Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, May 4, 2002
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Music recital, St Peter's Church, Church Street, Burnley, 11am. Skipton Races, Hesslaker Farm, Skipton, 2pm. Block Printing Workshops, Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington
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HOT ICE SHOW - Blackpool Pleasure Beach
THE Pleasure Beach's headline production Hot Ice proved to be hotter than ever when it started its six-month season in front on an invited audience of showbiz and political celebrities. Despite the odd first-night slip, the production proved once again
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Open House...with BILL JACOBS
A NEW side to Jack Straw has emerged at Westminster this week -- he is a railway enthusiast. The Blackburn MP, whose job as Foreign Secretary involves a lot of hopping on and off aeroplanes, believes that trains have had the biggest effect of any development
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Change keeping Paul so young
THE name Paul Young needs no introduction -- his soulful voice and boyish good looks made him an '80s pop idol in a similar way to his newly-famous namesake Will, the first officially-titled Pop Idol. But his band, Los Pacaminos -- with whom he is touring
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First flings first for Sedgley
SEDGLEY PARK bid to lift the Lancashire Cup for the first time in their history at Preston Grasshoppers ground on Monday. Park face Fylde in the final with several reasons for optimism. During the National Two league campaign just ended, Sedgley won 22
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Ring of confidence
BURY Grammar School pupil Mark Freeman showed just what a class gymnast he is when he took the gold medal on the rings at the European Junior Championships in Patras, Greece on Sunday writes PHIL THORP. The 17-year-old from Crumpsall (pictured right),
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Rammy get off the mark
ONLY sterling efforts by the Ramsbottom groundstaff ensured Saturday's clash against Lowerhouse got underway at 3pm. The overs were reduced to 37 a side and Nick Riley and Keith Webb wasted no time in setting about the visitors attack and raced to a 50
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Bug's Honey
GANGSTERS and their molls enjoy the roaring '20s in a production of Bugsy Malone at Pleckgate High School, Blackburn. The production ends tonight after a three-night run. Pictured are Sebastian Coo, 13, who plays Bugsy and Samantha Aspin, 13, who is Tallulah
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Ranking rise is no surprise
REGARDING the survey (LET, April 29) that showed Blackburn had risen 21 places in the Retail Ranking index, and is now in 129th place, 12 places higher than Burnley, considering how many millions of pounds of our taxes that, over the year, have been spent
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Plea for return of swimming bag
WHILE walking home from school on Thursday, April 25, I put my blue swimming bag down under a tree near Roman Road/Higher Croft, Blackburn, for just a couple of minutes. On my return, it had disappeared. I swim for the Centurions Swimming Club at Shadsworth
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A way to go to equal old Fred
IT was very interesting to read about the commemoration of the former Clayton Goodfellow engineering works in Blackburn (LET, April 4). I recognised a few of the workers pictured. I believe my great grandfather worked there when it started in the mid-
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Collection of wallpaper one of the best
REGARDING David Pressley's comments, I welcome his vision for a centre for decorative arts and crafts based in Blackburn, but would like to correct his reference to the Whitworth Art Gallery's collection of historic wallpapers. The bulk of this wide-ranging
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Community Action Group shock in elections
THE anti-vandal, zero tolerance Community Action Party shocked Labour-dominated Wigan Council by grabbing two seats including the prize scalp of Deputy Leader Tom Sherratt -- a Community Safety Cabinet member writes Brian Gomm Results for Bolton, Bury
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Had her cake and ate it!
WEIGHT Watcher manager Lynda Nicholson could have her cake and eat it when she met celebrity chef Ross Burden. Lynda, of Carr Avenue, Prestwich, had the special cake baked for her by Ross to congratulate her on another successful year with Weight Watchers
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We're becoming mainstream, says Griffin
BNP leader Nick Griffin today insisted the party was moving towards becoming a mainstream party and accused people of refusing to forget their old attitudes. He denied his party exploited areas under racial tension and claimed a number of Asian people
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Shed fire spread to house
A GARDEN shed and an adjoining garage were destroyed after a suspected arson attack in Radcliffe. Firefighters spent two and a half hours tackling the blaze which also spread to the roof space of a nearby house in Outwood Road. Officers said the fire
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Newsagent robbed
A PRESTWICH newsagent was forced to hand over £120 after two men, with scarves covering their faces, pulled out a handgun. The stunned owner was with his wife and a friend when the two robbers entered Willow News, Willow Road, at 9.45pm on Friday night
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Water good idea
WHITEFIELD firefighters will well and truly put their hosereels to good use later this month, not just to extinguish blazes. For the officers are holding a car wash day at their Bury New Road station to raise funds for their New York colleagues. Last
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Platform re-open plan
THE closed Bury-bound Metrolink platform at Manchester's Victoria Station will re-open in time for this summer's Commonwealth Games. The platform has been shut since last June when water leaking from the roof rendered it unsafe. Railtrack has now begun
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Student fund-raisers on target for Shakers
STUDENTS on a Skills for Life course at Bury College have been doing their bit for the Shakers. A coffee morning held recently at the Woodbury Centre raised £35 for the troubled club. The six fund-raisers are all adult learners and the course aims to
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Baroness Castle dies
BARONESS Castle, one-time MP for Blackburn, has died aged 91 her family have announced. Elected MP for the town in 1945, she held the seat for more than 30 years. Her family said in a statement: "Baroness Castle of Blackburn died peacefully in her sleep
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BNP secure three seats
THE FAR right sent a political shockwave across the country after gaining a foothold in East Lancashire with a devastating local election success. Three BNP candidates were elected in Burnley, prompting outrage and widespread criticism -- but also delivering
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Man's last text message to daughter
A FORMER security officer who had financial and relationship difficulties took his own life a day after sending a "last text message" to his one-year-old daughter. Andrew O'Mara (36) had also been awaiting sentence after earlier admitting the theft of
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Up for the cup!
