Archive
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Dad's one of the lads
WITH packed lunch in hand and new cap proudly on his head, Andrew Ibbotson set off for school not wanting to be late on his first day. But as he walked down the street he had to put up with sniggers at his short trousers and Action Man sandwich box. For
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Brook tackle the champions
HOLCOMBE Brook Sports Club look to defy the odds once more tomorrow when they take on defending champions Edgbaston Priory in the National Club League Ladies Tennis Final. That the local team, winners of the inaugural 1993 competition, are in the showdown
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Young explorers
PIONEERING young pupils from Lytham St Annes High School are preparing for a summer holiday with a difference this year, as they get ready to explore and study far away shores. Alan Watson and Sarah Dodd are the intrepid adventurers who are to take part
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Letter:There are still other things to be looked at
IN despair at what went on during Blobbygate some local citizens have been trying to bring the facts to public attention. It has already been shown that councillors were misinformed about important financial information and that officers may have been
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Blank holiday!
A FREEZING cold day and an eventual meaningless game of cricket at Stanley Park on Monday (May 25) were just the ingredients to drive spectators away from watching Vaux Northern League cricket. Nothing could be done about the weather but the fare that
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Steady crawl for Lancaster
Kendal 7 Lancaster 9 water polo LANCASTER maintained their unbeaten run after a tough match at Kendal last weekend - despite being a man down. City lost Geoff Shingler after just two minutes with an eye injury. And it looked bad for the away team shortly
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Different class
THE difference in cricketing class between the Northern League and the Ribblesdale League was cruelly exposed in the first round Lancashire Cup tie at Broadwater on Sunday (May 24). Northern League Fleetwood completely overran Ribblesdale League opponents
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Hackett jailed for life
A MORECAMBE lorry driver has been jailed for life for the murder of his baby stepdaughter. Christopher Hackett was convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court of murdering 14 month old Hannah McKie at the end of a five day trial. The court heard that Hackett
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Beer cheer
BREWER Whitbread - whose brands include Boddingtons, Stella Artois and Heineken - has reported major growth in sales through off-licences and supermarkets. The firm, which brews many of its products at its Samlesbury site, said its sales in the sector
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The kiss of death
A DEATH knell sounded for St Annes when councillors decided against selling part of Ashton Gardens to Safeway. So say traders who would have been directly affected by the proposed development - as well as the supermarket chain itself which is now considering
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Slim-line Lynn out to woo Daniel
SPONSORED slimmer Lynn Dewse is a woman on a double mission. For Lynn is busy shedding the pounds to help her heart-throb Daniel O'Donnell raise £1 million for orphans in Romania but at the same time she's out to try and steal the heart of the Irish crooner
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The invoice that may be bogus...
BUSINESSES in East Lancashire are being warned to beware of bogus invoices. Hundreds of local firms are believed to have received letters from Swiss-based firm IT & T regarding an entry in a international fax number directory. The forms look like
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Cyclists race to a double
IT was a case of the old one-two for local cyclists at Birkenhead Park on Sunday - though in different races. Edmund Leary of St Helens CRC won a hot juvenile event while Billinge's Dave Hitchen grabbed a superb second spot in the feature event. Dave
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Hunt for polluters
AN investigation has been launched to trace how more than 1,000 gallons of septic tank waste polluted a brook in Hoddlesden. The Environment Agency received reports of smells in the area and further investigation revealed that a tributary of Waterside
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Health under the spotlight
THE health of people in Great Harwood is going under the microscope in a new survey. Health professionals from several agencies are joining forces to get the views of local people, health and social care professionals, GPs and voluntary agencies. The
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Co-op shops: Have your say
LEIGH shoppers are to have a say in how their Co-op runs its business. A meeting, open only to members, will take place on Monday, June 1, at 8pm in Leigh Library, Co-operative, which has two stores in the town centre, is giving people the chance to find
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Aldi eye Chapel Brow site
DISCOUNT supermarket giant Aldi is believed to be looking at a site off Chapel Brow, Leyland, next to a proposed new McDonald's drive-thru-revealed in the Citizen last week. Councillor Tom Hanson, South Ribble Borough Council's planning committee chairman
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Walk on the wonder wall
HIKER Gordon Pratt will soon be going on a walk for charity - along the Great Wall of China! For the intrepid hiker of Banbury Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, is jetting off this weekend to the Orient to get his first sight of one of the wonders of the world.
