Archive
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Breast is best for baby health staff rewarded
HEALTH visitors in East Lancashire have been praised for their work to promote breastfeeding. The staff, who work for the CommuniCare NHS Trust, have been awarded the UNICEF Certificate of Commitment: UK Baby Friendly Initiative. The accolade pays tribute
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Caring young writers all have a story to tell
YOUNG writers from across East Lancashire were presented with prizes after taking part in an annual competition. The event was organised by the Blackburn Child Care Society and was open to youngsters in Blackburn, Darwen and parts of the Ribble Valley
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Pupils are naughty, but nice
PUPILS from Westholme School, Blackburn, presented a cheque for £300 to Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. Year 11 pupils Laura Farmer, 15, Charlene Biggins, 15, Lucy Schofield , 16, and Naomi Cartmell, 16, held a non-uniform day and dressed as 'naughty
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Burn-up leaves Leigh on sidelines
LEIGH RU crashed out of the Lancashire Trophy at Blackburn, going down 41-29. And it was all down to a big give-away - allowing tries at the beginning and end of an entertaining match. From 14-0 down Leigh hit back with TDs from Mark Hudspith 2, Phil
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Deaf society in the money
AN ambitious project to create an innovative deaf-run business centre has won a low-interest loan to buy bigger premises. The East Lancashire Deaf Society, which aims to transform the historic but dilapidated King's Court building, Blackburn, has won
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Store of wishes as Linda says farewell
MORE than 100 people turned up to say farwell to long-serving employee Linda Lacey (pictured, front left, with husband Jack, colleagues and friends) on her retirement from Marks and Spencer, Blackburn. Staff, family and friends joined a retirement party
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Farmer left dead sheep
A FARMER told a court he had forgotten about five dead sheep which lay unburied on his land. Michael Alan Nelson, 31, of Haslingden Old Road, Knuzden, was fined £250 and ordered to pay £227 costs after he admitted failing to dispose of the carcasses last
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Colls boss survives award!
ATHERTON COLLS team boss Alan Lord successfully managed to negotiate the dreaded NWT League manager of the month award! He took the prize before his team went out to show all the reasons why he had won the nomination in the first place. Their 3-0 success
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Heading for charity heights
GETTING "roped in" for an abseil challenge - that's the deputy head and caretaker of a local school. Teacher Claire Moseley and caretaker John Chant, of Unsworth CP School, will become daredevils when they take part in a sponsored abseil for the Cancer
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Kids' matches game risks lives
YOUNGSTERS playing with matches put their own and other people's lives at risk when they set a workman's cabin on fire, firefighters said today. They were called to the blaze in Wensley Road, Wensley Fold, Blackburn, at about 8pm last night to find the
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Man quizzed over abduction attempt
RAWTENSTALL: A 32-year-old man arrested in Rawtenstall on Wednesday in connection with the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old schoolgirl last month has been transferred to Northampton. A nationwide manhunt was launched after the alleged abduction and
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Drug downfall of ex-soldier
A FORMER soldier who threw away a last chance offered by the courts was jailed for nine months by Blackburn magistrates. John Mark Duckworth breached probation orders, failed to answer bail and continued to steal from shops. And he had disregarded a deferred
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'Go' for single health trust
HEALTH supremos have rubber-stamped a radical move which could shortly allow services in Blackburn and Darwen to be run by a single NHS trust. Primary care services, including GP, dental and community-based care, will be run by the Blackburn with Darwen
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Needle probe
A LOCAL councillor has highlighted the problems of diabetes sufferers following a far-reaching survey in his ward. Clayton-le-Woods Labour councillor, David Bland, carried out a house to house survey last month. Among the many issues raised by residents
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Murder suspect 'has only months to live'
A MAN charged with murdering disabled horse dealer Leslie Jackson nearly ten years ago may only have six months to live and is unlikely to be alive to stand trial. The revelation came as police confirmed that a third person, a 35-year-old man, was arrested
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When Yanks first hit town
MOST folk know that Italian and German prisoners of war were once held at a camp close to the Haydock-Ashton border. But how many realise that Garswood Park had earlier been a base for American Marines who left there to take part in the Normandy Landings
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No jeers for Jimmy
Division One: Blackburn Rovers v Swindon Town - Peter White's match preview ALAN Shearer was disappointed about being booed on his recent return to Ewood Park. But Swindon Town player-manager Jimmy Quinn can probably remember being jeered when he was
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Brother armed himself with spanner
A TEENAGER went back to his old school armed with a spanner after his younger brother had been involved in a fight. Blackburn magistrates heard that three teachers had to intervene to stop Shafiq Hussain and three others carrying out any act of revenge
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Plane crash passenger still has nightmares
AN experienced pilot who narrowly escaped death when a light aircraft crashed into woods eight months ago has not been in a plane since and still has nightmares about the incident. Blackburn man John Bridge, 66, spoke of his ordeal as a government inquiry
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Huge cash bid for towns
A MULTI-MILLION pound bid to transform Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe is being drummed up by town hall bosses. They are looking for £6.8 million of Government cash to boost the run-down centres in the three towns. If the bid is successful, it could
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Debbie to the rescue
I WOULD like to thank, through your paper, a very dedicated and caring lady whom I only know as Debbie. This kind person runs a voluntary pet rescue service in St Helens and because of her devotion to this cause, we were re-united with our pet dog. I
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Tornados make their mark
A NETBALL club from Warton is becoming the top breeding ground for Lancashire's finest players. BAE Systems Warton Sports and Social Netball Club, also known as the Tornados, has had six of its players selected for the U18 and senior Lancashire netball
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Family grief spans the globe
I HAVE just received an e-mail with the report of the death of my father (former mayor, Harry Williams) death that was in your paper recently. The report was very good, but only one daughter - Rita - was mentioned, I would have thought that it would have
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Prison warning for 'silly' men
TWO Blackburn men went on a wrecking spree as they walked home from the pub on a Sunday night. Blackburn magistrates heard they targeted cars in Leamington Road, breaking wing mirrors as they passed. And stipendiary magistrate Jonathon Finestein told
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Sharp rap of quick justice
A CLIP around the earhole from the local bobby was formerly a sharp, but highly effective, treatment for mischievous kids, confirm Denis Brown, once on the receiving end. In picking up on our recent police-box theme, Denis, of Gerrards Lane, Sutton Leach
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Going around in circles
THE rash of traffic-route alterations currently bedevilling the St Helens scene is causing frustrated motorists to froth at the mouth and tug out their hair in dismay. But what's the reasoning behind that nightmare of new signposting, the fresh one-way
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Vandals shut school
THREE hundred pupils were turned away from lessons this week after a vandal attack on their school. Teachers at St Peter's CE Primary School took the decision to close the Whitefield Road school on Monday (Feb 7) after thugs hurled milk bottles through
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What a friendly fiasco
AS loyal Saints supporters and stand season ticket holders, my wife and I attended the friendly game against Huddersfield and I was disgusted with the team Saints turned out. Huddersfield turned out a near full-strength first team and Saints turned out
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Boar's Head back is back
ONE of Leigh's architectural gems has regained its identity. The Boar's Head, which stands proudly in Market Place opposite the Parish Church, has reverted to its proper title after a short spell under the Flitch and Firkin banner. Sarah Meek, who runs
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Rare glimpse of Indian hero
A RARE piece of Indian art owned by a Ribble Valley collector is on display in Whalley. The painted cloth, known as a parh, is thought to date from the beginning of the 20th century and depicts the story of the Rajasthani hero Pabuji. It would have been
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Incurable illness care plan unveiled
THE first phase of a strategy outlining improvements in services for people with incurable illnesses has been submitted to Bury & Rochdale Health Authority. The move comes after a Bury consultant claimed terminally-ill patients in local hospitals
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More of those traffic blues
I COULD not sympathise more with your writer 'Traffic Blues' of Standish Street (Dear Star, January 27). We in Baxters Lane have put up with the same when 'major route' status in the mid-eighties seemed to apply. I have lived at this address for more
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Prospectus rush
PRESTON'S Cardinal Newman College has a problem: its new prospectus is proving too popular. The college has printed 25 per cent more than last year, but has had to rush an order for reprints for its February 16 open day. Admissions manager Ian Haselden
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Pupils launch Starr-wars
HIGH school students are waging war - with the help of soul singer Edwin Starr. Last night Golborne High staged a 10 minute 'War on Crime' drama, dance and mime production featuring a special version of Starr's hit "War". Some pupils used signing to get
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Police money is money for nothing
IN our council tax we are levied a sum of money for police services. But where is that service? Certainly not here on the Brandlesholme estate, where every night gangs of teenagers gather, shouting, swearing, and messing about in school grounds and in
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The scoop that was scooped!