AN eight-year-old Holcombe Brook boy will be the envy of every young soccer fan tomorrow (Sat May 4) when he leads the teams out for the FA Cup Final. Christopher Ayre, of Fernview Drive, will carry the FIFA Fair Play flag, accompanied by Arsenal and
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Car parking charges up
CAR parking charges in Bury town centre have gone up again this week. However, those who park for only a short time will see no increase under the council's annual review of charges. In car parks, rates remain the same for a stay of less than two hours
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Mayor rings them bells!
BURY'S mayor was roped in to help launch an appeal for more bell ringers. Councillor Paul Nesbit joined the current eight-strong team of campanologists at Bury Parish Church to help ring the church bells. The borough's First Citizen was joined by his
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Darren nets a top job
FOOTBALL-mad Darren Bernstein has netted a top job with the Eircom League in Southern Ireland. The 26-year-old Whitefield man has been appointed the league's first-ever marketing and development executive. Earlier Darren, of Ripon Avenue, had graduated
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Farrelly seeks new Reebok challenge
STEVE Walsh admits to having mixed feelings as he prepares to line up for Astley and Tyldesley against the club he has been connected with for 35 years. The bowler has spent the whole of his cricketing career with Atherton until his move to neighbours
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Give us back our tip
RAMSBOTTOM residents are being urged to demand back their tip in a survey by Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority. A questionnaire relating to the best value service review of civic amenity sites is being circulated in Ramsbottom, and councillors
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Williams open to offers
EWOOD chief John Williams today said Rovers are keeping an open mind about forming 'special relationships' with others clubs after Blackpool indicated a desire to link-up with their Premiership neighbours. Seasiders chairman Karl Oyston is keen to come
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Strikers could get back together
EWOOD goal-ace Andy Cole today urged Graeme Souness to make an audacious swoop for Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke as he sets his sights on a top-10 push next season. Cole has already struck up an exciting partnership with leading scorer Matt Jansen
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Shop's food had passed its sell-by date
TWO shopkeepers from Burnley have been ordered to pay more than £300 each, after pleading guilty to selling food past its sell-by date on two occasions. Mir Afsar and Mohammed Zaman, partners in the Costcutters shop, in Hargrove Avenue, sent a letter
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Parents protest over 'threat' to close nursery
PARENTS concerned about the future of a nursery staged an election day protest, despite Lancashire County Council having said it was not among eight earmarked for closure. Families congregated outside Thompson Street Nursery, Padiham, as it doubled as
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May 3: Things are steaming up
Good news again. Things seem seem to be steaming up at the mo! Next week I'm at Nestles factory in York for a photoshoot, so it looks as if I am the new "old" Milky Bar Kid! (There's got to be some way of getting younger again!) Budweiser are using a
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Barn seeks theatre licence
COLNE and District Committee of Pendle Council will be asked to approve a Theatres Art Licence for the recently refurbished Aisled Barn in Wycoller Country Park. The application is subject to reports from the planning manager and fire authority which
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Ten years ago
CORONATION Street stars Kevin Kennedy and Ken Morley boosted the fifth Blackburn Shopping Centre road race by starting a fun run. The pair set the fun run on its way and later the international 5,000 metres race.
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Jason means business
JASON Heywood who has been appointed a new business development manager for Bury by The Royal Bank of Scotland. Ian Kennedy, director, commercial banking, said: "I am delighted to welcome such a talented professional to my team. "Since the acquisition
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Shrimps secure LDV spot
MORECAMBE can look forward to the LDV Vans Trophy next season after claiming sixth spot in their league. A closing day victory over Doncaster Rovers was enough to secure the Shrimps a spot in the knockout competition for clubs in the lower leagues, which
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Visionaries set to talk
A SPECIAL symposium to create a vision for Bury town centre is to be staged next week. The workshop will be held at the Village Hotel, Heap Bridge, next Tuesday (May 7). Key businesses will be brought together as part of the process to develop a Town
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Beware misleading website payment letter
BURY businesses are being warned not to fall victim to a potentially misleading website payment letter. Bolton and Bury Chamber say one of its members received what looked like an invoice from an organisation called Central Web Pages Register Ltd. But
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Princely expansion for king-size firm
KING-SIZE! That's one of Bury's fastest-growing businesses which is doubling in size! Kings Business Transfer, which over the years has emerged as one of the North West's largest commercial property specialists, are creating a number of new jobs with
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Pre-season game against Bolton
THE Clarets have revealed that they will be taking on Premier League opposition in the build up to next season. Old pals Stan Ternent and Sam Allardyce will go head to head on July 31 when Turf Moor hosts its first pre-season friendly. The Trotters defied
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Lancashire set to launch Academy
LANCASHIRE's revived youth policy has received a huge boost with the news that they have been given a licence to run one of English cricket's Academies at Old Trafford. It means they have finally caught up with Yorkshire, who blazed the trail by setting
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They're Gunner do the double!
