Archive
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Mum's appeal for son's image
THE mother of dead 21-year-old Robert Alvarez who died in a recent car crash is appealing for video footage or photos of her beloved son. The Alvarez family of Morecambe are still coming to terms with the tragedy but they have very few mementos of Robert
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Letter: Loan debate will reach fever pitch
The Citizen reports that a number of people have complained to the district auditor about the council's decision to give financial assistance to Morecambe football club. In helping local sporting, communal and cultural organisations whenever we can, the
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Kidney girl's medal dream
BLACKPOOL swimmer and medal winner Lesley Iredale will soon be heading the ladies team for the XIth World Transplant Games in Australia. Lesley will be hoping to add to her impressive World Transplant Games medal tally of five golds, four silvers and
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Dogs of war!
Crewe 2, Bury 3 TWO games into his spell at Gigg Lane and Andy Gray is already looking like the free transfer of the season. And the former England international just cannot stop smiling following his move from Falkirk. He laughed and joked his way through
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Nathan takes top three place
A LANCASTER driver has come a very creditable third in a Champion of Oulton Park Formula Ford Race. Nathan Howarth, 27, beat his previous best of fourth place in a Van Diemen RS 87 and is vying for a top five ranking in only his second full season. Nathan's
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Letter: Problem for PM
I appreciate all your letters about the town hall fiasco and now that our MP Hilton Dawson has invited the Prime Minister to visit Lancaster surely we should be asking - what's going on in the town hall. Mr Stanley Henig got such a colossal percentage
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Water slide's bumpy launch
THE water slide at the new Salt Ayre swimming pool has been closed after a man was taken to hospital needing stitches to his head. The man, who has not been named, is thought to have turned at an awkward angle at the bottom of the 40 metre slide and banged
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Disabled Miriam's on a mission
A BLACKPOOL woman who has been paralysed down one side since the age of five, is planning to take a group of disabled people for a special winter break in the sunshine. Miriam Grear, of Charles Street, is organising a coach trip from Blackpool to Benidorm
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Signalman saves a life
A RAILWAY signalman wrestled a suicidal man away from death on a main train track at peak time. Fred Abbott rushed to wrench the distressed man away from trains hurtling past the signal room at speeds of up to 100 mphon Croft Street, Preston. A freight
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'Operation Sandpiper' saves more than £1m
THE end of a six week purge on benefit fraudsters living in Morecambe and Heysham has saved the taxpayer a million pounds so far. This week figures released by local Social Security fraud squads show that Operation Sandpiper's clampdown on people working
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Record high by Leigh students
STUDENTS and staff at Wigan and Leigh College are celebrating record pass rates in GCE A Level examinations. They achieved results higher than the national average in a wide range of subjects, including more than 90 per cent in Art and Design, Biology
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Access for all
BT Countryside for All is a national project, supported by BT, which aims to improve access to the countryside for people with disabilities. As part of the project, 10 regional awards are presented each year to initiatives which have already successfully
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Haydock bounce back
AFTER the previous week's disappointment at Hesketh Bank, Haydock put their title challenge back on track with victory at home to Highfield. Highfield won the toss and elected to bat on a good-looking Lyme Park track. But it provided some inconsistent
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Jarvis defends big land sale
LEIGH councillor Brian Jarvis has defended the council action in selling off land in Pennington. The land was sold to a development company which has subsequently sold on the land to a house builder. He was replying to criticism from Pat Monaghan of Pennington
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Open fires in 1967
OPEN fires in classroom hearths were once features of winter life at local schools - and not too long ago. Hazel Banks had a memorable start to her lengthy career at Boothstown St Andrew's back in May 1967. She missed the bus and had to jog to school!
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Kind-hearted Darweners join mega draw
ONE of the biggest events in Darwen's history is gearing up for a booty bonanza. The town has gone competition crazy as donations for the Darwen Superscan grand prize draw flood in. And the event has become so large organisers now plan to hold it in conjunction
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Locals pay last respects to murder victim
SCORES of mourners in Clayton-le-Moors turned out to pay their last respects to local character Eddie Robinson, who was murdered last month. Friends, family and former work colleagues from Machine Fabricators lined Barnes Street as the cortege made its
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Happy homes for family of rabbits?