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Armed robbery in Ribbleton
POLICE are still searching for two masked raiders who robbed a Preston off licence at gunpoint. The men escaped from the Drinks Cabin, in New Hall Lane, with a substantial amount of cash. At around 10.25pm on Monday, May 25, a man, wearing a balaclava
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Two new colleges to head zone
TWO Leigh schools are to apply for college status as part of a new education action zone. Technology expertise will be developed at Westleigh High while Bedford High will concentrate on arts. The action zone will form partnerships in the community based
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Cortex: jobs safe and recruiting
EMPLOYEES at a Leyland firm have been told their jobs are safe - more than a month after their company ceased trading. Cortex Curtain Styling Company, which employs 90 people, has been bought by one of its main customers, Curtina Limited. Workers at Cortex
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Council war on noisy tenants
PRESTON Council's new housing chief has pledged to take a tough stance against anti-social tenants. Initial moves to be implemented by Councillor Ken Cole include re-examining the Introductory Tenancy Scheme which applies to the new tenants for the first
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The1648 Battle of Preston
WAR broke out at Hoghton Towers near Preston at the weekend. But it was just a re-enactment of Civil War skirmishes from 350 years ago when Scottish soldiers invaded the grounds of historic Hoghton Tower. Members of Sir Gilbert Hoghton's Companie of Foote
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Beware of bogus bills
BUSINESSES are being warned to be on the lookout for bogus invoices which have flooded into the area. The warning comes from Trading Standards officers after they received complaints from companies which have been faxed invoices from a Swizterland-based
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New music library is top note
LIBRARY services are striking the right note with customers, for the music library has undergone a major facelift and now occupies a prime position in the building. Situated on the ground floor of the Central Library in Blackburn, the unit is a state-of-the-art
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Moss Side residents eye future with confidence
RESIDENTS on a crime-ridden estate are looking to the past for inspiration in creating a brighter future for the community. The public-spirited locals, who live on the Moss Side district of Leyland, have come together to form The Eye and the Egg community
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Councillor puts the brakes on
NEWLY-elected councillor Mick Moulding is set to put the brakes on motorists who have formed rat-runs in Moor Park ward. The Liberal Democrat representative has been meeting with local residents and is determined to put a stop to the area's racers before
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2000 reasons for a new look
COUNCIL chiefs are being urged to give Leyland a new look for the new Millennium. Local councillor Tim Farron is pressing South Ribble Borough Council to use 2000 as a turning point for the town. So far, the council's Millennium plans consist of a register
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Helen just wants to have fun
COULD you give disabled youngsters a summer of fun? A children's charity is appealing for volunteers to escort them on day trips during their six-week holiday. The Barnados South Ribble Families Project, based in Lostock Hall, near Preston, is set to
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High and dry
NATURE-loving youngsters have been left high and dry after callous thieves wrecked their precious wildlife pond. And inspectors, due to visit the site tomorrow (Friday) as part of the Green Flag Award Scheme, will only see the damage left by the mindless
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An inside job
A PRESTON woman who falsely claimed more than £4,000 in benefits while working for the DSS has escaped a jail sentence. Rachel Clear, of Waterloo Terrace, Ashton, admitted 10 charges of obtaining benefit by deception when she appeared before Preston Crown
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Consistency is the key for Fogarty
CARL FOGARTY believes the World Superbike Championship is his for the taking but only if he can find a consistent streak. The Tockholes rider showed his erratic form again last week in Spain when he roared back from a disappointing ninth place in race
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Lynx away to a flying start
A CLASSIC this match wasn't, but if success is to be achieved at the end of the season this game will be remembered as the one where it all started, when Lancs Lynx beat Batley Bulldogs on their own turf 17 to 16. Playing at one of the smallest grounds
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Bottoms pinched!
A THIEF climbed into the back garden of a house and stole a pair of Adidas tracksuit bottoms from a washing line. The offender, aged 13-15, had short dark hair and wore a blue Adidas jacket. He escaped from St James' Gardens in Leyland on an old mountain
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Tip plan causes Village fury
VILLAGERS in Shuttleworth are furious about plans to turn a quarry into a tip. They fear the the tip, planned for the year 2000 at Fletcher Bank Quarry, will ruin their quality of life. At present the site, owned by Peel Investments Ltd, is being quarried
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An eye for fashion
OPTICIANS are warning that a new nightclub craze could be wrecking the eyesight of ravers in Preston. Clubbers, eager to maintain dancefloor chic, are wearing the latest 'designer contact lenses' which come in psychedelic patterns like cats' eyes and
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Preston put to flight while Leyland draw
PRESTON'S batsmen - apart from captain and professional Manoj Parekh - failed miserably against Darwen's substitute professional Corrie Jordaan when they lost Preston 109 to Darwen's 113-6. Put into bat, both openers were dismissed with only ten on the
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The best is yet to come
TONY PARKES believes the best is yet to come from striker Martin Dahlin who was a major disappointment last season. The Swedish striker has been plagued by injury since his £1.6 million move from AC Roma and managed just six league and cup goals in a
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Get on your bike - for Bike Week!
THE wheels are in motion to ensure keen cyclists in Bury enjoy the rides of their lives next week. The borough is again gearing itself up to join National Bike Week celebrations with a host of rides and competitions. The week is this year sponsored by
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Horse-lover hurt in freak accident
A WOMAN was injured in a freak accident when the horse she was leading along a road fell on to her after being frightened by traffic. Ann McNaul, 38, of Bridgefield Street, Hapton, suffered a lower back injury and was today "comfortable" in Burnley General
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War of words over club move
BOSSES of Bury's Bolton Road Sports Club have accused campaigners who oppose their move to a new home of "brainwashing, scaremongering and propaganda". They have hit out angrily at leaflets and posters spread around the Ainsworth Chase area by opponents
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Teenager's stabbing nightmare
A TEENAGER has told of an horrific attack in which he was chased by 10 men, cornered and had a knife plunged three inches into his side. Wayne Hoole, 19, of Furness Avenue, Blackburn, spent a week in hospital suffering from kidney damage caused by the
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FIVE YEARS AGO: Rail line threat
A POSSIBLE end to train services between Nelson and Colne was forecast by a British Rail boss. Lack of maintenance on the line meant a 20mph speed limit was put in place, the lowest viable speed according to rail chiefs. Although the line would be safe
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Cheers for volunteers
A CELEBRATION of all the hard work put in by volunteers takes place over the next few days. The achievements of thousands of local community-minded residents are being rewarded during National Volunteers Week. And many more people are needed to give a
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£1.2m per day profits gusher
WATER and electricity giant United Utilities today reported profits of more than £1.2 million a day. The firm said it was now better prepared to deal with the risk of a drought than in previous summers. And it insisted it was confident it could hang on
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Pay-out to victims of college pervert priest
THREE boys who were sexually assaulted by a priest at Stonyhurst College have received compensation from Catholic leaders. The teenagers were aged between 12 and 16 when they became victims of Jesuit teacher James Chaning-Pearce. The latest revelation
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'Dead garden' neighbours to help acid cloud probe
NEIGHBOURS in an acid cloud scare are to be interviewed in a major investigation into the leak from a nearby chemical factory. Residents complained of sore throats and stinging eyes, and some said their garden plants withered and died, after the incident
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Tree's death sentence
F BURNS (Letters, may 14) painted a clear picture of Blackburn, but who cares? Certainly not the council, or someone in the town hall would have twigged by now that we're not a happy lot. But even more disgusting than the subway, which can be cleaned
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GOLF: Kim's in the swing
KIM Rostron kept alive her chances of retaining the English Ladies Amateur Golf Championship after qualifying for today's matchplay stages. The Clitheroe golfer followed up her opening round 74 with a three-over-par 77 in yesterday's second qualifying
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GOLF: Haydn pace knocks Furey
PLEASINGTON professional Ged Furey goes into this afternoon's final round of the Mercedes Charity Classic at Catterick two shots off the pace - after blaming his putting for losing his overnight lead yesterday. Furey, who has struggled in his rookie season
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South African murder trial halted.