IT'S The Sun wot done it . . . copied our front page, that is! The National newspaper's sports department even had the cheek to claim their story about Deepdale Duck's appearance at the Everton game was an exclusive - even though it was on our front page
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Boost for the beat
POLICE chiefs have revealed their delight at the Home Secretary's announcement that Lancashire is to get 126 extra police officers. The Constabulary and police authority bid for 152 officers and has been given 25 this year, 51 next year, and 50 in the
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Canine crackdown
A GET-TOUGH pooch scoop campaign is being stepped-up to prevent the borough going to the dogs. Council animal wardens are set to swoop in Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton targeting problems of strays and pavement fouling. Wigan Councillors are expected to
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Like Blackpool - without the fun
IF you want to save money don't go to Blackpool, just come to Tottington. If you want to terrify the kids forget the Ghost Train, try driving them towards the crazy roundabout at Sunnywood Drive and watch their faces as they see a bus or a lorry coming
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Lollipop crisis over
PRESTON schoolchildren have escaped unscathed following the county's lollipop manning crisis. While the new year 'flu epidemic gripped lollipop men and women across the county, Preston sufferers received the help of mobile divisions to get children safely
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How to save the birds
WIGAN Rangers are teaching people to pull the birds. The council service is inviting everyone to a conservation day at Hesketh Meadow, Lowton, on Sunday (February 13, 1pm) where they will be taught how to build and site bird boxes to help our feathered
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Festival upset
IT would appear that my letter regarding the Leyland Festival has inadvertantly upset one or two people who are invovled in the organising of this wonderful event. I would like therefore to put the record straight and acknowledge the work of all the charitable
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Cameras to tackle motorway madness
MOTORWAY police have introduced speed cameras to the M55 and M6 while major roadworks take place. Work at the Broughton interchange will see the introduction of narrow lanes and a contraflow in phases until April. The speed cameras are a bid to encourage
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Penalised by new tax laws
I HAVE just received my new Income Tax code for the coming fiscal year. Due to the abolition of the Married Couples Allowance, I will pay around an extra £19 per month tax. My daughter is 16 and currently studying for her A-levels. My son is 18 and would
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Students go back in time
PLEASE sir, can I have some more? That's the question children at a Penwortham primary school were asking their teachers when they turned the clock back to the Victorian era for a day. The youngsters in Year 2, aged six and seven, at Middleforth County
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Lowry's nude model May dies, 82
A FORMER Tyldesley great-grandmother who once modelled nude for L. S. Lowry has died, aged 82. May Austin posed for the world famous "match stick man" artist at Bolton College of Art in the 1960s. Her niece, Jennifer Green, said: "She slipped into the
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A new way to net criminals
FORGET flying superheroes in knickers! A new crimebuster is on the block and this time its byte is just as bad as its bark! For Selborne Area Neighbourhood Watch has become the first in Preston to use the internet in its bid to curb crime. Not only can
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Residents will have say on Moor Park safety plans
I WISH to protest at the reporting of the safety measures, speed humps and bollards on a road to the pavilion in Moor Park. Headlines are a key to setting the tone of a story for readers and this read: 'What a Waste - Moor Park plan is pointless: councillor
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Why not take our gardens, too
ANYONE who lives on Bolton Road West, Bolton Street, Bolton Road or Stubbins Lane in Ramsbottom has, over the past few years, had a reduction in their standard of living because of the increasing volume of traffic. Then there are the numerous times your
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Setting sail for charity
A MAN who was told he had just two months to live is set to sail 200 miles around the coast of Scotland to raise cash for a Preston-based cancer charity. John Hornby, of Lancaster Road, Garstang, was told last June that he had stomach cancer. Surgeons
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Liverpool got it, so why didn't we?
YES, Councillor Ramsey (Your Letters, Feb 4) it is true that over the Christmas and New Year period, the GMPTE maintained its commitment to friends and relatives of patients in hospitals to ensure transport provision. That was right and very commendable
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Postmaster quits "too dangerous" job
POPULAR postmaster Alan Lloyd is quitting his much-loved job - because he says it is too dangerous. Alan is to give up his position at the Manchester Road office, Preston, two years after a pair of thugs attempted to rob the store. The pair, who were
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Needle probe
A LOCAL councillor has highlighted the problems of diabetes sufferers following a far-reaching survey in his ward. Clayton-le-Woods Labour councillor, David Bland, carried out a house to house survey last month. Among the many issues raised by residents
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The litter vigilantes
FIRST there were the pooper-snoopers, now a South Ribble councillor has sent a rallying cry to the borough's litter lout vigilantes. Coun Derek Forrest, chairman of the newly created Leyland East Area Committee, called on locals to help crackdown on locals
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Fined for breaking BSE laws
A LEYLAND farmer has been fined for flouting regulations designed to prevent the spread of BSE and other diseases. At South Ribble Magistrates Court last week Fred Carter, of Ulnes Walton, pleaded guilty to three charges relating to the movement of cattle
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Cool man, it's dudey
According to kids, it's cool to be cool but manky to be bad. The Citizen put the theory to the test, and sent brill reporter David Higgerson and groovy photographer Kevin Walsh to Middleforth County Primary School in Penwortham to see what they thought
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Damning report is "too harsh"
LANCASHIRE Social Services are facing a significant challenge to improve services following scathing criticism from inspectors. And the Conservative group has called for consultants to be brought in to sort out the service's problems. The Audit Commission
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Letter response magnificent
REGARDING my plea (Letters, January 27) about the recent TV programme about Stanhill and Knuzden during the war, may I say a big thank-you to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and its readers. From 5pm on the day my letter was published my phone never
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Top surgeon under fire
COMPLAINTS about a top plastic surgeon, who has operated on patients at a Preston consultancy, have been reported to the General Medical Council. A regional BBC news item this week revealed that several patients have filed complaints about David Herbert
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SWIMMING: Fourth for Stacey
OLYMPIC hopeful Stacey Houldsworth has clocked up another impressive finish to enhance her growing reputation as one of Britain's top swimmers. Great Harwood-based Houldsworth finished fourth in the Womens' 400 metres freestyle at a World Cup Short Course
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Art for art's sake is not so easy
I WAS delighted to read that Harold Heys (Letters, January 31) also has a fondness for Sir Alfred Munnings' earlier works and I enjoyed his historical comments on the Solario painting. As an artist myself, I fully appreciate Munnings' need to make money
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Guns ordeal for grandad
A DISABLED couple, who claim their lives are being made a misery by gangs of teenagers, were subjected to a search by armed police after the husband was accused of brandishing a firearm at three girls. Sixty-three-year-old Donald Hattersley and wife Gweneth
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'Protection for all' call
I FIND myself in somewhat a state of anger and disbelief after reading two of your articles on the same page (LET, February 2) - one headlined 'Police to guard Asians and gays;' the other, a lesser item: 'Cash machine boy attacked.' The main item mentions
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Anti-house conversions drive
BURNLEY Labour MP Peter Pike has added his weight to a campaign to limit the number of large houses being split up into flats. He is one of 22 MPs who have joined to table a motion to the Government over multiple occupancy - a subject of some concern
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Parking only speculation
AS Rovers Youth Aid chairman, I wish to put the record straight regarding the article by Steve Tinniswood in Sports Extra (LET, January 26), in which quotes were made by Ian McLean, who is not a member of the Rovers Youth Aid committee. His hope that,
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Elmslie welcomes boys