A FAMILY of rabbits needed all their lucky feet when they were cruelly thrown from a speeding van. The ten rabbits, one of which is pregnant, were callously hurled from a transit van in three crisp boxes. They were discovered in Wesley Street, Oswaldtwistle
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ROVERS: Wilcox and his Euro dreams
FIRED-UP Jason Wilcox is back in business for Blackburn Rovers, writes TONY DEWHURST. Wilcox has made a splendid start to the new campaign as Rovers sit proudly at the the summit of the Premiership ahead of Saturday's visit by Liverpool. And the winger
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Ice Age dream steps closer to Leigh
FIVE million visitors a year and 2,500 permanent new jobs could soon be coming to Leigh, writes BRIAN GOMM. The ice age dream this week took a major step towards reality. A formal application to build the stunning Xanadu pleasuredome complex on Leigh
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Sewage poisons fish
THOUSANDS of fish have died after a detergent-based pollutant seeped into a Preston canal. Three miles of the River Darwen, stretching between Samlesbury Bottoms and Walton-le-Dale, has been contaminated by the detergent which seeped into the river at
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Shakespeare could make Blackburn famous
THE BARD lived in Blackburn! It may seem unlikely, but it's true, according to new evidence revealed by Lancaster University. Professor RIchard Wilson, an English lecturer at the university, believes new evidence proves William Shakespeare spent some
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Bright idea gets road safety message across
ROAD safety advice is on the cards, literally, for road users after a bobby's brainwave was put into print. The latest campaign to cut down accidents on Preston's roads involves a series of advice cards which it's hoped will drive home safety messages
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Country call-up puts clubs in a spin
Vaux Northern League LANCASTER and Netherfield are seeking compensation from the South African Cricket Board after they were told that Mark Boucher and Derek Crookes will miss the final three games of the season due to international duty. Officials from
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Toddler's game with matches turns to horror
A MISCHIEVOUS three-year-old accidentally started a huge blaze then saved his mum's life by banging on her bedroom door in a panic. Yesterday, shaken mum Claire Ashcroft told the Citizen of waking to son Sam's shouts and screams and finding herself surrounded
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M-way U-turn gives hope for tenants
A MAJOR change in government policy means that Whitefield blight home tenants could remain in their houses. Bury South MP Ivan Lewis was yesterday given the news that the Highways Agency are to hold discussions with Bury Council and housing associations
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Bored office staff could cost firms deal
BLACKBURN firms are being plagued by faxes advertising an array of services at premium rates. The faxes offer people advice about a variety of subjects, such as how to scoop building societies windfalls. The faxes, which have been circulated to companies
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Local lifesavers hailed as heroes
TWO local holidaymakers, who saved four children from being swept out to sea, are to be recommended for a bravery award. Radcliffe schoolboy Matthew Barlow (15) and family friend David Roberts held the frightened youngsters above their heads - and only
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Knife-wielding thug - aged 13
A KNIFE-WIELDING young thug approached a boy at the back of a pub threatened him and demanded cash. The 11-year-old was targeted by the culprit on Tom Benson Way, Preston, at around 8pm on August 8. Shocked but unhurt the boy - who had no money - managed
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Malicious calls are on the increase
A FIFTH birthday means more work than ever for staff at Blackburn's malicious calls bureau. Since it was set up in 1992 the centre, based at British Telecom's Jubilee Street offices, has witmnessed requests for help in dealing with unwanted callers shoot
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Gill Ellis' Health Page
MORE than just a headache, migraine is a problem which can affect your whole life. Some 114,000 people in Lancashire suffer with symptoms ranging from temporary blindness and flashing lights, to dizziness and nausea. It affects eight per cent of the population
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Anglers distraught over fish deaths
BLACKBURN fisherman face grim sport around the town for years to come after more than 100,000 fish died in two separate spillages in local waterways. British Waterways and the Environment Agency spent the weekend battling to contain pollution in the Leeds
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Not only foxes to blame for deaths
SHEEP and foxes both suffer needlessly at the hands of man. Fifteen years ago the British Association for the Advancement of Science revealed that, each year, some two million lambs die unnecessarily due to poor husbandry. Now, the situation is no better
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Malicious calls on increase
VICTIMS of malicious phone calls are refusing to suffer in silence. They are increasingly turning to BT's malicious calls bureau for help to end their telephone torture. New figures released as the North West bureau celebrates its fifth anniversary show
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Soccer and gym sessions to keep women in trim
A KEEP fit craze is sweeping through the Preston with the launch of new courses for young girls, women and the over 55s. South Ribble council is aiming to give extra time to women's football after winning £500 funding. The council hopes to attract more
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All aboard for a fun day out!
HE'S every little boy's favourite. We're talking about Thomas the Tank Engine and his merry band of friends. Three times a year Thomas and his saddle tank engine sidekick Percy trundle into sleepy Skipton to spend a day at Embsay Steam Railway. The next
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Parents say family park is used for sex acts
HOMOSEXUALS are using one of Leyland's few beauty spots as a venue for casual sex, claim worried residents. Locals visiting Worden Park contacted the Citizen expressing their disgust when they heard - and in some cases say they saw - the park's public
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Hospital stands firm in baby SOS row
A BLACKBURN hospital has defended itself after a father branded a decision not to give his distraught wife milk for her 12-day-old baby "unforgivable." Furious father Zheid Halim told the Citizen he had to drive more than 40 miles from his Bradford home
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Neighbours foil thieves
AN ELDERLY widow who has twice been burgled has praised quick-thinking neighbours who prevented her from becoming a victim for the third time. Eighty-two-year-old Mrs Alexandra Yates of Dundee Lane, Ramsbottom, was approached by two youths. One knocked
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Vaux Northern League cricket
Chorley cane Preston. NONE of our three local teams, Preston, Leyland or Leyland Daf, won - but the latter two put up excellent performance in obtaining draws. Preston elected to bat against Chorley at Windsor Park and for a moment it looked like a prudent
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Carjakcers rob victim then torch car
A HI-JACKER who took a New Year partygoer on a hell-ride before stealing his clothes was locked up for three years on Monday. Lee Jordan (19) punched reveller Nick Robinson in the head as he sat in a Volkswagen Golf car outside a party at Philips Park
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The tragic end of my drug addict son
A FATAL prophecy came tragically true when teenage drug addict Joseph Bridge spoke to his father for the last time. "Next time you see me I'll be dead," the 19-year-old told him before parting. Six days later, on August 3, Joseph's body was discovered
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Row over show venue
BLACKBURN'S Labour councillors were accused of hounding the Royal Lancashire Show out of the town. In a stormy exchange, Tory councillor George Bramley-Haworth claimed the ruling Labour group had been "hell-bent on getting the show out of Blackburn".