THE TRIAL of three men accused of murdering Burnley-born Stuart Gaskell has been dramatically halted after the judge stood down following a row over his refusal to give the victim's family an interpreter. Mr Justice G A Kuhn announced his decision to
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Wonder drug rings hollow
RECENT reports of new wonder cancer drug sound hollow as it is realised that animal experiments - in this case, mice, which suffer from different types of cancers and, of course, react differently to drugs - cannot be used to produce human reactions or
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CRICKET: Lancs League ponder Central merger
A MERGER between the Lancashire League and Central Lancashire League is looking a distinct possibility in the near future, writes PETER WHITE. And, following on from talks between the Northern League and Liverpool Competition about joining forces, such
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Freedom is a right
ONE of your readers, a woman with only one kidney, expressed concern (Letters, May 22) that if the water supply was fluoridated, she would never be able to cope with the amount of fluoride in the eight pints of liquid she has to drink every day. I would
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Let's have all the facts surrounding boy's death
THE TRAGEDY of the death of19-year-old Christopher Saunders is manifest in itself. Mentally a child, he hanged himself at Calderstones Hospital at Whalley where he was locked up more than 300 miles from his home and family in Devon. Why was he there?
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Fluoride 'damned'
REGARDING the campaign to put fluoride in drinking water, it must be pointed out that sodium fluoride, a by-product of the manufacture of aluminium (entirely different from the naturally-formed compound, calcium fluoride), has been known for a long time
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Glazebury fail
GLAZEBURY dominated their match at Moorfield - but they failed to grab the win they deserved. Batting first, Glazebury were all out for 171 - thanks mainly to opener Peter Calvert (54) and a great knock of 78 from Simon Green. In reply, Moorfield were
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Bid to beat millennium bug
WITH less than 300 working days to the next millennium, a St Helens-based IT specialist is offering companies a 'millennium-proof' test to discover if their computer systems are Year 2,000 compliant. Bob Haacke, managing director of Information System
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Atherton in a sweat
ATHERTON are living dangerously. They had a real scare before beating Heaton in the Abbot Ale National Knockout - their third scare on the trot! They scraped home by seven runs after having the Bolton League side on the ropes at 125-9 chasing a target
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Normandy veteran sends out SOS
A SECOND World War veteran who escaped from a prisoner of war camp in France, has sent out an urgent SOS. He wants to join up again with a long lost comrade who was injured at Normandy on D-Day. Francis Gleeson, who now lives in France, is searching for
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Curtain up on mayoral term
THE new Mayor of St Helens, Councillor David Craig, has officially been sworn into office at the traditional mayor-making ceremony at the Town Hall. After thanking family and friends for all their support, the new mayor declared: "I will give this year
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East Ward folk make their minds up
NEXT week is crunch-time for residents of East ward. A public meeting to work up plans to regenerate the area is being held on Thursday at the Geoffrey Kershaw Centre. Before that, there will be a three-day exhibition at the centre from Monday to Wednesday
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RL coach Latham quits
LEIGH coach Keith Latham has resigned. The shock followed two days of pleading by Hilton Park officials for him to stay on. Latham stood down after Sunday's 30-18 home defeat by Keighley. But his resignation was only confirmed on Tuesday after chairman
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ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD
Tale of the tail-less tiger THE school cleaning ladies thought they had a real-life tiger by the tail when they clocked-on with dusters, mops and brushes at the ready. Screams rang round the assembly hall until they realised that the magnificent beast
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Thieves cast shadow over village gala
TOTTINGTON's biggest village event of the year was marred by thieves. Organisers said Saturday's gala would have been the most successful if thieves had not stolen an £800 generator used to run the bar. Now the money raised at the event will go to replacing
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Martin's the face of the future
SUTTON High School pupil Martin Unsworth has swopped his school uniform for designer Versace clothes after being spotted by talent scouts for top fashion photographer David Simms. Martin, who plays rugby for Clock Face Recs under 16s, was playing golf
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Starbeat with DJ Darren Proctor
WELL that's it now, no more bank holidays until August - and wasn't this last weekend a miserable one? The Liverpool Show was great though - thanks for coming down if you did over the weekend - it was great to see you. Looking forward to Wednesday June
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Prize-winner scores a hit with a friend
RADCLIFFE man Fraser McCallam gave away England soccer match tickets when he realised he couldn't make it to the game himself. Mr McCallam (31) won a pair of £30 tickets for England's 0-0 drawn game against Saudi Arabia at Wembley at the weekend. He was
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ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD
John's a 'stickler' for tradition THE ancient art of walking-stick carving is in safe and skilful hands. Equipped only with a sharp knife, a few small nails and his own fertile imagination, John Lavin turns out brass-handled masterpieces, each of which
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Balloon race on for Romania
AROUND 700 balloons will light up the skies tomorrow (Saturday, May 30) as the Wagon and Horses pub in Birtle launch their appeal for Romania. Earlier this year the landlord of the pub, Mr Billy Caldwell and regular Mr Mark Taala were touched by the plight
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No man meant to mow!
