A SILVER Chrysler Grand Voyager, worth £15,000, was stolen from an address in Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, between 9.30pm on Friday, November 9, and 9.10am on Sunday, November 12.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Broxburn Police Station on 01506 852121, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Slip in thief steals handbag

POLICE are trying to trace a male who entered a house in Honeyman Court, Armadale, about 9pm on Tuesday, November 13, and stole a handbag and contents from the kitchen area, before making off.

He is described as 16-20 years, 5ft 10ins, medium build, shaved hair, or bald, wearing a grey top with black sleeves and dark track suit bottoms.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Armadale Police Station on 01506 770222, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.   

Free wi-fi hotspots coming to a library near you

FREE wi-fi hotspots are to be introduced at four West Lothian libraries, allowing members of the public to access the internet for free.

Open information and sign-on sessions will be taking place at Bathgate, Carmondean, Linlithgow and Whitburn libraries over the next two weeks. As an added incentive, West Lothian Council’s Library Services will also be giving away a total of 120 user-friendly 126MB flash storage drives, one each to the first 30 people who sign up for the sessions at each of the four libraries involved.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “ If you are on the move, it is easy to drop in to read your emails, surf the net, or catch up on work in the comfortable environment of your local library.”

Top of the range golf course for West Lothian

A NEW golf course under construction in West Lothian is being built to USPGA standards.

The nine-hole course, at Kingsfield, Linlithgow, is due to open next August

And it's not just the golfers who are being catered for.

The course is being constructed in such a way as to encourage wildlife and birds back into the area.

Although the site is ample for an 18-hole course, Kingsfield owner Robert Arkley wanted to put the emphasis on quality. "This will be one of the most picturesque courses in the country," explained Robert, "and we wanted what we are doing here to reflect our setting.

"The course is being designed to USPGA standards."

Robert is keen to see a new generation of youngsters learn the sport. And the course, which is planned to open next August, will operate on a pay-and-play basis.

Youngster charged in connection with shopping centre fire

A 14 year old boy has been cautioned and charged with alleged wilful fireraising following an incident at McArthur Glen on October 27, when a flight simulator was destroyed after being set on fire.

The fire caused £20,000 worth of damage.

• An 18-year-old male has been charged in connection with four alleged housebreakings in the Whitburn area. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Charity bottle stolen from pub

A CHARITY bottle was stolen from Bathgate public house The Green Tree during a break-in between 1 and 10am on Sunday, November 12.

A quantity of vodka and whisky and a charity bottle was stolen.

The total haul is worth about £750

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Bathgate Police Station on 01506 652323, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.   

This week's speed camera locations

MOBILE speed cameras will be operational at the following locations in West Lothian during the week beginning Monday, November 12:

A89 Armadale; A706 Longridge; A899 Lizzie Bryce; A71 Polbeth; A71 Breich; A899 Deer Park; A705 E Whitburn; A706 Cairnie Place, Whitburn.

Lothian Lotto jackpot rises to £6,000

THERE was no jackpot winner in this week's Lothian Lotto, drawn on Monday, November 12.

Next week's jackpot rises to £6,000.

The £100 3-number winners were: M Newell, Dedridge, and J. Caulfield, Uphall Station;

The £5 two-number winners were: J. Hardie, Supporters; Frank Farr, Howden; Peter Sutton, Dedridge; Miss Annm Marr, Polbeth; M. Weir(s.o); Donna Smith; Alan Bagley, Livingston; Norman Murray; Shirley Reid, East Calder; Alan Skedd, East Calder; Jane Findley, East Calder; Gail King; Josepth Smith, Linlithgow; Linda Ralston; Irene Leask; Robert Stalker, Craigshill; M Riley, Fauldhouse.

Armistice Day observed across West Lothian

Pictures by Martin Sweeny

ARMISTICE Day was observed across West Lothian on Sunday, November 11.

The Broxburn and Livingston band played at West Lothian House, where the service was conducted by the Reverend Edward  Colquhoun and the salute taken by Lieutenant Colonel K Malin Adjutant General Corps (Royal military police) Provost Marshal of the 2nd Division.

