Archive
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Dazzling Danny to the four!
LEIGH ATHLETIC striker Danny Wilson produced a dazzling display, hitting four goals in a 5-1 rout of Mostonians. His first two bullet dearers into the net were quickly followed by a sure-foot strike; he then had a goal disallowed after flattening the
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Can you help?
Ms Dawn Webber would like to contact her old friend Fred Hall, from Bury. Fred's mother's name is Annie Hall. He used to live in Wrekenton near Gateshead, above the newsagent's. Writes Dawn: Then he came to live with us and another friend, George Coxton
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Ex-pupils plan class reunion
THE Class of 1978 from what was Unsworth Comprehensive School are holding a 21st anniversary reunion. The event, for all those who attended the school from September 1973 to summer 1978, will be held on May 28. It's a chance to catch up with old classmates
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Building a better future
TO build, or not to build? That is the question for town hall leaders faced with the task of creating a renaissance in Bury. Council planners are drawing up an urban regeneration strategy to meet the borough's future housing needs. It is the biggest challenge
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Drugs death sparks fury
THE suspected drug overdose of a young dad on Good Friday has sent shockwaves through a Leyland community. Mark Gillibrand, aged 20, was found dead in Oakfield Drive, Moss Side. He has a two-and-half-year-old daughter. Marcella Adam, who has lived in
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Health help on line
A NEW service set to revolutionise local health care is up and running. The 24-hour confidential helpline, manned by nurses, offers advice and support on any health matter. NHS Direct Greater Manchester was set up following the success of three pilot
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Brass hopes for all-clear
CHRIS Brass is hoping to get the all-clear to feature in the latest instalment of Burnley's relegation drama at Oldham Athletic tomorrow. Brass ended up in hospital with mild concussion following a clash of heads in the Clarets 3-1 win over Colchester
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Meanest horse thief in the West!
HEAD for the hills - there are rustlers in St Annes. The stark discovery was made by David Aspin when his prized horse, who at just a few weeks old hasn't even been named yet, was stolen from Back Glen Eldon Road. And its stable mate, affectionately dubbed
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Thanks for all the publicity!
ON behalf of the Leisure and Tourism department at Carmel College we would like to say a big thank you for the support and publicity you gave our disco. The night went very well - it was beneficial for all involved. We have estimated that we raised £900
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Anglers angry over gates
I FEEL I must write on behalf of St Helens Angling Association. A few weeks ago I received a letter from the council informing us that they intended to erect some gates across the entrance to the St Helens Canal at the Todd Road End. I arranged a site
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Fur flies over cat shelter!
AS soon as I read your article Fur Flies Over Cat Centre it compelled me to write in reply I was that angry. I cannot believe these people are against a "rescue" shelter, of all things, when we claim to be a nation of animal lovers. Small minded people
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Time to have our say
LOCAL elections will be on us soon. A chance to have our say, whatever that means, but what a way to provide a local service provider. If we were buying insurance or banking services or gas or electricity we wouldn't tolerate such an archaic procedure
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Shading pale green!
I AM sorry to disappoint your correspondent R Clarke, but I have every intention of responding to Emily Heath and Tom Pinkney (Citizen letters: March 24). They ask people to recall the meeting in the Unitarian Church in November 1997 about the Lancaster
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Cash for schools
A PRESTON school is to receive £7,400 to help improve access for the disabled. Blessed Sacrament RC School is the first in the area to benefit from a hand-out of £2.9 million for the North West by education and employment secretary David Blunkett. Announcing
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Alert over drugs money
LANCASHIRE traders handling large amounts of cash are being warned to be alert to the growing problem of money laundering. Preston-based Ian Cherry of the North West Society of Chartered Accountants specialises in forensic work and said that there is
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John joins the pudding club!
BLACK puddings are in for a boost in Bury - with a Leigh flavour. Ex-town centres manager John Ayres, who left his Leigh-based post when his contract expired last month, has been appointed markets manager at Bury. "I'm looking forward to it and the higher
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They're always professional
I RECENTLY underwent an operation in Bury General Hospital. It isn't until you lie in a hospital bed that you realise just how hard the staff have to work. Their patients aren't always reasonable and some can be extremely demanding. But whether it is
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Xanadu brings new college plan
NEW Leigh College blueprints have gone before planners. Applicants Brook House and Xanadu project leaders Greenbank Partnerships Ltd have submitted plans for an educational centre next to Parsonage Retail Park on Atherleigh Way. If the proposed Xanadu
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Knifepoint terror at post office
A MASKED gunman threatened staff at Broughton Post Office before he and his accomplice hijacked a car on the A6 and made their escape. The raider, wearing a ski mask and brandishing a handgun, burst into the post office around 5.10pm on Tuesday, April
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It's in black 'n white
WEAR what you like, but it better be black and white. That's the dress code for a dinner dance at Lowton Civic Hall a week on Saturday which will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief. The Astley Inner Wheel Club President's 'Black and White Evening
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New pledge to find Mary killer after set-back
THE son of Mary Povah says his family is 'devastated' after the case against a young woman accused of killing his mother was dramatically dropped. David Povah, speaking just hours after the hearing at Leigh Magistrates' Court, exclusively told The Journal
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Heath admitted his mistake
ACCORDING to Councillor Frank Adam (Your Letters, March 19) I am blaming Europe for the things it does not administer. Were he to read the Maastricht Treaty he would realise that there is very little over which the EU does not have ultimate control. It
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Bus shelter's u-turn to keep peace...
A BUS shelter is to be rotated 180 degrees in a bid to solve a long-running war of words between neighbours in Lea, Preston. The bus shelter, in Aldfield Avenue, has become the subject of a battle between local bus users who say they need the shelter,
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Where have all the flowers gone?
