Archive
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Top Mark keeps his cool
LEIGH RU scored a couple of quickfire tries to take Fleetwood by storm. The first try was set up by Lawrence Brickland for Stephen Lee to score. Then, before anyone had chance to draw breath, Jim Bridge held a misjudged kick and swept in for the TD. Mark
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Today's the Day!
A look back at events in history on March 5 with Mike Badham 1133: Ginger-haired King Henry II, the first Plantagenet king, was born. His mum was Matilda, who spent the best part of 20 years fighting Stephen for the English throne. Henry grew up to be
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Sewer work delays warning
DRIVERS face traffic hold-ups when one of Blackburn's main roads is closed for essential work on sewerage systems. Revidge Road will be closed along a distance of 400 yards from Monday, March 15 until Sunday, March 28. The closure will begin at the junction
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Single currency call from Chaytor
BURY'S backbench MP David Chaytor is calling for a General Election next year so Britain can sign up to the Euro as soon as possible. He says the nation's industry could suffer badly the longer Britain delays the "inevitable" step of entering the single
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Stand-in docs cost health trust £830,000
A HEALTH trust has vowed to tighten up its rules on the use of stand-in medics after it was revealed that £830,000 was spent on employing locum doctors last year. An auditor's report has urged Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust to reduce
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Blackburn's dome for 2000...on the station
JACK Straw was today setting the clock ticking on a £5million rail station project which will give Blackburn its own dome for the new millennium. The Home Secretary and Blackburn MP removed the first screw from one of the two ornate station clocks which
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Protect whistleblowers
I HOPE it will not cause too much surprise that I am writing to express some sympathy with both the point made in Mr Beaman's letter and the editor's comment in response. The editor is right: whistleblowers' are entitled to protection - whether they work
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Working to help young disabled
BURY Employment Support and Training (BEST) has launched a new programme to help young people with disabilities into work. Funded by the European Social Fund and Bury Council, the scheme will support a dozen adults over the next 18 months. BEST will offer
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Pat prepared for Clarets backlash
Wigan Athletic v Burnley - Pete Oliver's big match verdict WIGAN defender Pat McGibbon is taking nothing for granted as the Latics bid to step up their promotion campaign against Burnley at Springfield Park tomorrow. The current fortunes of the two clubs
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Family trapped in deadly snow
A LUCKY-to-be-alive family have survived nearly a week trapped by a devastating avalanche in the Austrian Alps without heat, light and with very little food. Laurence Williamson, his daughter Catherine, 19, and son Andrew, 21, were trapped in a tiny village
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Court in the act!
I HAVE read with interest your two articles on incorrect council tax bills to the elderly. I would question the statement "they haven't broken the law". It is the duty of the city treasurer and city revenue officer to be as accurate as possible in all
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Ford poised for Clarets reprieve
MARK Ford is poised to step in from the cold to help Burnley's survival fight at play-off chasing Wigan tomorrow. Ford hasn't figured in the Clarets line-up since their win at Millwall six weeks ago. But with Stan Ternent's squad hit by a crippling list
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Relegation in focus as Ewood fans prepare to watch from the sidelines
JAMES Beattie could be the man to haunt his old team-mates in the Premiership relegation struggle tomorrow, if he succeeds where Blackburn Rovers failed against West Ham United. Ex-Rover Beattie looks likely to be recalled by Southampton if he recovers
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Disabled taken into account at bank
A DISABLED woman has finally cashed in after a four-year battle to have her bank fit a ramp for wheelchair users. And at one point, campaigning Mrs Gill Buckland even telephoned the top boss of the Royal Bank of Scotland at the its Edinburgh headquarters
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Four from four is the target now
FOUR wins from four games - that's the challenge Hoppers face if they want to win the league after a disappointing 15-7defeat by Kendal. A stirling first half performance against the wind had laid the foundation for victory, but the first 11 minutes of
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Events in East Lancashire tomorrow (Saturday, March 6th)
Dance Festival, Ardley Day Care Centre, Bent Street, Blackburn, 2pm-7pm. Women and Children in costume of famous females, Victoria Court, Shopping Centre, Blackburn, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dancing with MC's Stan and Olwyn,
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Bob 'coined' new coaching method
CRICKET coach Bob Cowley had a unique 'out of pocket' method for getting the best out of batsman and bowler. For during practise sessions, Bob, a teacher at Thatto Heath Council School, placed halfpennies on the two outer stumps and a penny on the middle
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Wider issue in GM food debate
There's been much debate concerning the safety of GM food and the focus has been on whether they're safe for human consumption, with Tony Blair saying he would not hesitate to eat them. I agree, they are probably totally safe to eat. However there is
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Pupils win trip of a lifetime
FOUR Tottington High pupils are to embark on a trip of a lifetime to set the scene for Bury's ambitious Millennium project. The girls found out this week that they will travel to Woodbury, USA, in the early summer. Together they will research and retrace
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Dog shaken like a rag doll
MY husband was taking our Yorkshire Terrier, Monty, for a walk on Tuesday, February 16, at about 10.30pm. Monty was on his lead as usual and when they got to the corner of Adelaide Avenue there were two young boys who had a vicious-looking dog which my
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Popular Bobby died in uniform
A BURY bobby died from a heart attack 20min after assisting in an arrest in Manchester city centre. Police Constable Robert Nathans had undergone three open-heart surgery operations for a hereditary arterial cholesterol condition. He was driving a troop-carrier
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Foaming facts from pubs of past
FACTS of the frothy kind come pouring from the pages of a literary labour of love produced by former college lecturer Brian Tarry. His 104-page book, entitled 'The Lost Pubs of St Helens', is essential reading for all elbow-benders with a sense of social
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A plan to arrest this malaise
Last week's correspondent A Moran (Citizen: Feb 28) is providing bad advice to the local public when he advocates not using the vote in the fast-approaching local council elections. However, I do agree that the power at the town hall rests with the leading
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Buyers hungry for T-time treats
CAR salesmen in Bury reported brisk business as new T-registered models hit the showrooms on Monday. But they admitted they were not moving as many as they would in August - a state of affairs brought about by new rules concerning sales. From this year
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Meet Mini Miss Preston
DOMINIQUE Olivia Harrison-Bentzen from Leyland has been selected to represent Preston in a National modelling competition. Dominique, seven, will be Mini Miss Preston after being selected from hundreds of entries from the area. She will attend the final
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Why penalise a good school?
I WAS delighted to read in the Star that St Mary's, Birchley had done so well in the recent league tables. This is due to dedicated staff and the interest of parents in their children's future. Councillor Doyle was quick to congratulate the school and
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Pending review is worrying
WITH local elections pending questions need to be asked following remarks by the council leader, Stan Henig, that: "All parties on Lancaster council agree that we will need a major structural review after the May elections," and that, "The agreed deadline
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Flatten first... think later
I WAS saddened to read of such artless bloodlust for destruction from A Smith (Citizen: Feb 28). He cites Kingsway, the Winter Gardens and the Midland Hotel as being "eyesores." What is it that hurts the eye about the Winter Gardens or Midland? Using
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Avoid this 'bash the smoker' day
ANY businesses planning to collude in the "bash the smoker" orgy, better known as No Smoking Day (March 10) would be advised to think again. Such attacks upon the rights of adult smokers are not only an unwarranted interference in people's private lives
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Calling green-fingers
GREEN fingers are fading from fashion. Gardeners shows were regular events in the local social diary but nowadays only Tyldesley Allotments Association stages competitions. But if you think you can grow the best cabbages in town or a leek that would take
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Why charge more for a 'half'?
