Archive
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Fund-raisers go Pudsey potty
FROM bathing in cornflakes to busking in the street - East Lancashire was going Pudsey potty today for the Children in Need appeal. Crazy stunts and sponsored events were due to take place across the area. The fun began this morning in Blackburn's Morrison's
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Licence dodger shame of East Lancs
EAST Lancashire has one of the worst records for TV licence dodgers in the country according to official statistics. A league of shame published by the TV Licensing authority has seen Blackburn and the surrounding area shooting up the table in the last
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More asylum seekers on way
MORE asylum seekers than first thought are coming to Bury - and they could be here next month rather than next year. Town hall bosses are now in a race against time to find houses, schools and cash to cope with the influx. They are worried that the town
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My tips for the top
JUST got back after a couple of mad days in London, wow, what a week ... Pop Stars, TV personalities, Stringfellows, China Town, a parking ticket and a wheel clamp, no wonder my back's playing me up, mind you, I was in good company. My friend and Radio
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Tip-off plea on drink drivers
DRINK drivers are being warned they will be arrested and prosecuted if they take to the roads over the festive season. Lancashire police announced the official launch of its annual Christmas drink-drive campaign which takes place next Wednesday. The campaign
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Car for a star turn-on
A LUCKY winner will get star treatment to switch on Blackburn's landmark Christmas star on Thwaites brewery. Instead of bringing in a celebrity, Thwaites are organising a prize competition to raise money for charity. The winner will get to throw the switch
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More cash bid for schools
EDUCATION bosses are spearheading a new campaign to stop Bury being one of the worst-funded education authorities in the country. Despite millions of pounds of extra cash from the Government over the past two years, the borough's schools still lag behind
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Fingers crossed for Lucky Losers place
BRIG general manager Mick Hoyle revealed his disappointment at leaving the FA Cup in the manner the team did - but is keeping his fingers crossed that the team get the Lucky Loser place to face Aston Villa in the third round. He said: "I'm disappointed
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Care home in new TB alert
RESIDENTS at an old people's home are to be tested after a member of staff contracted the killer disease TB in the second alert of its kind this month. Staff and residents at Sandy Brook home for the elderly, Lower Darwen, are being tested by East Lancashire
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Square contractors saluted
ON Sunday, November 14, Victoria Square at 10am was in tip-top condition for the memorial service. The contractors must have worked very hard and they should be congratulated. It was very much commented on by those who took part in the parade. M.G., Haydock
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Brig unlucky after after penalty decision
FOR Bamber Bridge to have reached the second round of the FA Cup is testament to the effort and work rate of the team. For the team to exit following a dodgy penalty awarded against them and having a goal disallowed, is just sheer bad luck. The Brig boys
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Wigan are the team to beat, says skipper
CLARETS skipper Gordon Armstrong goes into tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash at the JJB Stadium, admitting: "Wigan are the team to beat." The Latics are the only undefeated side in the country with a two-point advantage over second-placed Preston and
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Parkes insists: I don't want the job
TONY Parkes insisted today that he does not want to manage Blackburn Rovers on a permanent basis despite mounting speculation linking him with the post. Dave Bassett's decision to commit himself to Barnsley has forced the Ewood board back to the drawing
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Fusilier stalwart steps down
BURY'S Fusilier figurehead, Major John Hallam, is to "fall out" on parade after 44 years of service to the army. Major Hallam (pictured) is the North West secretary of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers based at the famous Wellington Barracks. But he will
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Make your voices heard
I READ with interest your recent article about congestion outside schools caused by people taking their children to school by car. I have just received a letter from the council saying they intend to discontinue the school bus from Haydock to Newton High
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Park Patrol
A BUSY week of cup and league action in the Preston and District Football League produced a variety of results. The match between Crossens and Leyland St Mary's was cancelled after the referee failed to turn up while the Walton-Le-Dale vs Higher Walton
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It's not sexist
IN response to B. J. Millner's letter (November 11) I would express the view (which I anticipate is shared by many) that adopting a title such as 'chair' that is not gender-based is not a matter of sexism or indeed feminism. It is simply a matter of recognition
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What's in a name?