SPORTS mad youngsters from Unsworth are unable to stop the grass from growing under their feet. Until last year children regularly played sports on a small area of land at Sunnybank Wood, preferring football and cricket past-times. However, this year
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Fire factory to be razed
A SHUT-DOWN Bury factory which has become a magnet for firebugs is to be demolished. The decision, taken by the former owners of Wilcox Drums, comes following the latest in a series of blazes at the derelict works in Park Road. On Tuesday night (May 26
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£12 million lost by poor
ALMOST one-in-three people in Bury live in poverty. That's the shock claim made by Bury Anti-Poverty Action Group based on benefits figures supplied by the Department of Social Security (DSS). And these statistics are set against a backdrop of unclaimed
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Carnival countdown commences
THE finishing touches are being put to the 30th Bury Carnival to be staged in the town on Sunday, June 7. Bury Ground at Castlecroft will again be the venue for the town's biggest social occasion on the calendar. For the second year in succession, there
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Haydock batsmen find their form
HAYDOCK suffered mixed fortunes at the weekend following a manpower crisis which threatens to undermine their early season form. There was good news for the firsts, however, as they took on Halsall in their Southport and District Premier Division Two
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Aussie storms the Golden Mile
PRUTOUR, the biggest international cycle race in Britain, finished a nail-biting third leg of its tour in Blackpool this week. Cheering onlookers lined the Golden Mile on Tuesday (May 26) to watch the more than 100 exhausted riders battle towards the
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Fun in Bury? You can bank on it!
BANK Holiday shoppers got much more than they bargained for at Bury's Mill Gate centre this week. Surprised customers were greeted by a free variety show which had been laid on for them. Attractions included the North Star Steel Band, the Robin Hood Wandering
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MP makes a meal of it
ST HELENS North MP Dave Watts will be supporting the Women's Royal Voluntary Services Volunteer Day on Friday, June 5. The National Day has been organised by the WRVS to highlight the work carried out by their volunteers over the last 20 years. Dave has
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Rainford clinch a thriller
RAINFORD' completed a remarkable victory over Tarleton on Saturday. Batting first, Rainford had skipper Ste Harrison to thank for the majority of their 191 total. His 96 contained a full range of strokes as the hapless Tarleton attack were despatched
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Police put brake on speed
POLICE in Newton-le-Willows are clamping down on speeding drivers who are putting the lives of pedestrians and cyclists at risk. A campaign aimed at dangerous and speeding drivers is being conducted in the area and already 77 motorists have been reported
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For art's sake
WORK by adults with learning difficulties, ranging from pottery to paintings and photographs, has been on display at the Heritage Centre, Lytham, for the past two weeks. Regular members of the Park View Day Centre proudly showed off the fruits of their
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Birkett blitz boosts Rainhill
RAINHILL'S two games over the Bank Holiday resulted in a brilliant victory against second-placed Runcorn and a hard-fought draw at Ainsdale. The victory over Runcorn was particularly memorable as Rainhill batting first, looked deep in trouble at 110-8
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It's a weight off their mind
AS part of Arthritis Care Week, three committee members from the St Helens branch will be taking part in a sponsored slim. Kathleen Eccleston, Bernie Murray and Margaret Ashby are hoping that by shedding pounds they can raise pounds for the charity which
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Simon saddles up for charity
SIMMO, a fun-loving Christian clown, is preparing for a 50-mile gruelling cycle ride to raise funds and awareness for a cancer charity. Simon Woodvine of Manchester Road, Blackpool has organised a wacky Clowning for Cancer Bike Ride which is to start
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Xanadu hold-up
GOVERNMENT officials in Manchester have put a holding order on the Xanadu snow dome planning application. The move now gives Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott more time to consider whether the scheme should go ahead without a public inquiry. "This is
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I'm staying put, says Howes
SAINTS' chief executive David Howes has denied he is leaving Knowsley Road to spearhead new Super League franchises at either Swansea, Cardiff or Gateshead. The speculation was fuelled by rumours that Howes was seeking clarification of the changing management
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Denis Whittle talks Rugby League with Saints coach Shaun McRae
OUR summit conference went well. That was Shaun McRae's reaction to a three-way meeting of minds that took place after last week's remarkable turn of events at Knowsley Road. WHITTLE: It is understood that you met incoming football operations manager
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ALAN WHALLEY'S WORLD
Ron solves sand-bucket puzzle THE overhead chain of moving sand-buckets, which once swung across Rainford Bypass, creaked to a halt around 1961. That little gem of info comes from Ron Parkin of Hard Lane, St Helens, in response to a recent query from
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Carers urged to check health
CARERS in the borough are being offered a free health check during National Carers Week (Monday, June 8 to Saturday, June 13). The St Helens and District Branch of the Carers National Association wants to help all carers, people who give practical or
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Heaven sent!
THE new Vicar of Holy Trinity, Bolton-le-Sands is to be the Rev Tom Maidment, who will move to Lancashire from London. He will be officially welcomed to his new parish of September 2. Tom is married to Christine and the couple have four sons aged between
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ROVERS: Rovers eye Saints star Davies
BLACKBURN Rovers could face stiff competition from Arsenal if they decide to move in on Southampton's young striking sensation Kevin Davies, writes PETER WHITE. Most of the speculation so far has centred on previous Ewood interest in the Dell's Norwegian
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CLARETS: Matthew rejects move to Oldham
BURNLEY midfielder Damian Matthew has rejected the chance of a move to Second Division rivals Oldham Athletic, writes PETE OLIVER. Matthew has also turned down an initial contract offer from the Clarets but hopes an improved deal will keep him at Turf
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Double delight is right on track!
A FATHER and daughter from Lancaster and Morecambe Athletics Club had a double success at the weekend. Malcom Vinnicome finished the Leeds Marathon in 3.20 while Helen ran in her first marathon and finished in 1.53. Meanwhile Mark Gardner from Lancaster
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Lancaster in the Hunte for wickets!