MAY I ask the Licensed Victuallers Association to justify the increasing practice of charging an extra 5p when you order a half pint instead of a pint. For example, a pint costing £1.60 would be 85p for a half and for two halves £1.70, an increase of
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New start for Westleigh Ten
TEN Westleigh and Bedford High students, who faced leaving school without qualifications, have been given a new start. In a radical move they have started NVQ courses at Wigan and Leigh College. They will drop every subject apart from GCSE maths and English
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We turn into animals when we turn on foxes
I AM writing to you concerning the article about foxes getting trapped by vicious dogs and then clubbed to death by their owners for 'sport' (Citizen January 28). I am outraged by this. It is an inhumane, needless killing, which they call 'fun'. What
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Threat to legal 'safety net'
LEGAL support for poor and vulnerable people in Bury is under threat from government plans to reduce the number of law firms who can help people on Legal Aid. The Access to Justice Bill, which will start its House of Commons stages from early March, contains
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Building on Millennium Hall gets under way
BUILDING work on the new Millennium Hall, in Preston, started with a sod-cutting ceremony with local councillors. Project backers Commission for the New Towns (CNT) recently awarded the contract to build the hall, in Longsands Lane, to Fearnley Construction
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Councillors must tackle ALL issues
I THINK of myself as being someone who cares about the environment. As a member of Bury Council's Environmental Forum, I join with other volunteer members of the community in my particular interest - transport environment issues. How can Mr Dave Bentley
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Busway:10-month jam fear for traffic hot-spot
A JAM beating bus scheme could bring temporary road chaos. The A5082 between Astley and Tyldesley would be affected during extensive bridge works which would have to be carried out if the Leigh Busway project goes ahead. Locals fear months of turmoil
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Lofty advice
BALD blokes were kitted out with energy-saving woolly hats by Millenergy to emphasise the advantages of loft insulation. Just as the majority of human heat is lost through the head, most warmth in the home is lost through the roof - and insulation could
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We're winning the race
LANCASHIRE Police are at the 'cutting edge of progress' in race relations, according to a report by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary. The report, released this week, followed a second visit to 15 forces to investigate how they had fulfilled recommendations
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Council seeking reassurances from fire chiefs
SOUTH Ribble Borough Council is demanding to know what is being done to ensure the area's fire cover isn't put in jeopardy when Leyland's part-time firefighters are axed in April. Fire chiefs say the area will be adequately covered by a part-time fire
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Heart scare on holiday
A LONG-standing Leyland councillor is recovering at home after suffering from two suspected heart attacks while on holiday. Coun Marie Kirkham, aged 67, who has served the St Ambrose district for 16 years, was in Spain when it happened. She was rushed
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Secret deal for victim of rape
OWEN OYSTON threw in the towel this week and settled out of court the damages claim by the young fashion model he is now serving six years for raping. But, say his legal advisers, he hasn't given up the fight to clear his name. His solicitor-advocate
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MORE than £60,000 is to be pumped into South Ribble's small parks and playing fields after council
Instead of ploughing money into the area's bigger parks, such as Leyland's historic Worden Park, the cash will be used to revamp small playgrounds around the far-flung borough. Nine sites are likely to benefit from improvements, and councillors sitting
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Teenagers told: too young to be politicians
LOCAL Liberal Democrats say they are disappointed the Government has rejected a call by Preston Borough Council to consider lowering the age for would-be councillors. Last year there were angry scenes in the Town Hall as junior politicians demanded that
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Pound wins favour with Frau Gisela
SAVE the pound and dump the Euro - that is the battle cry being sounded by a German-born woman who lives in Leyland. Retired school caretaker Gisela Seed has pinned a national newspaper's 'No To Euro' campaign poster in the window of her sheltered accommodation
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Keep off the grass!
RESIDENTS in Moor Park have accused the council of double standards in their bid to make sure Preston's parks are not abused. Last month the borough council unveiled plans to introduce an events code of conduct for people planning projects in the town's
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Market boss sets out his stall
LEYLAND'S market traders have been told to expect great things in the future by their new manager. Alan Hartwell, of Market Initiatives Ltd, has been brought in by South Ribble Borough Council, which now runs the market, to help bring the prosperous times
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Forced to take sides
LIFE is all about making choices - and Preston schoolboy Andrew Lonergan certainly has a tough one to make before the proudest day of his life. The 15-year-old North End trainee, pictured, can't wait to play in the forthcoming England v Ireland schoolboy
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Clubbers mix sex pill cocktail
ANTI-impotence pill Viagra has moved out of the bedroom and onto the dancefloor as clubbers' bids to get the ultimate night out turn ever more deadly. Party-goers are paying as little as £12 for a Viagra pill, which they mix with more 'common' club drugs
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Nothing funny in this irony
THE IRONY is acute. The government which, quite rightly, was in high dudgeon over people being mis-sold private pensions is accused of doing the same itself over the State Earnings Related Pensions Scheme. Changes made by the Tories to SERPS in 1986,
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Let lottery ease strain on our NHS
THE LOSING battle the government is fighting on hospital waiting lists makes an eloquent case for the NHS urgently needing more doctors and nurses. It comes as a severe shock, therefore, to discover that it is getting rid of specialists who have cost
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SWIMMING: New coach Lee has stylish start
DARWEN Amateur Swimming Club have started off the season in grand style under the expert leadership of their new coach Lee Stringfellow. They had 100 per cent success in the first two matches of the Friendly League beating both Skipton and Burnley with
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CRICKET: Rawtenstall sign batsman
WESTERN Province batsman Lloyd Ferreira will be Rawtenstall's professional this summer, after they pipped North East club Hartlepool to his signature. A right-hand bat with a top first-class score of 116, 24-year-old Ferreira bowls left-arm medium pacer
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Newton Hall at a stroke!
IN the first event of the Lancashire Sub League swimming competition, defending champions Newton Hall Swimming Club, topped the charts in an exciting gala which was decided only on the last event. A strong Fleetwood team pushed Newton Hall all the way
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State should fund care
THE consultation the government has promised into the Royal Commission's recommendations on the cost of care of the elderly in nursing homes is long overdue. Taking most of their assets to meet the cost seems very harsh on hard-working folk, who probably
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BADMINTON: Rossendale League
DESPITE taking an unexpected point from Central, which might well have scuppered Central's title hopes, Blackford Bridge B failed to profit at Broadway B where they were on the receiving end of a 16-2 hammering. With fellow strugglers Transport A collecting
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NON LEAGUE SOCCER: Sargeson majors
A TEENAGE striker who failed to make it at Accrington Stanley could be set to burst into the big time. Scouts from a host of Football League clubs have been flocking to Dark Lane this season tracking the progress of Rossendale United's 17-year-old scoring
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No seats are safe
THERE are strong rumours that some of the Labour councillors who lost their seats last May in Hyndburn are searching for safe seats. But bearing in mind the public's disillusionment with their party's record, since they took control 13 years ago, making
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Taking the biscuit
WHEN it comes to taking care of our four legged friends, Anchorsholme Primary is the leader of the pack. Pupils beat off competition from 16 Blackpool schools to scoop this year's top title in the annual campaign for responsible dog owners, including
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Andy bolsters midfield strength
IN her weekly round-up of news from Blackpool FC, managing director Gill Bridge reflects on another 1-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Luton on Saturday (Feb 27). There's also a new signing to welcome, injuries and suspensions to deal with and the
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Reading brings so much pleasure
PETER McCARTHY, head of St Mary's RC High School, Blackpool writes: BOOKS are magic, books are wonderful. So I was told by Key Stage 1 pupils at St Kentigern's Primary School during their Year of Reading Week. I was delighted to have been invited by the
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Shopliflers shown the door
KNOWN shoplifters are to be drummed out of town centre stores in the latest drive to stamp out crime. Shop owners are to ban convicted shoplifters, pilferers and sneak thieves from entering their premises. The Blackpool Town Centre Forum and Blackpool
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Blues close in on promotion
Knutsford 0 St Helens 4 TWO more goals by league hot-shot Paul Horton secured St Helens Hockey Club's eighth straight league win leaving them within touching distance of promotion. But it took the Blues 20 minutes to get going when Horton fired home the
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Aqua mobility classes help those who suffer stress
NON-SWIMMERS are being given the chance to dip their toe in the water and gain confidence in special aqua mobility classes. The classes have been successfully run at the William Thompson Centre, Burnley, and fitness development officer Linda Searle is
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Shrimps strengthen squad
MORECAMBE manager Jim Harvey strengthened his squad this week signing left-back Craig Brown on loan from second division Macclesfield Town. Harvey watched the player play for the reserves on Friday night in the victory against Ashton United and was impressed
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Sherlock homes improvement!