A VILLAGE street, whose name is reputed to be unique, has a fascinating tale behind it. The main-road stretch in question is Clipsley Lane, Haydock. And the name, corrupted from the word 'eclipsed', reaches back in history to 1168. This knowledge comes
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Well done, Dave
THE Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) normally walk in St Helens on Remembrance Sunday, but this year, because our principal officer lives in Newton, and in view of the alterations taking place in St Helens town centre, we decided to walk in
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Sister Duffy's flag fliers
A CLASSIC 'small world' episode is related for us by Eric Guest, secretary of the Good Companions writers' group of St Helens. And he also points to an amazing coincidence, springing from the group's campaign for the legendary Sister Duffy, of Providence
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Borough pays tribute to 'Father of Council'
TRIBUTES have poured in for the man known as Bury metro council's first Freeman, the former "Father of the Council", or to his many friends, simply just Dai. They fondly remember the contribution that David Davies, who died this week aged 91, made to
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Shock end to quest
FOSTERED from the age of two, ex-miner Tom Yelland had always yearned to trace his natural parents. And now, after years of exhaustive detective work, taking in countless frustrating false trails, 48-year-old Tom has put together the final piece in his
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Tributes pour in for David Davies
COUNCILLOR Derek Boden, leader of the council, paid tribute to the man he has known for many years. "It's very sad that he died so soon into his retirement from public duties," he said. "He, more than anyone else, had earned a rest and to be able to enjoy
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Former mayor to stand down
LONG-standing councillor Dick Evans is to retire next year, after spending 21 years on the council. The ex-mayor has announced his decision to stand down as a representative of the Moor Park ward at the next election, in May 2000. He first arrived at
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Winter hazards ahead
WINTER draws on, and with it come the hazards of ice and snow. We attend to our pipes and the heating to prevent bursts and we have already been advised about keeping anti-freeze at strength, the battery fully changed, and the tyres legal. But what of
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Don't be fooled
PRESTON police have re-issued a warning to residents to check the credentials of visiting officials, after conmen robbed an elderly woman. Two men, wearing high-visibility vests and claiming to be from the Water Board, told the 87-year-old they were switching
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Villagers protest against building on farmland
ANGRY campaigners fighting to stop huge housing developments in Goosnargh, Whittingham and Broughton joined forces at the weekend, to hold a protest in Preston's Flag Market. The demonstration started in Goosnargh on Saturday, where more than 200 people
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No one has right to park
RECENTLY I went to my car to find an anonymous letter stuck on the windscreen, accusing me of parking without consideration for others. This anonymous person may not realise that I work shifts seven days a week, that my wife also works irregular shifts
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Traffic snarls up town centre as Christmas rush starts early
TRAFFIC chaos hit Preston town centre at the weekend, in the seasonal rush to the shops. Cars were bumper-to-bumper in Corporation Street, backing up under the Fishergate car park tunnel, as early as 10am on Saturday. It was a similar story in Butler
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Is this British fair play?
I AM a visitor from Norway who is currently spending time in the Rawtenstall area before returning home. During my stay I have been fortunate enough to spectate at a couple of local football matches and feel I must respond to the attitude shown by management
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Archer is epitome of Tory sleaze
NEW Labour is a long way from being the Labour Party which I voted for, but it is infinitely better than the Conservative Party which smugly pontificated for years as it feathered its own nest. That repulsive man Jeffrey Archer sums up the kind of politician
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Enemies?