KENDAL 269 for 4 LANCASTER 181-5 LANCASTER had to be content with a losing draw at Shap Road. The home side scored 269 for 4 from their allotted 50 overs. Despite having wicket-keeper Jimmy Moyes run out for nought, runs came easily. Andrew Mawson and
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Garry gives talent a big chance
BRITAIN'S most famous - and perhaps most feared - TV critic is set to host a variety show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for two weeks this summer. Garry Bushell, infamous for his outspoken views in The Sun newspaper, will compere the Big Big Variety Show
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Table-topping Trinity next guests at Gigg
THE Lions return to Gigg Lane on Sunday (May 31) for their first home game in a month - and what a game! They welcome table-toppers Wakefield Trinity for a crunch clash which is sure to attract a bumper crowd. The pitch at Gigg, which was in awful shape
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Letter:Cruel wages system
MR QUEEN (Letters May 21) seems to be labouring under some serious misapprehensions about the introduction of the minimum wage. The wages system is a cruel and iniquitous one, and just offering to ensure that everyone is put-upon at the same rate does
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Letter:Counting the cost!
THROUGH your columns I would like to respond to Cllr Heath's call for a separate public inquiry into the Blobby issue. She continues to call for this without telling us what the cost would be. Barristers don't come cheap and it could be up to £500,000
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Letter:Is it one rule for one?
IF Cllr Ian Barker really believes that his obfuscation and mud-slinging, through the medium of the Citizen letters' pages can have the result that he so obviously desires then the only conclusion can be that he regards the citizens of the city as a bunch
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Free the spirit!
AN ambitious scheme to modernise a Heysham Church has been given a £6,000 grant from the council. The £260,000 renovation of St James' Church is nearing completion and the cash will go towards up grading the existing church building. Chairman of the committee
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Raising the stakes!
MORECAMBE could lose Frontierland if the City Council fails to put its 'tourism' cards on the table claims holiday supremo Geoffrey Thompson. The theme park boss says the future of the resort's main attraction hangs the balance while uncertainty surrounds
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Top marks for two schools
TWO Fylde primary schools have earned top marks after being visited by OFSTED inspectors. Stanley Junior School in Blackpool, where the youngsters have a key role in deciding many of the rules, was described as welcoming, orderly and with many strengths
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Lions devour Hawks
Hunslet Hawks 16 - Swinton Lions 20 THE Lions maintained their recent impressive form to defeat second-placed Hunslet in Sunday's sun-drenched fixture at the South Leeds Stadium. In what Swinton coach Les Holliday later described as a workmanlike performance
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Letter:The public has had enough
I RECENTLY attended a planning meeting at Morecambe Town Hall. I was pleased the committee deferred the proposed plans for the housing development of the Battersby Coach site, West End Road, in Morecambe. Before the deferral a number of issues were raised
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Brothers in awe!
OH BROTHER! That looks fun! Nicholas Bennett popped along to Tyldesley Little Theatre to watch brother Rufus in action - and was hooked. And next week 31-year-old Nick takes centre stage himself. He is making his debut in TLT's 'All In Good Time', the
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Burglars very busy in Darwen
RESIDENTS in London Terrace in Darwen are being warned to be on the lookout for burglars operating in the area after four break-ins in the past week. A number of terracotta garden tiles were stolen in one raid and houses on nearby Richmond Terrace, Newton
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Young and old have chance to beat crime
POLICE chief Malcolm Howells has called on older people to play their part in detecting crime. It follows a visit to Astley Luncheon Club, organised for many years by Mrs Joan Elsby. "As much as anyone else in the community, older people count in our
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Tense finish
BLACKPOOL dramatically held on for a draw in a tense finish to their Vaux Northern League Division One game at Morecambe on Saturday (May 23). Chasing Morecambe's 210-6, to which South African professional Stephen Pope contributed a magnificent 132, they
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Public talks on plans for store
A FULL public consultation will take place next month to inform residents of Sainsbury's plans to build a supermarket in Darwen. The supermarket giants submitted planning proposals to Blackburn with Darwen Council on May 20 for its new store to be built
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Tomb tours on offer!
TYLDESLEY'S Co-op Funeral Home is burying the taboos about funerals. The Prospect Street funeral business is to open its doors to the public. The move comes as part of a new initiative to give people an insight into the workings of the funeral business
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PoWs' silent tribute
JAPANESE prisoners of war remembered fallen comrades in a rain-sodden tribute at Leigh war memorial on Tuesday. They gathered as part of a protest against Emperor Akihito's visit to England. And among them was Tom Boardman from Milnes Avenue, Leigh, who
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Can you give helping hand?
