Archive
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Boulevard lights need changing
REGARDING the traffic flow around the bus station in Blackburn, why is it now necessary to have traffic lights in action at the end of Railway Road when this is now basically a T-junction? Surely traffic would flow through it a lot easier and quicker
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Woman, 82, victim of 'I'll kill you' attack
A WOMAN, aged 82, is recovering at home in Leigh today, after a man broke into her home and threatened to kill her. The victim awoke at about 3.30am to find a man wearing a balaclava in her home. The man forced her to the floor putting his hand over her
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Sutton denies Rovers
ROVERS' dreams of a second successive final appearance in the AXA FA Youth Cup ended in disappointment last night after Chris Sutton's younger brother, John, led Spurs into the semi-finals. Sutton junior, who was Tottenham's top-scorer last season with
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Stewart will be a hit again for Town
IPSWICH striker Marcus Stewart is convinced he can fire the goals to guarantee Town's Premiership survival as he trains his sights on Blackburn Rovers ahead of tonight's vital six-pointer at Ewood. Stewart is still the Blues' top scorer with nine goals
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Hell bent on goals
THIS time last year Marcus Bent was the man charged with firing the goals to lead Blackburn into the Premiership. Tonight, however, he will return to Ewood in the blue and white of Ipswich aiming to push his old team a step nearer the First Division.
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Pool let it slip
AT first glance a point from Ninian Park seems to be an excellent result for the Seasiders. However many would have hoped for all three points when, after half an hour, Pool were two goals up. In the end though, despite the early advantage Blackpool did
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Souey turns up heat
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has turned up the heat ahead of tonight's crucial six-pointer with fellow strugglers Ipswich at Ewood by insisting a victory would give his side a major psychological boost in the battle to beat the drop. Souness, who celebrates
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Well-earned lift for Steph
A TOP sales award has been picked up by Stephanie Haworth who works for Delta Equipment, based in Accrington. She has been awarded the fiercely-contested title of Top Sales Person 2001 for selling more Komatsu forklift trucks than any other salesperson
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Worker weaves magic on award judges
AN apprentice is £1,000 richer after weaving his way to a prestigious award. Simon Pickering, 23, an apprentice overlooker with Herbert Parkinson Weaving Mill, Westwell Street, Darwen, was given the cash prize after being named young weaver of the year
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Call for improved waste service
COUNCILLORS made a plea for a waste transfer station to be introduced in Rossendale to stop problems with litter collection on windy days. The two tips that Rossendale's vehicles use -- Rakehead and Deerplay -- are both based on hill tops and close down
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Baker's cooking up more goals
DARWEN hot shot Paul Baker scored a hat-trick to take his tally to 29 for the season - and make it four NWCL Division Two wins on the trot for his side. Darwen are quietly sneaking up the table and have been in impressive form of late. The Anchor Ground
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Bury on track to survive says Preece
BURY FC manager Andy Preece is quietly confident the club will win a stay of execution until the end of the season when they go to the High Court on Friday writes Chris Hall Shakers' administrators were given just two weeks to raise the £400,000 needed
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Honour's even in Tranmere game
POOL banished memories of 4-0 loss in Merseyside earlier in the season to earn another credible draw. Like against Cardiff, Blackpool went ahead only for Tranmere to equalise and almost take the points towards the end - just as the Welshmen had done on
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Proud to be the top authority
OVER the years East Lancashire and the towns within it have not featured too often on the national stage in a positive light. We have been far more likely to be highlighted statistically in some gloomy league table than to be praised for achievements.
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Sloe can be a real knockout
DESPITE the very wet period, spring flowers are still on time and adding optimism to the days which are increasing in length. My list this week included primrose, daffodil, wild strawberry, marsh marigold and blackthorn. Blackthorn (also called sloe)
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Call for action after mugging
WITH regard to the poor woman who was attacked in Blackburn town centre (LET, March 4), the scum who did this should be jailed for a very long time. This kind of behaviour is now the norm in the town centre, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Young
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Mark's chances go West!
