Services
Whitburn and Blackburn - news
First warrant granted to seize vehicle
A warrant for seizure of a drunk driver's vehicle has been granted for the first time in West Lothian.
A 26 year old male, from Whitburn, was stopped by police at 1 am on Sunday, 21 Feb, in Blackburn Road, Bathgate for driving whilst drunk.
This was the man's third offence of this type and he appeared at Livingston Sheriff Court on 22 February, where a warrant for seizure of his vehicle was granted.
Speed reduction measures planned for busy road
Further traffic calming and road safety measures are planned for Dixon Terrace and Polkemmet Road in Whitburn.
West Lothian Council's Executive Committee agreed to begin the process to reduce the speed limit to 30mph from the current 40mph on the roads.
Lothian and Borders Police have been consulted and support the proposals.
Going green nets gold for school
Going green has helped a West Lothian primary school achieve gold.
As recognition for their outdoor efforts, Polkemmet Primary School has been presented with a gold award by the Green Tree Schools initiative.
Launched by the Woodland Trust, the scheme offers schools the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, the wonderful world of wildlife and green issues into the classroom.
Signed Proclaimers painting winner drawn
The painting was done by Blackburn Support Services Art Group, who gave it away in the free prize draw.
Originally the group were going to use the painting to raise some much-needed funds. But they felt that a feel-good event would be more use in amongst all the current gloom and doom.
Linda Busby was the winning name drawn out by Miss West Lothian.
Pictures wanted of old gala days
With their centenary just 18 months away, Blackburn Children's Gala Day are looking for pictures of previous events to put on their website www.blackburnchildrensgaladay.co.uk/ (new window)
An earlier appeal for pictures of former gala queens brought a good response and these have now been added to the gala website.
So far, they have managed to acquire some pictures going as far back as 1953, when Mima Todd was crowned gala queen. Mima still lives in the village and takes an active role in the church.
Anyone who has pictures from previous gala days can email them to: davierichardson@aol.com or contact Davie on 07709 316 283.
This year's 99th gala will take place on 12 June and the centenary event on 11 June 2011.
Cardinal opens refurbished school
Cardinal Keith O'Brien opened the £19 million refurbishment and extension at St. Kentigern's Academy, Blackburn.
Also there was the school's most famous ex-pupil, Susan Boyle, who enjoyed a tour of the new facilities and wished everyone well.
The school now has a stunning new entrance, management, administration and pupil support block with much improved social spaces and an enlarged dining area. The library has been brought down to the ground floor.
There is an excellent new dance studio, improved changing facilities for the PE department, and a Mathematics and English extension. The Craft, Design and Technology department has been completely remodelled.
Cardinal Keith O'Brien said: "It is a privilege for me to have been invited to open, what I must describe as, the 'new' St Kentigern's Academy."
Head Teacher Stephen Campbell commented: "We are all delighted with our new environment. There really isn't an area of the school that hasn't been upgraded."
- CLICK HERE to listen to comments from the Cardinal, staff and pupils
- CLICK HERE for music from the opening ceremony