WHAT a relief! This time last week, I feared I wasn't going to be able to sit down and watch the FA Cup final in comfort because the spectre of relegation was still hanging over us. But now that we are safe, I can sit back and enjoy what promises to be
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Zen Meadow exhibit opens
AN EXHIBITION of colour photographs entitled Zen Meadow by Helen Burrow will be on display at the Dukes Gallery from May 7 - 13. The Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am until 10pm and everyone is welcome. Since her last exhibition at the Dukes of
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Dream for dancers
A group of young dancers from the Heysham School of Dance will see their dreams come true when they perform at the famous Her Majesty's Theatre in London on Sunday. Heysham School will join six other dance schools from around the country to take part
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Better beaches in the south
SWIMMERS planning a dip in the sea should ignore Morecambe and head for neighbouring Blackpool. That's the advice from a new guide published by the Marine Conservation Society. But environmental health chiefs claim that official standards measured by
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School reunion
WESTLEIGH High former pupils who left in the summer of 1977 are planning a reunion. Steve Foulkes wants pupils and staff to mark the 20th anniversary -- of what he terms "the great escape" -- in July. Contact Steve on 07624 492308 or email him on sfoulkes
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Greens attack housing plans
LANCASTER could be forced to find space for more than 3,000 new houses over 10 years under plans drawn up by Lancashire County Council. The plans have infuriated Green campaigners who accuse the Labour controlled council of ignoring the public and regional
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Bid for cash to combat truancy
LOCAL schools are joining forces with the police and education officers to try and secure some of the £16 million set aside by the Government to crack down on truancy and juvenile nuisance. Planning for a series of truancy sweeps throughout the district
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New plans for Kingway site
A STRIKING design combining listed buildings with a modern glass and steel structure looks set to be the way forward for a key city centre site. A combination of apartments, office space, leisure facilities and retail developments has been selected as
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Atherton dodge the showers to maintain winning start
Weather-beaters ATHERTON CC continued their excellent start to the Bolton Association season on Saturday with a comprehensive seven wicket victory away at Edgworth, but it was a win that was always under threat from the weather. With skipper Rob Clews
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Going green: Bury is best in Britain
BURY has received Government praise for acting quickly to tackle the threat of global warming. The local authority is the first in the country to complete the UK pilot programme of the Councils for Climate Protection Campaign. Officers have been testing
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Patriotic Parkside!
FAMILIES of Parkside Close must be among the most patriotic in the borough. Even though the Queen does not celebrate her Golden Jubilee until next month, plans for the Radcliffe residents' celebrations are already well in advance. This week saw the judging
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Play's in the frame for some
CHILDREN in Prestwich can now play on what is being billed as one of the biggest space frames in the UK. As part of £70,000 worth of renovations to St Mary's Park the rope climbing frame was launched this week. But while many parents have hailed the facilities
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Labour tighten grip on council
LABOUR resisted challenges from all sides as they strengthened their presence in the council chamber by one seat in yesterday's (Thurs May 2) local elections. There were no major shocks as many leading candidates retained their seats. But the main winner
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Strikers could get back together
EWOOD goal-ace Andy Cole urged Graeme Souness to make an audacious swoop for Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke as he sets his sights on next season. Cole has already struck up an exciting partnership with leading scorer Matt Jansen which has yielded
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Cellar keeping it local
BLACKBURN will be rocking throughout the Bank Holiday weekend as 30 local bands get the chance to display their talent at a special event being held at the Cellar Bar. Starting tonight, a host of the area's most up-and-coming groups will play on a specially
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Milltowns back into the studio
COLNE indie boys The Milltown Brothers have returned to the studio with their original line-up for the first time in over a decade. Taking a back to basics approach, the group of Matthew and Simon Nelson, Barney Williams, James Fraser and Nian Brindle
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Runrig - still a fans' favourite after 20 years together
AS one of the original members of Runrig, who better to ask about the enduring appeal of the top Scottish rock band than Calum Macdonald? It is nearly 20 years since he, along with brother Rory and accordionist Blair Douglas, formed what was to become
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Making your dreams come true
SIGNING for a professional football club is most men's childhood fantasy but now Bury FC could make your dreams come true! The Gigg Lane outfit are offering a place in next season's first team squad to whoever stumps up the most cash in an extraordinary
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Tower Trudgers hope for fine weather
ORGANISERS of the annual Tower Trudge are keeping their fingers crossed for good weather this Sunday. "If it is pouring down our numbers will be hit," said Bill Lee, an organiser, "I did a practise walk on the route last Saturday and was drenched." The
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Appeal for help
THE dad of battling youngster John Mark Riding today appealed for the people of East Lancashire to help raise funds for a vital new operation. Former Lancashire Evening Telegraph Baby of the Year John, who lived in Darwen until three years ago, has battled
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Honour for charity work
A SUPERMARKET worker has been posthumously honoured for her charity fund-raising work. Jean Corless, from Waterfoot, worked at Rawtenstall's Asda store in Bocholt Way. The store was one of two East Lancashire supermarkets to recieve Golden Bear awards
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Tories ousted in nailbiting finish