THE Wigan and Leigh Volunteer Bureau is seeking helpers for a variety of posts throughout the borough. Current opportunities include: Volunteer shop treasurers and cashiers to work two to three hours each week for Oxfam. Social Services need aides to
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Warning after two water jet pistols explode
TRADING standards chiefs for Darwen are advising parents to be on the alert about a toy water pistol that could explode. The alert comes after faulty air pressure water guns blew up. They are worried that a child could be seriously injured. Trading standards
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Khalid's charity jamboree for Sudan
SPORTING Khalid Shakeel is organising a fortnight of charity fund raising to help the starving children of Sudan. The 16-years-old Astley St Mary's RC High School student and a group of friends will take part in sponsored push-ups, press-ups, five-a-side
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Going up in the world
A-SPIRE-ING steeplejacks are invited to take part in a mission at an Atherton church next week. St Michael and All Angels, Howe Bridge, is planning a sponsored steeple climb to raise funds for the church building appeal. Work to repair the spire, roof
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Brotherly love
EIGHTEEN-years-old leukaemia victim Steven Culshaw is depending on his blood brother for the gift of life. Next month he will undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant operation at the Christie Institute thanks to donor, David, 16 - an almost perfect
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LETTER:Help for pupils
BLACKBURN with Darwen education authority is committed to raising standards of achievement amongst pupils and students across the borough to give our residents the best opportunities for their future. As part of our commitment we have set up monthly surgeries
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Small fry outcry at Big Mac plans
FAST food outlets are urging South Ribble Council to refuse plans for a new McDonald's 'drive-thru' restaurant in Leyland. The town's takeaway owners want the council to turn down the burger giant's new branch - which, as the Citizen revealed last week
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Carnival capers
THOUSANDS of people took to the streets of Preston to celebrate the Bank Holiday in colourful Caribbean style. Despite the overcast weather, nothing could stop Deepdale marking the start of summer in the spirit of the Sunshine Islands with a carnival
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Preston's very own rose
PRESTON'S new mayor might be blooming but Rose Kinsella says there's no thorns in her side! And the town's first lady is about to blossom into Lancashire's finest Rose - that's if floral experts can breed a new one in her honour in time! The seed for
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Crash girl in heli row
A PRESTON girl faced a frantic half-hour ride to hospital after a helicopter ambulance was re-directed just six minutes away from the crash. Lisa Thomas, aged 18, from Fulwood, Preston, was rushed to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after her red Vauxhall
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LETTER:Police and racism
FROM time to time different police authorities have told us that the racist element in their forces is neither more or less than that which exists in society generally. This is not good enough. Their first responsibility is to administer the law which
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Aiming for a greener future
BURY people are being offered a chance to play their part in a green future. All are invited to a meeting of the borough's Environmental Forum next Tuesday (June 2) at the Met arts centre in Bury. Green economics will be the major topic of debate, and
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Hockey proves a big hit
OVER 250 pupils from 16 primary schools were last week given a day off lessons to compete in a hockey tournament at Preston College. Organised by students from the college's sports studies classes the kids all competed in different groups before moving
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Council plans to raise standards
GOVERNMENT officials have been to Blackburn to check out the council's ambitious plans to form an education action zone. Assessors from the Department for Education and Employment visited Queen's Park High where they were given a presentation. The council
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Steve's stamp on new look Lynx
ONE of the men behind Lancashire Lynx's current success is coach Steve Hampson. Steve is a one of the new men at Deepdale this season and is so far inflicting a positive feel to the camp. Working closely with Lynx manager Kevin Tamati, Steve works with
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Finnish touch to carer's town visit
BURY'S reputation for being at the forefront of developing services for carers has received international recognition. The borough welcomed Leena Laine from Finland who chose Bury for a study tour. Leena, from the Finnish Association of Carers, made a
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Stretching the memory
I FEEL it would be remiss of me not to reply to the letter sent in by Mr Leese in last week's Journal regarding Xanadu. It has been said many times that a week is a long time in politics, so I suppose trying to stretch certain people's memory beyond that
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Bats the way to do it says skipper
GERARD METCALF has sent out a battle cry to his batsmen to get among the runs and help Oswaltwistle overcome their early season jitters. The New Lane skipper says his under-achieving attack is the main reason why his side are currently languishing in
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Spoil-sport Council 'moving the goal-posts'
SPOIL-SPORT Bury Council has been accused of moving the goal posts when it comes to promoting soccer in the town. With children spending the past week on school holiday, youngsters have turned to recreation areas to master their football skills rather
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Town centre to kick off World Cup fun
WORLD Cup squad players were on the ball for the latest town centre promotion. The Blackburn Rovers hit-men Kevin Gallacher and Billy McKinlay and 'keeper Tim Flowers took time out from training to lend their support to the latest 'It's Happening' event
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Market plans anger traders
TRADERS on Bury's famous market have condemned major revamp plans as totally inadequate. Work on the £5 million refurbishment starts next month and should be completed by June next year. But despite two years of wrangling, stallholders say the project
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Chairman hopes lightning doesn't strike twice
CHAIRMAN Peter Barrett is hoping lightning doesn't strike twice as Accrington aim to rise from the foot of the table. Last year the Thorneyholme Road side lost professional Nathan Astle to county side Nottinghamshire - and now Mr Barrett fears the same
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Mum and dad soccer yobs
PARENTS are set to be BANNED from their own children's soccer games for violent and abusive behaviour. Over-zealous adults are said to be turning pitches into battlefields - slugging it out on the sidelines and ruining game after game for their offspring
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LETTER:Halaal meat: check your facts
NAME and address supplied' (Citizen, May 15) guesses that very few people in Britain understand what halaal meat is. He or she then proceeds to make it perfectly clear that in this respect he or she is himself/herself unfortunately even more ignorant
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Radcliffe takes its place in the art world
INTERNATIONAL artist Ulrich Ruckriem made an impassioned plea to the people of borough to look after his latest work - a massive sculpture installation at Outwood. The largest piece of the Irwell Sculpture Trail was officially "unveiled" this week at
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Tom Parker looks back on the World Cup of '34
THE world of politics played a major part in deciding the venue for the World Cup in 1934. Mussolini, the Italian dictator, decided that his government would pay all the World Cup expenses and, furthermore, provided an assortment of grounds throughout
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Be bright: stay safe in the sun
HEALTH bosses in Bury have issued a warning to sunbathers ahead of Sun Awareness Week. The message is simple: people who stay out in the sun too long run the risk of serious skin damage. A sun awareness pack has been produced by the Health Education Authority