ELMSLIE Girls School in Blackpool is opening the doors of its junior department later this year to welcome boys fully into the ranks. Elmslie already has a thriving co-educational nursery which has just received a glowing report from OFSTED. After consultation
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Section 28 'a nonsense'
JOHN Blunt (LET, February 2) is wrong in asserting that the vast majority of people support Section 28. An NOP poll, commissioned by the Channel 4 political programme, Powerhouse, showed that the public support a change in this law by 54 to 44 per cent
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Keeping it in the family
Oldershaw 0, Prescot 34 CENTRE Chris Leigh was the star of the show for Prescot, scoring a personal tally of 27 points with four tries, two conversions and a penalty. And father Grahame got in on the act, the second-row claiming the visitors' other try
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Justice is done
THE JURY has made its decision. In the case of Palatine High School, Marton, going to extraordinary lengths to educate its pupils, the verdict is .... guilty! This is exactly the kind of experience that a team of students from Palatine had when they came
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Pool's ups and downs
Oxfrord 0, Blackpool 1 A TEN-yard header from John Murphy was enough to secure a one goal to nill victory at Oxford for the jubilant travelling Seasiders. In a superb opening 45 minutes from the Seasiders, Murphy, together with loan signing Chris Lumsdon
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Lost mobile found its way home
A BLACKPOOL woman was plagued by a constant ringing in her ears which she couldn't do anything about, and all because of a good deed. The elderly woman found a mobile phone while walking in the park and thought she would do the correct thing by taking
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Cowley bow to bigger rivals
COWLEY suffered defeat at the hands of a bigger Bolton School side on Saturday. But there were fine performances from Riley, Smith and Rigby. Meanwhile, the second team were beaten in a hard game against Bolton. Errors cost them dear, but they earned
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Thief who took empty box is jailed
A THIEF who thought he was helping himself to computer equipment actually stole an empty box weighed down with paint. Burnley magistrates heard how Anthony Archer, 19, who also ran from a jeweller's shop with a £226 gold necklace, took cooked meats from
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Amateur Rugby League round-up
RESULTS North West Counties League Premier Division: Widnes St Maries 6 Thatto Heath 18. Division One: West Bank 10 Pilkington Recs 56, Portico Panthers 46 West Sutton 22. Division Three: Weaverham 38 Blackbrook A 26, Saddleworth A 38 Parr Hare and Hounds
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£2m high-tech boost for jobs
HUNDREDS of new jobs are to be created as part of a £2 million investment in Blackpool's hi-tech business park. Developments now confirmed on the 20-acre site in Bispham are expected to bring 250 jobs to the region. Council bosses are said to be delighted
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Star role for veteran Dennis
AS the cross-country season starts to draw to a close some St Helens Striders have started to mix both road races and cross-country. Dennis Wharton ran a good race at the Four Villages Helsby half-marathon and finished in 78 minutes 30 seconds. Brian
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Help plan a top flight day
ROLL up! Roll up! Cleveleys Jubilee Day committee are looking for suggestions to make this year's event soar to new heights. The committee are organising a meeting to help to plan the annual August event and, as well as some old favourites, there are
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'Gay bar' abuse youth is fined
A YOUTH arrested after trouble in a 'gay bar' told police he just wanted a drink, Burnley magistrates heard. Lee Michael Cain, 21, was abusive, refused to leave with his three companions, including his father, and one of the group claimed they did not
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More Blues for City
LANCASTER manager Tony Hesketh told of how he warned the referee to watch one Whitby player before this one nil defeat. And, of course, it was that player - Steve West who was involved in an incident with keeper Mark Thornley earlier in the season - who
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Crusaders slow off the mark
Thatto Heath Crusaders under 16s 12, Widnes St Maries 20 A depleted Crusaders side never recovered from a slow start. Playing against a big pack two-try hero and man of the match Gaz Friar was exceptional. He was very closely followed by James Burrows
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A night to remember
IF there's one town that knows how to celebrate its success in style it's Blackpool. And The Citizen was delighted to be involved in Friday's second annual Blackpool Tourism Awards (February 4) which recognise and reward achievement in the tourism industry
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Rapist jailed for eight years
A MORECAMBE man who admitted carrying out three rapes, has been jailed for eight years. Alan Hogg, 46, was told by a Preston Crown Court judge that his name would be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life. Hogg, formerly of Albert Road
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Clock give Yickers a scare
Clock Face Miners 9, Haydock A 14 TWO tries and two drop goals by Haydock's man of the match Geoff Newton eventually helped them to win this enthralling game at Clock Face. Promotion favourites Haydock were made to work hard, and it wasn't until mid-way
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Brave Charlene a Major winner
BRAVE Blackpool schoolgirl Charlene Mills is a child in a million. The plucky ten-year-old has received a Millennium Child of Achievement Award for her determination to live life to the full despite battling serious illness. Charlene, from Marton, had
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Striker swoop
BLACKPOOL should have a striker signed in time for Saturday's (February 12) game against Bristol City. Manager Steve McMahon has swooped for Doncaster Rover's Mike Newell to spearhead the Seasiders' attack. Although there was no confirmation from Bloomfield
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Late show sinks battling Brook
Weaverham 38, Blackbrook A 26 THE result was in the balance until Weaverham made sure of the spoils with a last-minute try. Brook started well and led 12-2 after 15 minutes with tries by Andy Shaw and Ian Marsh, plus two goals by Ian Callaghan. Weaverham
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Ecstasy tablets found to contain strychnine
LOCAL clubbers tempted to try the drug ecstasy have been warned to steer clear after one pill was found to contain rat poison. Ambulance crews and hospital accident and emergency departments have been alerted after the yellow pill was found to contain
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The men in black
WHEN the young footballers of Wilmere Hawks take to the field soon there'll be more than one referee on the field. For in an unprecedented move, all 19 members of their under13s Rainhill League squad are attending a course on the laws of the game And
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1984 nightmare is a step nearer
YOUR readers will be aware that the Home Secretary has extended the Race Relations Act (1976) to include what he calls "indirect discrimination". What this means is that George Orwell's nightmare vision of Britain as he depicted it in his novel 1984 has
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Pilks stay on course
West Bank 10, Pilkington Recs 56 TITLE-chasing Recs maintained their challenge by completing a comfortable league double against the struggling Widnes side. After an early spell of aggression from the homesters, Recs settled into their attacking play,
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Mum's top of the class
STUDENTS: they smoke, drink, have long hair, wear dirty jumpers and do hardly any work, right? WRONG! Linda Chapman, from Blackpool, is 39 years old, has four children of school age and works weekends at a police station. But she has still found the time
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Row over Ridge revamp
RESIDENTS on the Ridge estate have blasted the council for breaking their promise to carry out vital renovation work in Ridge Square. The residents believed that £212,000 has been set aside to rejuvenate the run-down square and set up a community cafe
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He's Dipper dippy!(pic:richard)
HERE'S a challenge for the millennium with jam on! Roller-coaster fanatic Richard Rodriguez is once again to jet over from the United States in June to double his former 1000-hour riding record on Blackpool Pleasure Beach's very own Big Dipper. If all
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BUSINESS as usual at Morecambe's beleaguered leisure complex
USE it or lose it: that's the message from the city council to the public this week after finally agreeing to keep Bubbles open for another year. The financially troubled leisure complex had been the subject of hours of debate in council chambers as members
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Jones stars as Town go nap
St Helens Town 5, Glossop North End 2 TWO wins on the trot have established Town back in the top four and the successes were significant for the contribution of young right wing-back Gary Jones. His winner last time out against Atherton Colls was a club
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We are fed lies about Europe
LATEST opinion polls suggest that a clear majority of people are opposed to Britain joining the European single currency. So let me antagonise all the Euro-sceptics by saying that the majority are simply wrong. I am not surprised by the poll findings.