LABOUR snatched control of Hyndburn Council by a single seat after a nailbiting night which saw the ruling Tories thrown out by a handful of votes. The final result to be announced, just after midnight, gave Labour an 18-17 victory in a cliffhanger finish
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Jeers and scuffles at Burnley count
AT 1.10am, returning officer Gillian Taylor got calmly to her feet and announced the result the nation had been watching for, the British National Party had secured their first seat on Burnley Council. In truth, the announcement was merely a formality
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Quest for gold
A 50 MILE mountain trek and strenuous games of rugby helped Martin Birrel's quest for gold. The 20-year-old from Lowton is seen with his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award after successfuly completing a series of challenges. Walking in the Wicklow Mountains
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Tories fall in Rossendale
LABOUR won a landslide victory to retake control of Rossendale after just two years of Conservative rule. The roles were reversed from the 2000 elections when the Tories took power for the first time in 14 years and now the seats are divided 24:12 in
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BNP secure three seats
THE FAR right sent a political shockwave across the country after gaining a foothold in East Lancashire with a devastating local election success. Three BNP candidates were elected in Burnley, prompting outrage and widespread criticism -- but also delivering
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Parties tie for council leadership
LABOUR'S two seat lead over the Liberal Democrat's on Pendle Council disappeared when a closely fought battle resulted in the two main parties sharing the lead. Both parties have 19 seats, leaving the future leadership of the council wide open to debate
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HOT ICE SHOW - Blackpool Pleasure Beach
THE Pleasure Beach's headline production Hot Ice proved to be hotter than ever when it started its six-month season in front on an invited audience of showbiz and political celebrities. Despite the odd first-night slip, the production proved once again
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Change keeping Paul so young
THE name Paul Young needs no introduction -- his soulful voice and boyish good looks made him an '80s pop idol in a similar way to his newly-famous namesake Will, the first officially-titled Pop Idol. But his band, Los Pacaminos -- with whom he is touring
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Wanderers hit heights
AFTER opening the season with two home wins Ribblesdale Wanderers take to the road tomorrow as they head to Read, hoping to maintain their 100 per cent start in the Jennings Ribblesdale League. Beating Padiham and Oswaldtwistle Immanuel has been the perfect
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Riley hopes to be the final's invisible man
THERE is one man who is desperate not to make the headlines at the FA Cup Final tomorrow afternoon - referee Mike Riley. While the likes of Henry and Hasselbaink will tonight dream of banner headlines on Sunday morning, 37-year-old Riley knows the only
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Yes...
JUNIOR Health Minister Hazel Blears admitted that the whole of East Lancashire has had long-standing problems in gaining access to NHS dentistry but said the government was taking radical action to tackle the problem. She said: "Throughout the 1990s,
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Birch them!
I WAS standing at the pedestrian crossing near Wilkinson's in Bury when a white mini went past. Inside was a gang of youngsters, sorry, scum, who were taking delight in throwing liquid over people, startling them. Are they high on drugs or something?
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"Shame" tactic is an affront
I WRITE regarding Bury Metro's threat to "name and shame" arrears tenants. To even think of such tactics is an affront to decent people, some of whom may have run up arrears through unforeseen circumstances. It is also an affront to the moral standards
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Bring back Thunderbird 3
CAN I inform Carole McLean (Your Letters, April 23) that I am equally disappointed with the jobsworth council refuse department. Carole has done more than most to help safeguard the community by wrapping her family's rubbish. So on behalf of Carole, and
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Bradford experience may offer them a solution
I WAS privileged to attend a recent meeting of residents at Woodbank Primary School to listen to the circumstances that people in this area have to contend with. At the same time I witnessed the police offering neither defence nor crumbs of comfort. Day
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Beer for breakfast?
A HIGH Court ruling means that pubs across the land will be able to serve up bacon, eggs and beer sessions during the World Cup in June. The time difference in South Korea means some games will kick of at 7.30am. The landlord who won the right to open
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A picture of misery
THE phone s ringing but I choose to ignore it. I know who it is and I know what they are going to say. For the past two days the Big Sis and the Folks have taken it in turn to barrage me with calls, trying to get me to do something I really don't want
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Centurions give Lions a helping hand
LEIGH Centurions are appealing to rugby league fans to give their temporary tenants Swinton Lions a helping hand through their difficulties. The Lions, in the middle of a financial crisis, are to play their next four "home" games at Leigh's Hilton Park
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A grim night and a lesson to us all
LAST night was a sad night for Burnley. The forces of bigotry won the day with three BNP candidates taking seats on the council - their best performance anywhere in the country. While Labour regained control of Hyndburn and Rossendale and the Lib Dems
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Jimmy have had to head south but his career hasn't!
I HAVE written on a number of previous occasions about the quality of visiting 'name' musicians and singers whom the management of the Rhythm Station bring to East Lancashire. And no. I am NOT on the payroll of that splendid establishment. I go out of
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Could Price be right?
JAMES PRICE is manager Kevin Glendon's only injury doubt as Radcliffe Borough go into tonight's final league game of the season against high-riding Ossett Town at Stainton Park writes STEVE BOTT. Price has missed the last two games with a bruised foot
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England star's volley good show!