IN football there is no doubt that patience is a virtue - and I am not talking about fans booing their team! Take the story of Mark McGregor's season. He moved to Turf Moor from Wrexham last summer in order to add competition to the squad and it was immediately
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Smith axe may help Rovers
LUDICROUS gamble or an inspired decision? Only time will tell whether or not Bill Kenwright's move to axe Walter Smith last night is enough to save Everton from the drop. But one thing's for sure, it has certainly added drama to what was already promising
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Spending of £23m on homes just thestart
A COMPANY, which has spent £23million on changing and improving Burnley homes is celebrating its second birthday. Burnley & Padiham Community Housing celebrates two years of owning and managing Burnley Borough Council's former housing stock on Friday
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Police clampdown snares speedsters
SPEEDING motorists caught travelling at more than 50mph in a 30mph zone were among more than 70 drivers snared in a police clampdown. Those stopped by officers in the Pennine police initiative in Manchester Road, Burnley, could now face fines or licence
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Bridge threat from a man on the brink
ONE of two men threatening to jump off a motorway bridge ended up in court. Depressed Scott McGhie, 31, had been on the precipice not only of the bridge, but of life, according to his solicitor - who added he thought the police were there to help and
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Council bylaw bans model plane flyers
MODEL aircraft enthusiasts have been banned from Trawden after Pendle Council won a long-running battle for a new by-law. The council had fought to ban the model aircrafters from using Trawden Recreation Ground but had been blocked by the Government.
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Group hunting for babes in the wood
HYNDBURN'S babes in the wood need you! Residents have been urged to join a new planting expedition to the Hyndburn Millennium Baby Woodland this weekend. The woodland was established to celebrate the birth of Hyndburn children in the year 2000 by the
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Pope's plea over problem housing
GREG Pope today urged Ministers to hurry and authorise a £670million scheme aimed at tackling East Lancashire's problem of decaying, Victorian terraced housing. The Hyndburn Labour MP made his Westminster plea for quick decisions by local government and
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Don't be soft with our louts
HOW nice that a school bus service between Blackburn and Darwen has been saved by mother-of-six Ann Dunne, a volunteer conductor operating a two-strikes-and-you're-out policy against troublemakers. How nice, too, that over in Rossendale a pilot scheme
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Moyes approached by Toffeemen
NORTH End fans were today bracing themselves for the announcement that hero manager David Moyes had jumped ship to premiership strugglers Everton. Despite initally denying an approach had been made by the Toffeemen this morning, a lunchtime statement
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Buzz in air at B's Brewery
TICKERS and scratchers hold the key for Blackburn brewer Robert Bell who runs one of Britain's smallest micro-breweries. They are the real ale enthusiasts from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) who will go to any lengths to ensure they have sampled every
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Good citizens tour
BLACKBURN with Darwen Council leader Bill Taylor has embarked on a tour of the borough's secondary schools, promoting the importance of democracy and active citizenship. Citizenship is now part of the National Curriculum and it will come into force as
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Help on how to kick the habit on no smokes day
HEALTH bosses from Blackburn with Darwen have released advice on giving up smoking to mark National No Smoking Day today. This year's national day marks 40 years since the link between smoking and lung cancer was first published in 1962. But, the local
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Me-ow? I can't phone home!
A FOOTLOOSE feline from East Lancashire has prompted a county-wide search for his owners after turning up in an empty house - 30 miles from home! Tigger was found in an empty house in Freckleton Street, Lytham, by estate agent Elliot Ingleby - the brother
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We top league for arson attacks
FIRE chiefs, politicians and head teachers were today discussing ways of reducing the alarming number of arson attacks in parts of East Lancashire at a special seminar. Schools in Blackburn and Hyndburn are targeted by firebugs more than in any other
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Woman, 68, attacked in her home
A BURY woman, aged 68, was the victim of a vicious attack in her home last night. She was threatened with a knife after answering a knock at her door in Rectory Lane. The offender then forced his way into the house and punched and kicked the lady while
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Keeping traffic on the move
MANY town centres throughout the country are suffering because shoppers are turning away from them in droves. There are many reasons for this but one constant is the convenience of out-of-town shopping centres with ample free parking and easy access to
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Herons are out in force
THIS week's observations from readers have been full of sightings of herons and not just single birds but two or three together. Herons begin their breeding season early in the year, often as early as February. There are records of a pair nesting on their
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Violence victims plea for help from charity
A BLACKBURN fundraising group set up to aid victims of the Indian earthquake is turning its sights on the victims of the recent troubles. The India International Forum -- which has a branch in Blackburn -- set about fundraising for victims of the earthquake
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Boss wins holiday reward
BLACKBURN businesswoman Belinda Clarke has won a trip to Malaysia after she almost doubled her company turnover in less than a year. Belinda, who started her booming home shopping company for Kleeneze, based in Eclipse Road, Blackburn, three years ago
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Elementary dear commissioner
THE Metropolitan Police Commissioner has deduced that our criminal justice system is loaded in favour of the criminal (LET, March 7). What outstanding detective work! NEIL YATES, Wharf Street, Rishton.