TRADERS in one of Preston's 'forgotten' shopping streets have been dealt another blow - council chiefs are refusing to put up hanging baskets for the summer. Traditionally the flower-filled baskets are hung on lamp posts around the town, transforming
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Lost cats spark kidnap fears
CAT-lovers on a Leyland street believe catnappers are at work in their area as three cats have gone missing in a fortnight. Residents on Newsome Street can't understand why three cats, none of which are pedigrees, have vanished. Posters for the missing
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Alarming response from the boys in blue
THERE'S been a gradual erosion of public confidence in the police force over the years and if a couple of encounters with the police recently are anything to go by I don't see the boys in blue doing much to improve their image. Last week my partner was
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FIVE YEARS AGO: Showroom rampage
DEVASTATION came to a car showroom when a man played dodgems with a brand new Volvo. Staff at Walker Farrimond, Nelson, were amazed when the "customer" started the car, careered round the showroom, drove towards two people, smashed through a plate glass
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TEN YEARS AGO: Wonderland prophesy
A MASSIVE "Wonderland" leisure complex on the site of a redundant power station was almost certain to go ahead. The complex, covering 320 acres, and costing between £200 and £300 million, could create about 3,000 jobs. Eddie Quiligotti was named as the
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Housing groups' new bosses
THE management team at Leyland's Progress Housing has just gained two new housing and care professionals to head the organisation's subsidiary groups. Colin Struthers is the new manager of Progress Care Housing Association, the charitable arm of the group
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CRICKET: McGarrell blow for Church
CHURCH professional Neil McGarrell is set to miss the first three games of the Lancashire League season. The West Indian slow left-armer missed out on the final World Cup 15. But he is on stand-by for the series of seven one-day internationals against
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Colleges win funds for 665 new places
THE University of Central Lancashire and its partner colleges in Cumbria, Lancashire and North Merseyside have won £2.3million from the Higher Education Funding Council for additional student places. Not only did the group scoop 100 per cent of their
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CRICKET: Board line-up
THERE is a strong East Lancashire presence in the first Lancashire Cricket Board squad. The side, captained by Chorley's Roland Horridge, take on a Lancashire second XI at Old Trafford tomorrow. And the squad will compete in the Nat West Trophy as well
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Cup of victory
LOCAL rugby star Joanna Hearne from Lytham became one of the few people who can claim to have won a major cup final at Twickenham after she helped Oxford win the BUSA Halifax Championship in front of HRH The Princess Royal. Oxford claimed their first
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'Silly money on silly people doing silly things'
MUSEUM bosses are to push ahead with plans to make a cartoon about life in Preston, despite fury over how much it is costing and how the money will be spent. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery has been given permission to invite internationally-renowned
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NON LEAGUE SOCCER: We have to fight for lifeline says boss Harrison
ACCRINGTON Stanley entertain Marine tomorrow hoping to make the most of their potential relegation lifeline. Stanley looked to be almost dead and buried in their quest to stay in the Unibond League Premier Division. But the news that only one club may
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Get every last penny from him
THE BILL for removing hazardous waste from a quarry at Pendle that businessman Michael Kokocinski turned into an illegal tip could run to a staggering £3 million, we are told today. Kokocinski was jailed earlier this year for what he did. But is it fair
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'I'd rather go naked than be shot'
NAKED animal activists have ruffled a few feathers by vowing to sabotage any attempts by Preston Borough Council to continue its policy of shooting pigeons. The animal lovers stripped off in front of Preston's Town Hall in a bid to draw attention to the
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SOCCER: Lancashire Girls League
CUP Final Day for the Under 12s is on Sunday, May 2 at the County Ground, Thurston Road, Leyland and is between Everton Girls and Burnley FC Girls, kick off 10am. The Under 14s Final is between Everton Girls and Stockport Ladies (kick-off 11.45am). Championship
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Seaside move for Zidane
COULD France and Juventus superstar Zinedine Zidane really be on his way to Blackpool? Probably not, but when the world footballer of the year's wife reportedly told him to leave his Serie A club and move somewhere closer to the Seaside, Blackpool were
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Heartfelt thanks
FROM the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the kind lady who handed in the purse which my wife lost in Morrison's store in Blackburn. I went back to the store with no hope at all, but on being kindly asked at the desk to provide ID it was returned
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Join marathon mania with champ Bonny
LOCAL darts players are needed to join News of the World champion Bobby George and Welsh international Ritchie Davies, in Britain's fourth charity darts marathon next month. The four-hour marathon, involving hundreds of darts players throughout the country
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Rhetoric but no facts
I HAVE been following with interest the correspondence on the single currency and, as far as I can see, no-one seems to know much about it. All we get is party rhetoric but no actual facts. Perhaps Coun Pearson and his supporters and Mr McVee could give
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BOWLS: Sunny are on cloud nine
SUNNYBANK have opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Thwaites East Lancashire Premier Bowling League after the first three matches. They recorded a 10-4 win at St Stephen's, Craig Simpson winning 21-9 and Barry Hamer winning 21-7 for the home
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NON LEAGUE SOCCER: Weekend team news
CHORLEY boss Dalton Steele is anticipating a hostile reception when the Magpies take on Winsford United tonight (kick off 7.30pm) at the Barton Stadium. Steele walked out on United two months ago and promptly signed up seven of their players within 24
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Euros take party lines
WOULD Mrs Yates (Letters, March 26), explain to me why she thinks that European issues don't divide along party lines, when all evidence both from local councillors like David Pearson and national politicians such as William Hague, who in his manifesto
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Time 'voice of people' went
AFTER reading your article on so-called 'voice of the people' citizens' panel (LET, March 31), I have to say that it proves just what a two-faced hypocrite the leader of Hyndburn Council, George Slynn, really is. For 10 years he has listened to no-one
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All in a row
On April 18 the John O'Gaunt Rowing Club will be running an introductory session for people who are interested in learning how to row. The session is open to both men and women. Everybody is welcome, whether they wish to row to keep fit, for fun or competitively
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Nurse's trek of her life
A BLACKPOOL woman is preparing for her own walk of life after agreeing to trek across Ladakh in August. Liz Stambridge, from Layton, had her application accepted by Mencap to take part in the trek, which involves a gruelling eight to 10 miles a day, enduring
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Victorian standards of health care
GOVERNMENT promises to improve Lancashire healthcare have failed to materialise - according to a major survey to assess the state of the NHS in the county. Failing equipment, low wages and hospital finances are still the main concerns of staff. These
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Grandmas in Kosovo mercy bid
TWO Burnley great-grandmothers who have been moved to tears by the horrifying pictures from Kosovo are organising an aid collection. Rose Halsted, 85, of Hollingreave Road, and Lily Wearing, 69, of Coal Clough Lane, became friends when they were fighting
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Finch fledglings do the trick
Salem Hornets 10 Haresfinch 18 A DETERMINED Finch outfit containing eight teenagers returned to winning ways with a fine peformance against a dogged Salem Hornets side. The Oldham side took the lead with a converted try when their big forwards took control
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High rollers
A MARRIAGE made to last began when a young man literally fell head over heels for his future wife. For Wallace Simmons was swept off his feet while roller-skating at a Bradford rink in the 1930s - a young lady called Marian helped him up and they have
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Shakerley - it's a happening estate
Re. last week's Mailbox letter regarding Shakerley estate. Far from being the forgotten estate, many things are happening on Shakerley. The pensioners' bungalows have recently finished being updated - new windows, roof renovations, new doors etc. The
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Scanner appeal chief's new aim
THE Fylde Coast's fantastic MRI scanner appeal has been wound up after scoring a £1.9m success. Now the director of fundraising, retired consultant surgeon Ramesh Gandhi, is turning his formidable persuasive talents to a new appeal to create state-of-the-art
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Former officer's political stand
THE gloves came off during electioneering this week with former Morecambe tourism officers David Christley and Trevor White signalling their intention to stand in the May elections. Mr Christley and Mr White were controversially suspended by the council
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Saints make it a super Friday
Wigan Warriors 12 Saints 14 DOWN the years Central Park has staged many epic battles involving these deadly rivals, but surely none more gripping than this last Good Friday derby clash at the old stadium. And a resilient Saints' side whose display exceeded
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Mauled in the den
BLACKPOOL 0 MILLWALL Blackpool's visit to the Den was always going to be a difficult match after their repeated failure to win in the capital, writes Chris Dixon.. The match, much like that against Walsall two days earlier (April 3), was one-way traffic
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School holiday hooligans
SCHOOL holiday high spirits have hit a new low across the Fylde - with old people terrorised, arson attacks and wanton vandalism. Police say parents need to keep a closer watch on their youngsters' activities - more than £30,000 worth of damage was done
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Throw us a lifeline!
SCHOOL swimming pools in the district are under threat due to a withdrawal of funding. Government legislation has decreed that schools in Carnforth, Hornby and Heysham should take on the county council's responsibility for managing and maintaining the
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Ruskin shoot down Eagle
Eagle 20 Ruskin Park 25 DUE to the late cancellation of the home side's rearranged fixture league, Ruskin took this fixture at short notice. With seven first XV regulars missing, they took the opportunity to give some of their promising youngsters a run
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Desperately seeking Joseph
I AM seeking information on a Joseph Mitchell (my great-great grandfather) who, as I've been told, was a Mayor of Blackpool at one time - probably in the mid-1800s. He had a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who was confirmed at St Luke's, Southport on March
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Brook keep hopes alive
Dodworth 14 Blackbrook 34 BLACKBROOK kept alive their hopes of third place in the National Conference second division table with this hard-earned success over their Barnsley hosts on Saturday. But victory over a gritty and determined Yorkshire outfit
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Glyn's big impact on small world
MAKING a switch from drama to science has paid dividends for a Fylde professor who is being given an international accolade. Glyn Morton, from Freckleton, originally thought his destiny lay in the arts and was studying drama when he decided the world
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Fired up!