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Big John to decide fate
THE deputy prime minister will decide whether St James' Spire in Burnley town centre can be demolished. John Prescott, who heads the department responsible for the environment, is considering the issue after Burnley council applied for listed building
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Streets sealed after 'gun man' threatens dad
POLICE sealed off three areas of Nelson in a night search for a Balaclava-clad gun-man who burst into a house and threatened a baby-sitting dad. The incident late on Sunday night led to a four hour hunt and raids on three houses. A fire-arm was later
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At last a serious look at traffic
A TRANSPORT consultation document published by the Government today, gives us all hope that there could, at long last, be a serious attempt to solve Britain's traffic congestion problems. Although no firm decisions have been taken, the Government has
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Double helpings
A HELP-group for parents of twins is appealing for backing to enable it to survive. The group, which currently caters for 16 families, has been holding meetings at Colne health centre, but it cannot afford to pay new room-hire charges. Now the parents
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Bond scheme aimed at landlords
ST HELENS Council has introduced a new scheme to encourage landlords to supply accommodation for those on low pay or DSS benefits. The St Helens Deposit Bond Scheme aims to replace the original deposit on private accommodation, which some people are unable
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Smart students make the grade
SMART students at Carmel College were in celebratory mood after helping the college achieve its best ever A Level result figures. The college in Prescot Road featured highly in last year's League Tables when it achieved the best results for Catholic Sixth
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Golborne keep up title charge
DON'T discount champions Golborne from this season's Vimto Bolton Association title challenge. They maintained an outside chance of retaining their crown with a hard-fought win over Blackrod. Golborne, 11 points behind Edgworth who have a game in hand
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Hot challenge for army chums
TWO caring soldiers currently serving in St Helens are preparing to brave searing temperatures when they undertake a gruelling triathlon on the Spanish island of Lanzarote to raise money for charity. The pair, Regimental Sergeant Major Graham Markham
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Leigh underline their high potential
IT might only be viewed as a consolation prize, but Leigh's landslide 44-16 victory over promoted Rochdale again underlined why they deserved a place in Division One. Pipped at the post on points difference by both Hornets and Hunslet, they went some
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Undercover squad draws blank on cards
SHOPKEEPERS in St Helens have been praised for coming "up to scratch" on the laws about selling National Lottery scratch cards and cigarettes to children. Under age boy and girl volunteers attempted to buy scratch cards and cigarettes in undercover surveys
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Wanderers find new home in Leigh
LEIGH is now one step away from Premiership soccer. This week a new era of sport at Hilton Park began with the arrival of Bolton Wanderers reserves. Colin Todd's 2nd Xl have transferred to the ground, kicking off last night (Wednesday) with a star-studded
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'Lady in the Lake' is not Helen
WHEN the 'Lady in the Lake' body of a woman was found in Coniston Water in the Lake District, Marie McCourt hoped against hope that the remains of her murdered daughter had finally been discovered nine years after her disappearance. But those hopes were
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Father's fury over death pool
THE tragic holiday drowning of a St Helens youngster this weekend has brought an angry attack from another local man whose own daughter had an earlier lucky escape in the same pool. Six-year-old Michael Paul Eden, from Hignett Avenue, Parr, died only
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Survivors of strict tempo days
ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD HOW many survivors from the town's strict-tempo dancing days can remember being "rubber-stamped" before escaping during the interval to glug down an energy-lifting pint or two? Those who do have something in common with Denis Brown
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Railman put on right track
ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD A RAIL buff has been put on the right track regarding what seems to have been a totally unique locomotive route. Regulars may recall that a correspondent styling himself "Curious" asked ( July 24) if anyone could shed further light
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Jobless total up
BURY has belied last month's national downturn in the number of jobless. Figures for July show there were 2,883 people out of work in Bury - up 122 over the previous month. The latest statistics embrace 2,147 males and 736 females. The unemployment rate
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Sutton make their points
SUTTON CC earned a draw after the long trip to Buckley on Saturday. Batting first, Sutton put the Welsh bowlers to the sword as they rattle up 228-7 in 48 overs. But at 49-5 it had looked shakey. But Brimelow (30) and Sean Anders put together a rescue
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Keep rivalry on the pitch
I LIKE football. Call me old fashioned but there are few things I enjoy more than the buzz of screaming from the terraces in support of my team. This is Britain in the 1990s. We are about to enter a new millennium - men can travel into space, members
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Rainhill rock the champs
RAINHILL CC gave reigning champions Aigburth a real run for their money at Victoria Terrace on Saturday. The visitors won the toss and surprisingly elected to field in the scorching heat. But Rainhill quickly slipped to 11-2. Peter Mercer and Paul Ford
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Police escort for Gypsy funeral
POLICE provided an escort as around100 gypsy mourners said their final farewells in Bury on Wednesday (August 14) to one of the country's oldest true Romanies. Mrs Agnes Boswell died peacefully on Friday at her caravan in Fernhill. She was 97 and was
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Cake knocks 'em for six
WHITEFIELD bakers Slattery bowled over radio cricket commentators with a special cake. The cake, baked to promote the Tidy Britain Group's competition, "Britain In Bloom", was delivered to the Test match commentary box at Trent Bridge last Friday. BBC
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Brisbane reward for Saints
Saints 42 Paris St. Germain 4 SAINTS duly earned the daunting 'reward' of a World Club Challenge quarter-final trip to Brisbane Broncos after this qualifying round stroll in the sun at Knowsley Road, writes Denis Whittle. For they had no need to extend
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Saints wilt in the heat
Castleford Tigers 35 Saints 16 REPORT by Denis Whittle SAINTS' top-four hopes hang by a thread and Castleford's relegation fears were greatly eased after this story of contrasting halves on Sunday night. For, after trailing 16-6 with 30 minutes gone,
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Bobbie's vigil at daughter's side
AT the time of the St Helens Star going to press, Saints star Bobbie Goulding and his wife Paula were anxiously waiting at the bedside of their baby daughter Ellie. On Tuesday, at just one week old, little Ellie underwent a massive operation to correct
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Sounds like Michael on stage
WILKINSON has long been a revered name with St Joseph's Players. And now a new Wilkinson is about to make his mark on the stage. Michael, 28, has been at the sound controls with the Leigh company for this year's early productions - a pantomime and two
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Denis Whittle talks Rugby League with Shaun McRae
PICTURE: Bobby Goulding ANNOYED and embarrassed! That was the natural reaction of Shaun McRae to media speculation that he was to be replaced by John Monie next season. WHITTLE: The disclosure was sensational to say the least and swept the town like wildfire
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Join the Bank Holiday chain gang