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Closure plans are uncivilised
CLOSING homes for the elderly can only lead to misery for hundreds of old people. What price can we put on qualify of life at a time when people are at their most vulnerable? The closure proposals are a disgrace and must stop if we are to call ourselves
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Concern at term time holidays
BURY Council are concerned about schoolchildren taking extended holidays out of term time (LET, February 20). As a former school governor, I was very concerned just how many Blackburn schoolchildren were being taken on long holidays out of term time.
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Leaver remarks not thought out
REGARDING Eric Leaver's 'It makes me laugh' remark (LET, February 20), that the revamp of Church Street in Blackburn includes making it traffic-free and then installing new traffic lights. I was at the planning consultation meetings and they always showed
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Come clean over Gib deal, Jack
FOREIGN Secretary Jack Straw has been negotiating with Spain over the future of Gibraltar without the sanction of either the Gibraltarian Government or people. It is rumoured that he has reached a Joint Sovereignty Agreement with Spain. Can I ask him
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Reform needed over alarm sales
REGARDING your article 'Alarm sounded over salesmen' (LET, February 28), an elderly, recently-widowed, confused neighbour had a visit from a burglar alarm company and was persuaded to have an alarm system fitted. She was then taken down to the building
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Rules suspended for Jubilee party
COUNTY Council bosses have suspended road closure rules so that people can afford to have a street party for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. But organisers of local events over the June 1 to 4 period still face paying premiums to ensure the events are properly
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Where are my girls?
A MOTHER whose daughters are at the centre of an international love snatch today revealed she had not spoken to them for six months and said: "They could be anywhere." Josephine Bromley said she was at the end of her tether, losing hope of ever seeing
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RMI slump again
Leigh RMI 0 Morecambe 1 by David Magilton LEIGH RMI slumped to a second successive 1-0 home defeat in the space of four days. The Hilton Park side had hoped that two home wins would have made Conference safety a formality but the two defeats have still
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Battle of classy midfielders
RANGY Nigerian international Finidi George has made a timely return from injury to boost Ipswich's survival bid. And, given the games they've got coming up over the next two months, the Blues are going to need all his goalscoring power from midfield if
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Souey turns up heat
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has turned up the heat ahead of tonight's crucial six-pointer with fellow strugglers Ipswich at Ewood by insisting a victory would give his side a major psychological boost in the battle to beat the drop. Souness, who celebrates
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Residents pledge to fight rides decision
ALTHAM residents have vowed to fight a decision to allow fairground rides to be housed on green belt land. Last year members of the development services committee at Hyndburn Borough Council refused an application by two showride owners from Chorley to
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Salon boss in legal battle
A FORMER builder could face a legal battle after carrying out thousands of pounds-worth of renovation work without permission. And planning enforcement officers at Burnley Council today revealed they may consider prosecuting John Fielding if he refuses
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Extra time in fight to save pitch
A BATTLE to save a £35,000 village football pitch from being relegated to wasteland has gone into extra time, after councillors agreed to give residents 12 months to raise £20,000 for changing facilities. The row over the pitch in Carter Avenue, Hapton
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Traders lash out at traffic chaos
ENGINEERS from Lancashire County Council today pledged to meet Burnley Council after town centre traders complained that traffic chaos was turning customers away. Members of the Chamber of Trade in Burnley complained to the council about poor traffic
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Officer's pledge after town's riots
THE new superintendent of Pennine police today pledged to tackle the issues behind the Burnley riots and said: "I will do my utmost to make sure it doesn't happen again." Supt Steve Hartley spoke as he described his new position as 'like coming home'
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'Jelly babies' judge who loved justice
TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a leading judge affectionately known as "Walk Out Webster" by criminals who preferred to be dealt with by him. The former Honorary Recorder of Burnley, Judge Ian Webster died just days before his 77th birthday
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Home killing charge man in court
A MAN has appeared in court following the death of a former Nelson man in Portsmouth. Father-of-six Russell Ward, of Cressy Road, Buckland, still has relatives in the Pendle area. James McCann, 34, of Cressy Road, Buckland, appeared before Portsmouth
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Ten years ago
THWAITES of Blackburn created a special brew for Preston Guild, officially called the 1992 Preston Guild Ale. The worthy ale was sampled by the Mayor of Preston, Coun Mary Rawcliffe.