LANCASTER'S MP called for an investigation this week after the city's threatened retained fire pump crew were ordered NOT to attend a major fire on Dallas Road. In the event a full time fire engine did reach the major fire at a garage on Dallas Road just
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Youngsters bid for cup glory
THERE'S a big weekend ahead for a number of junior football teams. For three semi-finals take place in the Rainhill Byrne Hire League. RESULTS Wednesday, March 31 Under 15s Premier: Knowsley South 6 Haydock 1, Links 1 Dunnes Rovers 1, Pilkington 3 St
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Car boot chaos!
CHAOS reigned in Heysham on Sunday as untold numbers of people flooded the village for the car boot sale. Police had to be deployed to sort out the traffic nightmare as people abandoned their cars in the bus station and on double yellow lines. Organisers
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A mum's poem of love
A POULTON mum took up poetry to thank her adopted Australian daughter for 30 years of love. Val Arnold, of Roylen Avenue, had been desperate for a child when, in the 1960s, she went out to Australia with her husband on a two-year contract for British
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Lynx boss fumes over fixture glut
LANCASHIRE Lynx boss Steve Hampson has blasted the League bosses for making teams play two games in four days over the Easter holiday. Hampson's paper-thin squad were annihilated 4-40 by Widnes Vikings on Easter Monday, which followed Good Friday's 16
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Soccer: So close to snatching a precious win
Stockport 0, Bury 0 NOT for the first time this season, nothing went right in front of goal for the Shakers in this dour goalless draw. It could have been so different as early as the second minute when Derek Lilley glanced a near post header over the
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Cadets' long haul
ARMY cadets from across Lancashire pulled together for a physical challenge with a difference in Blackpool. More than 50 members of the Lancashire Army Cadet Force (ACF) took part in a gruelling Land Rover pull to raise awareness of their organisation
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Fans praised as big match is 'trouble free'
PRESTON'S fans have been praised for their good behaviour during Monday's crunch clash against Manchester City. Deepdale was packed to the rafters with 20,857 people, but there were few problems inside the ground, despite Man City's unsavoury reputation
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Rugby League: Horror show as Lions throw in the towel
Featherstone Rovers 50, Swinton Lions 20 IT was in the 1964 season that the Lions last won at Featherstone Rovers and on the hour mark on Monday night it looked like the miracle could be on the cards. But it was not to be once more because woeful tackling
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Cenotaph costs now at £130,000
WAR memorial garden improvements in Leigh will now cost £136,000. Councillors have approved scheme amendments which have escalated the cost of the original £90,000 spruce-up. The extra £46,000 will be swallowed by drainage work, lighting and a landscaping
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Demolition derby!
Southport 1 Morecambe 0 MORECAMBE had two players sent off for the third time this season on this Bank Holiday Monday seaside derby. But manager Jim Harvey - reported to be close to signing a new contract with the club - could still take heart from this
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Double helping of super Simon
THEATRE fans may think they are seeing double this year. Over at Tyldesley Little Theatre rehearsals are underway for the company's final play of the season . . . Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple". And at St Joseph's Players auditions have just taken place
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It's the Real thing for PNE
IT will be all white on the night - and the afternoon - for PNE next season as they drop their navy shorts at the end of this season. Player power has dictated the colour of PNE's kit next season, and the fashion-conscious squad want to wear all white
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Soccer: Shakers defeat equals record
Bury 0, Bradford 2 IT was a disastrous Bank Holiday for the Shakers as they plummeted back into the relegation zone. This 19th successive game without a victory - equalling a record set more than 80 years ago - combined with the worst possible results
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Eliminate the negative in look to the future
THINK of East Lancashire and ask yourself what you think is important for its future. The East Lancashire Partnership has been doing just this. Its vision for the future of East Lancashire has been featured in an INSIGHT Special feature in this week's
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Airtours' new UK head of ops
MIKE Hewitt has been appointed director of UK operations at Helmshore based Airtours Holidays. Mike, 32, joined the firm in 1996 as head of business re-engineering and last year was promoted to the post of director of quality management. Before joining
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Beating left man brain damaged
TWO youths responsible for a savage kicking, which left their victim brain-damaged in a pool of blood, are behind bars for a total of six-and-a-half years. A video of a CCTV recording was played at Burnley Crown Court to show how James McKee's suffered
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Back to basics with 'Brookie'
BROOKIE Basics classes are available at Wigan and Leigh College. A hotline, set up to help people like Channel 4's Brookside character, Naimh, who for years has hidden her illiteracy, has brought many inquiries through to college experts. And callers
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Man is shot with airgun
A 33-YEAR-OLD man is recovering after being shot in the left leg with an airgun pellet. The incident happened shortly after 1.20am on Friday, April 2, in Delamere Avenue, Sutton Manor. The victim was taken to Whiston Hospital where he received treatment
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Second time around for comic capers
THERE is a definite feeling of deja vu about the latest comic adventures at St Joseph's Players. "A Funny Thing Didn't Happen" is the second of two one-act plays to be staged by the Leigh company next week under the "Celebration" banner. They honour the
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Three-year war to cut crime
A NEW Community Safety Strategy has been drawn up by Wyre Borough Council marking the start of a three-year process to slash crime and social disorder in the region. The strategy will be implemented by the Community Safety Partnership, a group of agencies
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Curtain deal is pulled together
A CURTAIN firm has crossed the border to save jobs at a Yorkshire fabric design firm. Denise Fabrics of Blackburn has bought out Huddersfield firm Wilson Wilcox which went into administration in January. Wilson Wilcox designs and supplies co-ordinating
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Children need more local heroes
BLACKPOOL Borough Council has warned that hundreds of schoolchildren could be at risk unless recruits are found to man school crossings. Community leaders fear pupils will be forced into crossing busy roads on their way to school by themselves if lollipop
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£4m scheme puts ex-lorry site in high gear
A £4 MILLION development to provide more space at a booming business park has got under way. The Lancashire Enterprises Business Park at Leyland - where the former Leyland Daf operation was based - is now almost fully let with more than 50 companies employing
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It's a gas at £50m
A £50 million pipeline project will cut through the heart of Journal land. And gas suppliers say it could create hundreds of local jobs - and some disruption. A major section of the 40 kilometre long natural gas pipe would run through Hindley, Atherton
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Brig's title hopes nose dive
ANY lingering title hopes Bamber Bridge may have been harbouring have been laid to rest following a disappointing Easter campaign. One point from a possible six will leave Brig scrabbling to make a top six place unless they can turn their fortunes round
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Net gains for town residents
SURFING the net will become a reality from this month at St Helens Council's Chester Lane Centre and Parr Library in Fleet Lane when they offer an Internet/e-mail service to the public. For using the Internet/e-mail facilities at Chester Lane Centre and
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Tom blasts mud bench whinger
A £5,000 mudbath sort-out isn't playing in to the hands of yobs claims a Lowton councillor. But a worried Lowton woman believes plans to transform a corner of Newton Road will cause misery. She says landscaping a patch of spare land near Oaklands Road
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School's cash tonic delights MP
LABOUR MP Dave Watts has welcomed the news that Bleak Hill Primary School is to benefit from extra funding of more than £2.3million for the replacement and extension of the school as part of the Government's New Deal for Schools. The MP for St Helens
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A 'specials' gift
A BURY company is helping crack crime - thanks to a highly visible police car. Now, anti-vandalism patrols made by special constables from the Watford and Three Rivers division of Hertfordshire Constabulary have become more effective. First National Vehicle
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Let's clean up this town!