A GROUP of young cyclists is gearing up to raise money for the homeless in St Helens. Following on from the success of Gladrags '97 which raised £1,000 in April, the group are doing the sponsored bike ride of more than 30 miles from Haydock to Widnes
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Ashton hits out over Monie trouble
ALREADY strife-torn by the removal of the captaincy from Bobbie Goulding and a transfer request from Alan Hunte, Saints have denied that a media report that coach John Monie is on his way to Knowsley Road. The claim was repudiated by chairman Eric Ashton
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Lilian's plea from New South Wales
ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD A FRIENDLY little plea has winged its way 12,000 miles from New South Wales in Australia. There, former local lass Lilian Hand stands by in the hope that some customer of this column might help to reunite her with an old friends of
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Letter: Legalise cannabis
WHEN Mrs Denny (Citizen postbag, August 14) informs us that we shouldn't take any drugs, soft or hard, does she include alcohol and nicotine? Both of these drugs are perfectly legal yet they kill thousands every year. Cannabis has never been found to
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Back on the right track
MY complaint in "Model railway on the wrong track" (Letters, July 14) really got things moving. I have now received from AMR the equipment I ordered. Thanks not only for printing the letter, but for taking the time to contact AMR with the result of my
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Oasis-mania takes a hold
OASIS-MANIA is expected to reach new heights in Burnley and Pendle today. Record shops will be busier than ever before, thanks to the release of the band's new album this morning. One shop is opening at 8am for customers who will snap up thousands of
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Frozen out! - ice cream boss in court ban
A DIRECTOR of Morecambe's famous ice-cream company, B Lewis and Sons, has been disqualified from being a company director for four years. Paul Francis Rastelli Lewis, of Ashtree Grove, Bolton-le-Sands, admitted 'unfit conduct' at the High Court in Manchester
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Planners bite back at critics
PLANNING chiefs in Burnley have hit back at claims that they are allowing too many houses to be built on rural land. Council officers say their plan to protect green-field sites and regenerate towns is working - despite claims from the Council for the
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Group's fighting fund to block prison plan
VILLAGERS in Middleton battling to stop a former holiday camp being turned into a prison have launched a fund-raising drive to fight the case at a public inquiry. Members of the Middleton Action Group against a Prison in our Environment (MAGPIE) are holding
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Evidence muddies the waters
MORE details about the mysterious dumping of waste in Morecambe Bay in the early 1970s have flooded into the Citizen, thanks to keen-eyed readers. The story came to light after the Government asked the National Radiological Protection Board to investigate
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Street festival boost for trade
THE exciting spirit of the Mardi Gras comes to Colne for the Bank Holiday weekend for a new addition to the Blues Festival. On Sunday and Monday street entertainers, musicians, market traders and craftsmen will combine to create a carnival focused on
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Raynor banks on rebirth of the blues!
"THREE points to get us off to a cracking start," that's what Lancaster City's manager Gordon Raynor has demanded of his players as they kick off the new season against Runcorn on Saturday. It's a tough first fixture for the Blues, in 26 matches against
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Anarchist group on Top of the Pops
OUTRAGEOUS Burnley band Chumbawamba are playing their first-ever hit single on Top of the Pops tomorrow (Friday). 'Tubthumping' reached number two in the charts after Radio 1 chose it as record of the week. The band, formed 12 years ago, are a nine-strong
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Shrimps leak two points
Morecambe 1 Leek Town 1 IN sweltering temperatures the Shrimps sizzled for much in their opening game of the season but at the end of the match they had burnt themselves out. Manager Jim Harvey had said in last week's Citizen that his side could do better
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Too good to be forgotten
A THREE-HOUR 'phone call ended a 15 year quest to find a friend who was 'too good to be forgotten'. Yvonne Hanley and Annie Ruddock were inseparable as children, but marriage for dental nurse Yvonne, of Meredith Street, Nelson, and pop stardom for Annie
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Letter: Definitely not Guardian angels
I have watched with growing interest recent developments at the Town Hall and noticed too - the coverage by all the local Press. It seems quite obvious to me that there are some serious issues to be addressed and investigated at council HQ and it is even
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Letter: Council supports the Shrimps
With reference to the letters regarding Morecambe Football Club. Surely it is to the benefit of both players and the supporters to provide a better ground. Lancaster City Council is doing a good job in supporting the club. I very much doubt it is the
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That sinking feeling - Greens warn of flooding
PEOPLE living around Morecambe Bay will need webbed feet and hands if global warming continues at its present rate claim green campaigners. With 1997 set to be the hottest year on record, environmentalists say sea levels are set to rise to dangerous levels
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Shoal mates!
A DIVER at the Blackpool Sea Life Centre has been adopted by a shoal of pilot fish which think he is a shark. Every time marine expert Ashley Ball does a diving demonstration in the centre's enormous tropical shark display tank, the fish follow him around
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Help for rape victims on line
A special rape helpline has been set up in Lancaster to help the victims of sexual attacks. Members of the Support After Rape group (SAR) claim the help line will provide the survivors of rape a 'listening ear' as well as a point of information for further
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Transport group slams motorway rail route
A FAST train link to run along the central reservation of the M6 through Lancaster could be the future of traffic jam free travel, according to engineering experts. The motorway railway route for the M6 is the brainchild of boffins at Liverpool John Moores
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Two sign up for site
TWO new companies have signed up for purpose-built factory units on Burnley's Network 65 commercial park. And that means all four 5,000 sq ft speculative developments built by Barnfield Construction of Nelson have been let on the council-owned site. The
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Splashing out!
SPLASH FM, Blackpool's hopeful new radio station, is tuning up its campaign to get a fully operational licence On the last day of the station's short 28-day licence, the team of unpaid DJs held their own roadshow in the centre of the town as a huge party
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Calm after the storm
AFTER a week when off the the field disagreements overshadowed Bury's fine start to the season, all is calm again at Gigg Lane. A history-making draw with Reading, when they were easily the better side, and a commanding victory at Crewe should have been
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D-day for Oyston
OWEN OYSTON could be back home in time for Christmas - if his appeal against his conviction for the rape and indecent assault of a 16-year-old model is successful. The Lancaster-based tycoon, who has a major shareholding in Bay Radio and is chairman of
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Fake cards crackdown
POLICE are concerned that youngsters in several quiet Fylde villages are using fake identity cards to buy alcohol. Now they are joining forces with the Portman Group, the only identity card officials approved by the Government, to ensure licensees can
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Cricket round-up: how did your team do?