I AM writing with regards to the government's lack of funding of essential services! It is possible for much more to be done if they would use a bit of common sense and get Britain's priorities right. Their answers are always the same: 'we cannot afford
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Turkish quake aid refused
EARTHQUAKE aid workers have been stunned by Turkey refusing to accept tons of clothing collected locally. Volunteers from a Tyldesley social club took in and sorted 18 tons of blankets and used clothing specifically to help Turkish disaster survivors
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Hospital link is a necessity
I WAS somewhat puzzled to read (Bury Times, Nov 5) that Bury Health Care Trust does not believe a second access road to the upgraded Fairfield General Hospital is necessary. To rely solely on one busy 'B' road to access the town's future Accident and
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No to tower block
PLANS to create a 'Kremlin-like' apartment block on Preston's marina have been thrown out, despite claims it could wreck the town's city status bid. Councillors voted to reject plans to create a 10-storey apartment block surrounded by smaller buildings
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Shakers need a new face
I READ with interest that Bury FC (in conjunction with the Supporters Association) are to conduct a poll to find out why people do not go and watch the team. Talk about burying your head in the sand! You only have to listen to the GMR phone-in on a Saturday
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Soccer doesn't discriminate
THE Bury Times drew attention (Nov 19) to the fact that there are very few Asian players in big-time football. This is perceived by certain people as being a "problem", the implication being that the proportion of Asian footballers ought to equal the
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Rates put pub future in jeopardy
A PRESTON community could lose its last local pub because the licensee says she can't pay 'crazy' business rates. The Selbourne, in James Street, Frenchwood, must fork out £13,000 a year in business rates, and the charges are crippling publican Margaret
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TEN YEARS AGO: Bond film part joy
A BREWERY worker from East Lancashire toasted her success after winning a walk-on part in the next James Bond film. Linda Outterside, 33, of Spring Hall, Clayton-le-Moors, a member of the Territorial Army, beat nine other finalists in a contest to pick
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Drink Link to be extended
A NEW 'spot and tell' drink-drive campaign launched by police in Southern Division last year, is going county-wide in time for Christmas. Officers have already tracked down scores of drink-drivers under the new Drink Link initiative, which involves people
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You can't take it with you
IF your parents are holidaying in Preston then you'd better watch out, they are probably spending your inheritance. So says a new tourism report, which claims Preston is a magnet for the SKI (Spend Kid's Inheritance) Brogues everywhere - the jargonese
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Ansdell Sevens League results
Premier Division: Taffee Traders 3, St Annes Sportmen 1; Lytham Town 1, Arvin Exhaust Reserves 4; St Annes Elite 3, St Annes Boys 7; Zeroes Heroes 4, The Royal 3; Statestrong 2, St Annes Victoria 3; Arvin Exhaust 7, Peel Park 1. Converted for the new
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SOCCER: Ex-Red only makes the bench for North End
PRESTON midfielder Michael Appleton will again start on the bench for tomorrow's Division Two clash with Bury. The former Manchester United man played 90 minutes in Preston's reserve game against Birmingham in midweek, but is unlikely to make the starting
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Cash at last for crime war
UNDER fire for over-hyping his boost in the number of Britain's bobbies, Home Secretary Jack Straw truncheons his critics today by announcing an extra £7.4 billion for police forces. In Lancashire, the new spending settlement brings a real jump in resources
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SUPERBIKES: Foggy set to go digital
TELEVISION access to Carl Fogarty's defence of his World Superbike crown could be restricted to digital subscribers next season. Organisers Flammini are holding discussions with a number of companies after the Sky Sports contract ran out this year. And
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LOCAL SOCCER: Bailey aims to join the elite
IT'S BEEN a long haul but, if John Bailey has his way, Nelson will kick of the first season of the new millenium among the elite of the First North Western Trains League. Almost 10 years since they were turfed out of the league because of the sub-standard
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Raynor to the rescue
LYTHAM Chess Club's second team were hopeful at winning their recent second division match at Bispham firsts and, indeed, should have done - but David Dawber inexplicably allowed himself to be mated by Alison Screen. With Kostas Domoras also below par
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Many thanks to you all
I AM writing on behalf of the East Lancashire Deaf Society to thank the generous people of Blackburn who came forward in droves after you printed out request for more volunteers (LET, November 5). We now have more than 20 new volunteers who will be helping
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Peace at last for derby clashes
BLACKPOOL'S warring days with Preston are over, according to North End! The behaviour of North End and Blackpool fans during the past few derbies has improved to such an extent that police officers and Deepdale security staff have decided to let the next
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It's David v Goliath
DAVID and Goliath, giants and minnows, it's what the FA Cup is all about - and the Seasiders are delighted with being handed a dream draw in the third round against the Gunners at Highbury after knocking out Hendon on Saturday (Nov 20). But can the Tangerines
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Stroll for Bold
Higginshaw nil Bold Miners 68 BOLD Miners strolled to success, despite playing with only 12 men for the second week running. They went straight onto the attack and scored a try through C. Burgess and D. Anders converted. Further tries came through C.