ENGLAND star Ben Wilkinson gave pupils from Broad Oak High School a boost this week with a coaching session as they prepared for a big European volleyball event. The teenagers will be representing the town in Schorndorf, Germany and the coming Greater
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Eamon's good news
Trafford 0 Radcliffe Boro 1 RADCLIFFE Borough secured a play-off place with a hard-earned, but deserved victory at Trafford on Tuesday night. Boro, and Eamon Elliott's frustration at having a first half 'goal' ruled out by a very dubious offside decision
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Live the dream!
Make your bid today at www.buryfc.co.uk BURY Football Club are offering a direct route into league football to the highest bidder. The struggling Shakers are auctioning off a place in their first team squad as part of a desperate fund raising drive to
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Today's the day
1654: The first toll bridge came into operation in Massachusetts. There was a charge for animals but not for humans. 1937: The book Gone With The Wind won the Pulitzer Prize. 1943: A government order made part-time war work compulsory for women aged 18
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This week in 1977 25 years ago
ON CUE: Radcliffe's John Spencer defeated Cliff Thorburn 25 frames to 21 to win the World Professional Snooker Championship. BORN FREE: Birtle woman Toni Champeau braved ice-cold waters to rescue a newly-born calf from a deep culvert. She struggled for
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Play takes it to extremes
THREE female friends are unwittingly drawn into a scenario of violence and revenge when one of them is attacked in the home they share. The incident reveals the cracks in their relationships, exposing the fragility of the society that protects them. Extremities
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INTHEWINGS
SIX workshops are being run at Helmshore Textile Museum in the weeks leading up to the annual PUPPETsense Festival organised by Horse + Bamboo Theatre Company. The workshops start tomorrow from 10am until noon and from 2-4pm and are free of charge, offering
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Rights nonsense
I READ that pet animals are to be given 'rights.' What will this lead to? Rights for cotton mill workers or even women? Oomph! MICHELLE PICKERING (Mrs), Olympia Street, Burnley.
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Leigh's Amsterdam Olympians nominated for Walk of Fame
FORMER school secretary Brenda Walton treasures her late aunt Hilda Williams' 1928 Olympic bronze medal and memorabilia. The former Hesketh Fletcher aid is so proud of her gymnastic achievements that if the proposed Hollywood-style walk of fame goes ahead
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Store raided twice in eight days
A STORE has been raided by thieves for the second time in just eight days. In the latest incident, masked thugs escaped with a quantity of electrical goods from the premies of Terryphone in Bury Old Road, Whitefield. Among the haul during Thursday's (
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Firebugs target empty building
ARSONISTS are being blamed for a huge blaze which ripped through a two-storey building in Whitefield. At its height, 25 firefighters tackled the outbreak at the empty Street Furniture premises within a fenced compound in Victoria Lane. Fire crews had
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Is this site under chemical threat?
I noticed from recent correspondance in the Citizen that planning permission appears to have been granted for housing on the old Lune Mills chemical works site at Halton. For the last few years of the sites use Great Lakes Chemicals made relatively innocuous
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Teenage lament
WE ALL know what it's like to be a young teenager. Bored! Yes, nowhere to go etc etc sounds familiar doesn't it? Well I visited Blackburn recently where a nightclub called Eutopia opens its doors to teenagers once a month. The queue of kids waiting to
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Leading way for better elder care
I WOULD like to congratulate you on your article in the Citizen, April 11, highlighting the plight of small, independent care homes for the elderly. Because of increasing difficulties with dementure my mother was sent from the RLI into a care home more
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Madness in his method
I WOULD like to congratulate Gregg Beaman (MBI Councillor for Carnforth) for his bravery in stating his political views in the letters page last week. I was particularly struck by his endorsement of Augusto Pinochet's political methods. Perhaps Cllr Beaman
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Rosegrove Bulletin
DOG fouling in Rosegrove is on the increase and people who ignore the law can receive a fixed penalty of £50. In the last 12 months the council has issued almost 50 notices to people who failed to clean up after their pet. Anyone who sees evidence of
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Praise for school over better work
A PRIMARY school has made giant leaps since its last Ofsted inspection, according to a new report. Briercliffe Primary School, in Delamere Road, has been praised for raising standards over the last two years. The report released this week said: "The school
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New mural unveiled
A WIDE selection of Pendle people were due to become part of a large attraction in Nelson town centre today with the unveiling of a mural depicting life in the borough. The Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Colin Waite, was to reveal the colourful display on
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CD reviews
A LOOK at the latest single and album releases. Singles THE CRESCENT: On The Run, (Hut) IF The La's or Cast are your thing then look no further than this Scouse quartet. Flying the flag for Merseybeat, Lee Mavers influence is so obvious here, it'll surprise
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Five years ago
FIREFIGHTERS rescued a shivering dog which had become trapped after falling in the canal. The dog fell in the Leeds to Liverpool canal near Eanam Wharf, Blackburn, and was christened Locky by rescuers.