A FINE unbeaten knock of 60 from John Pemberton was the major factor in Walshaw's two wicket victory at Astley and Tyldesley at the weekend, a win that moved them into the top half of the BOLTON ASSOCIATION table. Professional Scott Henderson top-scored
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Folk festival set for record
THE 25th Fylde Folk Festival will be staged in the port of Fleetwood over the weekend of August 29th, 30th and 31st. The demand for tickets is at record levels, an indication of how popular the festival has become with its unique style of presentation
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PPG win war on waste
A HINDLEY Green company has come out tops in the war on waste. PPG Industries (UK) Ltd has been awarded Level Three status in the Tidy Britain Group's prestigious business standard scheme. Tidy Britain estimates over half the nation's street litter comes
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Bond of love conquers tragedy
WHEN Pat Brown lost her daughter Carolyn to breast cancer earlier this year, her grieving family rallied together to offer each other the support they needed. And it is this special bond which has led the Browns to be given the title of Family of the
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Troy leads run chase
SPECTATORS at Rainford's Jubilee Cricket Ground were treated to a run feast when Orrell CC visited on Saturday. Fielding a much-changed side, chairman Phil Carter opened the batting, but once again Aussie Troy Martyn stole the show. His chanceless 126
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Oil do it my way!
ONE of Joe Longthorne's staunchest fans is smoothing her idol's path to health by pouring oil on troubled quarters. For Barbara Hobbs' massage treatments with aromatic oils are helping rub away the back and rib injuries the singer sustained when he fell
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Oyston appeal date set
OWEN OYSTON could be back home in time for Christmas - if his appeal against his conviction for the rape and indecent assault of a 16-year-old model is successful. The former media tycoon and chairman of Blackpool FC was given leave to appeal two months
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CCTV's on the cards
TRADERS and councillors say they are determined to secure closed circuit television for Darwen town centre in a third bid for cash. Blackburn with Darwen Council have met with police, town centre management, traders and a CCTV specialist to modify previous
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Andy makes big impression on Aussies
A TEENAGE Rugby League star jetted back from a trip-of-a-lifetime to Australia this week - armed with a standing invitation to return! The heaven-sent opportunity to play for top ARL club Newcastle Knights was offered to 18-year-old Andy Fisher (seen
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Muslims win burial rights
MUSLIMS in the Leigh area are to have their own burial plot in Howe Bridge Cemetery. The controversial plan to allow Asian families in the area to be buried locally in the traditional manner of their faith was given the go ahead at the council's recreation
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Escaped murderer could head back to Burnley
ESCAPED murderer Darren Jackson may be heading back to Burnley today after breaking out of Ranby Prison in Nottinghamshire, it was revealed today. And as an investigation was launched as to how he escaped, the "scared'' parents of his victim, mother of
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Calling mystery heroes!
A GRANDMOTHER is hoping Citizen readers can help her track down an heroic duo who carried her to safety when she broke an ankle on a trip to Darwen Tower. Beryl Bickerstaffe, who had travelled from Nottingham to visit friends, is appealing to Citizen
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Safe haven for Leigh cars
VISITORS to Leigh can now park safely and securely. A joint venture between Leigh Town Centre Management and Crown Car Parks offers shoppers the chance to park only a minute's walk from Bradshawgate. And the cost of a full day's parking is £1.20 - 60p
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Pledge to community
COUNCIL leader George Slynn has repeated pledges to secure new community facilities as part of a huge housing development at Huncoat. Hyndburn Council is wearing two hats at Huncoat, one as a landowner, with a significant stake in the site and the other
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Shocking stuff at power station open day
THE atmosphere was electric at the National Grid open evening at Penwortham Substation when local resaidents were given a guided tour of the site. More than 80 people were treated to a range of electricity demonstrations which were presented by Michael
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Desperate Dan's snake sneaks off
NEIGHBOURS of young animal lover Daniel Threlfall are pulling out all the stops to help him track down his pet snake. Nervous local shopowners have put up posters of eight-year-old Daniel's bright orange and red baby corn snake - called Slither - after
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Fags go up in smoke!
PLANS by a Leigh couple to persuade Asda supermarket to drop its plans to allow cigarettes in its cafeteria have gone up in smoke. Arthur Quayle, 64, has been a smoker for the past 50 years, while his wife Annie, 62, has been smoking most of her life.
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Are you going to Samlesbury Fair?
TOP bands from all over the country will this weekend gather in Samlesbury for a unique music festival. Coloured Rain, Sensibility, and DJ Clumsy are among the many artists due to take the stage for charity at Samlesbury Fair on Friday and Saturday (August
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Railway arches are recipe for success
A NEGLECTED landmark is poised to play a star role in Leigh town centre revitalisation. Derelict Queen Street railway arches are zoned for an upmarket revival as the focal point of an exciting restaurant project. It would be the fruition of a slumbering
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Green, green grass of Astley
CONSERVATIONISTS are cheering moves to create a village green. A 23-acre site has been earmarked by landfill waste exponents Terry Adams Ltd on colliery wasteland they are set to landscape at Astley. The company is preparing to open up a massive landfill
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Move for Preston rector
THE rector of Preston, Canon Robert Ladds, is to become the next Archdeacon of Lancaster - but he won't be turning his back on the town! Canon Ladds, 55, has served here for six years and was a leading figure in founding Parish Prospect Preston, a campaign
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LETTER: Under age drinking old hat
THERE is nothing new in today's youth drinking. This has been going on for some years now, and a lot of blood and teeth were lost with drink - and drugs. You have only to look into the trouble and fights which went on outside the Dance Rock and Roll youth
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MP backs mum's danger road fight
A WORRIED mum is campaigning for traffic calming measures on a danger road - claiming a child will be killed before long if nothing is done. Lorraine Mason began her protest last week after her nine-year-old son Lewis was knocked down as he walked along
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Racing down to the Marina
TOP yachtsmen are set to make a splash at Preston Marina in one of the country's top sailing competitions. Sailors including Irish Olympic champion Marshall King are coming up North for the second year to take part in the Fort Match Racing Trophy this
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Readers help 'shop' drug dealers
A TOP police chief has applauded the public's help in the Citizen-backed Drive Out Drugs campaign. In just two weeks the campaign hotlines, set up by the Citizen's sister publication the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, have attracted 40 callers from the
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Doormen set to learn communication skills
BOUNCERS are to be taught communication skills in a bid to stamp out the rising tide of town centre violence. The scheme, introduced by Blackburn with Darwen Council, hopes to scrap the rough image of the traditional doorman and encourage bouncers to
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Sporting fun with a serious edge
YOUNGSTERS were well on track when they took part in an action packed day of athletics thanks to Preston council. Children from all over town turned up to compete in track and field events organised by the borough's sports development team at London Road
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Northern out to rock Cherry Tree
CHERRY TREE have the Ribblesdale League in the bag - but they could have a nasty shock in store this weekend. Derby rivals Blackburn Northern have hit form and two good wins last weekend have put them right in the mood to give Cherry Tree a thick ear.