COUNCIL officials are to clean up the town's cluttered street lights and guard rails - all in the name of safety. Highways chief Councillor Joe De Asha explained: "Signs advertising car boot sales, computer fairs, businesses, fetes and fairs, etc, are
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More time for Sherry
BURY mum Sherry Nisbet, who is facing a tug-of-love custody battle on the other side of the world, has had a small victory in her on-going fight. As reported in the Bury Times on April 13, a New Zealand court was set to decide the future of her two children
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It's time to log on
CALLING all computer whiz kids - there's a real fun event coming your way at noon on Saturday, April 17, and on Sunday, April 18, finishing at 6pm, at TS Scimitar, Mill Street, St Helens. The event, organised by Dave Hayward, John Potter and Stephen Norton
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We're our own worst enemies, says Millward
LEIGH will not need reminding their first home defeat of the season was largely self-inflicted. The evidence was plain to see in Good Friday's 23-22 upset against Widnes. They were their own worst enemies with too many errors at crucial times. Coach Ian
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Halstead's in happy mood
RADCLIFFE-based James Halstead Group has reported a buoyant financial performance for the half year ended December 31. And delighted company bosses have not ruled out the possibility of further expansion, given the fact that they acquired two foreign
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Dean scare as Leigh switch on style
LEIGH are disappointed this morning NOT to be outright leaders of the Northern Ford Premiership. But, following Monday's thrilling 26-20 win at Oldham, fourth spot will do very nicely thank you. Last year it took Leigh 30 games to amass 12 points. This
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Unlocking the key to success
TWO Bury businessmen behind a successful double glazing repairs company have unlocked the potential of a major £50,000 expansion. Stephen Tomlinson and Steven Cuddy have now opened their own locksmiths and glaziers shop in Bolton Road. And some aspects
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Amy set for stage stardom
FORMER Bury Grammar girl Amy Nuttall has more than a ghost of a chance at stage stardom. For the BGS old girl is the youngest actor in a professional version of The Phantom of the Opera, and will be the understudy for the lead female role of Christine
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Counselling for Chinese community
AN exciting new and innovative development has just been introduced by Bury Relate. A pilot project has been started which offers relationship counselling to the Chinese community throughout Greater Manchester. Working in conjunction with the Chinese
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Club gives them a buzz
A PIONEERING club for deaf and hard-of-hearing youngsters is now up-and-running. The Buzz Club is part of the expansion of the hearing impairment unit at Bury Central Library and offers youngsters aged between 10-16 the chance to use the unit's extensive
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Getting to know your rights
DAVE Watts, MP for St. Helens North was on hand to encourage members of Age Concern, St. Helens at the launch of their 'National Know Your Rights Week.' This will be taking place at The Mansion House Age Concern, Victoria Park from Tuesday, April 13,
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Fury over gipsy site move
THE go-ahead for a second permanent gipsy/traveller site in St Helens has been condemned by those living nearby. It will be located off Hoghton Road, in Sutton, and follows a planning appeal, by Mr Dan McAllister, after initial proposals were turned down
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Soccer: Warnock shrugs off calls for resignation
DEFIANT Shakers boss Neil Warnock has called for the club's boo-boys to get behind the team in the crucial final half dozen games of the campaign. A section of the Gigg Lane crowd were chanting for his resignation at the end of Monday's 2-0 defeat by
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Council bosses try to reclaim benefit
HOUSING benefit bosses are taking tougher action to claw back more than £250,000 in overpayments. They want to deduct sums directly from the housing benefits claimed by Bury Council tenants, rather than a constant to-and-fro of letters. The council has
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Bank stalwart dies on Cyprus
A WELL-KNOWN personality who was a familiar figure in the world of banking has died suddenly while on holiday - less than a year after his brother died in similar circumstances. Mr. Joseph McCormack, age 61 suffered a fatal collapse in his hotel while
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Rolling back boundaries of technology
A HI-TECH business centre - the first of its kind in Britain - will fast-forward St Helens companies into the new millennium. The state-of-the-art base offers businesses the latest video conferencing equipment, training on new technology and help in designing
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Gas ruse warning for town
BRITISH Gas is urging St Helens residents to be vigilant following a spate of bogus caller incidents in the borough. The warning comes as electricity advisers from British Gas are preparing to visit homes in St Helens, providing information. Julian Anderton
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RMI lose their way
LEIGH RMI's 0-0 Easter Monday draw with Marine extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches. But the lost points saw them slip to 10th in the UniBond Premier Division. In an even first half both goalkeepers were kept busy with RMI's Dave Felgate pulling
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Reflecting on all their yesterdays
THREE former employees of Pilkingtons took a nostalgic trip down memory lane when they returned to the former head office on Grove Street, now newly converted into flats. The new owners of the site, now renamed Reflection Court, are Grosvenor Housing
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Mauled in the den
BLACKPOOL 0 MILLWALL 1 Blackpool's visit to the Den (April 5) was always going to be a difficult match after their repeated failure to win in the capital, writes Chris Dixon. The match, much like that against Walsall two days earlier, was one-way traffic
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Church loses tireless worker Mary
THE parish of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Windleshaw, is mourning the death of a woman who was 'an integral part of its fabric,' and who made more than 50 pilgrimages to Lourdes. Miss Mary Margaret Ripley, of Swinburne Road, Dentons Green, died in Whiston
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Grandmas in Kosovo mercy bid
TWO Burnley great-grandmothers who have been moved to tears by the horrifying pictures from Kosovo are organising an aid collection. Rose Halsted, 85, of Hollingreave Road, and Lily Wearing, 69, of Coal Clough Lane, became friends when they were fighting
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Waywell satisfied after Tobin strike
STEVE WAYWELL reckons he was "satisfied" after Leigh RMI's 2-1 win at Accrington Stanley. But the manager wanted much more from the first game of the Easter holiday squeeze. "It was a good start," he said. "But Accrington were a poor side and we should
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Anthea's challenge for Star readers
HERE is your opportunity to take part in an international fund-raising campaign and enjoy yourself at the same time! For The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, 'Quest for the Cure', has launched a unique fund-raising venture which will take participants
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Schools row: Pledge by MP
THE row over the allocation of secondary school places in East Lancashire is to be raised in Parliament as more parents today threatened to keep their children away from school. And Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans pledged to take the crisis to Education
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Ex Pupil?
IF you went to Bury C of E High School, why not join their Past Pupils Association? After a successful reunion last November, the PPA has been set up with a view to running future events and keeping up links with the school. Write to: The Past Pupils
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Royal romp for Village Inn
JUBILANT Higher Fold Village Inn have won the first trophy of the season in the Leigh & District Amateur Football League. They beat Union Arms 7-3 in the Redwaters Coronation Cup Final to thrill a good crowd at Atherton Colls. Fold leapt clear with
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Leigh cricketers set for world staged
PLAYERS in the Leigh Public House Cricket League are heading for the World Cup. As exclusively reported in The Journal last month, a squad has been chosen for the amateur six-a-side tournament to be played at Lord's on May 7. The comp, open to just 12
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Sivill strikes for first win
TYLDESLEY RU have won the Sean Grainey Memorial Cup for the first time. Victory came in a thrilling 28-27 derby clash against Leigh, Dave Sivill keeping his cool to strike the winning goal. Neither side fielded their strongest line-up, but a big crowd
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On This Day
A look back at events in history on April 9 with Mike Badham 1413: King Henry V was crowned at Westminster. Later he went on to duff up the French at Agincourt. 1626: Sir Francis Bacon caught cold and died, soon after an experiment in refrigeration. He
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Frank's sixth of the best
FRANK JONES has risen to new heights in the world of judo. Some 42 years after he took up the sport he now wears the coveted red-and-white belt of a sixth dan - moving up from the black belt he has held since 1965. Fellow judoka see the award as a deserved
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That's the Way to do it!