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Legendary shipmates on cruise
NEIL Stevenson packed his bags for a trip to the final frontier this spring and ended up with some of the great explorers of our time. Neil, 48, from Abbot Clough, Knuzden, took time out this February from his British Aerospace job for a two-week cruise
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Bone cancer shock for teenager Mike
A TEENAGER has spoken of his shock after being diagnosed with cancer, adding: "You don't think it will happen to you". Mike Bartley, 19, of Edward Street, Rishton, was devastated when he received the results of a biopsy which confirmed he had bone cancer
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Hit squad' cuts down burglaries
BURGLARIES in an East Lancashire town have been cut by a third since an undercover 'hit squad' was introduced to clamp down on crime. Operation Enforce was launched in Accrington in February following a similar scheme in Blackburn which was prompted by
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'Hit squad' cuts down burglaries
BURGLARIES in an East Lancashire town have been cut by a third since an undercover 'hit squad' was introduced to clamp down on crime. Operation Enforce was launched in Accrington in February following a similar scheme in Blackburn which was prompted by
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Villagers want to go 'green'
RESIDENTS are campaigning to put the green back in Astley Green. Villagers want the former site of the pit baths and canteen - in front of the pit museum - to be given village green status. Without the protection of village green status many villagers
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Drinks learner crashed into shop
A MAN who allowed a learner to drive his car after they had been out drinking has been banned for six months by Blackburn magistrates. Adam John Stevenson, 19, of Mitton Road, Whalley, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Christopher Chandler to drive
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Stonyhurst's fearless explorer
THE story of East Lancashire's very own Indiana Jones is being unveiled to adventure fans -- thanks to a 180-year-old tortoise! The South American land tortoise was captured, killed and preserved in 1820 by Charles Waterton, one of the more eccentric
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Iceman and Lowe put on a show
FIVE times world darts champion John Lowe is in Lancaster on Saturday night - to play the city's very own Alan Warriner. Lowe, the first player ever to play a perfect game of 501 on TV, will also challenge eight members of the public, selected at random
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Off the Ball by Steve Dunthorpe
JUST when you thought things were getting bad in English football, the Scots had to top it. As the 10 ' ordinary' clubs in the Scottish premier league quite, we see the chairmen of England's first division clubs pouting like sirens on the rocks, luring
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Help with Euro exports
FIRMS in Bury and elsewhere in the North West can share in the £100 million export markets of Western Europe. The invitation comes courtesy of an export package announced by Trade Partners UK (TPUK). The Export Explorer programme gives small and medium-sized
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Swimmers do it free style
CARNFORTH Otters were out in force on Saturday, April 20, with both their A and B teams competing in the North Lancs League on the same night. The A team in division one who had home advantage swimming at Salt Ayre, again had strong opposition from Rosegrove
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Powar cricket ahead
IT WAS a tale of two professionals as both Morecambe and Lancaster made satisfactory starts to the new cricket season. Morecambe made a winning start to the Bay Northern Premier League campaign on Saturday against Preston. The Woodhill Road side put in
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The goal-getters!
MEMBERS of Mosaic, an organisation for businesswomen in Bury and Bolton, have been honing their business-building skills at a half-day workshop on goal-setting. The event was sponsored by Barclays Bank and the workshop delivered by Mosaic member Ruth
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Athletes run for last Bridges event
MORE than 250 athletes travelled from across the region to take part in the second Lancaster Three Bridges 10k last weekend. Held to celebrate Lancaster's Millennium Riverside Park and the new Millennium Bridge, the flat and very scenic course took competitors
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Inside view of huge retail success
BURY Business Club members could hardly have been in a better protected environment for their April meeting at the Mill Gate shopping centre. The evening included a privileged inside view of the high-tech security control centre in the company of security
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You've been fan-tastic
CLARETS fans have been praised by the club for their positive reaction to last season despite the desperate disappointment of missing the play-offs on the final day. More than 10,000 have taken up the offer of discounted season ticket prices, a major
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Lucky Nigel hunts for more trophies
TODMORDEN captain Nigel Hunter puts his side's winning start to the Transco Lancashire Cricket League season down to an element of luck. The Centre Vale side could have had a poor start to the season as their Australian professional Jerry Cassell has
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A word from the man himself
I would like to point out to Mr Cass (last week's letters) that I am actually an Independent Councillor rather than MBI although I am aligned to that group for administrative purposes. I can further inform Mr Cass that the MBI group on the City Council
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City close on a high
LANCASTER City bring a fine season to a conclusion on Friday night with a home game against Lancashire rivals Burscough. The Dolly Blues look set to retain third place in the table - exactly the same as last season, after a year in which they caused non-stop
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Help fill military history gap
AN appeal has been made for information on men and women from North Lancashire who died during the world wars. The Lancaster Military Heritage Group is embarking on a project to produce booklets for parishes in the area including information on all those
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Reserve sees increased bird population
The RSPB's Leighton Moss nature reserve survived the disastrous foot and mouth epidemic with increasing numbers of visitors pumping an estimated £1.2 million into the local economy. Last year the reserve attracted 93,463 visitors - a 3 per cent leap from
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Inmates' ode to a night in jail!
LANCASTER Castle has inspired many artists over the years - but most of them have been looking at the famous building from the outside. But now, a group of prisoners are creating poetry and prose inspired by their experience inside the castle walls. Bound
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Search for man in latex mask
A beer-bellied pervert wearing a latex mask followed a teenager in his car and then stopped to flash at her on Tuesday night. The 18-year-old local woman was walking along St George's Quay, Lancaster, at around 8.30pm when she noticed a blue Ford Mondeo
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Care home chaos
A LANCASTER woman must find more than £200 a month to pay for the care of her 91-year-old grandfather - or move him up to 100 miles from home. The private sector care home where Theresa Burzacki's grandfather, Leslie Wheeldon, has lived for the past four
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Town cash in
HIGH-FLYING non league soccer outfit Hindley Town will have access to Premier League quality facilities next season. The club has received a £10,000 Football Stadia Improvement Fund grant to provide modern changing rooms at Hindley's Kildare Street ground
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Top job in new team
ONE of the top jobs in Bury Council's newly restructured management team has been filled. Eleni Ioannides will be the director of the newly formed social services, health and housing department. Ms Ioannides is of Greek Cypriot origin, but was born and
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Drug guide meets the needs
A SPECIAL guide featuring factual details about drugs is being distributed to secondary schools throughout Bury. Following high demand from the public and police officers, Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) publication has been updated and re-printed.
