PREPARATIONS are going well for the 'Christmas Special' which takes place on November 27. Padiham's lights will be switched on at 6pm by Mayor Bob Clark.

Father Christmas will visit and the market will be open for Christmas goodies.

Last year's event was a huge success, the Festival of Lights was fantastic, and organisers are certain the Christmas Special will crown a year that has put Padiham firmly on the map.

Volunteers are needed to help set up the event and clear up afterwards.

PADIHAM Town Council has a new councillor - Andy Tatchell, former Burnley Borough Councillor for the Hapton with Park ward and deputy leader of the council.

He lost his seat in the May elections to the BNP candidate. He stood again at the June by-election, but lost to Lib Dem candidate Peter McCann.

A HUGE crowd paid their respects to the fallen heroes of Britain on Sunday morning, led by the Mayor of Padiham, Cllr Bob Clark. The procession paid its respects in a service held outside the Town Hall, then walked to St Leonard's for an ecumenical service.

Hapton paid its respects to the war dead with a procession from the Methodist Church, a service at the cenotaph and then in St Margaret's Church which was packed.

LANCASHIRE County Coun Marcus Johnstone is to look at the problem of disabled parking spaces in Padiham. There are only two behind the Medical Centre and a half one, suitable only for a disabled motorcyclist. Two behind the White Horse pub are often used by non-disabled drivers and all the places are too narrow.

Councillors will hear a further report from County Cllr Johnston at a meeting at 7pm on December 6.

THE Parish Council met on Tuesday in the village school. Chairman Joan Lakeland told councillors about the Area Structural meeting she had attended, used to improve communication and relationships between parishes and the borough council. It is hoped Burnley Borough Council will develop Open Public Forum sessions. Members asked for a special meeting to discuss the proposal.

THE 'gateway' stone, which marks the entrance into Padiham, has now been installed at the top of Whalley Read.