JUST when you thought it was safe to go back on the moors, the Rossendale Way challenge is back! Once again, keen walkers, runners and charity fund-raisers can try the gruelling 46-mile Rossendale Way in a Day challenge, which is being sponsored by Theakston
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Loan man has the low-down
Division Two: Oldham Athletic v Burnley - Pete Oliver's big match preview INSIDE information might help Burnley to another crucial three points at Oldham tomorrow. The Latics are expected to hand a debut to on-loan Sunderland striker Paul Beavers as they
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It's cool to be courteous
SQEAKY-CLEAN Bury band AL!VE will be fronting a national campaign telling youngsters that it's cool to have good manners. The teenage rockers, who hit the national headlines last December after playing at Prince Charles' 50th birthday bash, are the leading
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Sports forum is set up
YOUNGSTERS in Preston are being given the chance to have their say on sport in the town. The Borough Council is planning to arrange regular meetings with children and students in a bid to see if the council's sports development service is serving the
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Cowan set for Oldham battle
TOM Cowan is bracing himself to face an Oldham side going into "their biggest game of the season." The Latics' only win in their last 10 games came at Manchester City in the aftermath of City's 6-0 hammering of Burnley. And a 1-1 draw with Luton Town
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Heroin swoop: Four held
POLICE netted drugs and cash believed to be worth more than £250,000 after swooping on a house in Blackburn. Detectives seized a large amount of heroin and cash after carrying out a raid on a house in the Whalley Old Road area of Little Harwood yesterday
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Hodgson used Rovers, claims McKenzie
ROY Hodgson was today accused of "using" Blackburn Rovers for his own ends and leaving the club in a desperate position. Ex-Rover Duncan McKenzie blasted the former Ewood manager, who could soon be back on the international scene as one of the candidates
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Brig's title hopes nose dive
ANY lingering title hopes Bamber Bridge may have been harbouring have been laid to rest following a disappointing Easter campaign. One point from a possible six will leave Brig scrabbling to make a top six place unless they can turn their fortunes round
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Smaller classes will cut choice say Tories
PARENTS will no longer be able to choose which school they want their children to attend if plans go ahead to reduce all school classes to 30 pupils, claim Conservatives at County Hall. Their allegations follow protests from parents in Wilpshire, Clayton-le-dale
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We're doomed, says Dunc
DUNCAN McKenzie believes that Southampton's relegation battling know-how could boot his former clubs Blackburn Rovers and Everton into Nationwide League oblivion. Both have yet to visit the Dell - Rovers tomorrow week, Everton on the season's final day
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MP backs bid to cut waste
BURY North MP David Chaytor has joined a parliamentary campaign to make local councils provide recycling services to householders. Mr Chaytor's stand comes ahead of the launch of the Government's new waste strategy, due to be published next month. He
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Hoppers nearly there!
A LAST-gasp try from Michael Lough kept Hoppers' promotion hopes alive in a game which they looked to have well under control at half time. (Full time: Whitchurch 16 Preston Grasshoppers 20) The Shropshire side's pack opened convincingly, providing scrum
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Wardens get pat on back!
BURY town centre's new community safety wardens have been hailed as a huge success. Scheme leaders say that the first batch of recruits have had a dramatic impact on crime, vandalism, safety and even the environment during the first three months on their
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Events in East Lancs/North West tomorrow (Saturday, April 9th)
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," St Peter's School Hall, Watson Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm. Spring Vale Ramblers, Darwen. Croal Valley. Meet Rock Hall Information Centre, Moses Gate Country Park, Bolton, 2pm. Introduction to Map Reading, Bowland Visitor
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Get on-line at the library
EVERYONE in the borough is being invited to get on-line and surf the information superhighway next week. The occasion is Bury Council's "Metronet Week", now in its second year, which aims to highlight the Internet services available at local libraries
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No good to talk
MP DAVID Chaytor has added his voice to the debate over an Orange future in Elton. Mr Chaytor is urging the Government to undertake further research into the health and environmental risks of the mobile phone masts. He was prompted by local concerns about
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G&S gang are so grand
CONGRATULATIONS to the St Helens Catholic Amateur Gilbert & Sullivan Society for once again providing the people of St Helens with a performance at the Theatre Royal last week, which can only be described as being superb. The Society performed both
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My excitement was shortlived!
AMONG the leaflets in the browsing foyer of Morecambe Town Hall I found a document for public perusal entitled "Involving the Public - Promoting Better Practice," recently published by the Local Government Management Board. Excited by a section 'Participation
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A very good Friday
DOZENS made the traditional pilgrimage up Holcombe Hill to mark Good Friday. And church leaders in Bury walked in witness to their faith when they joined together for the traditional cross-bearing procession through the town centre (pictured). Poor weather
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Council 'losing' a third of its members
THE Ribble Valley is bracing itself for an election battle after a third of the borough's councillors announced they are to bow out. The hung council, currently under the minority control of the Liberal Democrats, is up for grabs at elections on May 6
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We can't enjoy peace in our homes
AS a resident of Heysham village for many years I must ask who was responsible for the chaos that was allowed to happen in the village on Easter Sunday. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but yet again the Neighbourhood Council seems to have
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Elliott ready for a new start
WHILE most youngsters will make a reluctant return to school after the Easter break, Elliott Stephens cannot wait. Elliott (9) of Westminster Avenue, Radcliffe, hit the headlines after his mother withdrew him from Radcliffe County Junior School over allegations
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Schools row: Pledge by MP
THE row over the allocation of secondary school places in East Lancashire is to be raised in Parliament as more parents today threatened to keep their children away from school. And Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans pledged to take the crisis to Education
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Easter fool...
THE yolk was on Preston folk last week when they fell hook, line and sinker for an eggy April Fool gag. Rock FM announced that Cadbury's was planning to drop 2,000 Creme Eggs on Moor Park as well as a dozen 16-carat golden eggs. Dozens of people turned
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Ex-bookie Herbert dies, 87
FORMER Leigh bookie and Leigh RLFC director Herbert Hulmes has died. He was 87. Bert, of Endsleigh Gardens, was a well respected businessman and character about town. He was married to the late Alma and will be sadly missed by relatives and friends. A
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Egg-stra special prizes in store
THREE lucky customers at Sainsbury's Deepdale store, in Preston, spent the Easter holidays eating their way through a giant chocolate egg - thanks to generous store bosses. The Easter eggs, which were won in a Sainsbury's prize draw published in the Citizen
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'Dirty Bury' no surprise to me
SO, Bury is next to the bottom in the "clean borough" league, according to the Tidy Britain group. As a long-time resident, this comes as no surprise to me. Although main routes do receive occasional attention, any other litter on verges, car parks, roundabouts
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Things are seldom what they seem
A REVIEW of Gordon Brown's recent Budget reminds me of a Gilbert & Sullivan song, "Things are seldom what they seem!" On Budget day the Chancellor claimed he had cut the tax burden by £4.75 billion. How? 1. By ignoring the £2.75 billion that abolition
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The write recruits wanted...
ORGANISERS of Preston's latest free publication - provisionally called Deepdale Bi-monthly - are on the hunt for volunteer hacks to help write news and information for around 9,000 Greater Deepdale residents. Community-spirited people interested in trying
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Bin sponsor plan put to firms
HOW can companies refuse to snap up Preston council's latest promotion offer - to sponsor the borough's bins. Council bosses hope to raise more than £5,000 from the project, which gives firms the chance to paste their advertisements on the town's rubbish
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Race debate honest and helpful
I AM writing to express my thanks to all those young people who took part in the recent "Young and Equal" event at the Met Theatre. The issues arising from the Stephen Lawrence inquiry are timely and have a bearing upon us all as we seek to tackle racism
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Camera cashpoint
PRESTON Police have reacted angrily to claims by the Association of British Drivers (ABD) that speed cameras are nothing more than 'roadside cashpoints for the police'. ABD spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie claimed safety was now taking a back seat to
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Events which shaped a century
DO you remember when the River Ribble froze over? Perhaps that's you on the bike there? It's events like this, pictured, which make Preston's history so fascinating, and what better time to look back on our heritage than at the turn of the Millennium?