CITY councillors this week approved a £2.3 million investment package for Council homes in the district. The lion's share of the cash, £815,000, will be spent in the Marsh estate in Castle ward with improvements to 106 properties including refurbishing
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David's ticket to gold
BLACKPOOL fencer David Heaton's bid for a gold medal at next year's Paralympics received a major boost this week. David, from Kincraig Place, Bispham, has been given a sponsorship grant by Barclaycard worth more than £2,000. The money will help to fund
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Mum in house switch shock
A MOTHER-of-two who wants to move to an area of Burnley with hundreds of empty council homes, was told by housing bosses: "Sorry - you don't qualify!" Susie Defrond, 25, wants to move from her present home in North Wales to be near her sisters on the
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Carnforth's second half fightback
Carnforth 19 Greengarth 5 THE elements played a strong role in this tie as a strong wind ensured that this was a game of two halves. Greengarth chose to use the wind to their advantage for the first 40 minutes and really took the game to Carnforth. However
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Heath blow cup rivals away
Thatto Heath 46 Park Amateurs 4 HEATH put on an impressive display to defeat a big Halifax side to reach the last 16 of the BARLA BNFL National Cup. The writing was on the wall for the Yorkshiremen after only three minutes when Heath's impressive full-back
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Cash injection heals waiting lists
BLACKPOOL'S Victoria Hospital is about to receive a massive £750,000 cash injection to go towards an additional operating theatre. The news, announced by Health Minister, John Denham, who outlined a £20 million investment programme from the Modernisation
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Ruskin reflect on what might have been
Ruskin Park 11 Wirral 28 NEVER has the need for a couple of big, mobile, ball winning forwards been more obvious than in this game. Devastated by cry-offs, due to injuries and work commitments, Ruskin were forced onto the defensive for most of the match
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The cream floats to the top
LANCASTER won the British Waterpolo Championsip at Walsall last weekend and finally gained the one national title that has eluded them in recent years. They saw off challenges from London Penguin, Bristol and Scottish champions Portabello in three spirited
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Two pounce for £120
TWO post office pickpockets bumped into a young woman in Blackpool on February 17 stealing her purse which contained £120 and milk tokens. The lunchtime crime took place in the Waterloo Road postal centre and the two thieves are described as white males
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Trying to trace a friend
CAN any Citizen readers help me find Pearl Cave Davidson? We were in nurses' training together at Davyhulme Park Hospital (now Trafford General), from 1950 to1955. At that time her home was in Thornton-Cleveleys and I believe her father had once been
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Suicide squad
IT WAS quite an unbelievable passing manoeuvre by the Seasiders against Luton which really determined who won the points at Kenilworth Road on Saturday (Feb 27). Martin Aldridge, stood by the area, passed the ball to Steve Bushell, who passed to Phil
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Saints pay the penalty
Leeds Rhinos 24 Saints 16 Report by DENIS WHITTLE HAMSTRUNG by indiscipline resulting in the concession of 12 points from penalties! One need look no further for a reason to explain Saints' exit from the Silk Cut Challenge Cup in this fifth round showdown
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In the nick of time!
PLANS to convert the former Pontin's Holiday Camp in Middleton into a temporary prison have been scrapped. Last week Prison Minister Lord Williams of Mostyn QC announced that the controversial plans for Middleton had been dropped in favour of a new site
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Help stop fur factory farming
ON March 5 a private members bill aimed at putting an end to fur factory farming in the UK will get its second reading in the House of Commons. Unfortunately, very few MP's are likely to attend that day and give it their support. I ask all Citizen readers
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Brook controversy
Blackbrook 14 Thornhill 16 TWO controversial decisions and the width of an upright, provided the drama in the dying minutes of a tough BNFL National Cup fourth round tie. The Dewsbury-based outfit were made to battle every inch of the way by a spirited
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Pilks' pride
PILKINGTON clinched a cup spot after a dramatic replay. They edged out Penlake after the sides had shared 11 goals in the Rainhill Junior League's under 15s Cup quarter-final. RESULTS Saturday Under 10s: Agrevo 1 Knowsley South 1, Blackbrook 5 Ravenehad
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The vultures gather!
PRESTON North End face a battle to hang on to super sub keeper David Lucas as the transfer deadline approaches. Liverpool, Manchester United and Wimbledon are all believed to be chasing the services on the England-U21 star, who has made a massive impression
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The star trekker!
HERE'S a message for the bosses of Blackpool's top venues - give Phil Walker his own summer season. So says Andrea Hodgson who is undoubtedly the Fylde comic's greatest fan. The 25-year-old has been a follower since he appeared in a talent show at the
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Setting the wheels in motion
EVERYONE has an opinion about Lancaster and Morecambe's transport chaos and this Saturday the public will get the chance to have their say. Lancaster Civic Society has teamed up with Transport 2000 to invite all local people to take part in a people's
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All or nothing for Town
St Helens Town 1 Vauxhall GM 2 North Western Trains Cup semi-final first leg THIS Saturday Town must go for broke if they wish to reach the final of the North Western Trains League challenge cup after last week's first-leg slip-up at Hoghton Road. A great
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Shining examples can be a nuisance
SIR, - ON reading the story Outing the louts (Citizen, Feb 25), I was amused about movement-sensitive lighting being advocated to prevent drunks urinating in doorways. A very good idea. However, I do find that many of these lights on ordinary homes are
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They think it's all over... it is now!
FOOTBALL fans throughout the district will be spluttering into their hot Bovril following the news that some schools in the area have blown the final whistle on the beautiful game being played in schoolyards during breaks. At least one secondary school
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'Winter' turned into spring at the Gardens
AS speculation mounts about the future of the Winter Gardens complex, the Citizen takes one of its regular trips down memory lane to look at the history of a building which is one of Blackpool's better known landmarks. In August 1875 a group of eight
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11th hour deal for factory?
WORKERS at a Lancaster factory facing closure are hoping for an eleventh-hour reprieve at a special meeting to be held today (Thursday). Management at Woodeaves Textile Plant on Caton Road are planning the meeting at which they will discuss an offer for
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Soccer: Carroll bows out with a blank
Eastwood Town 2, Radcliffe Boro 0 SCORING sensation Tony Carroll failed to make his mark on his farewell appearance for Radcliffe Boro as they crashed to another UniBond League defeat. The master marksman, who has scored 36 goals for the Stainton Park
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Rugby League: Hill debut is boost for struggling Lions
HOWARD Hill is back to bolster the injury-ravaged Swinton Lions team for this weekend's clash with Bramley at Gigg Lane. The second row forward is poised to make his full debut in the unfamiliar centre berth after recovering from a broken thumb suffered
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Shhhhhh - it's our Secret Garden
PUPILS at Leigh Central CP School are digging in for a brand new venture. They have started work on developing four green projects in the Windermere Road school grounds, beginning with a secret garden. The school has organised numerous fund raising ventures
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Drug addict lived in dog kennel
A LEIGH drug addict had sunk so low he was living unwashed, in a dog kennel when he committed a string of offences a Crown Court was told. Since then, there had been a major change in the life of Karl Pasquill, 23, of Maple Avenue, Lowton, his counsel
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Flying the flag
A FURNITURE firm is flying the flag for East Lancashire on a trade mission to Sweden. D'Urbeville Designs of Burnley is one of 17 firms taking part in the mission this work organised by the DTI under its export explorer initiative. The initiative aims
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Hot-shot Taylor is danger
PRESTON face a capacity crowd and a team on a high when they make the long journey down south to play Gillingham this weekend. The Gills, who are currently in the chasing pack for a play-off place, blasted five past Preston's local rivals Burnley at the
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Lost props turn up by magic
AN international magic show in Blackpool came within five minutes of being cancelled because of a luggage mix-up. Performers who had flown up from Heathrow for the 47th International Magic Gala Show last weekend were left without key props after British
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Help is at hand
IF you have a baby and worry about what you would do if the baby lost consciousness, help is at hand. The BICC Swimming and Lifesaving Club is holding a 'Save A Baby's Life Awareness Day' at Prescot Leisure Centre, Warrington Road, Prescot, on Saturday
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Jacko whacks a winner
WITH several key players missing through injury, North End did enough to take all three points to stay well on course for promotion in this 2-1 win. Preston started well, Andy Gray hit a powerful free kick into the wall of blue-shirted defenders as they
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Will they make a Stand?