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Campbell on song for Scorpions
CHRIS Pearson turned out for his first game of the season and was back to his old form, scoring two tries and having a hand in two more as Blackpool Scorpions beat Bamber Bridge 27-18. The Scorpions had to withstand a lot of pressure early on and were
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Mobile maniacs
I WAS at my doctor's this week for a flu jab. The place was packed, standing room only, and phones were ringing all the time. Then I could hear one near me. A young woman took a mobile phone out of her pocket and continued to have a giggly conversation
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Schools beaten
ST HELENS Schools slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a strong Liverpool side at Ruskin Drive on Saturday. Meanwhile, the under 13s drew 3-3 with Blackburn. Scorers were Higherside players Andrew Richards (2) and Ian Files. Elsewhere the under 11s
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Hounds go down fighting
Leigh Harriers 50 Parr Hare & Hounds 10 THIS was a much better effort by Hounds against promotion hopefuls Leigh Harriers. Despite again having to travel with a bare 13 players, the visitors showed plenty of spirit against a well-organised Leigh outfit
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Dynamic duo sit in silence
I AND many others have come to the conclusion that no matter what good things have happened in Hindsford ward, the Lib Dems' Bleakley/Lingings will claim credit. Their Machiavellian machinations obviously bear no semblance to the truth. Their trivial
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Sign up and save a life
I WAS saddened to learn this week of the death of 10-years-old Leigh boy Michael Gillespie. For 18 months I have followed his story, as he and his family hoped that his suffering would be brought to an end by a much-needed heart transplant. The brave
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Finch chances go begging
Haresfinch 11 Rylands 14 FINCH were left to rue a couple of missed chances as they narrowly failed to topple high-flying Rylands in a closely-contested encounter. The home side started well with a penalty and a drop goal by stand-off Dave Meadows and
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Goalden chance for kids
FOOTBALL can be fun for everyone - that's the message from Blackpool's Football in the Community team. Its football coaching sessions at schools across the Fylde are more popular than ever with hundreds of children now taking part. Children from the age
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The drop looms for Ruskin
Sefton 34 Ruskin Park 8 THIS defeat means Ruskin are now looking relegation in the face, for the third time in four seasons. Slow about the field, they were rarely first to the breakdown in loose play, shunted backwards at virtually every scrum, and lost
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Youths in centre stampede
MOUNTED police who had earlier led the Burnley Christmas lights switch-on procession were called into action to break up a stampede of 100 young people. Last night's festivities were coming to an end when the youths ran through the still-crowded town
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Recs turn on heat
Pilkington Recs 14 Ulverston 10 RECS secured two valuable league points against promotion rivals Ulverston. The City Road men took an early lead with their first attack. Left wingman Jeff Albin made the most of an overlap to score by the left hand corner
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Moss Laners roar back
Liverpool St Helens 40 Aspatria 25 THIS was a huge boost for LSH as they hover just above the relegation zone. It came after a lethargic first-half which saw Aspatria in control. During this period the visitors scored three unconverted tries and a penalty
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A fair point
THANK-YOU for publishing my letter Putting People Before Profits (Citizen, October 28). It is a pleasure, indeed, to find an editor who is not afraid of the politically correct mob. N G Charnley, Chesterfield Road, Blackpool. Converted for the new archive
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Appeal smashes £50,000 mark
KIND-HEARTED Fylde folk have helped the Macmillan Windmill Appeal pass the £50,000 mark. And this fantastic sum has been reached in just three months. Schools, businesses and community groups have all helped the appeal by organising fundraising events
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Rainhill hold on to top spot
RAINHILL United remain in pole position in the under 12s section of the St Helens McDonald's JOL. It follows their 2-1 defeat of Ravenhead. Meanwhile, Lane Ends shocked Pilkington and Garswood won 3-0 at Captains Lane. RESULTS Under 16s: Blackleyhurst
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Dilly-dallying defeat
THE Seasiders crashed to their tenth league defeat of the season in a gritty battle against Millwall on Tuesday night (Nov 23), beaten 2-1 at Bloomfield Road. Despite controlling the match for the duration of the second half and the Lions being reduced
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Bad day at Blackbrook
Blackbrook 4 Featherstone Lions 32 THE visitors' back division held the key to this result. They scored all of the Featherstone side's points. But, the game will perhaps be most remembered for the performance of the match official who, appeared a little
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Switch on for a festive bonanza