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Europe will be tough on air pollution says MP
TOUGH new legal limits on air pollution are set to be introduced after a vote in the European Parliament. Euro MPs have voted to set legal limits on car fumes, dust, lead and other air pollutants across Europe. Mark Hendrick, MEP for Burnley, Pendle and
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Amnesty International's new branch on local site
HUMAN rights organisation Amnesty International has set up a new branch in Blackburn and Darwen. The group, which acts as a watchdog protecting individuals against injustice from governments, wants to hear from anybody who would like to join them. Members
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TEN YEARS AGO: Emigrating at 80
A DARWEN pensioner said there were only three things he would miss as he got ready to start a new life on Spain's Costa del Sol - at the age of 80! Bill Pilkington, of Alfred Street, Darwen, said he would miss the rain, the cold, and his favourite food
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Birthday box-office boom at movie multiplex
A BOX office boom in Burnley has seen more than 350,000 people flock to view movies in the first year of the Hollywood Park cinema complex. The £5.5 million flagship of the Apollo Leisure group has been an outstanding success and is now the blueprint
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Jobs fears over plan for minimum wage
JOBS in East Lancashire could be under threat if a minimum wage of £3.60 is set, a local business leader today warned. The figure proposed today by the Low Pay Commission has sparked an angry debate, with union leaders claiming it is far too low. But
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Marathon marvellous
SOME of your readers will have been among the 500 NSPCC runners who took part in the London Marathon on April 26. As the NSPCC's Marathon Patrol, I send my heartfelt thanks to all those who ran, jogged, walked and hobbled the course. It's a magnificent
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Relief on its way
NOW that increasing numbers of relief flights are getting through in southern Sudan, Save the Children, along with the other 15 members of the Disasters Emergency Committee, are now in a position to work flat-out to bring emergency relief to the 350,000
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Remarks 'personal'
IN two parish magazine articles about Freemasonry, I have sought to make a serious contribution to the present debate. I was disappointed therefore that Mr Norman Pickles, the press officer for East Lancashire's Freemasons, (Letters, May 15), should make
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Golborne's KO romp
GOLBORNE romped to an easy win in the Thwaites Lancashire Knockout. They hit 258-9 against Eccleston, winning by the handsome margin of 136 runs. Paul Robinson top scored with 74, Ewan McCray added 46, Graham Marston 42 and Andy Batterley 39 before they
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Catalogue giant chooses St Helens
EUROPE'S leading catalogue store chain Argos has chosen Haydock Cross industrial and distribution park as a base for a 29,352 sq ft distribution facility which will service its new home shopping pilot scheme in the Granada region. The owners of Haydock
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Tough and tumble
GOLBORNE are facing a stiff challenge for their Vimto Bolton Association crown. Already Elton look a formidable force at the top with 104 points, one ahead of Golborne who themselves lie one point ahead of Spring View. Atherton, however, are having a
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Riding festival's seventh heaven
A RECORD entry of 92 riders from all over the country made Saturday's seventh annual festival a glowing success for Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway. In the novices home rider Matthew Helme was second on 19 points after losing a run-off. Robert Black
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Caught cold at Keighley
LEIGH were caught cold for 20 miserable minutes on Sunday. The wretched spell, quickly after half-time, ended with Tim Street red-carded for the second time this season and Leigh staring at a 24-4 deficit. From being just two points down at 6-4, the mauling
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College boss gets national post
BURY College principal Helen Gilchrist has joined the board of a national further education body. Dr Gilchrist won the second highest number of votes in the poll to the national Association of Colleges (AoC). She is one of six college principals and chairmen
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That's a good sight better!
BRAVE little Peter Fisher is seeing the world in a whole new light after undergoing pioneering laser eye surgery on his left eye. At just 21 months old he is believed to be the youngest person in Britain to have a plastic lens inserted in both eyes. And
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Bury joins fight against super-centre
BURY is at the forefront of an anti-Dumplington campaign in a bid to keep its shoppers. It has joined a consortium of 27 North West towns which have united to promote town centre shopping. The move comes after a report that says Bury could be badly hit
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Beef back in Bury's schools
BRITISH beef could be making a come-back in Bury. Councillors in the borough are to be asked to consider whether or not they wish to change their current ban following a decision by 26 other authorities around the country to reinstated the home grown
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Wally Ashcroft's Wonder of Pets
CATS, in their natural environment, need to keep their teeth sharp and in good condition. They would struggle to exist if they were unable, both to kill their prey and to tear the flesh into managable portions. Domestic cats, fed on the soft diets we
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Anger and heartache as autistic man loses fight for his home
A PRESTWICH family is heartbroken after losing its fight to keep an autistic relative in a special home. Health and social services bosses have ordered Mr Gerard Dunn to be moved into community care. More than 600 people signed a petition calling for
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Council urged to act on danger tree
THE council is being urged to get to the root of a long-standing problem in Whitefield. Residents living close to the junction of Ringley Road and Ten Acre Drive believe a death will have to happen before a sycamore tree is removed from blocking motorists
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Have your say!
YOUNG and old alike are being urged to join in and enjoy Local Democracy Week. A range of events has been put together for next week to show people just how much is going on and how they make their voices heard. Some 2,000 residents chosen at random are
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Yickers in sevens heaven
HAYDOCK lifted the annual UGB seven-a-sides competition for the second time in four years, beating Haresfinch in the final. Earlier, the 10-team competition had been divided into two five-team qualifying competitions. Blackbrook topped Group A ahead of
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Blow for Sutton . . .
IT was a disappointing weekend for Sutton as the first eleven lost two games despite putting in battling performances. Sutton's batting was all at sea against Prescot and Odyssey, slumping to 99 all out with only Hodgson (21), Anders (24) and Martin Harvey
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70 extra jobs at computer company
COMPUTER giant Time today announced it was recruiting 70 new staff at its East Lancashire headquarters. The firm, which has grown from a one man business to employ more than 600 in 10 years, is taking on the extra staff at its Simonstone base. New recruits
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What a Mikado!
A DOUBLE bill of entertainment is promised when the stars of tomorrow present two productions in the same week. Performing arts students from Blackpool and the Fylde College are taking over the Grand Theatre from June 10-13 with performances of the Shakespeare
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Recs' tale of woe
ST HELENS Recs' first and second teams fell to defeat at the hands of Leigh on Saturday. Batting first the first team were reduced to 60-6 before an excellent rearguard action from Freeman (45), Potter (36) and Ford (36) enabled Recs to reach a respectable
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Striking a brass chord!