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Union unhappy at jobs losses
A UNION representative is calling for a compulsory redundancy at Pool House County Primary, Ingol, to be halted. Mac Harrison, NASUWT Lancashire federation secretary, claims that school chiefs have been 'unsympathetic' in pursuing the compulsory redundancy
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Cyclists? They get away with murder
COUNCILLOR Perkins (Your Letters, March 26) alleges that I have not "understood" the council's so-called cycling strategy, and he seeks to support this policy with a piffling evasion of the real issues. Coun Perkins does not help his cause by appending
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Ancient relic returns home
A STONE relic which once graced Penwortham Priory is to be returned to its former home, after months of meeting with top-level clergy. The ornament is the head of a monk or priest, which was found in the River Ribble, close to the historical site, in
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Brit dead on board Russian trawler
A PRESTON man has been found dead on a Russian ship which was docked in a Lancashire port. Walter Thurogood, 52, who lived in the New Hall Lane area of Preston, is believed to have fallen over a cabin step and hit his head on a wall while aboard the ship
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A sticky problem hits the streets
SHOPPERS could soon find themselves in a sticky situation if plans to axe a chewing gum removal programme are given the go-ahead. Preston Borough Council's Environment committee is being asked to sanction various cuts to the services provided by the environmental
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Golden Oldies
SOUTH Ribble pensioners battled it out for a place in the regional finals of the Whitbread Senior Citizen Talent Contest. Over 60s from all over the borough gathered at the council's West Paddock leisure services unit to reveal their artistic talents
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Geoff's getting into peak condition
GARSTANG solicitor and former Preston Grasshopper Geoff Tomlinson is to scale Africa's most famous landmark to help take urgently needed aid to the region. Geoff, who has never climbed higher than 3,000ft before, will attempt the 19,340ft Mount Kilimanjaro
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Charity's mercy dash to war zone
A LEYLAND charity is preparing to send out vital aid to help refugees flooding into Albania from the killing fields of Kosovo. More than 800,000 Kosovar Albanians have been forced to flee from their homes as waves of ethnic cleansing sweep through Kosovo
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Sporting clear at the top
IN Division A of the Rossall Sixes League Sporting QCS are now found points ahead after a 3-1 win over The Untouchables. Team Macprint stay in second place although they lost out this week to Coop Late Shop. Wyvale Warriors beat Supreme Plastics 3-0,
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CRICKET: Jordaan pulls out of Rishton return
CORRIE Jordaan told Rishton last night that he would not be returning as professional, with the new Lancashire League season just over a week away. The South African spin bowler says he has a major back problem which could need surgery. Though sources
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Deadeye Dave tops league
BLACKPOOL Bowmen's winter league - held over seven events since November 1998 - resulted in a commendable win by Dave Sandham, with Derek Platt and Colin Kirk in joint second place. Dave, who has been struggling with his form recently, shot steadily and
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This chaos must be sorted out
WHAT on earth has gone wrong with the system for allocating places in East Lancashire's secondary schools? Across the region, parents are up in arms over their children being put down by the education authorities for schools miles away from their homes
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CRICKET: University challenge for Lancs
LANCASHIRE coach Dav Whatmore found a degree of comfort from a tough opening day at Cambridge University. The students surprised the 1998 team of the year with a pugnacious batting display, but Whatmore pointed out: "We wanted a good workout for our bowlers
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Fakes seized in CD swoop
COUNTERFEIT computer software with a High Street value of hundreds of thousands of pounds was seized by tradings standards officers during a raid on two houses. The council officers, assisted by Merseyside Police, discovered that counterfeit CDs were
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SOCCER: Mac's cup of cheer
A BUSY holiday programme saw Borrowdale United play six fixtures. The Under-Nines beat Huncoat United 2-1 to see them progress to the next round of the Cup. Jonathan McGann scored the goal that earned him man of the match award. The Under 10s took on
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NON LEAGUE SOCCER: Team spirit can save Stanley, says keeper
GREAT HARWOOD goalkeeper Andy Johnston believes the Reds superb team spirit could still see them to safety. The cash-starved Showgrounders may have been anchored at the foot of the UniBond First Division for most of this season but the spirit in the camp
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Ties give Fylde teams the edge
FYLDE teams have the edge in the Lancashire small table "ten reds" snooker championship quarter-finals with three home ties. This is the line-up: Cherry Tree CC (Blackburn) v Top Break (Burnley). Cherry Tree lost in the semi-finals last year but they
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Fun filled soccer weekend
MORE than 4,000 youngsters from across Europe and the USA descended upon Blackpool during the Easter weekend for the 1999 Euro-Sportring football tournament. Teams of budding soccer stars aged between 9 and 16 from across the continents competed for trophies
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Amateurs teeing up for big drive
MITSUBISHI Motors, in conjunction with a national newspaper, is to launch one of the UK's biggest amateur golf championships. More than 2,000 clubs throughout the UK are being invited to participate in the championship which culminates at the world famous
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Promises costing us
THE controlling Labour group on Blackburn with Darwen Council boasted that this year's increase in Council Tax is modest at only £43, but it is still double the rate of inflation. Band 'D,' now at £913, is £252 higher than four years ago and one of the
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Final countdown
MORECAMBE will play Darwen in the final of the ATS Trophy at Chorley's Victory Park on Tuesday, kick off 7.30pm. The final has been changed from Preston North End's Deepdale where it has been held for the last few years. Converted for the new archive
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One-way traffic
BLACKPOOL 0 WALSALL 2 DEFENSIVE lapses were the fault behind this weak display by Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Saturday (April 3), writes Chris Dixon. The Seasiders were never allowed to get into this game as they proved ineffective both in attack
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Look out Lincoln
THIS weekend the first Tour of Lincs Hillrally will run along side the more traditional Stage Rally which has been in the motorsport calendar for the past 28 years. From its base at Market Rasen Racecourse, the first stage will at Cadwell Park on Saturday
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Building plans fall flat with locals
TWO major plans to build multi-storey flats look set to get the go-ahead tonight (April 8) at a meeting of Wyre Borough Council's planning applications sub-committee, despite complaints from residents. If the plans get the green light, as have been recommended
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Women wanted to help victims
VOLUNTEERS are desperately needed to help Lancaster and Morecambe women who have been abused by men. Workers at Lancaster and District Women's Aid charity want women who feel they can help to attend a series of courses they are running once a week from
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Aussie Andrew boosts Rainford CC
RAINFORD Cricket Club is travelling full steam ahead for the new season. Eighteen-year-old Australian wicket-keeper Andrew Robinson is due to fly in early this month. The Queenslander comes on the recommendation of Rainford's former Aussie star Troy Martyn
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Blues' bare bones
Chorley 2 Lancaster 0 NEW boss Tony Hesketh will be hoping luck will return to his side, as well as several first teamers like keeper Mark Thornley, ahead of Saturday's game at Guiseley. Including used substitutes half Lancaster City's team were local
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Kits find a home
HOMELESS young men and women from Lancaster will be even further away from 'home' on Sunday. Youngsters from the district have organised a football match against fellow homeless youngsters from Barrow. They will play at Barrow's ground wearing Lancaster
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Park give Orrell a fright
West Park 13 Orrell 17 PREMIERSHIP two side Orrell were given a severe fright by a West Park team who belied the five division gap between . Down 17-0 after 30 minutes Park could have expected a drubbing, Kurt Johnson, Matt Lacey and Simon Verbickas scored
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Money move on tip
ENVIRONMENTAL watchdogs have applied for £10,000 of Government cash to investigate potentially hazardous materials dumped at an illegal tip in Pendle. The move comes as clean-up campaigners face the problem of who will foot the bill, estimated between
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Shrimps' fears eased
Morecambe 1 Hereford Utd 0 MORECAMBE'S relegation fears surely evaporated after this win in the sun on Saturday. And, for once, it was the Shrimps who were lucky. A desperately unfortunate own goal on the hour by the Hereford defender separated the teams
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Haydock blast back
Haydock 27 Widnes St Maries 18 HAYDOCK fought back from a 14-4 half-time deficit to claim the spoils in a tough encounter. They led 4-nil after 15 minutes thanks to two Ireland penalty goals. Defences were on top at this stage, with Lowe, Bloor and Abbott
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Get pedalling!