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Paula's off to a flyer
LOCAL runner Paula Flanagan has started the new athletics season in tearaway style. Competing in the Alsager five-mile road, the Wigan Harrier ran a personal best of 35m.50, 2m.35 better than last year, to finish 29th. Converted for the new archive on
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Bat thugs raid post office
A HUSBAND and wife were bound and beaten by three masked robbers at Scotforth Post Office on Tuesday. It is the second time sub postmasters Keith and Angela Miller, both middle aged, have been attacked. They were hurt in a similar attack in 1991. The
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Sidac still on cup trail
ST HELENS Combination outfit Sidac Social progressed into Round Three of the Northern Cup Competition when they came away from Accrington with a creditable 4-2 win over Whinney Hill FC. Carl Pilling (2), Andy Eaton and Shaun McKeegan scored the vital
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Soccer club's special milestone
HAVE you ever played for Blackbrook FC? If so, they want to hear from you. They're holding a 40th anniversary dinner at the club on May 27. Any interested players from 1960-99 should contact Barry Picton 602573 or Jack Kilroy on 01925 226347. Converted
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Where Eagles Dare
THE birds sat silently, majestic on their perches. A saker falcon, a harris hawk, a beautiful barn owl, piercing eyes keenly watching my every move. Then suddenly, there was Gorbachov. He introduced himself with a loud squawk and a flap of his huge wings
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Curry capital idea
A BID to make East Lancashire the curry house capital of the North West has been launched. The new group aims to fly the flag for East Lancashire's Indian restaurants and make them a tourist attraction in their own right. The aim of the group is to ensure
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Bury FC: Warnock keeps Woody in mind
NEIL Warnock is still keen on Andy Woodward, but he has promised he isn't about to do an asset-stripping job on the cash-strapped Shakers The former Bury boss, now in charge at First Division Sheffield United, first showed an interest in Woodward and
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Clarets new boy set to face former club
CLARETS new boy Ian Cox is preparing himself for whatever the Bournemouth fans may have in store for him tomorrow as he bids to make sure another promotion tilt doesn't slip away. Cox heads back to Dean Court just over a week after moving to Turf Moor
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Cruel blow for plucky Garswood
GARSWOOD United suffered a cruel defeat against runaway league leaders Barnton. The only goal of the game came from a deflection in the closing stages. Meanwhile, the Reserves clinched a semi-final berth after an extra-time battle against Cheadle Heath
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Bash: back and rareing to go
NORTH End striker Steve Basham is confident his injury worries are now over. Bash is back following repeat problems with an ankle injury. He said: "I played an average match when I came on against Oxford. But I am just glad to be back and able to blow
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Drunken youth stole taxi cab
A DRUNKEN youth stole a taxi on New Year's Day and pocketed the takings from the dashboard. Burnley magistrates heard how Terry Grimshaw, 20, had staggered to the vehicle and consumed so much alcohol, he did not know what he was doing. Grimshaw, of West
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Rovers striker gets back in the running
MATT Jansen will be back in the reckoning for tomorrow's home game with struggling Swindon Town, when Ewood boss Tony Parkes is demanding his Blackburn Rovers players start living up to their reputation as the Manchester United of Division One. Jansen
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Money man
PRINTING industry supplier Wolstenholme Rink has appointed a new financial director. Calvin Lord, 35, joined the Darwen-based firm in 1991 as group financial controller and became financial director of its Wolstenholme International arm in 1997. Calvin
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PNE lodge complaint
PRESTON North End chiefs have lodged an official complaint about the behaviour of the Reading players before last weekend's match. Following the unsporting behaviour, the Citizen's Tom Parker tried to get an explanation from Reading manager Alan Pardew
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Fred backs Astley for mines heritage
STEAMING mad steeplejack and TV celebrity Fred Dibnah has pinpointed Astley as the perfect place to preserve our coal mining past. Larger-than-life character Fred, whose world involves chimneys and relics from an age when Britannia led the world, is angry
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Old port matures nicely
Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy - this week in Poulton-le-Fylde IT'S funny how a chance meeting can result in a whole day of unexpected enjoyment. While visiting the Mellor and Billington areas I met an American by the name of Fred Hesketh. Fred had
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Dog owner's death 'leak' probe fails
AN INQUIRY has failed to trace a Hyndburn Council employee who leaked personal details to a national newspaper of a dog breeder, who died in a house fire with 12 of her 13 dogs. The investigation was set up by Hyndburn Council chief executive Mike Chambers
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Axe on Leigh court
COURT closers thought of moving Bolton Magistrates to Leigh shortly before condemning Leigh Court to death row! That startling revelation comes in the wake of Manchester Magistrates' Courts Committee decision to axe Leigh and transfer business to Wigan
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Talia is the £14m face of glass!
TALIA Lewis is set to become a household name after being chosen to appear in a major TV ad to launch a massive North West leisure 'dome'. The face of eight-year-old Talia (pictured), from Gin Pit Village, Astley, will also appear on huge publicity road-side
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Vision barn again! Christian dream becomes a reality after farming couple join the flock
ONE day 350 years ago the preacher George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends, stood on the top of Pendle and had a vision. Fox wrote: "From the top of the hill, The Lord let me see in what place he had a great people to be gathered." Just over a decade
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Cars torched in garage attack
ARSONISTS torched vehicles at a garage near Kirkham this week, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage. Four cars were burnt out in the attack at the Lea Gate Motors garage on Blackpool Road in the early hours of Tuesday morning (February
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Printers' changes hands in management buy-out
A PRINTING firm has been sold in a management buy-out deal, Ward Knowles of Accrington - one of East Lancashire's oldest firms - was sold to the existing management by its shareholders. The £12million turnover firm is one of the country's top ten business
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Blackpool is a lottery 'loser'
THE National Lottery Charities Board (NLCB) are holding a one-day conference in an attempt to attract more applications for grants from Blackpool and the Fylde. News of the event follows the realisation that the area has applied for hardly any money at
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Three-in-one for Xanadu station
RE-OPENING Kenyon Junction would benefit local people, a public inquiry in Leigh has been told. According to GMPTE, a park-and-ride site and station at Kenyon, accompanying the proposed Xanadu complex, would greatly enhance travel opportunities for local
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Mercy dash drama for baby
A DRAMATIC high speed-dash through the streets of Lancaster helped save the life of a tiny baby this week. Taxi driver Jaqueline Dixon thought she was answering a routine call when she arrived at Longlands Road on the Vale Estate on Sunday. But within
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Postmaster thwarts armed crook
A PLUCKY postmaster defied an armed raider who fled empty-handed after being refused cash. The raider walked into the post office in Moss Bank Road, Moss Bank at about 5.30pm on Wednesday, February 2 and pointed a gun at the postmaster, demanding money
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Court closure: 'don't sit back' urges Peter
MAGISTRATE Peter Turner has claimed consultations over the future of Leigh Magistrates' Court have been a "dismal charade". And he says powerful objections from individuals and agencies have been completely ignored by the North and West Greater Manchester
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What a cheeky beggar!
