cheeky welcome to their new town centre station.
Just hours after the Broadway base was officially opened, a children’s miniature trike was left in the ‘police only’ car parking bays.
Police responded to the stunt with a joke of their own saying: “Thanks to one of our future recruits making the most of the available parking at the new Accrington Police Station.”