BLACKPOOL'S festive shopping campaign bursts into life bigger and better than ever this Saturday (November 27) when panto stars switch on the Christmas lights. Blackpool Town Centre Forum has masterminded the town's biggest shopping and leisure promotion
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Marathon appeal
I AM appealing to Citizen readers taking part in the Flora London Marathon 2000 to please consider running in support of The Cancer Research Campaign. This will be my first ever London marathon and I will soon be training hard in preparation for the gruelling
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Battle of the stores goes on
SUPERSTORE giants Asda and Morrisons battled it out this week in a supermarket war over land. The much sought after land is in the Cop Lane area of Fleetwood, and the new store is expected to be built on a high profile Lord Street site. An unexpected
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Brussels spouts
I WAS very disturbed to read that Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies supports the formation of a North West Parliament (Citizen, October 28). The European Union, as part of the Maastricht Treaty, has the United Kingdom split into twelve divisions and has a committee
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Cup goal glut
PLAY it again! That's the message to Rainford Rangers and Knowsley South. For although the under 15s sides conjured up 10 goals, they couldn't be separated in the Rainhill Junior League Cup. RESULTS Saturday Mini football (under 10s) Section A: Ravenhead
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Combination in mourning
IT'S been a sad time for the St Helens Combination. First members were stunned by the untimely death of one of its youngest players, 16-year-old Alec Byrne, from Sutton Leach. He had great potential and played for Green Dragon FC in Division Two of the
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I'm not despondent
BLACKPOOL'S education chief is fighting for his electoral life. Coun Eddie Collett, executive member for education, is believed to be appealing against his ward branch's decision earlier this month to de-select him as a Labour candidate in next May's
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Have you an hour to help
A SUCCESSFUL new help group is hoping to add professional volunteers to its books. Add-a-Voice, the local advocacy development group for Leigh and Wigan, is seeking to strengthen its management committee with people with accounting or business experience
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New look for Ruskin Drive
RUSKIN Leisure is splashing out to give its Ruskin Drive sportsground a new look. A new private club will include a 20-metre swimming pool incorporating a specialised massage feature, a custom-built steam room and a spa with inside seating for six/seven
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Eyesore to become highlight
A LYTHAM seafront eyesore should finally disappear for good next year. The site of the former Scruples nightclub, a derelict shell which marred the foreshore for years until its demolition in January, is set to become a vantage point for walkers, birdwatchers
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Late try rocks Cowley
A LATE try consigned Cowley to a 27-20 Rugby Union defeat at home to Widnes SFC on Saturday. Their tries came from Dave Cottington, Darren Smith and Stu Hedley, with Gaz Leavesley adding two conversions. But the school's under 16s RL side defeated Haydock
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Jenna just pipped
A BLACKPOOL student is "made up" after scooping second place in the 1999 Skills Olympics in Montreal. But there was disappointment for Jenna Bailey (pictured), a HND beauty therapy student, who after four gruelling days of competition was told she wouldn't
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Moyes' gamble brings Cup of Woe
A HOME draw in the third round of the FA Cup beckons for Preston North End, if they can see off non-league Enfield, after drawing 0-0 in the teams' first encounter. A replay against Enfield shouldn't really be necessary after Preston all but camped in
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Success: Not just from exam passes
EXAM results were better than ever this year at an Accrington school but pupils' spiritual development was just as important, according to headteacher Katrina Ryan. Speaking at Mount Carmel RC High School awards evening last night, Miss Ryan said 52 per
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Shakers in a stalemate
Bury 0, Cardiff 0 IT'S a fact that in the 214 years these two famous old clubs have been in existence they had never faced one another in a cup competition until Saturday. And to celebrate laying to rest that surprising, if not exactly interesting, statistic
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'Turkish delight' for fireman Reg
BRAVE Blackpool firefighter Reg Tassiker has just returned from Turkey after desperately searching for survivors of the country's recent earthquake. Reg, stationed at Bispham Fire Station, joined seven other volunteers to form the Lancashire Fire and
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Showing off his Eyres and graces!
DAVID Eyres showed all the graces as he knocked in two unanswered goals to maintain North End's unbeaten league record away from Deepdale, as Preston cruised into second place behind Wigan Athletic. Preston played within themselves, stroking the ball
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At your service?