A SIX-year-old boy couldn't believe his eyes when a total stranger walked into the family's home through the open back door, took his mum's handbag and calmly walked out again! The brazen thief entered the house in Ainsworth Road, Dentons Green, at about
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Landlord calls in the clampers
A GOLBORNE landlord has called time on shoppers parking on his pub land. Licensee of the Sir Charles Napier, Dave Reece has brought in a car clamping outfit to trap drivers who leave their vehicles on a piece of ground next to the High Street hostelry
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Bone marrow charity appeal
A FUND-RAISING group in Pendle is looking for new members to help with its campaign to boost a national charity. The Pendle Friends of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust presented the charity's area appeals manager, Linda Crawford, with a £5,000 cheque
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Leg amputations 'chilling' says MP
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has written to Health Secretary Alan Milburn seeking assurances that there will be no repeat in England of hospital operations in Scotland when surgeons amputated healthy legs. The Edinburgh-born Labour backbencher was horrified
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Sorry we need the cash
COUNCIL leader Marie Rimmer says that St Helens will not be giving up any of its European funding to support projects in Liverpool city centre. Councillor Rimmer joined other Merseyside leaders at a meeting to hear details of a scheme put forward by Liverpool
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Handbag snatched in street
A WOMAN from Burnley was knocked over as a thief snatched her handbag. The 58-year-old was walking home from work in Colne Road near the entrance to Thompson Park, when the thief approached from behind at 5.50pm yesterday. He escaped on foot through the
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Trinity trail not so hot
WE'RE on our way to . . . Edinburgh! The Scottish capital doesn't quite have the same ring as Wembley, but the glittering excitement of cup rugby remains the same. And on Sunday Leigh are back on the Challenge Cup trail. Not that Wakefield Trinity will
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Works death riddle probe
AN investigation was under way today into the mysterious death of a young man at a Pendle engineering firm. Christopher Nolan, 24, collapsed while working alone at Graham Engineering, Edward Street, Nelson. Paramedics tried to revive him but he died on
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Carr Mill back on rail map?
CARR Mill could have its own railway station following a meeting between St Helens Council leader Marie Rimmer and Merseytravel officials. And although there is no timetable yet for the building of the proposed station, the agreement in principle has
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Boy (12) hunted after knife attack
A 12-year-old boy is among two thugs being hunted by detectives after an insurance salesman was robbed of nearly £170 at knifepoint on Bury's "Dicky Bird" estate. The 56-year-old was attacked by two men in Thrush Drive on Friday evening (Feb 4). One produced
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Leigh ready for Wakefield challenge
LEIGH are itching to get stuck into Super League big spenders Wakefield Trinity. Boosted by Sunday's first class win at Workington, they are now ready to test themselves in this weekend's Silk Cut Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Hilton Park. "We're
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Seminars by business guru
INTERNATIONAL business "guru" Richard Denny will be staging special seminars at Business Link's conference centre in Bury on Thursday, February 24. Richard will advise local companies how to win at business and sales at a morning seminar being staged
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Skate park plans
LET'S get our skates on; that's the message from Radcliffe youngsters who want their own skate park. And Radcliffe Area Board's youth and community sub-group is making tracks to find an ideal location. A meeting has already taken place to gather information
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Bury firm steams on with Railtrack
MORE and more leading UK companies, consultants, architects and contractors are turning to a Bury business for the answer to fire engineering problems. And ductwork company Senior Hargreaves' expertise was harnessed by Railtrack when they faced such a
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'Don't penalise the poor' plea
POOR people on benefits must not be penalised for saving for their old age, says Bury MP David Chaytor. He is urging Chancellor Gordon Brown to use his next Budget to increase the amount people can put aside. The Labour backbencher says the current thresholds
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Arson at paper plant
THE ELEMENTS worked both for and against fire-fighters who tackled a major waste paper blaze on Sunday evening (Feb 6). At its height there were 40 firemen working to fight the flames, which destroyed around 1,000 tones of baled paper at SCA Recycling
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MEP warns on neo-Nazi group
THE man who paved the way for Austria to join the EU says its neo-Nazi ministers must be watched like a hawk. Local Euro MP Gary Titley spearheaded the country's bid for membership, for which he was awarded the Austrian Gold Cross, the equivalent of a
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Tragedy of little Reece
A YOUNG boy was killed in Rainford at the weekend after stepping out into the path of an oncoming car. Six year old Reece Banke, from Skelmersdale, was visiting his father in Rainford for the weekend and he and his older brother Daniel were playing with
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Warden feared for his life
A LOLLIPOP warden quit his patrol on one of the borough's busiest roads, because it was too dangerous for him - let alone young pupils. Mr Roy Lucas handed in his notice after two "near misses" while on duty in Bury Old Road, outside Prestwich Preparatory
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Cousins focus on helping eye clinic
TWO cousins saved up to donate money to a Blackburn eye clinic. Sanjeev Asal (right), of Delph Close, Blackburn, and his cousin Sanjay Asal of Burlington Street, Blackburn, collected £101 for the Ophthalmic Outpatients Fund at Blackburn Royal Infirmary
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Fun slide terror for little Kamurun
ACTION may be taken by a Prestwich mum against owners of a children's attraction. Mrs Nicola Aktaf had to cradle her three-year-old son Kamuran in her arms for 15 minutes after he became stuck in a slide at Pilsworth's Wacky Warehouse on Sunday afternoon
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Man accused of following women
A MAN with severe learning difficulties has appeared in court charged with harassing two women by following them. Blackburn magistrates remanded Thomas Crowcroft, 40, of St Peter Street, Blackburn, in custody until February 18. Stipendiary magistrate
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Spending on agenda
VOLUNTARY groups in Blackburn with Darwen are invited to a consultation on council spending on Monday at Eanam Wharf Business Centre, starting at 3.30pm. The meeting will be chaired by Councillor Gail Barton, chairman of the finance service committee.
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Town litter is a big issue
BIG Issue sellers in Blackburn and Burnley will soon be wearing hats declaring: "Don't litter my home." The initiative was prompted by a vendor's poem sent to the Tidy Britain Group, which pointed out to the public that every time they dropped litter,
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Wilf sick of vandal attacks
A PENSIONER claims his life is being made a misery by gangs of teenagers congregating outside his home and throwing stones at his windows. And former Lancashire county darts player Wilf Barton, who was also the first-ever winner of the Star's own prestigious
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Home Secretary blasted over fall in beat bobbies
LIBERAL Democrats in Blackburn and Darwen have blasted Home Secretary Jack Straw for allowing the number of bobbies on the beat in Lancashire to fall. Recently published figures on the numbers of police officers in the county showed a fall of 23 during
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Take a bow Star folk
A BUBBLY teenager who smiles in face of a crippling condition has taken a sentimental journey back to town - to thank its gradely folk and the St Helens Star. Seventeen-year-old Amy Rogers-Golden, who has battled against cerebral palsy since birth, made
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Family set up cystic fibrosis group
THE family of a young cystic fibrosis sufferer are setting up a fund-raising group for Darwen and Blackburn. Susan and Gary Harley, of Minster Crescent, Darwen, have donated more than £4,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in the past 12 months and want
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Excellence at the double...
TWO local schools have been singled out by the Government's Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead, for their achievements. The outstanding results achieved by Rainford High School and Allanson Street Primary School, Parr, have been acknowledged in
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Death of former teacher
A MAN who taught in Blackburn for almost 40 years has died at his home in Shrewsbury. Robert Hamilton Longsan began his teaching career at Bangor Street Secondary School in 1947 after returning from the war. He had joined the Army in 1935, was taken prisoner
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You can count on Ewood's soccer stars
EDUCATION chiefs and football stars were on hand to help launch Blackburn with Darwen Council's Maths Year 2000 initiative. Blackburn Rovers players Lee Carsley and Jeff Kenna, welcomed school children and delegates to the authority's launch conference
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New salute for legend Eric
A RUGBY League great whose dedication to the game spans 45 years picked up his pension book and bus pass recently - plus another richly-deserved accolade. For Saints director and one-time Great Britain captain, Eric Ashton MBE, has been made a life member
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Stewart gets that champion feeling
STEWART KEMPSTER is Leigh Harriers' latest county champion. He represented Warrington Schools in the Cheshire School cross country championships, covering a tortuous 6.2k course in 22:49. Stewart will now represent Cheshire Schools in next month's English
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Apology for bare faced cheek
PAUL David Donlin's bare-faced cheek got him arrested as he walked home in the early hours of the morning. Police saw him stand in the road, pull down his jeans and bare his behind in their direction. And Blackburn magistrates heard that traffic was forced
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Trio on the move
A TRIO of players have switched clubs in the Leigh & District Amateur Football League. Wayne Warburton has joined Union Arms from Leigh Phoenix, Lee Mountford has gone from Black Horse to AFC Limelight and Michael Langin has gone from Black Horse
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Get on your bike and into gear
BIKE-MAD youngsters are being offered a no-hassle chance to enjoy themselves. Scrambles event organisers Leigh Motor Cycle Club are throwing their door open to anyone aged 12 and over who wants somewhere to legally ride their moto-cross type machines.