People of all ages gathered at the War Memorial to pay their respects.

• The former chair of Armadale Community Council, Alex Horne, paid tribute to the 15 teenagers who helped him lay a wreath at the town's War Memorial on Saturday evening, November 10.

"They came from all parts of Armadale," said Mr Horne, "it was a very humbling experience. I was very proud of them and they were proud to have taken part."

Livi's narrow win in seven-goal thriller

Pictures by Steven Carrie Photography www.stevenc.co.uk

LIVINGSTON almost blew a three-goal lead in a windswept Almondvale.

But the second-half introduction of home-on-loan hero Colin McMenamin provided The Lions with enough of a lift to grab the one-goal advantage needed to secure all three points.

The fans chanted McMenamin's name at regular intervals throughout the first half. However, Livi seemed to have put the game beyond any danger with three first-half strikes, two from Dorrans and the other from MacKay.

The visitors had the better of the early exchanges and could have scored in ten minutes when Livi keeper Liberda palmed the ball over the bar from a free kick.

Check our sports news for a full report.

First West Lothian diversity week set to take place

THE first ever West Lothian Diversity Week will take place from November 26 to 30, with a wide range of events scheduled to take place throughout the district.

These include a theatre production by Capability Scotland, an ‘Experience China’ event with food, culture and presentations from the Far East, a Polish Open day, and a question and answer session with hugely successful paralympic swimmer, Jim Anderson from Broxburn.

Kenny Selbie, West Lothian Council’s equality officer, said: “ 2007 is the official European Year of Equal Opportunities, and we hope the first ever West Lothian Diversity Week will prove a fitting way to mark it.

Thieves target computer laptops

A NUMBER of laptops have been stolen throughout West Lothian, as thieves target them ahead of Christmas

• Between 6pm om Wednesday, November 7, and 7am on Thursday, November 8, a business premise in Grampian Court, Dedridge was broken into when a computer and two flat screen monitors were stolen.
• Between 5pm on Wednesday, November 7, and 8.45am on Thursday, November 8, a business premise in East Main Street was broken into when three laptop computers and approx £1,400 in cash was stolen.

Anyone who witnessed the incidentsor has any information is requested to contact Livingston police station on (01506) 431200, Whitburn police station on 01506 770222, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Door holds firm against would-be thief

AN UNSUCCESSFUL attempt was made to force open an electronic garage door in School Road, Longridge, between 1 and 2am on Thursday, November 8.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Whitburn police station on 01506 770222, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

Handbag snatched from 74-year-old at cemetery gates

POLICE are trying to trace a youth who snatched a handbag from a 74-year-old woman.

The incident happened at 9.15am on Wednesday, November 7, when the pensioner was walking on the footpath at the east side of Whitburn Cemetery.

As she walked past the cemetery gates a youth who was standing there suddenly grabbed her shoulder bag and ran off.

The youth is described as 15-17 years, 5ft 5ins, medium length black curly hair, wearing a light blue zipped jacket with stripes on each arm, blue jeans and white trainers.

The woman was shaken but physically unharmed.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Whitburn Police Station on 01506 770222, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

Councillors throw out plan for housing on former playing fields

PLANS for 14 houses and 16 flats on the former playing fields at Beatlie School, Craigshill, have been rejected on a 5-4 vote by West Lothian Council's development control committee.

Moving the motion to refuse, committee convener Jim Dickson said: "This is too important a piece of land, it's the only open space in the area and we would be depriving kids for years to come."

He was seconded by Councillor Willie Boyle.

Councillor Alex Davidson moved that the housing be given the go ahead. He said: "In planning terms, it meets the criteria.

Seconding his amendment, Councillor Willie Dunn warned: ""I have no doubts in my mind we will lose this on appeal. In strict planning terms, there is nothing wrong with this site for housing."

A petition with 288 signatures opposing the planned development was circulating in the area, although it was presented too late to be formally accepted by the committee. Protestor Gilbert McMeechan said: "This is Craigshill's village green."

Opposing the development, Councillor Frank Anderson stressed that he was not objecting to affordable rented housing. "Almond have other sites available but have not built on them," he told the committee.