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Five years ago
FIFTEEN staff at a Blackburn petrol station and car dealership at Feniscowles lost their jobs when the business ceased trading. Directors of Devaspeed took the action with "deep regret" after failing to find the necessary cash.
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Young stars kick off raffle for cancer charity
TWO up-and-coming stars from Blackburn Rovers' Brockhall Academy helped kick off a charity raffle in aid of cancer research. Ryan Robinson and Neil Danns popped in to Oswaldtwistle Mills on Sunday to add their support to the Christies Against Cancer charity
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Cash sizzler for sausage shop
A FAMOUS sausage shop has been renovated to its former glory with the help of a £2,000 grant after councillors decided it was too popular to lose. Cowman's, in Castle Street, Clitheroe, required £18,000-worth of work, including repairs to its roof and
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Mayor wants halt to castle scheme
MAYOR Mary Robinson today called for the £246,000 scheme to rejuvenate Clitheroe Castle to be put on hold because she said many people did not understand the plans. Both Clitheroe Town Council and regeneration body Clitheroe the Future have also slammed
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Free seminar
BURY-based accountants and business advisers DTE are organising a free seminar on selling your company and planning a secure future. Anybody interested in the event at the Haydock Thistle Hotel, Haydock, St Helens on Thursday can contact Brenda Horrocks
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Pop impersonators deliver their message
ACTORS dressed as pop idols Will Young and Gareth Gates joined an impersonator of cult TV star Ali G to encourage a group of teenagers to think about their future. Members of the CragRats Theatre Company became various stars for an event at Burnley's
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Chamber's members drive
MEMBERS of Burnley's Chamber of Trade today made an appeal for businesses and shops outside the town centre to join the organisation. Secretary Rita Walsh said the Chamber became stronger with each trader who joined the group. But she made a particular
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Reserve action
BURNLEY'S reserve side travel to Solihull Borough tonight for their second match in three days as they take on Birmingham City. The disappointing home defeat by Sheffield United on Monday night halted the charge towards the top of the Avon Insurance Premier
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Door open again for Gazza
THE end of Walter Smith's reign as Everton manager has opened the door for England legend Paul Gascoigne to come to Turf Moor. And Clarets chairman Barry Kilby confirmed this morning: "We will be renewing our interest in the light of the developments
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Stan is the man: Johnno
STAN TERNENT is the one and only reason why David Johnson is trying to kick-start his career again at Turf Moor. The striker who cost Nottingham Forest £3million just over a year ago joined the Clarets on a month's loan yesterday and admitted: "I wouldn't
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We just want more bobbies
I AM heartened by the outlook of Lancashire's new Chief Constable, Paul Stephenson, who pledges priority for keeping officers out on the beat and not reducing such frontline services - even if it means taking on the Home Secretary. As he says, a greater
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Door open again for Gazza
THE end of Walter Smith's reign as Everton manager has opened the door for England legend Paul Gascoigne to come to Turf Moor. And Clarets chairman Barry Kilby confirmed this morning: "We will be renewing our interest in the light of the developments
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Deal to secure jobs
THE Nelson-based Sovereign Group has clinched a £4.5million contract that will help to secure the jobs of its 160 workers over the next three years. The window manufacturer has signed the major deal with the English Churches Housing Group, one of the
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Million reseaons to be cheerful
THE newly-created contracts division at Accrington-based luxury kitchen specialist Stuart Frazer has passed the £1million mark of sales in its first year of operations. And with £2.8million of contracts already secured with leading North West developers
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Clean as a whistle
AS ROVERS' whizz at the washing machine, it is Christine's responsibility to get the players and back room staff turned out clean and sparkling. For several years, long-suffering Christine has cared for the troops, washing every day, several times a day
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Can Rix fix it for towns?