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Problem children's centre opens
CHILDREN who have experienced emotional or behavioural difficulties are set to benefit from a new centre. The Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) at Shaftesbury House in Chorley, which was set up to reintegrate children back into mainstream schools, has been replaced
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Gay law outrage
TORIES in Blackburn and Darwen are calling on Home Secretary Jack Straw to vote against controversial plans to reverse a law banning councils from promoting homosexuality. The Conservative group made its call after plans to repeal Section 28 of the Local
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Parking fees set to rise
TOWN centre car parking fee are set to rise. Borough engineer Mr Mike Cannon said the rises, from April 3, were necessary to make provision for inflation, any additional revenue expenditure and to achieve income targets. The different time durations for
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Howe v Cox - analysis
FOR so long central defensive partners, Ian Cox and his 'apprentice' Eddie Howe will be at opposite ends of the pitch tomorrow. England under-21 international Howe came through the ranks at Dean Court and made his Bournemouth debut as a teenager in the
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Pair take a dive and cycle ride for RNLI
TWO divers who took part in a gruelling 44-mile cycle ride followed by a dive at Eccleston Delph, Brinscall, have raised £380 for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). Diving instructor Joel Chase, 22, of Scarborough Road, Blackburn, and his
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Ward v Hay - analysis
FINDING a partner for regular front man Chris Hay will be just one of the many problems facing Swindon Town's beleaguered boss Jimmy Quinn at Ewood tomorrow. But at least he still has the 25-year-old Hay available to him at a club where the financial
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Youngsters win police award
TEENAGERS who performed a DIY make-over to banish boredom have won a top award for their efforts. A team of five girls from the Phoenix Centre in Prestwich picked up a trophy and £400 - half of which is to go to charity - as Bury divisional winners in
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A sign of the times
I WENT to watch the World Club Championships and was dismayed by the lack of talent. As long as the present scouting system continues, this will also continue. Blackbrook under 16s, in the last five years, have lost something approaching six games. Four
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A Cherry good man!
Division Two: Bournemouth v Burnley - Pete Oliver's match preview STEVE Robinson will be hoping to extend his 100 per cent record as Bournemouth skipper by putting one over his predecessor at Dean Court tomorrow. The Northern Ireland international has
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Brew up for a good cause
COFFEE lovers are urged to brew up in aid of the East Lancashire Hospice appeal. Hospice fund-raiser Edna Clarkson is looking for people to join her "coffee morning week" campaign and organise a party in aid of the Park Lee hospice, Blackburn. She said
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Baby-faced thief cons pensioners
THREE elderly Radcliffe pensioners have fallen victim to a baby faced trickster over the weekend. While the the incidents are being investigated separately, detectives have revealed the description of the young thief is similar on each attack. In the
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Anyone seen my dad?
I AM wondering if you can help me. I am looking for my father who was last known to be in your area. His name is Gerald (Ged) Johnathon Harrison (date of birth 23/04/48). He is ex-police about 28 years ago in the Cheshire area and ex-RAF. I live in Wiltshire
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Defender set to face former club on first away trip
CLARETS new boy Ian Cox is preparing himself for whatever the Bournemouth fans may have in store for him tomorrow as he bids to make sure another promotion tilt doesn't slip away. Cox heads back to Dean Court just over a week after moving to Turf Moor
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Haydock place-name riddle
ONE of the great place-name riddles concerns the origins of the one-time pit village of Haydock, now more swankily upbeat with desirable modern property, top-class hotel accommodation and thriving industrial estate. Some locals believe it means just that
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Jansen gets back in the running
MATT Jansen will be back in the reckoning for tomorrow's home game with struggling Swindon Town, when Ewood boss Tony Parkes is demanding his Blackburn Rovers players start living up to their reputation as the Manchester United of Division One. Jansen
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Shop in the name of love
LOVE was in the air during a special Valentine's singles night at Blackburn's Asda store. Lonely hearts got the chance to find a little romance in among the frozen peas as staff at the supermarket, in Grimshaw Park, turned Cupid for a night. Stickers
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Bowling back down Memory Lane
IT'S heartening to learn how many happy memories come spilling back when "where are they now?" group pictures feature on this old page. Latest response comes from Emily Simmons of Hartley Grove, Grange Park, who instantly recognised a couple of the unnamed
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Tram thugs target refugees
TWO Kosovar refugees were attacked by three youths during a nightmare journey on a Metrolink tram. The uncle and nephew, who fled their homeland last year, were travelling from Bury towards Manchester when the attack took place. Three youths boarded the
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Events in East Lancashire on Saturday, February 12th
Darwen Primary Schools five-a-side football competition, Moorland High School, 9.30am- noon. "Car Wash" in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, Oswaldtwistle Mills, Moscow Mill, Collier Street, 11am-3pm. £2 per car. Readers Group meet Accrington Library, 2pm
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'Red light' fire engine in road smash.
AN investigation is under way by fire chiefs and police after four members of the public and five firefighters were injured in a spectacular road accident on Tuesday (Feb 8). A station officer had to be cut free from the crushed cab of the fire engine
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Re-united thanks to the Star
AS a result of reading about Marley the missing cat, we contacted the Star and have since been contacted his owner, our niece Suzanne Smith. We had lost contact with Suzanne and her parents, my husband's sister and her husband. They also read our letter
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Grahame's a jolly good Fellow
A LANGHO man has received the highest possible accolade from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Grahame Threlfall has been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the foundation in recognition of his commitment to serving the world community. Melvin Jones
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A case of scrambled priorities
I AM writing regarding the article headed 'Warning On Scramble Bikes' (Star, February 4). My eight-year-old is one of these "scramblers who have become a menace." My son does not ride on the public highways and stays clear of people using the facilities
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Criminals cruising in car thefts spate
CRIMINALS cruising Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley are targeting cars left outside country pubs and hotels - and police want motorists to ensure they do not become victims. In recent weeks, several cars have been broken into outside the Shepherd's Rest
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Spooky stride into the unknown
GHOSTS and ghouls, poltergeists, phantoms, restless souls and spirit guides. You can safely wager that any mention, in this cobwebby column, of one or other of these things is bound to trigger off keen supernatural response. The 'unknown', in my gossip-writing
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Precinct boss comes to town
THE millionaire owner of the Elms Precinct has agreed to meet with campaigners - just a stone's throw away from the blitzed shopping centre. Albert Gubay is to travel to Whitefield on Monday (Feb 14) to see for himself the level of feeling about the Bury
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Best Barr none
DES BARR took top honours in Atherton Photographic Society's monthly competition. He won the advanced prints section and took the slides with a maximum 40 points for his four entries - the first time this has happened in the society's 60 year history.