A CITIZEN reader has paid tribute to her favourite weekly newspaper for giving her husband a new direction in life. When Jon Arnold spotted a snippet in the paper about a brass band concert he went along and was hooked. Now the former singer, who had
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More Mill Gate mooted
BURY'S Mill Gate shopping centre is looking to expand even further. Company bosses have asked for planning permission to build an extra four shops after demolishing the Methodist Church and the rear of the former main Post Office in The Haymarket and
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St Helens win at a canter
ST HELENS CC romped to a comfortable victory over Colwyn Bay. They had first use of the wicket and a quickfire 50 in 48 minutes by Gareth Davies (61) supported by Phil Roughley (26) and Steve Kenny (24) was the mainstay of St Helens' 182-nine declared
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Shops plan for lift-off at airport
A MASSIVE retail park could be open on the Fylde Coast in the year 2000, creating 500 new jobs, if planning permission is granted. Developer Morbaine Limited is seeking approval from Fylde Borough Council for the 290,000 sq ft site on Blackpool Airport
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Be a park pioneer
A PIONEERING scheme will give Bury people a major say in how the town's public parks are run. Manchester Road Park in Bury is the testing ground for a complete review of municipal parks provision in the borough. The pilot project is part of a new "Best
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Sox let Saints off lightly
Halifax Blue Sox 16 Saints 10 WITH Super League only at round seven stage it is perhaps early days to suggest Saints' top-five chances are gone - but there was further evidence of that gloomy prospect on this first trip to the New Shay Stadium. For despite
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Old lady had arm twisted
A PENSIONER was attacked and robbed of her bag and money as she walked along a road in broad daylight. The 63-year-old woman turned off Knowsley Road into Douglas Street, Newtown, at about 2.30pm on Monday, May 25 and was walking past the entrance to
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True talent
JOHN Junkin has one of those faces ... even if the name doesn't ring any bells, lovers of classic comedy will definitely recognise the face. Comic greats he has worked with range from Tony Hancock to Tommy Cooper and if that hasn't jogged your memory,
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Race ace crashes into Ted's birthday treat
WHEN birthday boy Ted Spencer turned 80 he never expected to be spending his big day in the company of Formula One star David Coulthard. But that is exactly what happened when the Clock Face man travelled to the Monaco Motor Racing Grand Prix at the weekend
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Strokes of luck!
THE ancient art of Feng Shui has helped bring luck and prosperity to Blackpool artist Karen Kendall in the form of two prestigious awards. Karen entered the Artist and Young Artist of the Year competition through an arts magazine and won the Staedler
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Growing support for planned supermarket
THE fight for the right to have increased shopping facilities in Carnforth goes on for two women. Single mum Amanda Atkinson, 29, and Jackie Mackay, 41, have collected nearly 2,500 signatures from the people of Carnforth in support of a new Safeway supermarket
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Pretty as a picture
SOME of the area's beautiful villages have once again entered Lancashire's Best Kept Village award. The villages are: Arkholme, Aughton, Bolton-le-Sands, Brookhouse, Caton, Cockerham, Conder Green, Halton, Heysham, Nether Kellet, Over Kellet, Overton,
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Gimme shelter!
ELDERLY and infirm people at sheltered housing accommodation have waited since Christmas Eve to have damage to their property fixed by the city council. Residents at York House, Bowerham have suffered their privacy being invaded since their fence was
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Letter:Growing support
A THOUSAND new trees for the Millennium! Can I add my support to Mrs Drane's great idea for some trees for Morecambe Promenade (Citizen, May 21) and indeed the whole area. I've long held the view that the fine improvements to the prom, particularly the
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On the right track
ON YER bike! That's the cry at Lancaster train station where passengers are being urged to use pedal power in an exciting new scheme. Lancaster City Council, Virgin and Railtrack have joined together to provide safe storage for bikes at Lancaster station
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Final whistle for soccer mad youngsters
WORLD Cup fever may be in the air but football won't be coming home for one group of kids at Heysham's Douglas Park. A field used by generations of local youngsters to play football has been designated by the council as a 'ball free zone.' Parents and
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BRAMWELL SPEAKS OUT: I've lost my faith in Hod!
PLAY it again, Glenn, writes NEIL BRAMWELL THAT'S my advice to England coach Glenn Hoddle after his misadventure in Casablanca. For I am at a loss to understand what purpose last night's game against Morocco served. Look on our back page tonight and it
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Student poorly after disease strikes campus
A 20-YEAR-OLD American University Student has contracted meningitis - now emergency health measures are in place on campus in an attempt to contain the lethal disease. The young woman was today described as 'poorly but making good progress' with suspected
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Letter:Some people need the cover
I HAVE for many months read the letters page of the Citizen and found it interesting, controversial and entertaining. I have never written to you before. I am now writing because I am very concerned at the intolerant attitude of some of your correspondents
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Trees back on the agenda
RESIDENTS overlooking a Lancaster church are hoping the council will throw out a vicar's plans to have the churchyard trees chopped down. In February, residents were outraged by the felling off two mature sycamores at the rear of Christ Church and the
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Protesters question covert surveillance
AN impromptu street festival brought Lancaster's chaotic traffic system to a standstill on Saturday as revellers danced for two hours on the busy A6. More than 200 men, women and children joined the demonstration in Dalton Square in a bid to "reclaim
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Home to boost!
CHALLENGING times lie ahead for the man who will help boost Blackpool into the Millennium - project management expert Alan Cavill. The 38-year-old has come back to his roots and taken up a job as manager of the Blackpool Challenge Partnership, in charge
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Letter:Wheels keep on turning
I READ with much interest your front page article "cops get tough with speed demons" in last week's Citizen. While I applaud Superintendent Brear's initiative, I must admit to having some grave misgivings about the actions of the police. I write this
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Sheer wizardry
IF you're a sucker for the three-card-trick, you'll flip over Mystique. And if you shudder at the thought of the ultimate illusion going terribly wrong, then you'll simply tingle with nervous expectation. Mystique, running at the Horseshoe at the Pleasure
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Stan for Clarets?
THE uncertainty surrounding Stan Ternent's Gigg Lane future will come to an end within the next few days. The Bury boss continues to be linked with the vacant manager's post at Burnley, where interviews have been taking place all week. An announcement