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Enough is enough
A YOUNG couple claim they are being forced out of their home after a catalogue of problems with a housing association. The newly-engaged couple, Rupa Logan and Cheryl Shaw, moved into their flat in Oak Lane, Whitefield, last March. But they say when Rivers
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Golf plan bunkered amid tipping row
AMBITIOUS plans for a new golf course in Walmersley are to be dumped after provoking anger over unauthorised tipping. Planning chiefs refused permission for a nine-hole golf course to be created at the former Gin Hall Reservoir, and have resolved to bring
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"They will not break my spirit"
A PENSIONER who fought off two cowardly attackers in his home has vowed: "They will not break my spirit." Widower Jim Wadsworth suffered minor cuts and bruising after two thugs burst into his flat in Roch Crescent, Whitefield on Tuesday evening (April
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"Dirty tricks" claim in schools review
ST Paul's CE Primary School in Ramsbottom is the victim of a "dirty tricks" campaign by Bury Council, say protesters. The claim was made by angry opponents of a plan to close the school and accommodate its pupils at St Andrew's CE Primary School. Mr Andrew
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You've been fan-tastic
CLARETS fans have been praised by the club for their positive reaction to last season despite the desperate disappointment of missing the play-offs on the final day. More than 10,000 have taken up the offer of discounted season ticket prices, a major
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One superb line-up you cannot Resist
THE independent spirit of rock 'n' roll is set to be unleashed in Blackburn tonight when three visionary rock bands join forces on a special bill. The show at King George's Hall, Windsor Suite, features The Alarm 2000, The Mighty Wah! and Spear of Destiny
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Golden Jubilee plans
THERE will be something for all ages when Darweners stage their Golden Jubilee celebrations. For the youngsters, a day of Commonwealth fun is planned at Darwen Library, Knott Street. The event, for children aged seven to 12, takes place on Friday, June
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Kung Fu stunt to lighten kids' lives
A KUNG Fu club is trying to kick start a national fundraiser for a charity which brightens the lives of seriously ill children. Sifu Ray Heeks, the instructor at Darwen School of Kung Fu and Lion Dance, has asked every martial arts club in the country
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Development reality a step closer
COUNCILLORS are cautiously optimistic that the derelict Kingsway area of Lancaster could become an eye-catching gateway to the city centre after choosing a developer last week. The ambitious multi-million pound scheme drawn up by Crosby Homes and Liberty
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Party hopeful barred from work
A BURNLEY BNP candidate was suspended from work for abusive comments towards another member of staff before she contested the local elections. Joan Dewhurst, 35, a machine operator at Armabord, based on the Heasandford industrial estate, Widow Hill Road
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WI group meeting
ASTLEY WI hosted the annual group meeting which attracted 100 members including visitors from Astley, Atherton and Lowton. They were entertained in the Jubilee Hall at Atherton by Mr P Robinson, who gave a recorded and illustrated talk on Cumbria, The
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I've killed kids: Victim of axe fury
A FORMER escort girl told detectives her lover said he had "killed kids before" just moments before she hacked him to death with an axe, a court heard. Jan Charlton, 36, told interviewing officers Danny O'Brien, formerly of Holmes Terrace, Rawtenstall
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BNP victories raise fears of more riots
THE majority of people on the streets of Burnley today spoke of their sadness at last night's election results which brought success for the town's BNP candidates. Some making their way to work or shopping in their town centre expressed concern that the
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Crime fighters get hi-tech 'weapon'
NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch groups across Rossendale have been handed a new high-tech 'weapon' to fight crime in their communities. The move follows a successful pilot scheme in Blackburn and Darwen -- believed to be the first of its kind in the country -- in
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Burnley election results
THE full list of votes cast from the May local elections. BANK HALL P Bennett (Lab)...1216 B Guttridge (Lab)...1139 C Kavanagh (Lab)...1052 J Dewhurst (BNP)...663 A Hamid (Lib Dem)...503 D Simba (Lib Dem)...422 Turnout 50.3% BRIERCLIFFE R Frost (Lib Dem
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Heartbreak for Gail as Labour hold firm
LABOUR councillors accused political rivals of election skulduggery after jubilant Liberal Democrats gained three seats on Blackburn with Darwen Council. But the ruling group were told that complaints about candidates withdrawing to maximise the effect
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Postal vote the winner, Labour hold on
CHORLEY'S Labour party kept the majority of council seats in a tense election night where the counting process overshadowed the results. Electronic counting machines flown over from the US were put to the test as Chorley's voters registered, at 61 per
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New building replaces farmhouse
A LOWTON farmhouse is being demolished and replaced by a new building. The new home will be set in 50 acres of Grange Farm land of Stonecross Lane and will incorporate a two- storey extension. Wigan planners approved the replacement which complies with
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Motorists cause bin chaos
MOTORISTS are being blamed for causing bin collection chaos. Hundreds of Atherton homes in the Wardour Street-Hamilton Street areas were left with unsightly over-flowing bins after parked cars kept bin wagons at bay. Lorry drivers made two attempts in
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One superb line-up you cannot Resist
THE independent spirit of rock 'n' roll is set to be unleashed in Blackburn tonight when three visionary rock bands join forces on a special bill. The show at King George's Hall, Windsor Suite, features The Alarm 2000, The Mighty Wah! and Spear of Destiny
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Jimmy have had to head south but his career hasn't!