NIGEL Rix - the man charged with regenerating the economy of Hyndburn - jokes that he should have been a property developer. The one-time council officer is now the urbane director of Hyndburn First, a company set up by the local authority with the key
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Making light work of a big contract
WHEN you drive past the Trafford Centre shopping complex on the M60 at night, you can't miss the amazing multi-coloured light show. Just as surprising is the fact that the lighting system is the work of a small company, tucked away in the back streets
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Monuments to decline
THE Weavers' Triangle is one of the oldest collections of industrial buildings in the country. They stand as a testament to the drive and ambition of a bygone age when Burnley was the world's undisputed centre of the cotton weaving industry. But the mill
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Get your bids in now
A BURY FC memorabilia auction on the internet to raise funds for the Save Our Shakers fund is up and running. And there are some wierd and wonderful items to go under the hammer such as an inflatable black pudding from the 1980s, the original Shakers
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Landlord angry at benefits backlog
A LANDLORD today hit out at the private company processing housing benefit claims after she waited 95 days to be paid the rent she was owed. Gail Thomas-Fisher, of Marsh House Lane, Darwen, said the delay left her stressed and struggling to pay her mortgage
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Weather brings waste service problems
COUNCILLORS made a plea for a waste transfer station to be introduced in Rossendale to stop problems with litter collection on windy days. The two tips that Rossendale's vehicles use -- Rakehead and Deerplay -- are both based on hill tops and close down
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Action demanded over 'danger' wall
ANGRY residents living close to a crumbling 10ft high wall today claimed it was only a matter of time before it collapsed. Neighbours living in Oakley Road, Rawtenstall, said both children playing on the wall and motorists passing close by were in danger
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'Assault victim' became abusive to police
POLICE made an arrest the third time a man went into Darwen police station to complain about being assaulted. But Blackburn magistrates heard it was Paul Wilson who ended up behind bars after he became abusive to a female officer when he thought his complaint
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Celebration to mark centenary of midwifery
MIDWIFERY has moved on leaps and bounds since hot water and towels were the main requirements for having a baby. Today's new mums have an act of Parliament passed 100 years ago to thank for the service they get and they and their midwives will be celebrating
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Rules suspended for Jubilee party
COUNTY Council bosses have suspended road closure rules so that people can afford to have a street party for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. But organisers of local events over the June 1 to 4 period still face paying premiums to ensure the events are properly
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We're simply the best of councils
BLACKBURN with Darwen Council has been officially named the best in the country -- after beating off competition from 100 other local authorities. Today, community leaders praised the people whose hard work had earned the Council of the Year accolade,
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Where are my girls?
A MOTHER whose daughters are at the centre of an international love snatch today revealed she had not spoken to them for six months and said: "They could be anywhere." Josephine Bromley said she was at the end of her tether, losing hope of ever seeing
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Protesters wary over care pledge
SUPPORTERS of the fight to keep Lancashire's OAP homes open today vowed to battle on despite a county council promise that elderly residents will not be forced into private care. Lancashire County Council leader Coun Hazel Harding said yesterday that
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Stand win
STAND finally played only their third game of the New Year but they made sure it was a win as they continue their charge at the top of the NWCL Division Two. Prolific scorer Chris Denham opened their account in the fifth minute - it was his 20th of the
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Bacup woe
THIS would be a game Bacup boss Brent Peters would like to forget quickly as Squires Gate just couldn't stop scoring in the NWCL Division Two encounter. Everything they hit seemed to go in against a young West View team. Alex Rawson had the best of starts
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Barrow prove too strong for Clitheroe
CLITHEROE'S last realistic hopes of collecting some silverware were dashed against UniBond Premier League high fliers Barrow last night. Instead it is Accrington Stanley who will now face the Cumbrian side in the final at a venue to be decided. And defeat
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Dale's woeful home form continues
ROSSENDALE crashed to another defeat at Dark Lane last night, as lowly Workington became the latest club to take advantage of their woeful home form. It's now four months since Dale registered a UniBond First Division victory on their home ground, and
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Lutel's late show
A LATE goal from Lutel James secured Accrington Stanley's first UniBond Premier League win for six games at the Crown Ground last night. John Coleman's side couldn't find a way past the Gateshead defence in the first half but went ahead through Paul Mullin
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Four make the move from League to Union
THEY are known as the code breakers. Four players who have changed their rugby allegiance from League to Union. Craig Carpendale, Steve Ansell, Chris Thomas and Lee Hird have swapped the 13-man code for the 15-man variety. And West Craven Warriors loss
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Cresswell out to bag plenty more
STRIKER Richard Cresswell pledged to carry on hitting the back of the net after his brace had earned Preston a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Rotherham. The 24-year-old Yorkshireman bolstered his reputation as a more-than-adequate replacement for Jon
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Death at caravan park
POLICE officers have launched an investigation after the body of a woman was discovered at a caravan park in Wigan Road, Leyland. Police were called to the Croft Park caravan park at 9.45am on Wednesday, where the woman's body had been found. They are