Wright On! Shelley Wright takes a wry look at life EACH week at about this time I Iike to look back on the more interesting moments in the last seven days of my life and decide what I am going to write about here. But what if today, for no apparent reason
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Labour slam court 'easy option'
LEIGH councillors have condemned proposals to close Leigh Magistrates Court and move everything to Wigan. And they are urging locals to sign a petition aimed at keeping justice in Leigh. Local Local Labour Party leading light Cll Mark Hale explained why
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BAe pals' idea turns gold
TWO innovators have struck gold! Steve Wilson and Peter May, who both work in the treatments department at British Aerospace, Samlesbury, were presented with the Gold Innovation Award by the company's chairman, Sir Richard Evans. The pair came up with
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Captain Marvel wagers: We can do it!
PRESTON skipper Sean Gregan has sent a warning message to plucky Enfield - 'we can do it'. Captain Marvel Gregan was as disappointed as anyone not to see North End win at the weekend, but is confident his side can beat the Rymans League outfit at their
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Court closure doesn't add up
LEIGH'S top JP says the proposal to close the area's Magistrates' Court simply doesn't add up. Mr Dennis Dunn, who has sent a copy of The Journal announcing a consultation period to Home Office Minister Paul Boateng, says he gives the Magistrates' Courts
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Traffic island chaos
RUSH hour traffic was brought to a halt when a van broke down on the roundabout at Rainhill Stoops at about 8am on Tuesday, November 23. Police attended the scene and the road was finally cleared at 10.50am. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000
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'Rape' victim drops complaint
A TEENAGE girl who alleged she was raped in Nelson has dropped her complaint. The 19-year-old told police she did not want to proceed with her allegation that she was attacked between 8pm and midnight on Wednesday. A 20-year-old Nelson man was arrested
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Robber in gun raid on house
A ROBBER armed with a gun tricked his way into house before demanding cash from the owner. The raider knocked at the door of a house in Derby Street, Nelson, and told the 45-year-old owner, who has not been named, he needed water for his car. The householder
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Appeal over missing cat
HAS anyone seen Flossie? That's the desperate plea from Janet Naylor whose 11-year-old tortoiseshell cat went missing from the family home in Poynter Street, Thatto Heath, last month. Flossie (pictured left) disappeared after being let out on Sunday,
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Bolholt boardroom boost
BURY'S Bolholt Country Park Hotel has a new state-of-the-art executive boardroom. The unit, complete with a video conferencing facility, will aid businesspeople who want to see clients or staff worldwide - without the need for an overseas visit. A spokesman
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Mercy crews in strike threat
AMBULANCE crews across Lancashire could strike over the Millennium as part of a campaign to see their wage rises brought in line with clinical staff. The mercy crews say they may take industrial action after being offered a pay rise of three per cent,
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Did you see brick hurled at bus?
POLICE are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed an attack on a bus driver on Sunday, November 21. The bus was parked in Penrith Road, Portico, at about 6.45pm when someone threw a large brick through the window resulting in the driver getting fragments
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We're in a bit of a fix!
LEIGH Centurions should have announced their Northern Ford Premiership fixturesthis week. Instead, Leigh and the rest of the NFP are in chaos after the Rugby League was forced to withdraw its original fixture list due to continued confusion over the inclusion
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Is it Ramsbottom? Virtually!
TOURISTS will soon be able to see the sights and attractions of Ramsbottom - without actually visiting the area! For a local businessman has set up the UK's first fully interactive web site to promote a town. And Mr Tony Tickle hopes the site, which can
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Paul's world class
FIVE years dedication to the all-action world of Thai kick-boxing have paid off for a teeanger who battled his way to a title double and narrowly missed out on a third! The success story of 16-year-old Paul Middlehurst, of Church Road, Haydock, began
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Have your say on transport
ST HELENS Council wants your views on what is right - or wrong - with the area's transport system. A roadshow will tour the area over the next two months displaying plans for future development and asking for ideas or suggestions. The roadshow is part
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Aid abandoned as Nun has to fly!