I HAVE written on a number of previous occasions about the quality of visiting 'name' musicians and singers whom the management of the Rhythm Station bring to East Lancashire. And no. I am NOT on the payroll of that splendid establishment. I go out of
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Runrig - still a fans' favourite after 20 years together
AS one of the original members of Runrig, who better to ask about the enduring appeal of the top Scottish rock band than Calum Macdonald? It is nearly 20 years since he, along with brother Rory and accordionist Blair Douglas, formed what was to become
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Preston left in limbo
PRESTON City Council's elections brought no real surprises with the Labour party keeping control of the council. But with 25 seats, Labour have no overall majority. So the Liberal Democrats called on the council's cabinet to step down, and agree to forming
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Deadly cylinders alert
FIREFIGHTERS in Blackburn have issued a warning against the dangers of playing with gas cylinders after they were called to a fire which they say endangered the lives of dozens of neighbours. Fire crews were called to the blaze in Sussex Drive, Blackburn
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Burgled addict stole from store
A REFORMING heroin addict turned to shoplifting to try to finance the purchase of methadone to replace the prescription drugs stolen from his room. Blackburn magistrates heard it was the first offence Stephen Jackson had committed in four years, which
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Asylum seeker pestered housing workers
A KURDISH asylum seeker staged his own one-man protest outside housing association offices because of his accommodation problems. Blackburn magistrates heard that Khalid Ali's frustration boiled over and he was eventually arrested. Ali, 26, of no fixed
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Accused father 'feared shame'
A FATHER upset about his daughter's secret wedding was desperate to win her back, it has been claimed. Mohammed Yaqub -- accused of hiring a hitman to kill his son-in-law -- is alleged to have offered someone £3,000 for the couple to be flown to Pakistan
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Goals hero Kyle's 'Get well mum'
YOUNG Kyle Hendry sent a special message to his mum after scoring two cup final goals as she battled to overcome a life-threatening blood disorder. The ten-year-old son of former Rovers star Colin Hendry and his wife Denise ripped off his top and revealed
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Three-times limit driver spared jail
A PRISON officer who crashed his car into another vehicle when he was nearly four times the legal drink-drive limit has escaped a prison sentence. Blackburn magistrates heard that David Mark Smith had his six-year-old son in the car when he sped through
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Jim is ready for shopping spree
ROSSENDALE boss Jim McCluskie has six players on his shopping list for the summer. And top of the pile is an out-and-out striker who he hopes will boost his side's goal tally so they can go all out for promotion to the UniBond Premier Division next season
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No...
EAST Lancashire is not alone in suffering from an acute shortage of dentists, as it has been a national problem for some time. But despite several years of schemes to improve dental services in this area, the situation has not improved. A survey for the
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Natural justice
TWO teenagers have recently died in separate incidents, driving stolen vehicles. I, for one, won't shed any tears for them. If you steal cars, you deserve everything you get. Thankfully, no innocent bystander was killed in either incident. I guess what
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£50,000 could do quite a lot!
THE idea of Bury Metro giving £50,000 to Bury Football club as shirt sponsors is unforgiveable. In our area we have many outstanding issues that £50,000 could put right and no doubt there will be numerous other places where residents feel just the same
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Stop cycle lane parking
I READ that the council is to stop people parking outside certain schools in an effort to stop traffic hold-ups. However, it appears that Woodbank School on Brandlesholme Road, Bury, is not on the list of proposed restrictions and I cannot understand
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Be positive about Europe
MR Miles' letter (April 12) on the EU was very interesting. Of course it is "our money" and we are glad to be fully paid up members of the EU. We could have had more during the 1980s and 1990s, but the Tory Government would not match EU funds. Instead
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Could I apply for a handout?
I WONDER if anyone can help me? I would like to apply for a £50,000 handout from Bury Council taxpayers but have been unable to locate the appropriate application form. I have a business which is on the verge of bankruptcy due to my incompetent management
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Pupils are tops in young enterprise
BEDFORD High pupils have scooped both interim and final awards in a Young Enterprise competition. The school's Young Enterprise team, consisting of 16 pupils and two teachers had to put on a trade stand, complete a multimedia presentation and a business
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Labour tighten grip on council
LABOUR resisted challenges from all sides as they strengthened their presence in the council chamber by one seat in yesterday's Bury local elections. Results for Bury, Bolton, Wigan and Salford Councils are now available HERE There were no major shocks
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RMI's year ends on a low
Farnborough Town 3, Leigh RMI 0: RMI will be undoubtedly happy to see the back of a season which has given them so many problems both on and off the field. But the manner of closing the season was far from satisfactory as Farnborough pounced on a one