ON your bike! That's the message to youngsters keen to compete in this year's Merseyside Youth Games. For the local heats for the cycling final at Wavertree Sports Complex on May 15 are to be held at Sherdley Park. The qualifiers take place on Saturday
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Last gasp equaliser
Lancaster 1 Runcorn 1 A LAST gasp equaliser by City man-of-the-match Jamie Udall saved the Blues from the blues. Playing in front of city council leader Stanley Henig and former boss Alan Tinsley the players strolled in sun without creating many chances
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Eagle eye of the advice bureaux
CITIZENS Advice Bureaux across the Fylde could soon turn into legal eagles. Following a meeting of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) and Fylde councillors, plans have arisen to implement increased working hours for CAB employees
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Refugees offered solace by Henig
A SUGGESTION made in The Times that the former Pontins site at Middleton could be turned into a base for Kosovan war refugees was cautiously welcomed by council leader Stanley Henig this week. So far the idea has only been suggested by the national paper
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Jon has a way with swords . . .
DIG out your swords, spears, staffs and whip chains . . . A special course that involves the use of these and many other weapons is being introduced in St Helens. Lessons in the ancient art of Wushu are being given at the St Helens Martial Arts and Fitness
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Magic night at the Grand
I MUST write to express how much we enjoyed the show at the Grand Theatre on Wednesday night (March 31) called Magic of the Musicals. Helen Hobson, who stood in for the indisposed Marti Webb, was superb, as indeed was Dave Willetts and all of the supporting
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Bulls to the slaughter
Saints 58 Bradford Bulls 14 FACED with another 'four-pointer' after the Wigan epic, scintillating Saints duly completed the second half of the Easter double on Monday - and how! Saints consigned the Bulls to a biggest-ever Super League defeat and gave
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Buyers in bid for Midland
TWO serious buyers have made firm offers on Morecambe's Midland Hotel. The hotel's administrators, Sills and Betteridge of Lincoln, are currently considering the two offers and have described the latest developments as "optimistic." Any decision to sell
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Town go from bad to worse
St Helens Town 0 Workington 4 : St Helens Town 0 Skelmersdale Utd 6 DEPLETED, dejected and demoralised, that's how Town finished their Easter programme. Two top attractions helped themselves to a field day against a sad dispirited St Helens. It's therefore
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British and proud
WHAT is the BBC playing at? It has decided that to call us "British" is offensive and we are no longer a "nation". BBC controller Philip Harding should note that in a recent Foreign Office survey 87 per cent still felt substantially British. Last year's
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Honours even after a perfect start
THE promotion race has now reached alarming proportions as a cavalry charge now sends five teams chasing for that vital second place behind Fulham. (PNE 1 MANCHESTER CITY 1). In front of just under 21,000 North End got off to a perfect start with a goal
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Protest over unruly kids home
RESIDENTS are expected to crowd Blackpool Council chamber on Monday (April 12) in protest over plans for a home for disruptive children. Neighbours have already sent in an 850-name petition and 15 letters of objection to the Northern Care Group proposal
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A great trip home
SIR, - I MUST say, I am impressed with the Citizen. Here in South Africa I always have to explain to people where Blackpool is and what Blackpool is all about. A few weeks ago I e-mailed you about my favourite gripe and when I was back in the UK a couple
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The height of endeavour
HOW about this for a way of training for the London Marathon? Brian McCormick, pictured, has devised an unusual way of getting ready for the gruelling 26-mile run on April 18 by racing up the 420 steps of the Pepsi Max Big One each day - to a dizzy 235ft
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Child's play pays off
CHILD FC retained the St Helens Combination's Garswood Trophies Hospital Cup Final on Good Friday after a game that came to life only in the final 10 minutes. The game kicked off 10 minutes late and was a largely dour affair. Three minutes into the second
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Rugby League: Pack ace Barrow back for Barrow!
STAR pack man Tony Barrow Jnr is in line for a return to first team action on Sunday when Swinton Lions entertain Barrow at Gigg Lane. The inspirational forward has been out for most of the season with an ankle injury - which required surgery - but is
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Developer's plan to boost city
MORE than 500 local jobs could be created if a £35 million leisure and retail development at the Kingsway site in Lancaster is given the go-ahead. Developers Chelverton Properties have unveiled ambitious plans to completely renovate and revitalise the
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Cash injection to help aged
A MASSIVE £1 million cash injection has been agreed by North West Lancashire Health Authority, launching a major initiative to tackle the problems posed by an ageing population. The health authority, in partnership with Blackpool and Lancashire social
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Put your shirt on squad numbers next season
AN age old Deepdale joke will be laid to rest at the end of the season when a new Football League rule takes effect. As of next season, all players will have a squad number which they must stick to all season, complete with their surname on the back of
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Soccer: Bury's survival dream is fading
IT was the manner of the two goals the Shakers conceded as much as the result that upset boss Neil Warnock after Easter Monday's 2-0 defeat to high-flying Bradford City. The superbly organised defensive performances that saw them concede only one goal
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Brass awaits all-clear for Clarets
CHRIS Brass is hoping to get the all-clear to feature in the latest instalment of Burnley's relegation drama at Oldham Athletic tomorrow. Brass ended up in hospital with mild concussion following a clash of heads in the Clarets 3-1 win over Colchester
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Race murder parents at conference
BLACKPOOL'S Winter Gardens is to play host to an important conference to encourage better race relations. With the theme of race equality through trade union recognition, the TUC black workers' conference, from April 16-18, will feature speeches from
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Florida man's roots quest
A FLORIDA man who feels at home in East Lancashire is continuing to research his family tree, after the death of his cousin who started the project. The Fawcett family has been tracing its roots for the past nine years, and Bill Fawcett, who lives in
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Prison call for visitors
YOU don't have to be a German Shepherd to become a watchdog at Hindley Prison. Anyone aged 18 upwards is eligible to be considered as a member of a prison Board of Visitors. People from all backgrounds are needed to ensure prisoners are being cared for
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Virgin takes tilt at new trains
FYLDE MP Michael Jack is pushing for West Coast main line improvements to stay on track. After years of suffering some of the worst train services in the country, passengers between the North West and London are looking forward to big improvements in
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North End suffer Easter Crack-up
NORTH End have slipped into the play-off quagmire after picking up just one point from six during the crunch Easter campaign. A shock defeat at the hands of Colchester on Good Friday and one point from Monday's battling draw against Manchester City, pictured
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Rugby League: Fireworks as Lions snatch it
Swinton Lions 28, Rochdale Hornets 24 THE Lions pulled off a determined victory in the derby match at Gigg Lane in front of a disappointing crowd. The game started with fireworks as Sean Casey and Brad Hepi were sent to the sin-bin in the sixth minute
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Pilgrims travelled many a mile to drink from spa
Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy - this week, the story of Blackburn Well IN a number of occasions in this column I have mentioned the famous wells of Lancashire. There is Whalley, Wiswell and Clitheroe. But what about Blackburn's well? If it had not
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Easter's a little cracker
TRADERS in Blackpool have enjoyed a cracking Easter weekend with some venues reporting massive increases on 1998 figures. The sunshine brought out the crowds and last year's dismal season is now disappearing in the haze. Blackpool Zoo, Leisure Parcs,
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There's a place for graduates
MORE than 90 East Lancashire employers found out about a scheme to help local firms become more competitive. The Teaching Company Scheme aims to promote links between business and universities. It enables firms to carry out specific projects using graduates
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Gutsy show but Lynx sunk by Viking power