FORMER pupils of a Whitefield school will decide soon what the future holds for their association. The Old Standians' Association is to hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, March 16, at Stand Cricket Club, Higher Lane. On the agenda will be the fate of
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Harry has his fingers crossed
WYRE's mayor elect is looking forward to taking up his new post - providing he is re-elected as a councillor! Conservative councillor Harry Taylor will be inaugurated as mayor for 1999-2000 on May 14, with his wife Frances as mayoress. But first there
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Here's looking at you, kid!
IT will certainly be "billy-o" down at Pimhole after Becky the nanny goat gave birth to three kids. Her delighted owner Stuart Andrews says it is very unusual for nannies to produce three offspring. Now, he is busy looking after the new arrivals along
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Connie's ambulance nightmare
AMBULANCE complaints are being investigated at the highest level. Leigh MP Lawrence Cunliffe has promised to look in to Constance Ball's five-hour nightmare. Mrs Ball, of Norley Road, Leigh wrote to The Journal about her ordeal after complaining to the
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Paul makes his mark with innovation
AEROSPACE engineer Paul Graham has won awards for his work - but not from his employer! Paul, a tooling manager, is based at British Aerospace at Samlesbury full time but is employed by one its suppliers, Technicut. And he has been involved in three projects
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Now sit up and listen
A SUPERFIT group of students are preparing to do a 24-hour "abathon" at St Helens College in aid of Alder Hey Children's Hospital. The 22 students, all studying for the Advanced Preparation for Uniformed Services, will do nothing but sit-ups from noon
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Hobson's choice for distraught children
MORE than 130 children in Morecambe and Heysham have been left distraught after being told that they cannot attend the secondary school of their choice. Anxious parents have formed an action committee to try and reverse the controversial decisions and
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Boy was pushed off bike
A TEENAGER had his bike stolen by a man who pushed him off balance outside a town centre shop in broad daylight. The 16-year-old victim was getting on the bike in Bridge Street, at about 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 2, when the man approached him from behind
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Blooming marvellous
ONE thousand colourful spring crocuses are demonstrating the borough's backing to beat a killer. Bury is one of nearly 300 councils to plant beds of crocus bulbs in support of the research charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer as part of its annual fund-raising
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Bye-bye bishop David
THE Bishop of Bolton has his sights set on retirement. The Rt Rev David Bonser (pictured) is preparing to step down from office at the end of this month. Following his official farewell ceremony at Manchester Cathedral, the bishop is now looking forward
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Tom re-lives horrors of Kuwait fight
GULF war Army medic Tom Ford wasn't prepared for the horrors he witnessed in the fight to free Kuwait. He still suffers nightmares, and has flashbacks and moodswings. Now Tom, who lives in Atherton, has been diagnosed as suffering from Post Traumatic
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Man hit in face after complaint
A MAN in his 50s who confronted a gang of youths making a row outside his home, suffered a bruised and swollen cheekbone after being hit in the face with a bottle. The incident happened at about 4.45pm on Friday, February 19, when the victim complained
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Link up to these courses!
BUSINESS Link Bolton and Bury has unveiled its programme of courses for local captains of industry. It includes a 13-week entrepreneur programme, including two residential weekends. The course is aimed at business owners/directors/managers and involves
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New hope for junkie haunt
A BLOT on the Sutton landscape is to be given a new lease of life - thanks to a generous donation by Barclays Bank and the Groundwork Trust. The old children's adventure playground in Gerrards Lane has fallen into disrepair in recent years, becoming an
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Money men on the Net
CHARTERED accountants in the Bury area now have their own section in a new, ground-breaking website. The website, devised by Manchester Society of Chartered Accountants, is aimed at uniting professionals working in the business and financial communities
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John's tragedy seen on TV
JOHN Callaghan, whose Gulf War veteran son John junior was found hanged in a Strangeways Prison cell in 1996, has appeared on the 'Close Up North' TV programme to tell of the despair and anguish his family have suffered since his son's death. John senior
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Buoyant: Workers pay price
STAFF at Nelson furniture firm Buoyant have dropped tribunal claims over lost wages as the price for saving their jobs. The future of 300 workers at Buoyant has been secured following a decision by rival group Wade Furniture to buy the company out of
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That really hurt says Tim
TIM STREET is backing Leigh to put their Challenge Cup heartbreak behind them - for the sake of the fans. Tough guy Street felt the pain of Sunday's late KO at Widnes as much as anybody. But his real concern was for his young players and growing army
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Profitable advice
A FIRM of chartered accountants is one of only 25 companies nationwide to become members of the Association of Profit Advisers. The Association, launched nationally by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, is committed to helping businesses understand
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Pay and dismay!
NURSES at Blackpool Victoria Hospital have almost £100 squeezed out of pay cheques every year in car parking fees. And it's all to make them use public transport despite the fact they work awkward shifts. Notorious parking problems caused the NHS Trust
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Back to school for study
RAINHILL High School will be holding a Study Day for parents, support assistants, teachers and governors, to look at practical ways of supporting children with learning difficulties in school. The event will take place at the school in Warrington Road
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Millward's old pal's axe
IAN MILLWARD could still help plot Widnes' exit from the Challenge Cup. The Leigh coach will help his old mate, Leeds coach Graham Murray, as the Yorkshire giants prepare for a quarter-final tie at Widnes. Murray admits to knowing little about the side
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Did you see knifeman?