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90s man is a pussycat!
MEN love washing up more than watching TV! Don't laugh, it's true, if a new survey from Zanussi is to be believed. Modern man David Higgerson traded in his rubber gloves for a notepad, and went to check the word on the street. . . Could it really be the
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LETTER: Release me from Oasis hell
WHAT is all the fuss about Oasis? I come to work at about 7.30 every morning, and walk past Andys Records. Normally it is nice and quiet - almost the perfect way to start the day. However, on Thursday I was appalled when I saw a long queue of scruffy,
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Fogarty hits boiling point after win
CARL Fogarty's bid for a third world title hit boiling point last Sunday as he won the first race and then crashed out of the second at Austria's A1-Ring. The slip handed arch rival John Kocinski a six-point championship lead and set the scene for the
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Rock FM's Kev Seed writes for the Citizen
Have you noticed the saturation press regarding Di and Dodi? (as if you could miss it!) I was going to write how sick to the back teeth I am of reading about it and here I am actually writing about it myself...sorry. Some of it does make for quite an
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Toe-tapping Wacko Jacko brings own dance floor
MICHAEL Jackson was in town this week but there was no blood on the dance floor - just the crack of taps on wooden board. Michael was at the Saddle Inn, Lea, performing with American-style cloggers, the Shredded Feet Appalachian Dancers. But he didn't
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Review: Rowan's no has Bean
THE year 1997 sees an unlikely hero replace Hugh Grant and friends in the box office record books - the character unmistakably known as Mr Bean. Rowan Atkinson's TV baby is now a fully grown movie star - and taking the nation by storm. The verdict? You'll
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Great start PNE - but will it last?
GARY PETERS is cock-a-hoop with the efforts of his team so far this season. But, he told me, the shine was knocked off a bit when Preston conceded a goal so early in the match against Millwall. But he argued it was Preston who piled on the pressure, winning
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Lucky to be alive
EXPECTANT dog 'Lucky' lived up to her name when a Blackburn woman came to her rescue after being abandoned on the mean streets of Manchester. Wet, cold and hungry, Lucky had been dumped and left to die by her callous 'owners' in Lees, Greater Manchester
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Jailed after 76th offence
A WHITEFIELD MAN with a record of 75 offences has been jailed again for assaulting a police officer after a car chase. Magistrates gave serving prisoner, Christopher Lee Adams (27), of Grange Grove, two six-month sentences, to run concurrently, for assaulting
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Beware fax-firm's rip-off message lines
OFFICE workers in Preston are being warned not to phone so-called rip-off 'help lines' after companies across the region were targeted by fax. London-based Second Telecom fax firms offering advice on money-making ideas including how to scoop building
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East Lancs' hopes take a blow
IT WAS a shot worthy of a World Series winner. High wide and handsome, it soared into the blue and Dave Thompson simply stood back and admired it. There wasn't much admiration from the anguished supporters of title-chasing East Lancs who saw their hopes
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Ashcroft plays a blinder
Preston North End 2 Millwall 1 THERE are times in the life of a professional footballer when he produces a magic moment he will never forget. Such a moment came six minutes into the second half for Preston winger Lee Ashcroft. With the scores level at
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November date set for Oyston appeal
OWEN OYSTON could be back home in time for Christmas - if his appeal against his conviction for the rape and indecent assault of a 16-year-old model is successful. The former media tycoon and chairman of Blackpool FC was given leave to appeal two months
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RSPCA prosecute father and son over cat cruelty
THE RSPCA were yesterday (August 14) bitterly disappointed at a Bury magistrates decision not to ban a Radcliffe father and son from owning pets. Mr Graham Smith and his son David were each fined £50 after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering
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Why do banks have so many holidays..?