NUN Catherine Henshaw had to carry on her Bolivian mercy mission without £800 worth of aid - because it would have cost her £2,300 to get it on the 'plane. The 51-year-old, a nun for 25 years, arrived at Manchester Airport 15 minutes before the check-in
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Danger blankets in the doghouse
EIGHTY potential killers have been sentenced to life in the dog house. Council officials are celebrating after their recent three-day long blitz on faulty electric blankets. From 205 tested, 80 were declared totally unfit for use while 70 passed with
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Salute for youth crime project
ST HELENS has led the way in the introduction of the Final Warning scheme - one of the Government's key measures to tackling youth crime. While it is due for implementation nationally in April next year, St Helens and Wirral have been running pilot projects
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From sewage works to beauty spot
A BLOT on the landscape is set to become a jewel in the crown - despite nearly 100 protest letters. Planning bosses have given North West Water permission to transform the former Prestwich sewage work, off Buckley Lane, into a park and wildlife haven.
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Beef back again on the school menu?
BEEF could soon be back on the menu for St Helens schoolchildren. The council's Policy and Resources Committee has agreed to lift its ban, imposed during the BSE crisis. Councillors have insisted that parents of schoolchildren and other people who eat
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Elms rubble being cleared
CAMPAIGNERS were celebrating this week after workmen moved on to the Elms precinct to start the big clean-up. Work started on Wednesday to remove the tons of rubble from the Whitefield shopping centre, left behind after the demolition men flattened empty
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£2m contract for new school
A CONTRACT for a new £2 million school is the first to be awarded by St Helens Council under a new ground-breaking partnership arrangement. The council has awarded the building of a new Bleak Hill Community Primary School to the Northern Construction
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New fire brigade volunteer scheme
A UNIQUE scheme calling for volunteers to help support the Fire Brigade is to be piloted in St Helens. Friends of the Fire Service has been set up by Merseyside's Chief Fire Officer, Malcolm Saunders who identified a need for the service to have a voluntary
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Cams Lane gives satisfaction
A SCHOOL with a good team spirit, quality teaching and well-behaved pupils. That is the verdict of Ofsted inspectors after visiting Cams Lane County Primary School. Reporting inspector Kathryn Taylor said: "The quality of teaching has a positive impact
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Pool ordeal for Alison
THE middle-aged wife of a St Helens businessman was this week recovering from what she alleges was an unprovoked terror attack while taking her weekly swim at a St Helens public baths. Alison Simm (50) from Kingsway, Moss Bank, claims that she was standing
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Two die in car crash
TWO men from Nelson were killed and a teenage girl from Burnley was seriously injured in a road smash in West Yorkshire last night. The trio were in a Honda Civic when it was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Cavalier on the A650 at Riddlesden,
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Gang trashed and raided mum's home
FOUR schoolchildren have admitted being part of a gang which trashed and repeatedly raided a mother-of-two's home. Burnley Crown Court had heard how the shocked and distraught victim had returned to Crawshawbooth from a weekend away to find her house
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Perception of schools is 'a gross injustice'
A HEADTEACHER hit out at the 'gross injustice' of the media's perception of schools with a hard-hitting speech at his school's presentation night. Neil Thornley, head of Fearns High School, Stacksteads, said: "If we were to base our judgment of schools
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Deadline for old folks' homes
WORRIED residents at Killelea House and Claremont old folks' homes have just two months to save their homes as they know them. The council-run institutions could be forced to close because social services bosses do not have the cash to bring them up to
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Hard-fought battle leaves Hoppers in fourth place
HOPPERS now stand alone in fourth place in Jewson National One after this hard fought 27-15 win against Bracknell. An early Iain Bruce try gave them the lead and was converted by Martin Emmett. The full back added a penalty as Hoppers enjoyed the better
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Barlow bargain
AS BARGAINS go Stuart Barlow is up there with the best. The Wigan goal machine cost the Latics just £45,000 when they signed him from Oldham Athletic on transfer deadline day towards the end of the 1997/98 season. The former Everton man, who had moved
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Wigan boss fears peers
Wigan Athletic v Burnley - Pete Oliver's preview WIGAN boss John Benson expects former club Burnley to test his side's unbeaten record to the limit at the JJB Stadium tomorrow. Benson, who had an ill-fated year in charge of a rapidly-sinking Burnley in
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SOS teams' Millennium strike threat
VITAL emergency services are threatening to strike on New Year's Eve. Furious ambulance crews, who could prove to be party-goers' lifeline, could be staging a walk-out at the height of Millennium Eve celebrations. According to a local paramedic, who did
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It's Nash thrill