POLICE in St Helens are appealing for witnesses after a knife-wielding robber threatened staff at an off-licence before escaping with the contents of the till. The robbery happened at about 7.35pm on Tuesday, February 23 at Huttons off-licence in Four
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MP walks tall
A CAMPAIGN by local MP David Chaytor to give tall people a better deal has reached the heights of television. The Bury North MP, who is 6ft 1in tall, was filmed in Parliament this week by Tyne Tees TV along with his assistant Jenny Holland (5ft 11in)
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Last-gasp heartbreak as Leigh tumble
IF there was any justice it would be Leigh lining up in the quarter-final for a 1971 Wembley repeat against Leeds. Instead Leigh's rollercoaster of emotions ended in tears as Widnes plundered a last-gasp Challenge Cup 20-17 win. Players and fans alike
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Firm's Formula 1 for success
A BURY textile company has taken the chequered flag to print the backdrop design for ITV's coverage of Formula One. And the coveted contract certainly puts Deluce Textiles well and truly in the picture - literally! For millions of TV viewers will be able
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Stallion dies after rescue
SKYE, an eight-year-old Arab horse who found himself at the centre of a major rescue operation this week, has died. The grey stallion had a suspected heart attack yesterday morning, three days after suffering concussion when he was found "cast" in his
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Canal dreams kept alive
NEW Government cash has fuelled hopes of restoring Manchester Bolton Bury Canal. The Government is putting in £24 million over three years so that British Waterways can tackle a huge backlog of repairs on the nation's 2,000 miles of canals and waterways
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Cleared caterer's gift is 'eggstra' special
THE Whitefield caterer acquitted in court has celebrated his "eggsoneration" in style. Friends presented a large chocolate egg to the Bury Old Road-based caterer Marc Cooper who was last week found not guilty of five food hygiene charges following a salmonella
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Chris runs for his life
A ST HELENS man is preparing to run the race of his life to help raise money for disabled youngsters - despite suffering from a potentially crippling condition himself. Greg Walsh (22) from Glover Street, is in training for the London Marathon which takes
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Last-gasp heartbreak as Leigh tumble
IF there was any justice it would be Leigh lining up in the quarter-final for a 1971 Wembley repeat against Leeds. Instead Leigh's rollercoaster of emotions ended in tears as Widnes plundered a last-gasp Challenge Cup 20-17 win. Players and fans alike
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Lifeboat charity celebrates birthday
DEDICATED fund-raisers for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution pushed out the boat this week. For yesterday, the RNLI celebrated its 175th anniversary. Each one of the 222 lifeboat stations nationwide marked the event with a variety of celebrations
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They're gonna Lord it in London
LEIGH'S pub cricketers are gearing up to play on the hallowed turf of Lord's. A team from the town's Pub League has been invited to appear in a prestigious six-a-side comp in May as a curtain-raiser to the World Cup. Delighted chairman Simon Chapman,
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Ask for the moon!
This week, Dave Ingram wants to see North End profit out of the sale of David Lucas if the suggestion that Wimbledon are about to swoop for him is true: If Wimbledon come in for Lucas I think we should be brazen about it and quote £4m plus for him, a
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Black magic as Christopher comes good
THIRTEEN years of training came good for Christopher Valentine. The 18-year-old assistant coach with the AJ Judo Club featured in five contests in grading at Middleton - and returned with the coveted black belt. At the same grading Daniel Winter, 16,
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Reward to nail raid gang
A £10,000 reward is being offered in a bid to catch thieves who stole "a substantial amount of cash" from a Tesco store in Cheshire after ram-raiding it in a car stolen in St Helens. The robbery took place at the store in Lostock Gralam, near Northwich
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New boys Phoenix play it fair
LEIGH'S newest roller hockey club reckon they are InLine for success. Launched last year, Leigh Street Elite InLine Hockey Club now has an U16s team - dubbed Leigh Phoenix - playing in the National Hockey InLine League at the Deeside Arena. Two early
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Husky set to storm Crufts
PROUD dog owner Amanda Clements is preparing to impress judges at Crufts with her stunning Siberian Husky. The 15-month-old pet has qualified for the prestigious competition in Birmingham and will appear in the junior section of his class on March 12.
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Golden double for Atherton youngsters
GOLDEN girls Hannah Foster and Heather Frederickson are again in the medals with Atherton SC. They swam to a total of five gold in the latest round of Central Lancashire Age Group Galas. Hannah, 15, hit two NQTs for gold in the 200 butterfly and 400 IM
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Alert on bogus roofers scam
OFFICERS at St Helens Council's Trading Standards department have issued a warning about bogus builders following complaints of expensive but shoddy workmanship. The warning comes after Collins Roofing, an established business based in Jackson Street,
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Tyldesley have the Edge in a struggle
TYLDESLEY RU made a hard job of beating Windermere 18-17 in an error-ridden and dour game at Well Street. Strong forward runs by Darren Edge and Ryan Grainey setting a good platform in the Cumbrian 22. But the first of many turnovers led to a shock try
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Athletic begin to Walk tall
LEIGH ATHLETIC won a tense and eventful match against Rivington. Gordon Walker scored the only goal. But Athletic lost goalkeeper Steve Hilton, sent off for handling outside the area, and Jimmy Evans and Darren Barclay did well as sub goalies. The previous
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Planning joy for saddlers
THE traditional craft of saddlemaking will continue at a remote farm after its owners were given planning permission to change the first floor of an outbuilding into a workshop, store and sales area. Pendle Council's Colne area committee was last night
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Miners stung as Hornets pinch it
LEIGH MR bowed out of the BNFL National Cup in heartbreaking fashion. They were stung 24-23 by Wath Brow Hornets, a drop goal after 100 minutes settling this pulsating tie. Miners were frustrated all afternoon by the Cumbrians strong running and the referee's
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Council backs firm's plans
A FACTORY extension that will create up to 75 jobs has been approved by councillors. Engineering firm Mal Tool, which supplies parts to the aircraft industry, was last night granted planning permission for the 3,485sq metre extension to its works in Cotton
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RMI miss their old flare
TWO wins in two matches have given Leigh RMI a timely lift. But don't shout too loud. Not just yet. On Saturday they won their first home league game since September; in midweek they beat a weakened Altrincham in the President's Cup replay. Astonishingly
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A SONG composed by pupils at a Pendle high school could win them the chance to perform 'live' in the
The spotlight has already fallen on the group of Year 9 students at West Craven High, Barnoldswick, filmed by the BBC yesterday. The six songsters are Andrew Gilmour, Gavin Horsfield, Gary Lancaster, James Robinson, Matthew Dickinson and Jonathan Rushton
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Deadline delight for school
A HIGH school has won its race against time to raise £30,000 in just six days to back up its bid for prestigious technology college status. Firms and organisations in Barnoldswick dug deep into their pockets in response to West Craven High's last-ditch
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Shopping and voting comes to Bury
"SHOP while you vote" is coming to Bury in a bid to bust election apathy. Tottington residents are to pioneer supermarket voting in May's municipal poll. For the first time in the borough, people will be able to choose their councillor while they get
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Ternent and players have heart to heart
IT'S GOOD to talk, somebody once said. And the Burnley management and players have put that theory to the test ahead of tomorrow's clash at play-off hopefuls Wigan Athletic. In the aftermath of last Saturday's drubbing by Gillingham, the Burnley squad
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145 earns cup place for Andy
PRESTON'S Andy Flintoff has been called up for England's cricket World Cup team, due to take place in this country during the summer. Flintoff, currently touring with the England A team in South Africa, will join the 15-man squad along with three other
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Burned body found in house
POLICE and fire chiefs are investigating the mystery death of a man whose badly burned body was found at a Blackburn house early today. The alarm was raised after a neighbour smelled smoke coming from the house in Queen's Park Road shortly before 5am.
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FA brush off for Broomes appeal
MARLON Broomes' appeal against his red card has been thrown out and the Blackburn Rovers defender will start a three-match ban with the game against Everton next Wednesday night. Rovers had hoped that referee Uriah Rennie would reconsider his verdict
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Town hall plans on hold
THE future of Whitefield's former Town Hall is again uncertain after development plans were put on hold. Proposals to extend the vacant Pinfold Lane building and create a residential care home have been deferred at the applicant's request after planning
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Schoolboy stars at Deepdale
DEEPDALE is set to be the venue for the latest schoolboy international next week. England's U15 side take on the Republic of Ireland at Deepdale, in front of the Sky TV cameras, as part of the Walkers' schoolboy friendly series. Included in the side will
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Christening party fracas - solicitor appeal
THREE men have appeared in court following a violent disturbance during a christening party at the Park Gates Hotel, Copster Green, two weeks ago. But a solicitor defending them successfully applied for reporting restrictions on the case to be lifted
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Travelling plan
I WAS intrigued last week by a notice stuck to a post on Quarry Road in the vicinity of the canal which informed anyone of a curious enough frame of mind to stop and read it that plans were afoot to develop the "old council officers on Nelson Street"
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Message from across The Pond
IT'S heartening to hear how this cobwebby column manages to spin itself around the world - thanks to the wonders of the Internet. Latest overseas response comes from Pam White, formerly of Newton-le-Willows, who now has a highly-successful career in international
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Thanks a lot
MAY I use your letters page to offer a hearfelt thank you to all those involved in the recent Samaritans recruitment campaign. The response was quite astonishing and we now have approximately 50 new volunteers in the process of training. Two years ago
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All Saints close hall
ALL Saints' church hall in Orrel Street, Bury, is to be sold, and several community and activity groups could be made homeless. But the Rev Jon Beddington, a non-stipendiary minister in All Saints' parish, has reassured organisers that venues will always
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No joke when someone dies!