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Drink-driver was 'walking death trap'
THE joint licensee of the Wellsprings on the Nick o'Pendle has been sent to prison for drink driving. Blackburn magistrates heard how Brian Christopher Skinner was arrested after crashing his Suzuki Vitara into a wall near the Pendle Witch pub in Sabden
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Dyslexia probe to help children
A MEETING has been called to help children having difficulties at school. The Wigan and District Dyslexia Association wants to consult with anyone who has concerns about the provision available for children with specific learning disabilities eg dyslexia
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All they seem to do is criticise
IT seems to be one of the sad characteristics of our society that the people who strongly criticize things today are the ones who know least about them. I can think of no better example of this than the recent television broadcast with the ill informed
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Boy, 10, youngest drink driver
A BOY aged just 10 was among seven under-16s convicted of drink driving in Leigh last year. The shock statistic was read out in the annual police report to the Licensing Bench. The number of young offenders under 16 has risen from just one the year before
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Don't blame others
OBSERVING the latest council meeting, I was amazed how often Labour councillors seemed to blame things on the last Conservative Government. Considering that Bury Council has been under Labour control for more than ten years, and that we are now into the
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There's too much hype
TONY Blair finally showed some political acumen when announcing January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day. He stressed that it would not be a public holiday. People are getting a little tired at the way the Jews have "hijacked" the Holocaust as their own
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Toplesss shock for Lindsey
A TYLDESLEY woman arrived home in the early hours of Monday to find herself topless! While 23-years-old Lindsey Magee was out on Sunday evening thieves removed the soft top from her Suzuki Vitara Jeep. And the resource analyst with Marks and Spencer in
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Half-tempted to change party
I READ with utter disgust the letter from Mr Collins which appeared in last week's Citizen (Feb 3). What his letter tries to prove is unclear, but it makes one point: he was utterly useless in his attempts to motivate the voters. And judging by his trumpet-blowing
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Bizarre letter needs response
I'VE ignored the Labour Party's barrage of personal attacks on me in recent months. However, Cllr Tomlinson's bizarre and unfounded letter in last week's Citizen needs responding to. I have served as a county councillor in Leyland for seven years. I was
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Let's keep LF museum in Bury
I FEEL dismayed at the possibility that the Lancashire Fusiliers museum may be lost to our town, a feeling shared by many others. Although I was unable to serve in the forces due to ill-health, I am still very proud of Bury's connections with the Lancashire
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From Russia with love
BRAVE Victoria Martseva is a little girl with a big dream - to have perfect sight. Now, thanks to a kind-hearted businessman and staff at Royal Preston Hospital, the 12-year-old from Belarus, in Russia, will have her wish come true. Victoria suffers from
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Reward offer to find swan killers
INCENSED wildlife lovers have put up a £500 reward to flush out swan killers. They have guaranteed anonymity to whoever helps nail the airgunner who fired slugs in to the heads of the breeding pair of mutes at Atherleigh's Lucky Hollow pond, reported
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Passes to ashes
ENGLISH students at a Preston college fear their exam grades could go up in flames after arsonists wrecked their department, pictured. Piles of written work submitted for A level exams later this year were destroyed in the blaze at Cardinal Newman College
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Cricket honour
A GROUP of budding cricketers are planning to succeed where our national team failed - and win abroad! The four junior teams from BTR Cricket Club in Farington, Leyland, are jetting off to the West Indies after being invited to participate in Tobago's
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I sympathise, but we need solutions
I WRITE as an apparently "irresponsible" parent of two children who attend Holly Mount school, and in reply to the letter written by "Very Concerned Resident" (Feb 4). The writer calls parents who drive up to the school "selfish" and refers to some families
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Beating the rush
WORK will begin on Preston's second park and ride scheme in March in a bid to reduce the chronic rush hour congestion. South Ribble Borough Council has confirmed a new terminal for the scheme will be sited near the Capitol Centre, in Walton-le-Dale. Buses
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Pension campaign
LEYLAND'S MP has launched a campaign to make sure all pensioners claim the new cash due to them from April. David Borrow MP wants to make sure that all single pensioners receive their £3 a week rise and all couples take advantage of their £5 a week rise
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An accident: coroner
A MAN died of multiple injuries after being hit by car in Preston, an inquest heard. Leon David Bulger, 22, of Halsbury Street, Frenchwood, Preston, was crossing London Road when the incident happened, at around 11pm, on Sunday, November 7, last year.
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Ian swears off ham
ACCOUNTANT Ian Duckworth realised something didn't add up when he found a maggot inside a packed ham. And he realised something was really wrong with the equation when supermarket giant Sainsburys tried to fob him off with a standard apology and a measly
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Going to the top
SWAN lovers are calling on Buckingham Palace to stump up cash to help find the killers of a much-loved swan. Gerard Downs was sickened when he heard about the brutal thugs who had caused the death of Psycho, one of the swans at Longton Brickcroft. Psycho
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Duck's wings are clipped
PRESTON North End's Deepdale Duck has fallen victim to the NHS's long waiting lists - he's been hanging on for a knee operation for nearly a year! And for the Duck, alias Preston North End community officer Simon Nash, the injury wasn't caused because
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TEN YEARS AGO: Dream trip snag
AN urgent meeting was held to try to save a dream trip to Nigeria for Helmshore student Melody Chapman. She won the prestigious Thwaites Travel Scholarship but her elation turned to sorrow when she was told sanctions made it unlikely she would get a visa
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Beware bogus rag mag sellers
BOGUS "rag mag" sellers masquerading as champions of good causes are been targeted following a spate of recent scams across Preston. Trading standards officers are looking to crack down on aggressive street sellers who prey on town centre shoppers asking
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FIVE YEARS AGO: Nurses' pay anger
NURSES' leaders pledged to fight for more money following the national pay awards. The Government announced rises of one per cent for nurses with the remainder of their pay rise to be set by individual hospital trusts. And unions reacted angrily to news
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Social services face stern challenge
LANCASHIRE Social Services are facing a significant challenge to improve services following scathing criticism from inspectors. And the Conservative group has called for consultants to be brought in to sort out the service's problems. The Audit Commission
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Straw must send out tough message to the world
AS yet another hot potato from abroad lands in Home Secretary Jack Straw's lap, he pledges that the latest - the plane-load of hijack hostages who turn out to be Afghan asylum seekers - will be sent back overseas sharpish and that he personally will deal
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Labour will forget its roots at its peril
IT IS, perhaps, significant that just as legislation to cut the age of homosexual consent to 16 is overwhelmingly approved for the third time in the Labour-dominated House of Commons, support for the government falls to its lowest point of below 50 per
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Closure will kill off street
AS a trader all my working life - 23 years in Darwen Street, Blackburn - I think the council's decision to close Church Street in both directions will kill off the top end of Darwen Street. Darwen Street, as a good shopping street, has been dying for
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Kiddies' concert boost for hospice
PARENTS of youngsters at a Burnley nursery school dug deep into their pockets to help a local charity. A total of £70 was raised from a collection during a Christmas concert at Rosehill Nursery, Rosewood Avenue. The money was presented to Kaye Bartle,
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Coroner opens three inquests
AN inquest was opened and adjourned into the death of 78-year-old Dorothy Saville, of Wavell Street, Burnley. She died at Burnley General Hospital on February 4 following a surgical operation. The inquest into the death of Harold Duthoit, 72, of Prairie
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ICE HOCKEY: Hawks preview
PLAYER boss Bobby Haig has no new injury worries as Hawks look to step up their promotion bid this weekend. Wes Barnett has been battling illness this week but Haig is confident that the Hawks star will be ready for Saturday's away trip to Kingston Jets
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NON-LEAGUE SOCCER: Team news
ACCRINGTON STANLEY boss John Coleman is set to complete the signing of Southport striker Gerrard Courtney before tomorrow's game against Flixton. The 21-year-old front man has mainly played reserve team football at Haig Avenue this season. But he comes
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It all adds up at Anchorsholme
ANCHORSHOLME Primary School is holding a Mathematics Week to celebrate the Year of Maths. A variety of activities aimed at stimulating children to develop their skills will include shopping, travel, sport, shapes and patterns. There will be visits from
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Lookout appeal as thieves target garages
POLICE have issued a plea for help from the public in stopping a series of garage break-ins in Burnley. From a garage at Westbourne Avenue South a Bosch power drill, a power driver, a jig saw, an angle grinder and a sander, together valued at £440, were
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Sheelagh switched on at the checkout
IT WAS love at first checkout when a Burnley supermarket held a singles' night in the run-up to Valentine's Day. Two people arrived at the Asda store to do their shopping at about the same time. They left half an hour later hand in hand with the promise
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OAPs pay for stay
I CAN only assume that Marjorie Smith (Letters, January 28) is not a state pensioner with no other income, as many, many people are and also that she is not in full possession of the facts. I ask again - can anyone tell me why recipients of a state pension
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Feuding neighbour smashed door
A DAD who smashed glass in a neighbour's door had been subjected to "disgraceful" treatment by the complainant, who had earlier knocked down his daughter, Burnley magistrates heard. Malcolm Turner, 43, was found by police with his hand bleeding, when
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The beef's on John!