BANK holidays seem to arrive when you least expect them - and suddenly you realise you won't have to get up on Monday morning and join the usual rush. The first instinct therefore is to stay in bed and relax, enjoying an unaccustomed period of freedom
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Confident Rovers are in the driving seat
IT'S ONLY a few years since the visit of mighty Liverpool to Ewood was anticipated with a reverence once reserved for senior royalty or even some actor who had flickered briefly in Coronation Street. Then came that championship season when fans weren't
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Tree falls on car...but it could have hit a child
A LARGE branch which fell 20 feet onto a car could have killed or injured a child, angry residents claim. Householders in Westgate Avenue, Bury, which overlooks the trees which bound Manchester Road Park, say they have repeatedly voiced their concerns
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Prizes for beating the clock
A SCHOOL is tackling its problem with punctuality by offering incentives in the form of prizes to pupils who beat the clock. A recent inspectors' report highlighted the trouble with time-keeping at Barden High. But the school is fighting back with £1,200
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Go-ahead for m-way
THE green light was given by government officials for the construction of the M65 southern bypass. The decision was hailed as "great news" which would help East Lancashire towns recover from the recession. Announcing the decision, the minister for roads
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Health boss in cash row
A TOP hospital chief says Bury's emergency services could collapse because health bosses are spending urgently needed cash in Rochdale. The intensive care unit at Bury General is at breaking point because of a shortage of doctors. Bury and Rochdale Health
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CRICKET: Bennett quits
BOB BENNETT is stepping down as Lancashire Chairman. Bennett, who has been at the Old Trafford home since February 1987, has made the decision because of the increasing demands of his position as Chairman of the England Management Committee. "The extra
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RACING: Lowther flops
CARL Lowther overcame the disappointment of Champagne Prince's fading finish at York on Wednesday by partnering Denbrae to victory in the Tom Cribb Limited Stakes at Leicester the same evening. The Blackburn apprentice jockey extended his increasingly
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Woods a pure delight
REGARDING fencing at Buncer Lane, Blackburn, blocking access to Buncer Woods (LET, August 14), Coun John Fairless' comments, that staff at Witton Park High School inspect the nearby playing fields and clear up dog excreta. I cannot believe that any qualified
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Gerry scores bull's-eye for charity
BIG-hearted Gerry Lawman was slightly off target when he made a brave attempt to beat the world darts marathon record. Gerry, who was trying to score more than 210,172 points in six hours, was raising money for Coldwell Inn Activity Centre, Nelson. Hampered
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Some like it hot
RED-hot food will be dished up to audiences at this weekend's blues festival in Colne. Caterers are serving up a taste of America's deep south, the birthplace and home of the blues. Chefs contacted the University of Mississippi for the recipes of dishes
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Glazebury in a hot toil
GLAZEBURY CC somehow salvaged a draw in their North West Counties League clash with Hale. A score of 207-6 was always looked too strong a target for the Glazebury lads, who toiled in the field, using seven bowlers with Gareth Banks the pick of them at
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Row flares again over council-owned cafe
TOWN hall bosses are seeking legal advice in a row over who should run a council-owned cafe and restaurant. The Old Stables next to Burnley's historic Towneley Hall is the setting for new controversy after present tenant Mary Burrows said she was staying
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Dove and Monks remain defiant
A REARGUARD action from skipper Dave Dove plus an unbeaten 31 from Tim Monks saved Leigh's blushes. They hung on for a draw in a disappointing performance at Northern, finishing on 164-7. On a good wicket Northern amassed 209-1, Leigh's solitary success
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Shape of things to come
FOR the first time in its history, Pendle council is asking local people about their needs and dreams for the future. Over the next few weeks 2,500 residents will be asked to take part in a random survey which asks about the sort of homes that best suit
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Firms urged get on charity trail
A CHARITY boss has blasted miserly businesses for failing to jump on the SuperScan bandwagon. Terry Barber, the appeal's fund-raising co-ordinator in Blackburn, said he was disappointed with the lack of support from local firms. And he is once again appealing
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Miners get that champion feeling
LEIGH MR are again champions of the Champions Challenge. They retained the title in a thrill-packed 22-16 win against Thatto Heath - and they don't come much more exciting. MR coach Ian Taylor likes to mix his cards and he used 31 players through the
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Dancer Leanne goes trainspotting
DANCE student Leanne Salisbury from Newton-le-Willows will be strutting her stuff in a number of unusual locations this autumn - thanks to a National Lottery grant. Leanne is a member of the four-girl Trainspotting Dance Company based at the University
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CLARETS: No first team guarantee for Jamie - Waddle
JAMIE Hoyland is up for grabs-at the right price, writes TONY DEWHURST. The former Clarets skipper requested a meeting with Chris Waddle after failing to feature in Burnley's plans this season. And Waddle confirmed today that he will listen to offers
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Launch pad to a skilful career
BUDDING young engineers in East Lancashire are being offered a platform to launch their careers. Substantial cash and training packages are being offered to encourage 18-20-year-olds the chance to take a career in engineering. ELTEC, Pendle Training,
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Really wild show for safari squad(PIC:STZoot)
STUART ERSKINE, Steven Scott and Keith Robison play the wild card every day when they wake up - for the intrepid trio venture to Knowsley Safari Park to clock on for work every morning. Stuart and Keith have a roarin' time keeping the lions in check,
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Shopping centre caters well for wheelchair needs
I WRITE in response to Mrs Olive Adcroft's letter (LET August 18)concerning Shopping in Blackburn Town Centre. Blackburn Shopping Centre is delighted to announce that, as part of our on-going Customer Care programmes, we have recently introduced a facility
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Missed appointments cost hospitals dear
MISSED hospital appointments in Bury are costing about £170,000 each year. Cash-strapped health bosses say this leaves them short of money and puts pressure on waiting lists. In 1996-97 some 17,500 people did not show up for their appointments and a number
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Funeral of mystery death boy
THE funeral of Ramsbottom teenager Matthew Ramsbottom takes place next week as police await the final results of a post mortem into his tragic death. Matthew (17), of Hill Rise, died more than a fortnight ago at Bury General Hospital after his life support
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Minister backs new nursery initiative
MINISTERS have welcomed Bury's plans to educate the borough's under-fives in the wake of the ill-fated Nursery Voucher Scheme. This week, education standards minister Estelle Morris said she was "delighted" that councils, including Bury, had prepared
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Ancient ways promise famous hill a future
A HIGH-FLYING plan to restore Pendle Hill using giant stones reclaimed from redundant Lancashire mills takes to the skies next month. Helicopters will drop hundreds of "causey" stones weighing up to half a ton each on the badly-eroded hill on a secret
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Guide to top pubs
EIGHT local hostelries have been given a distinct honour - by being named as Pubs of Distinction. They are featured in a new guide from the North West Brewers and Licensed Retailer Association called Pubs of Distinction. Mr Richard Daglish, secretary
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Miners' strike sinks Heath
Leigh Miners Rangers 22 Thatto Heath 16 Champions Challenge '97 RUGBY League fans were treated to an 80-minute thriller at Twist Lane as Miners lifted the Champions Challenge Trophy for the eighth time in its 16-year history. But Heath grabbed the initiative
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Olivia's a banker bet for the catwalk!