RECENTLY I was driving in the Sutton area. In one of the side streets I was confronted with three boys who thought it was a huge joke to play 'chicken' in the traffic. If a child is knocked over it is always seen as the driver's fault, in my experience
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Jasper: Star of Pets Corner
THE little penguin who waddled his way into the hearts of countless kids was not alone when he arrived at the Sherdley Park Pets Corner about 30 years ago. For, according to Dennis Cunningham, whose late father combined the role of park gardener with
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Prison issue attitude
I HAD just read a letter in last week's Citizen asking for support for the Tories in the May council elections when I heard the good news that plans for a prison on the former Pontin's site had been scrapped. The last Conservative government proposed
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Come off it my friend!
SO our friend whose letter appeared in the Star (February 4) thinks that pensioners are of the opinion that they own the town? Perhaps some may think so, but the majority are not like that, only wishing to be treated with the courtesy which most of us
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Whole council shared this vision
In David Christley's letter about Crinkley Bottom (Citizen: February 11) the author directs a number of accusations against myself and others. Ever since the settlement with Unique there has been a flow of letters seeking to apportion blame for what happened
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600 pupils singalong!
THE uplifting sound of hundreds of children's voices reverberated around Bury's Castle Leisure Centre at the weekend. Around 600 pupils from 16 local primary schools took part in the second annual "Children of Bury Sing!" event. The two concerts, which
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Meet Mini Miss Preston
DOMINIQUE Olivia Harrison-Bentzen from Leyland has been selected to represent Preston in a National modelling competition. Dominique, seven, will be Mini Miss Preston after being selected from hundreds of entries from the area. She will attend the final
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Sadness of a solo mum
I HAVE never written to a newspaper before, but in this case I feel I have to, I feel so incensed. One Monday my daughter picked her nine-year-old son up from school, then called at the post office to collect her Child Benefit, which she had allowed to
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Midland needs friends
THE Midland Hotel hit the local press headlines for all the wrong reasons recently. If anybody out there is interested helping to establish or joining a 'Friends' group for the Midland perhaps the time is right as its future appears to be uncertain. Anyone
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Price rise is 'not our fault'
A BOROUGH councillor blasted police and county council chiefs during a meeting to set the council tax. Ribble Valley Council Tory leader Peter Redpath accused Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Police Authority of not being as financially careful
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Great relief
THE sense of relief for many people in the area that the Prison Service has decided not to utilize the site of the former holiday camp at Middleton, must be overwhelmingly great. Morecambe Neighbourhood Council along with other organisations spoke against
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Prison wins taste test...
CATERERS at HMP Garth in Leyland have been praised for their food hygiene practices and serving up healthier food to inmates by winning the 1999 Heartbeat Award. Councillor Mary Wilson, community services chairman, presented the award to catering staff
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Action on old sewers
THE Environment Agency this week welcomed news that the North West will be the site of the largest ever programme of water company investment. Environment Minister Michael Meacher outlined to water companies the obligations they will need between the
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Just leave well enough alone
BURY Metropolitan Borough officials are bemoaning not getting a share of Lottery money, specifically the £300,000 bid for by the ten Greater Manchester authorities. Assuming the figures are correct, Bury's share of that £300,000 would have been £30,000
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Hot stuff from BAE for shelter
THE Fox Street Community Centre is cooking up a treat for people living on the streets of Preston, thanks to British Aerospace's generosity. BAe has donated a cooker to the centre's soup kitchen, which feeds up to 50 people a night. Founded in 1989 the
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Lucky 43 wins fortune
HOUSE on 43 numbers brought a fortune to a 59 year-old Leigh grandad. The retired mining contract manager, who has two daughters, scooped the £109,000 jackpot on Saturday at a Leigh bingo hall. He will share the money with his sister with whom he was
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Agony and ecstasy
YOUNGSTERS from across Preston took part in the annual cross country race in Avenham Park last week. More than 25 schools took part in the primary school race, which involved the youngsters running around Avenham Park twice. Danielle McCann, from Roebuck
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Lottery scooter scoopers
A LEIGH voluntary group has scooped a national lottery jackpot. The Friends of Shopmobility have won a £4,658 grant which will be used to buy three new four-wheeled scooters - for Wigan's new Robin Park Sports complex. Leigh player Tim Street, will present
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Advertising in the Citizen paid off...
ON behalf of Save the Children, I would like to thank your staff for their assistance in arranging the advertisements in the Citizen, which highlighted our need for more volunteers to help keep our shop open in Cannon Street, Preston. I am very pleased
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More library hours and more books
DURING the last full council meeting I congratulated the library service on the fine results of a survey which had been conducted, and asked the chairman to investigate the possibility of increasing opening hours of Bury's libraries in general, giving
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Cos my feet's too big...
FASHIONABLE footwear isn't on the cards for one Preston schoolgirl. For 11-year-old Rebecca Shore-Robinson (pictured) from Hawthorn Crescent, Lea, has already outgrown adult shoes. She towers over other girls her age at 5ft 7ins and has size 11 feet.
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Green Chris sees red!
LEIGH'S Green leader is sueing the Labour Party in a libel claim. A writ has been filed at Manchester High Court claiming Leigh Green Party activist Chris Maile was libelled in a letter from Wigan Labour Party. It also alleges that Cllr Neil Turner, as
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While men pay for sex, women will sell it
I CAN only assume that, in encouraging and supporting the concept of women - or anyone - to continue their 'employment' in the sex industry (ie, prostitution), Councillor Albert Richardson has completely taken leave of his senses (Citizen, February 18
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Win tickets to the football event of the year
The Citizen and the Nationwide Building Society have joined forces to offer our readers the chance to win a family pass to the football event of the year. The BBC Match of the Day Live Event will take place from April 8 to 11 and the pass allows two adults
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Money in the bank!
PRESTON Council's committees are being told an extra £500,000 is being made available to spend, thanks to 'prudent money management over the past year. Councillor Ian Hall, finance sub-committee chairman, said a new culture of money management had descended
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One dog warden is not enough
I WRITE in response to the letter by Councillor Tom Sharratt (Citizen February 25) who says that I stated in my letter of February 18 that the pavements throughout the borough are fouled with dog dirt. I would like to inform Coun Sharratt that I said
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No need for M-way chaos
I, LIKE many others, got caught in the recent chaos caused by the road works at Junction 2 (Northbound) of the M66 and Rochdale Road. What is most annoying is that much of the inconvenience could have been avoided if a sign had been positioned prior to
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Win a weekend away in the Lakes
A LUXURY two night break for two at a remote hotel in some of the most beautiful surroundings England - that's what we are offering to one lucky Citizen reader. The Best Western Glenridding Hotel on the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District is the
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End of a political era...