WIDNES VIKINGS 40 LYNX 4 THE scoreline says it all (Vikings 40. Lynx 4) - Lynx were crushed. But to be fair to the local side, they did have to implement a series of changes which unsettled them. Winger Neil Parsley was back on familiar ground as full
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Support for John is on its way
A NEW support group for Muscular Dystrophy sufferers is to be set up in East Lancashire. The Muscular Dystrophy Group's national organiser Lyn Inman, will visit Darwen in the next few weeks to help with the plans and publicity for the support group. So
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BURY PRESS
DISORDERLY Adrian Taylor was just too drunk to even remember what got him into court. The 23-year-old of Chiltern Road, Ramsbottom, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and was fined £90 with £45 costs after appearing before Bury Magistrates yesterday
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New court fight for bike record challenger
RECORD breaker Pete Williams is heading for his latest challenge. Pete, from Culcheth, once one of Europe's top three two-wheel sprinters who has turned to jet power in his land speed record quest, is taking Warrington Borough Council to court. Six years
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Police probe blaze at playground
A CHILDREN'S playground has been destroyed after a fire cause £6,000 worth of damage. Police are investigating the fire at the playground in Lynton Way, Bleak Hill. Anyone who may be able to help the police with their inquiries can contact the Incident
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Chaytor in CF help bid
SUFFERERS of cystic fibrosis should not have to pay prescription charges, says Bury MP David Chaytor. He has joined a Parliamentary campaign calling on the Government to put CF, the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease, on the exempt list
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Police call in reinforcements to quell riots
RYELANDS residents were picking up the pieces this week following a serious riot on the estate over the Easter bank holiday. It is thought the violent disturbance was sparked by three men allegedly taking the law into their own hands during a domestic
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Thugs hold down OAP
A FRAIL pensioner was pinned to the floor by two cowardly thugs who ransacked her flat. The 85-year-old woman was held down during the afternoon burglary at her Clegg Street home in Whitefield on Tuesday, April 6. The thieves escaped with her handbag
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Attack victim was left unconscious
A MAN was attacked by a group of youths in Thatto Heath. The 34 year old had just got off a train at Thatto Heath station and was passing a grassed area in Elephant Lane when the attack happened at 10pm on Friday, March 26. The gang knocked him to the
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Elliott ready for a new start
WHILE most youngsters will make a reluctant return to school after the Easter break, Elliott Stephens cannot wait. Elliott (9) of Westminster Avenue, Radcliffe, hit the headlines after his mother withdrew him from Radcliffe County Junior School over allegations
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New people to look after your health
THE face of local health services in Leigh and Wigan has changed with the setting up of three primary care groups. The new-look groups will now be involved in getting to know the health needs of the local population. And the groups will be responsible
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Teenage girls in flasher ordeal
POLICE are hunting a flasher who indecently exposed himself to two teenage girls in Newton. The incident happened in Crow Lane West near to its junction with Mercer Street at 10.15pm on Wednesday, March 31 when a man approached the two 15 year old girls
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Pledge to fight child abuse
HUNDREDS of Bury shoppers vowed to do their bit to stamp out cruelty to children. Nearly 400 people queued up in the Mill Gate Centre last weekend (Sat, March 31) to sign a pledge to support the NSPCC's Full Stop Campaign. The local event was part of
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Crazy criteria: parents slam schoolplaces offer
PARENTS are up in arms over high school admissions which will force their children to make a daily 12-mile round trip. Astley and Tyldesley families weren't happy when their the local education authority offered children in Westleigh. They say there are
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Mark makes his move
BOLTON and Bury Chamber's deputy chief executive, Mr Mark Lloyd, will become the country's youngest training and enterprise council (TEC) chief. The 31-year-old is taking up his new position in County Durham in May. Speaking of his new challenge at County
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MOT certificates stolen from garage
POLICE in St Helens are on the look out for MOT certificates stolen from a garage by a robber, who is believed to have been armed with a knife. The man, who wore a balaclava, entered the RMC service station in Southworth Road, Newton-le-Willows at about
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Free eye tests for elderly
ELDERLY people in Bury will now have a better view of the world thanks to the introduction of free eye tests. Health Secretary Frank Dobson announced free tests for everyone aged 60 or over earlier this week, claiming it could help to save the sight of
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Face-lift for awards ceremony
A NEW-LOOK evening is being planned for the dinner which forms the climax of the annual Bolton and Bury Business Awards competition. Organisers have decided to dispense with formal speakers when the popular awards for excellence and achievement are presented
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Meanest horse thief in the West!
HEAD for the hills - there are rustlers in St Annes. The stark discovery was made by David Aspin when his prized horse, who at just a few weeks old hasn't even been named yet, was stolen from Back Glen Eldon Road. And its stable mate, affectionately dubbed
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CAB staff appeal
A BURY Citizens Advice Bureau organiser has made an appeal for volunteers to staff premises throughout the borough. As reported in the Bury Times last week, Citizens Advice Bureaux in Bury, Bolton, Oldham and Rochdale have received £9,000 from the Lloyds
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Bobbies battle to beat cancer
ST HELENS bobbies are gearing up for the Cancer Research Campaign's Relay for Life, when they hope to raise £1,110. The team is one of several taking part in the 24-hour relay round the Sutton Community Leisure Centre athletics track, starting at 10am
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Local teachers oppose pay by results
TEACHERS have condemned Government proposals for performance related pay. Bury branch secretary for the National Union of Teachers (NUT) Helen Andrews said: "The NUT is opposed to the reintroduction of the discredited Victorian system of payment by results
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Fringe benefits for our students
TALENTED hairdressing students at St Helens College came away with a major haul of silverware at the Association of Hairdressing Teachers (AHT) UK Student Championships, held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The team took the title of UK College of
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OAP gives up on centre
A PENSIONER is giving up her lone fight to keep a community centre open after it was ransacked by thieves - and then hit by vandals only days later. Mrs Donna Hayward, treasurer of Brandlesholme Community Centre, says she is "sick and tired" of fighting
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Former head found hanged
A POPULAR former headteacher has died in a hanging tragedy at his home. The body of Mr John Abbott (51), was discovered suspended from a tree in the back garden of his home in Bury New Road, Breightmet, which he shared with his partner, Mrs Maureen Thompson
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STAR team earns big salute!
A NEWTON primary school put in a 'star' performance to achieve a prestigious Investors in People award in less than two months. St Peter's CE Primary in Birley Street has become one of the first organisations in the St Helens area to achieve recognition
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Seventies stars score for charity
FORMER Bury and Bolton Wanderers footballers will take part in a charity football match at Radcliffe Borough's Stainton Park ground on Sunday, April 25. Seventies Shakers heroes Derek Spence, Steve Hoolickin and Gerry Keenan will join former Burnden Park
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Thanks for helping my Scott
THE parents of a young boy who was hit by a car as he returned home from school have expressed their gratitude for the caring actions of his friends and passers by who looked after him until the ambulance arrived. Scott Kilshaw, aged 11, from Cambridge
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Let's hear it for the boys
ISN'T it a shame that while our lads are battling it out for promotion on the pitch, the majority of us in the stands seem to have left our tonsils at home. Where's the singing? Where's the chanting? Where are the balloons, the ticker-tape and roar as
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Karate success for young and older
YOUNGSTERS and one golden 'oldie' are celebrating down at the Lowton Shotokan Karate Club. They featured in a competition in Walsall, more than 400 entries in 30 separate categories. Winners were led by Glyn Steadman (vets) the junior team kata (Steven
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Get in touch!
Mr Gerard Hatton writes: I was a pupil at Bury Junior Technical School between 1946 and1949. He would like old school friends to contact him at 92 Woodplumpton Lane, Broughton, Preston PR3 5JZ. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images