FIVE-year-old Olivia Williams (pictured) is banking on becoming a real star after spotting herself on a NatWest poster. Olivia, of Stanley Street, Ramsbottom, had no idea she was the July face of NatWest Bank, until she passed her local branch with some
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Safety first at Canal Rally
SAFETY will be paramount at next month's Leigh Festival and Canal Rally. And, to make doubly sure, St John Ambulance Brigade is the latest organisation to join in the fun event. Festival Co-ordinator Alan Jones said: "The organisers recognise the importance
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Recs crumble
AFTER an excellent win over Hightown a week earlier in which Scott Williams scored 91 and Stephen Garvey claimed 6-48, Owens Corning St Helens Recs produced one of their poorest showing for many seasons on Saturday. They crumbled to 82 all out against
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Wynn on peace visit to Ireland
LOCAL MEP Terry Wynn has been invited to Northern Ireland at the end of the month to help sort our funding for EU funded Peace and Reconciliation projects. He said: "The EU has made hundreds of thousands of pounds available for local groups in the Province
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Piece of cake for John
A LEIGH man could become Britain's best independent baker. John Waterfield of Waterfields (Leigh) LImited has been selected as one of the three finalists in the Independent Baker of the Year category of the 1997 baking industry awardse. He must now bide
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Popular centre set to shut
CASH strapped council chiefs are to close a popular day centre for people with learning disabilities. Whittle Pike in Ramsbottom is targeted for closure as social services chiefs start a shake-up of day services. They want to change the way services for
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Prescot feel heat in torrid opener
Atherton LR 0 Prescot Cables 0 PRESCOT'S young team did themselves credit last season by having only 30-odd bookings -which was fewer than one a game. But what a contrast as the opening game of the new season cost five bookings and a dismissal. The names
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Dogs pursue Red Rose wreckers
POLICE dogs are on the trail of thieves and vandals who are hampering heritage saviours. Dog handlers have taken to the fields around Astley Green pit following a spate of break-ins and damage at the northern industrial enthusiasts' Red Rose Steam museum
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Town serve up hot stuff
St Helens Town 1 Salford City 0 TOWN performed heroics to take all three points from Saturday's opening game of the season, having been reduced to 10 men as early as the 14th minute, then having survive in the punishing heat. In fact they did more than
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Park squad gets a lift
A LOCAL rugby team have benefitted from a share of a £315,000 minibus handout from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts. West Park RUFC was one of 16 youth and community organisations across the country to benefit from the Liverpool-based FSA's gift
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Street kids get VIP treatment
TIM STREET found some new fans on Sunday. The Leigh RL skipper was among a shunshine crowd at Beech Walk for a Summer FunDay organised for the children from Chernobyl. And, after posing for pictures with the youngsters and their interpreter at Leigh CC
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Great stage in players' lives
MEMBERS of the Newton Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (NADOS) have received national long-service awards for services to amateur dramatics. Kevin O'Leary was presented with a 35-year silver bar; Joyce Thompson received a 25-year long service medal
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Global attraction for mill
PEOPLE are visiting Burnley's historic Queen Street Mill from the four corners of the Earth. The factory, the last working steam-powered cotton mill in Britain and possibly the world, has attracted tourists from New Zealand, North America and the rest
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Problems self-inflicted
IT is incorrect to say that there has been a 'row' between Carl Fogarty and the Tockholes Parish Council. Mr Fogarty has never attended a Parish Council meeting, nor has he spoken to any Councillor. The 'row' is entirely an invention in the mind of Mr
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Appeal to industry for £800,000
THE Thompson Centre in Burnley is appealing to local industrialists to sponsor its new look. The centre needs around £800,000 in cash if it is to stand any chance of getting a share of the national lottery sports fund. Burnley Council hopes to get £4
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Letter: Let he who is without sin...
N FOSTER (Citizen postbag, August 14) complained about the Bishop of Burnley and suggested that the church should practise what it preaches by selling its buildings and giving the proceeds to the poor, and in this way follow Our Lord's teaching as it
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'Mayor' says cheers to 50 merry years
WHEN Arthur Preston started drinking at the Wilpshire Hotel, Blackburn, a pint of beer cost threepence ha'penny and cider was a penny a pint. Prices might have gone up, but 50 years on, Arthur is still enjoying a drink at the bar. The 75-year-old celebrated
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Clarets' sharpen attack
STRIKER Andy Cooke's return from suspension should give Burnley the cutting edge they have lacked so far this season. The 23-year-old is expected to be in the starting line-up for the game at Southend on Saturday (August 23). Chris Waddle was impressed
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Yellow perils 'a death trap'
A STRETCH of road branded a death trap by residents and shopkeepers is to be inspected by councillors. People living in Crawshawbooth, Rossendale, petitioned Rossendale Council because they believe double yellow lines on Burnley Road through the village
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Assault at festival
A man was the victim of an unprovoked assault at the Festival of Light and Water on Sunday evening. He was stood watching the festivities near the Bubbles complex when he was head-butted by a man with a goatee beard. He was taken to the RLI with a fractured
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Woman in alley attack
A WOMAN fought off a thug who dragged her into an alley in Lancaster in the early hours of Sunday morning. The woman was accosted on her way her home from work along Penny Street at about 2.30am. Police have issued a description of the man who tore her
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Blast rocks hotel
A BLOWTORCH gas canister exploded at a Blackpool hotel, shattering windows and ripping out doors in the early hours of Sunday morning (August 17). Police are appealing for help after finding that bedding and clothes had been piled near the butane canister
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Coca Cola Cup: what rthe bosses thought
TUESDAY'S Coca-Cola Cup tie offered a dichotomy of styles and both managers defended their tactics. Crewe chief Dario Gradi was first to throw his hat into the ring. "We chose which path to go down some years ago and that is what our supporters expect