ONE of Preston's political stalwarts is to stand down as the leader of his party. Councillor Joe Hood, CBE, has announced he does not intend to stand for re-election as the leader of Preston's Conservative Party after the group's AGM on March 15. His
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Donate Spen Moor to the people
I WRITE regarding the threat to the open space at Spen Moor (Bury Times, Feb 12). All is not necessarily lost! In the good old days Bury, and many other towns, benefited from the generosity of their wealthy residents. The Whitehead Clock Tower and Ainsworth
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Animal hospital go-ahead
PENWORTHAM is to get its own animal hospital after councillors backed plans for a huge vets practice in the town. White and Baxter's Veterinary Surgeons is moving from its existing premises in Pope Lane to a new site further up the road, which will include
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EU is a force for good
JIM Homewood (Your Letters, Feb 26) has found the right stick - but he has got hold of the wrong end! The transnational EU is the only agency that has a chance of making the (80 per cent US) transnational corporations toe the legal line. If the EU was
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Cyclists to be fined for breaking rules
CYCLISTS in Preston could face fixed penalty notices of £20 in a month-long police crackdown of rule-breakers. Local police will be clamping down on irresponsible cyclists throughout March, checking that they take note of traffic regulations. The campaign
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Duck is in deep water!
PRESTON North End's mascot, Deepdale Duck has been warned his wings will be clipped if he gets into more trouble with football officials. The duck, pictured, was side-lined during last weekend's clash with Oldham after trying to give one of the opposition
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Students' class act
A GOVERNMENT minister has branded pupils at a Preston school 'the brightest he has ever met'. George Foulkes, International Development Minister and MP for Ayrshire, made his comments about pupils at Frenchwood County Primary School when he visited Preston
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TEN YEARS AGO: Nightclub terror raid
RAIDERS doused a nightclub owner in petrol and threatened to burn him alive before fleeing with £1,300 from Kazy's Club in Darwen town centre. The gang wrecked the club, blocking sinks with paper towels before turning on taps to flood the club. They beat
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FIVE YEARS AGO: High rise blaze scare
HIGH rise residents fled to their balconies after a fireball ripped through an empty flat on the ninth floor of Griffin Court, Mill Hill, Blackburn. Vandals started the blaze. Firefighters criticised the block's design and said that if the fire had spread
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Council tax rise agreed
COUNCIL tax payments in South Ribble will rise by £65 from April, according to figures released this week. At a meeting of South Ribble Borough Council on Tuesday, councillors passed this year's budget, which will mean the owner of an average property
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Win tickets to see Rumors at the Charter Theatre
RUMOR has it - The Charity Players are the first drama group in Europe ever to stage the wonderful comedy Rumors, by America playwright, Neil Simon. As a Citizen-supported production, each week we will be giving five readers a chance to win pairs of tickets
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SOCCER: Stevie Wander!
SOCCER: Steve Elmer was the star of the show as Witton Wanderers won the Witton Winter League's Committee Cup. Elmer hit four goals with Andrew Gregson scoring the other as Wanderers beat Waterside 5-3 in the final. First round games in the Symonds Cup
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ICE HOCKEY: Hawks hang on in there
IT's make or break time for Blackburn Hawks in the race for the English Premier League title but player coach Bobby Haig is staying upbeat. Third place Hawks aim to keep fourth place Chelmsford at arms reach at home tomorrow (face off 6pm) while two points
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Answers wanted
I SEE from your article (LET, February 27) that Burnley Council has prudently set aside money for costs incurred by the "planned transfer" of its council houses to a local housing company. I was under the impression that tenants were to vote about the
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Keep the miners' memory sacred
A MAN who claims a proposed landfill site would desecrate the memory of miners killed in the town's biggest pit disaster, has taken his fight to the Prime Minister. Paul Dufficy, who lives in Lupin Drive, Haydock, directly opposite the site off Vista
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SOCCER: Barnoldswick United 2 Poulton Town 1
A DOUR match brightened only by two superb pieces of football and the non-stop running of Tom Boyd, produced an important win for the East Lancashire side and maintained their quest for silverware. The first of the purple patches came after 12 minutes
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Wider appeal
INITIATIVES by Blackpool and the Fylde College to widen participation in further education and training have been praised at Westminster. The College's winter training initiative for seasonal workers, its Integra project designed to give key skills in
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Small-sided soccer update
IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes small-sided soccer league The Untouchables stay in the lead after a 10-0 win against Horsemans Hill. Sporting QCS stay in second place after they beat Coop Late Shop 2-0. Team Macprint are in third after a 1-0 win over
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Straw's actions erode democracy
IT is well accepted - or, at least, it was before this "no-fault" government came to power - that the buck stops with the boss. The head of the Metropolitan Police had to carry the can for his minions' mistakes. Then, why not Jack Straw? Had he read the
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Tinsley on strike hunt
LANCASTER City manager Alan Tinsley is scouring the Unibond league to find a temporary striker until the end of the season after losing new signing Kevin Barnes to Blackpool. Meanwhile Mr Tinsley was philosophical about losing the striker: "We always
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Nick leaves Knowsley Road
ALLIANCE coach Nick Halafihi parted company with Saints on Tuesday and will be replaced by John Myler. Said chairman Howard Morris: "Nick left by mutual consent and we would like to play tribute to him for his work." Converted for the new archive on 14
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Fylde power to final showdown
CHAMPIONS Fylde RUFC booked return ticket to the Lancashire Cup final with a hugely impressive 65-5 win over a well-fancied Orrell side at Edge Hall Road on Sunday (Feb 28). This was a match which will be remembered for the outstanding teamwork which
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Windfarms set up for subsidies
REGARDING 'Windfarms are welcome' (Letters, February 19) opinion is divided upon the alleged benefits of so-called 'wind-farms' which are not farms, but industrial developments. Evidence shows a huge public opinion against windfarms, resulting in a great
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Morecambe boys aim for the stars
FOOTBALL daft primary school boys from Morecambe are gearing up for their big match on Saturday. Morecambe primary school boys, reformed just a few months ago, and are playing in the cup semi-final against Skelmersdale. Already the boys have been accepted
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Lions are tamed
Culcheth Eagles 32 UGB Lions 12 TOP-of-the-table Culcheth proved too strong for the valiant Lions. The home side raced into a 12-point lead with two well taken tries and two conversions by Eagles stand off. UGB could and should have pulled level but the
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Lucky 13 for Marton Institute
MARTON Institute secured their 13th successive victory of the season when convincingly beating Seasiders A by 10-0 and currently head of the Premier Division of the Lytham St Annes and District Table Tennis League by 14 points from St Annes YMCA A, who
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Garswood goal bonanza
Styal FC 1 Garswood United 13 GARSWOOD were far too strong for their Division Two opponents in this Presidents Cup tie. Six goals from striker Andy Flood put the result beyond doubt as Garswood ran riot in the second half. Further goals came from Carl
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Lune make hard work of it
VALE of Lune made hard work of this tie after a great performance in the early period of this game. Alnwick's late onslaught was not enough in the end as Vale held on to collect the points. Anthony Cadman converted after Chris Harrison scored a well crafted
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Bold nearly there!