BUTCHER John Herbert had a big stake on the outcome of a crunch match between two beefy Rugby League teams. For he'd bet the lads from Thatto Heath they wouldn't beat neighbours Haydock in the final of the Lancashire Cup at Knowsley Road. A sponsor of
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Reading read the wrong script
Blackpool 0, Reading 2 A DISMAL performance on a truly dismal night cost Blackpool dear as Reading beat them 2-0 on a blustery Tuesday evening (February 8). Steve McMahon could be heard roasting his players in the dressing room afterwards - but he was
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Vulcan slay the bogey men
Vulcan 2nd 20, Tyldesley 7 VULCAN finally overcame their bogey team in a hard-fought battle. They opened the scoring when prop Hughes to crashed over. Straight from the kick-off Vulcan attacked once more, but great defence from the visitors kept them
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Soldier found with offensive weapon
A SOLDIER found with an expanding baton in Burnley town centre in the early hours told police he had found it and although he knew it was a weapon, he did not know it was offensive. Burnley magistrates heard how Marc Beckett, 19, whose captain says he
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Local lads star for county
Yorkshire 25, Lancashire 31 LOCAL lads Martin Horton and Mike Woods (Thatto Heath), Darren Mitchell (Blackbrook), Peter Cahalin, Wayne Bloor and Matt Reynolds (Haydock) all starred in BARLA Lancashire County Open-age victory over Yorkshire at the Boulevard
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Review of GP checks welcomed
A RADICAL review of the way doctors are regulated and disciplined has been welcomed by Burnley patient watchdogs. But Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council (CHC) chairman Frank Clifford said the move by the General Medical Council (GMC
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Big guns shoot down seasiders
West Park 34, Blackpool 19 LANCASHIRE Trophy visitors Blackpool caused some problems to a Park side which included several players who have occupied the replacements bench for most of the season. It was not until Park brought on their 'big guns' with
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The one that got away
Saddleworth A 38, Parr Hare & Hounds 14 A SECOND-half collapse saw Hounds slump to defeat in a game they could and should have won. With a full complement of 17 players for the first time in months, the visitors were the better side throughout the
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Gate swing it in thriller
YOUNG Gate just had the edge in a nailbiting encounter with Blackleyhurst. The under 16s side won by the game's only goal in the St Helens McDonald's JOL. At under 14s level Oak won a nine-goal thriller against Garswood, while Bleak Hill under 12s enjoyed
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Desperately seeking fresh talent to relieve walking wounded
MANAGER Tony Hesketh is urgently trying to sign a new player after the club's injury crisis deepened during this 2-1 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Bamber Bridge. Speaking after Tuesday night's Lancashire Cup encounter he revealed: "We're desperately
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Late News
NEWS FIRST: The City Council is to take the drastic measure of closing the benefits department for three weeks in a bid to clear a massive backlog of claims. The benefits department will be closed from February 18 to March 14. Problems with a new computer
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Portico claim derby spoils
Portico 46, West Sutton 22 AFTER disappointing the previous week Portico hit back in style. The first try came in the first few minutes when Mark Rigby was on hand to score in the corner. A scrum against the head on West Sutton's line resulted in Neil
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Law unto themselves
IN reply to the letter published in the Citizen (Jan 13) entitled Different Rules For Postmen, I absolutely agree, but it is not just postmen but youths, too, doing paper rounds with no lights on their bikes. Their bosses should make newspaper boys and
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In memory of Linzie
AFTER the sudden and untimely death of their youngest daughter, Brian and Margaret Senior decided to make it their lives' work to raise money for the Blackpool Victoria Hospital Intensive Care Unit in memory of her. Linzie Nolan died, age 26, of a sudden
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Athletes' trial of strength
MEMBERS of St Helens Sutton AC travelled up to South Shields for the Northern Counties Cross-country. The going was good on the undulating park land course but the strength of the wind tested the strongest competitors. With runners taking part from all
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In loving memory of Nigel
CASH was given to the NSPCC in memory of a man who died when he was struck by a train. Nigel Summersgill, of Exchange Street, Accrington, died in September at Church railway station, aged 39. Members of Blackburn Golf Club raised £175 through collections
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Nothing for youngsters in Poulton
I AM writing with regard to an article concerning gangs of youths in Poulton which was featured in the Citizen (Jan 27). Many people are too eager to criticise when they see groups of teenagers together. What they don't seem to realise is that, apart
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Town's youth to get their say
YOUNG people in Haslingden will be consulted on what facilities they would like in the first Youth Forum in the town. The ideas on improving their facilities and including young people in society will be aired at St Peter's Community Centre, Hall Street
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Wayne's a little cracker!(pic:wayne)
YOUNG Wayne Bradley is so committed to organising a raffle for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal that he has donated one of his own Christmas presents as a prize! And that's not all. Wayne, 11, from Fairfield Road, North Shore, told his mum to give his weekly
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Inquest into fire death
AN inquest has been opened into the death of a woman who was rescued from a fire at her home but later died of her injuries. Firefighters had been called out to the terraced house in Common Road, Newton-le-Willows, on Wednesday, January 19, after neighbours
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Council chiefs' Euro cash bid
COUNCIL chiefs in Hyndburn are to lobby regional development chiefs to try to win a slice of £20million in European cash to fund community regeneration projects. The borough last year lost its Objective Two funding, which has helped pay for community
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Out of the swim?
SWIMMING could be off the curriculum for some Wyre school children with three local pools under threat of closure unless the council step in. Wyre Borough Council has been placed in a Catch-22 situation after Lancashire County Council withdrew funding
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What do you think?
ST HELENS Chamber is undertaking a survey of local business as part of the British Chambers of Commerce's lobbying efforts on the introduction of the European Single Currency. Sue Waller, membership and representation manager at St Helens Chamber said
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Shopper got more than she bargained for in her porridge
EATING breakfast left a bad taste in the mouth of pensioner Jenny Brooks. The 68-year-old says she discovered a sharp metal object in her Morrisons own brand Porridge Oats. Mrs Brooks of Holgate Street, Great Harwood, complained to the Blackburn store
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Eddie and Stevo in town
THE stars of Sky TV's Rugby League coverage are to take centre stage at a fund-raising sportsmans dinner. Eddie Hemmings and Mike Stephenson, aka Eddie and Stevo, are the guest speakers at Pilkington Recs' mixed social evening at their City Road base
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Richard bows out from council
A LEADING St Helens councillor is to step down. Richard Ward, who is chairman of the town's housing and environmental services committee, Richard Ward says he will not be seeking re-election at the local elections in May. The Labour member for Moss Bank
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Signs for our times
LEIGH'S heritage has been firmly put on the map, thanks to The Journal. On Monday the the first of a series of new signs was unveiled welcoming visitors with a reminder of the town's culture and sporting achievements. And the first sign will also be a