Civic centre no longer a 'politicians palace'

THE new Civic Centre, currently under construction at Howden South, will no longer be a 'Politicians' Palace'

The phrase was originally coined by SNP councillor Peter Johnston, now the leader of West Lothian Council.

But he told the latest meeting of the council that the originally planned cellular accommodation for councillors had now been removed.

"Councillors will be in open plan accommodation and have the same desk space and floor space as other members of staff,"he explained, "therefore it is no longer a 'Politicians Palace.'

Festive cheer for senior citizens

West Lothian Council once again handing out a £10 Christmas payment to all local men and women who are aged 60 and over on November 16.

They can claim their festive bonus between Monday, November 12, and Friday December 21.

Application forms will be available at all Council Information Services centres, libraries and post offices within West Lothian from Monday, November 12.

Lives will be put at risk warns Council Leader following decision to proceed with fire service cut

THE Leader of West Lothian Council, Councillor Peter Johnston, says lives will be put at risk, following the decision by Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Services Board to proceed with the proposal to cut fire cover in Livingston.

The decision, taken on Monday, November 5, is to reduce the fire cover at Livingston from two full time pumps to one full time and one retained.

Coucillor Ellen Glass condemned the decision, pointing out that services were being enhanced in East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh.

At the meeting of West Lothian Council in Linlithgow, on Tuesday, November 6, councillors were told that in September and October alone, the two pumps at Livingston were called out on a total of 41 occasions.

"What the Fire Board are proposing is not acceptable," added Councillor Johnston.

The council unanimously agreed to instruct officials to facilitate a judicial review of the decision.

Councillors also agreed to support West Lothian's Fire Board members in seeking suspension of the decision and authorised them to move a motion of no confidence in the Convener of the Board.

MSP welcomes new houses move

LIVINGSTON MSP Angela Constance has welcomed the Scottish Government's commitment to a huge increase in the number of new houses to be built for social rent.

And she has backed the announcement right to buy will not apply to these houses.

"The result will be a radically increased social housing stock which will be protected from transfer into the private sector," added Angela. "That is great news for the many people who are struggling to find affordable, secure accommodation.

“In an area like West Lothian, with a growing population and with so many young people looking to set up their own home, this measure will make a positive difference to the lives of hundreds of people here in the next few years.”

On your bikes in Bathgate

TWO pedal cycles that had been chained together in Dykeside Road, Bathgate, were stolen between 6pm on Sunday, November 4, and 7.45am on Monday, November 5.

The bikes were valued at a total of £300.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Bathgate Police Station on 01506 652323, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

Lock up your garden sheds

ANOTHER garden shed has been broken into in West Lothian, following a spate of similar thefts last week.

This time, the victim lived in Mosside Road, Blackburn, where a petrol strimmer, worth £90, was stolen from a shed between 6.30pm on Sunday, November 4, and 11am on Tuesday, November 6.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Bathgate Police Station on 01506 652323, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

Lothian Buses could be coming back

LOTHIAN buses have not ruled out a move back to West Lothian.

But the company say that the last time they ran services in the district, there was little evidence of any passenger loyalty, with travellers simply getting on the first bus to arrive.

In a letter to councillors Graeme Morrice and Alex Davidson, the chairman of Lothian Buses, Pilmar Smith, said: "I think that we did give it a fair try and to consider re-introducing services, we would need to be reasonably sure that we would not simply find ourselves in the same situation again."

At the meeting of West Lothian Council in Linlithgow, on Tuesday, November 6, Councillor Davidson said there was an increasing number of complaints from residents of Broxburn and Uphall regarding the unreliability of the First bus routes 12 and 16.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: "First bus are failing badly all the communities of West Lothian. They are unable to retain drivers and provide a reliable service."

Both SNP and Labour councillors are to meet with Lothian buses on Thursday.

"Whether or not we will be able to persuade them to come back out, I don't know," added Councillor Johnston, but it's worth talking about."

Callous thief robs blind woman and wheelchair-bound friend

POLICE are trying to trace a callous thief who robbed a 40-year-old blind woman in the middle of the afternoon, whilst she was walking on a footpath with a wheelchair-bound friend who suffers from Cerebral Palsy.