Haresfinch nil Bold Miners 52 BOLD produced another convincing performance to take them just one more win away from promotion. Haresfinch battled bravely throughout but had no answer to the Miners fast flowing rugby. Gareth Hill scored a hat-trick of
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Sign should be of the times
HAVING just read about Cllr John Lea's proposal for boundary signs, surely the sign should show cheap and cheerful supermarkets, a drunk or drug addict, a view of wasteland where industry once was, and a motor car or bus. This would be a more accurate
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Clock surge ahead
Latchford A 8 Clock Face Miners 16 A WEAKENED Clock Face were still too strong for basement club Latchford, as they continued their push for promotion. Clock's defence, well led by John Hayhurst, Gary Devine, and Graham Leadbetter, restricted Latchford
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Sporting challenge
PUPILS past and present descended on Baines School in Poulton to take part in a six-a-side football tournament. Ex-pupils came from as far afield as London and Wrexham to take part in the competition, held on the school's all-weather pitch. Six teams
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Five reason why busway is a poor idea
WITH reference to the proposed Leigh - Manchester guided busway, this a poor option for several reasons. 1. The only people to benefit will be those who live near a bus stop on the route. Others not on the route eg. the whole of Astley, will have to take
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Heart attack victim saved 24 times
A 'MIRACLE patient' was one of the first to reap the benefits of Preston Royal Hospital's new coronary care unit. Hugh Astley Simpson, pictured, needed 24 electric shocks to re-start his heart compared to the two or three needed by most heart attack victims
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Michael puts rivals to the sword
MICHAEL Thompson is a young man with a point to prove. He's off to Glasgow this Saturday in a bid to clinch a place in a national fencing squad. The 18-year-old Rainhill High School pupil has been fencing for only two years. But this weekend he'll be
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Town hall uproar over 'racist' slur
COUNCILLORS clashed as Burnley's budget debate descended into a "racist" row. Finance chairman Peter Kenyon slammed critic Harry Brooks who said the people of Burnley did not want to spend on an expensive "Labour propaganda" public relations set-up, or
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Now's your chance for the Youth Games
YOUNGSTERS in the area, are you any good at sport? Do you fancy your chances at the International Youth Games in Aalborg in Denmark. Lancaster and Morecambe & District Sports Council want you to contact them if you fancy your chances for trials. You
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Fall in for Sean's rugby challenge
GIVE us a game! That's the plea from former professional Rugby League player, Sean Fanning, who is aiming to stage a charity match in the town on Sunday, March 28. Sean, a lance corporal in the army based at Gosport, Hampshire, is one of the organisers
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Sort out real issues
I HAVE never felt compelled to voice my feelings in a local paper before, however, having read the articles over the last couple of weeks, regarding Cllr Lea's town signs, I felt I must put pen to paper. In an article on February 11 it was stated that
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MP's meeting on GM foods
LANCASTER'S MP Hilton Dawson has organised a special meeting for local residents concerned about the possible effects of GM food. A GM Food information sharing evening will be held at Garstang High School on March 14 at 7.30pm. The MP said: "I know there
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Big drop looms for LSH
Liverpool St Helens 12 Otley 16 LSH slid nearer to relegation after this home defeat by Otley. Two very evenly matched sides produced an exciting game which was in the balance throughout. Otley opened with two penalties for off-side before forward pressure
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Minister to hang fire on decision
LANCASTER'S threatened retained fire fighters hailed their meeting with junior government minister George Howarth a success this week. The minister reckoned he could give no indication whatsoever of when he will make his final decision - but he did promise
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Haydock turn it on
Simms Cross 8 Haydock 20 HAYDOCK maintained their Premier League title challenge with a great win at Widnes. They were soon on the attack with strong runs from Pearson, Bloor and Lowe, but Simmies held out. A good break by Lowe saw him send Bloor through
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Owen settles out of court
OWEN OYSTON threw in the towel this week and settled out of court the damages claim by the young fashion model he is now serving six years for raping. But, say his legal advisers, he hasn't given up the fight to clear his name. His solicitor-advocate
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West Park keep their hopes alive
Vagabonds (IOM) 14 West Park 24 THIS hard-earned win, along with second-placed Aldwinians' defeat at Penrith gives West Park a glimmer of hope of promotion. Using the strengthening wind at their backs, Park were soon 12 points up with tries by winger
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War on exploiters
EMPLOYERS who exploit vulnerable young workers under the age of 16 are warning they face fines or prison as part of a council clampdown. With the holiday season approaching, and hence the number of school-age children taking part-time jobs increasing,
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Rangers' romp
RAINFORD Rangers romped to a super cup success. They beat Haydock 5-0 in the St Helens McDonald's JOL under 16s Dawson Cup. Meanwhile, Whiston Juniors held on to top spot in the under 16s section by winning by the odd goal in five against St Annes. RESULTS
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Parking purge
MOTORISTS who cause dangerous and expensive damage by parking on pavements will find themselves on the wrong side of the law, following the launch of a new safety drive in Blackpool. Council highways chiefs and the police have issued a joint warning for
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Where do we sign up?
Impresario says hoarding space deal is unfair LOCAL entertainment promoters claim a council monopoly on publicity billboards across the district is giving the authority an unfair advantage. Dozens of signs on lampposts and banners at key locations currently
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Concert boost for hospital
AFTER suffering a heart attack last August, I had a triple by-pass operation followed by a three-week stay in Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The treatment and care I received was without doubt first-class. Following this, I attended a five-week rehabilitation
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My kind of town
ANDY Prior and his big band are set to do it their way in Lytham for the final dates of a Magic of Sinatra UK tour - and he can't wait to be back. Andy, currently in Cork, will be playing classics like Luck Be A Lady Tonight and New York, New York at
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Anchor hang on
FOR over 80 minutes it looked like St Helens Star Premier Division outfit The Anchor were going to relinquish their hold on the Liverpool CFA Intermediate Cup. They were a goal down after 40 minutes against Liverpool side Dog and Gun at Bishop Road but
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Trailer worth £15,000 is taken
A 40FT trailer, valued at £15,000 was stolen from Lowfield Lane industrial estate, Lea Green, between 4.30 and 7pm on Monday, February 22. The stolen trailer has red and white, curtain-sides with Danesbury Freight Ltd written on both sides. Anyone with
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Red Nose funsters
LEIGH is gearing up for Comic Relief. Funsters galore are well ahead with organising their money raising antics for Red Nose day (March 12). Two Atherton 12-year-olds Maria Stansfield and Leanne Phoenix are planning an eight hours non-stop sports day
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Firing blanks
Bishop Auckland 1 Lancaster City 1 LANCASTER City fans must be wondering where the goals are going to come from after goal machine Peter Thomson's supposed replacement left for Blackpool this week. They certainly could have used some extra firepower last
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Washer burst into flames
FIREFIGHTERS attended a fire at The Brookes in Scafell Road, Moss Bank, which started after a washer/drier burst into flames at about 11.30am on Monday, March 1. A 52-year-old woman was taken to Whiston Hospital suffering from the effects of smoke. The
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Black pudding grounded
WINTER gales have grounded Bury's flying black pudding. The 20ft balloon publicising the town's famous market has been put into storage until fairer weather breaks. The balloon, launched in November, flew over the market hall to advertise the £5 million
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Shame of the empty homes
EMPTY council houses have helped put Hyndburn towards the top of a national league of shame for housing departments. And the number of vacant properties in the borough has increased since the statistics were gathered last year, according to housing chiefs
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Calling our old school chums
IF you are aged 40 or 41 and started at Rainford High School during September, 1969, you're invited to a party! Three former pupils are organising a reunion 'bash' to catch up with old friends and anyone who started at the above date and left either in
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D-day for sisters' Euro song
SUNDAY is the day when two sisters could be reaching for the stars. For Nikki and Mandi Jackson, singing as Sister Sway, will face the final hurdle to an appearance on the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel. Millions of viewers and listeners have already
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Six take a bite of the Big Apple
SIX Christmas card workers got a dream present today when they were whisked away from Altham to spend a weekend in New York. The workers at Hambledon Studios had entered a competition staged by a radio station offering offices in the region the chance
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Rugby Union: Sedgley hit New Brighton rock
Sedgley Park 20, New Brighton 28 PRIOR to this match, New Brighton had conceded fewer than 10 points per game. That Sedgley could score double that was a bonus but, not good enough to take the league points. New Brighton are a big, powerful immovable
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Network plea for surplus goods
ST HELENS-based national charity, the Disability Advice and Welfare Network is appealing for any surplus office equipment. They would particularly welcome printers (not dot matrix), external modems 56k minimum, flat-bed scanners, or fax/answer machines
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Tried and tested
STAFF training at Holy Cross College has been recognised by an Investors in People award. It is the culmination of two years' work to boost skills and professional expertise and improve the service to students. MP David Chaytor presented the award to