The incident happened about 3.15pm on Thursday, November 1, on a footpath near Corston Park, Craigshill, heading towards Almondvale Centre..

The victim was holding on to the battery-powered wheelchair and being guided by her male friend, who through illness has restricted movement.

A male approached the couple from the rear and grabbed a shoulder bag and contents from the woman. The male ran off eastwards with the handbag, which was later recovered by police, minus bank cards, travel passes and a mobile phone.

The suspect is described as 5ft 8ins, short dark hair, wearing a white top and dark jogging bottoms.

A Police spokesman said: "this is a callous, cowardly and cruel act committed against two persons with disabilities. We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Livingston Police Station on 01506 431200, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Residents evacuated after fireraising

FIVE flats had to be evacuated and seven residents taken to Bathgate police station for refuge after a wheelie bin was set alight and melted against a gas main.

The incident happened about 1.40am on Tuesday, November 6.

Fire and rescue services and police were called to the incident, in Whitburn Road. Repairs to the gas main will continue later today.

No-one was injured during the incident.

Charity box stolen from heritage centre

A CHARITY box containing about £150 in coins was stolen during a break-in to the tea room at Almond Valley Heritage Centre between 8pm on Sunday, November 4, and 8am on Monday, November 5.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Livingston Police Station on 01506 431200, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Livingston Police Station on 01506 431200, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wheelie bin blaze damages car

A WHEELIE bin set on fire about 3.30am on Tuesday, November 6, caused damaged to the front of a Ford Mondeo.

The incident happened at Herald Rise, Dedridge.

Fire and rescue services attended and extinguished the blaze.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Livingston Police Station on 01506 431200, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A great visit - and great website

A WEST LOTHIAN website has made it into the country's top 12 national community websites.

Linlithgow - a Great Visit! www.linlithgow.com was launched just seven months ago.

William is gardener of the year

WILLIAM Anderson, of 51 Hartwood Road, West Calder, has been named West Lothian's gardener of the year.

He also won the ‘Best Flower Garden’ category.

• The award for the 'Best Livingston Garden' was won by Mrs Margaret Campbell-Morgan of 49 Corston Park, Craigshill.
• The ‘Best Vegetable Garden’ category was won by Dave du Feu, 2 Greenpark Cottages,  Edinburgh Road,  Linlithgow.

Provost Tom Kerr and Executive councillor for the environment Robert De Bold presented the awards at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow.

Councillor De Bold added: “ I am proud of the role of West Lothian Council in organising this competition and awarding prizes to local gardeners. It is a deserved reward for the effort and hard work put in that improves the look of the environment for all to enjoy.”

Tools stolen from van

A LARGE quantity of electrical power tools were stolen from a Volkswagen panel van parked in Crofters Way, Whitburn, between 6.30pm on Thursday, November 1, and 7am on Friday November 2.

The tools were valued at £1,230

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Whitburn Police Station on 01506 770222, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.  

MP in running for campaigner of the year' award

LIVINGSTON MP Jim Devine has been shortlisted by The Herald as Campaigner of the Year for his past and ongoing work on the Farepak Campaign.

Recently named as the hardest working Scottish MP, Mr Devine said: "I was absolutely delighted to find out this morning that I had received this nomination. The Scottish Politician of the Year Awards have become recognised as the key political event happening in Scotland and it is brilliant that the Farepak campaign has been given this recognition.

"The collapse of Farepak was an absolute scandal and I will not stop fighting for my constituents and families across the UK."

The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards 2007 will be held in Prestonfield, Edinburgh on November 15.

Teenager's arm broken in unprovoked attack

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy had his arm broken in an unprovoked attack in Murieston on Saturday, November 3.

The incident happened about 9.45pm , when the teenager was walking past the play area at Bankton Park.

For no reason, he was attacked by six youths who punched and kicked him to the ground causing him to suffer a broken arm.

Police say that the attackers were not known to the complainer who cannot describe any of the youths.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is requested to contact Livingston Police Station on 01506 431200, or alternatively they should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

CLICK HERE for archive news