Division One: Blackburn Rovers v Stockport County - Andy Neild's preview GOALKEEPER Carlo Nash has vivid memories of his previous visits to Ewood Park. Then, he used to work for Burnley firm F H Brown and he would often pay Rovers a call trying to sell
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Fire calls down
SUCCESSFUL fire prevention campaigns have had a major impact in reducing the number of blaze calls and false alarms in Greater Manchester. The encouraging news is contained in the County Fire Service's performance figures for 1998-99, which have just
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£7m extra to fight crime
HARD pressed police chiefs were today given a boost with news they will be get an extra £7 million to spend next year. Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw announced the annual spending settlement for forces across the country in Parliament. And
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Give us a new road
HEALTH watchdogs are stepping up their campaign for a new road to improve access to the borough's Millennium hospital. Bury Community Health Council (CHC) has expressed concerns about the limited access routes to the site at Fairfield Hospital on Rochdale
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Events in East Lancashire on Saturday, November 26th
Christmas Fair, St Peter and St Paul's School, Arundel Street, Rishton, 10am-2pm. Christmas Fair, St Peter's Junior School, Mill Hill, Blackburn, 2pm. Autumn Fair, Bentham Road Methodist Church, Mill Hill, Blackburn, 11am-1pm. Christmas Fair, Trinity
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Bury named and shamed
BURY social services have been "named and shamed" and warned they are in danger of being taken over by a neighbouring council. Government ministers have put the department on its "at risk" register and ordered it to get its house in order. Bury has been
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Running for their lives
SOLDIERS from the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, currently based in Omagh, are swapping their army boots for trainers - as they run from Warrington back to the Irish town for charity. The 12-strong team of squaddies is running the relay to raise funds for
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Get real, woman
I WOULD like to respond to Mrs B.J. Millner and her view that the use of the word chair (rather than chairman or chairwoman) is "sexist nonsense." Surely the practice of defining a person's gender in relation to an occupation is the sexist nonsense, and
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Great ballon race
WALTON-le-Dale High School's great balloon race is on! Pupils from the school released 700 balloons last week with £100 up for grabs to the person who's balloon is returned from the furthest away. The students sold the balloons for £1 each to raise funds
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Shopping trip spoiled - for 10p
AFTER doing my shopping I called in the Barnado's charity shop and bought goods to the value of £6.80. Then I spotted a stable. I had always wanted a wooden stable for my Holy Family figures which are more than 50 years old. The price was £7.99 so I emptied
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Bury moves up the league
BURY schools have bucked a three-year trend by moving up the GCSE performance league table rather than slipping down. And Bury is the second best improving local education authority in the country. "This is an outstanding performance which reflects the
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Take a shovel!
I AM utterly disgusted by the piles of horse manure that are left by riders using the newly-opened bridge viaduct across the River Irwell in Radclife, along the Outwood Nature Trail. Why don't these irresponsible riders take a bucket and shovel and clean
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Fair fuel trade campaign
SOUTH Ribble MP David Borrow has launched a crusade to halt the demise of hundreds of independently owned petrol stations across the country. Dozens of sites across Preston and South Ribble have been abandoned by their owners in the face of competition
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Fundraising thanks
I WOULD like to thank parishioners at St John the Evangelist and Lytham United Reformed Church, staff and pupils at Brockholes Wood County Primary and Lostock Hall High School and all those in Preston who took part in The European Children's Trust annual
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Security scare forces rent change
RENT collection times have been changed in Deepdale's council estates, following a security scare involving a collector. But a Preston councillor believes the change - to fortnightly collections -has been made without enough consultation with residents
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Death of Recs veteran
FORMER Pilkington Recs second row forward Walter Casey - who later joined Warrington - has died at his Eccleston home age 74. The funeral took place at St. Thomas of Canterbury church on Monday. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images
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Star spell for birthday girl
GIRL band B*Witched cast a spell on local sisters Catherine and Bernadette Halliwell and their cousin Katie Mcloughlin. The Dublin quartet made a big impression on the Leigh girls after starring at a Manchester concert. Mum Mary Halliwell, of Derwent
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New gun law won't work
IN the article headed "MP takes aim at airgun yobs" (Bury Times, Nov 12) David Chaytor tells us that "the Government's Firearms Consultative Committee is considering reviewing airgun controls". Either Mr Chaytor is mistaken, or Tony Blair was lying when
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Guards bid for the flag market
PLANS to relay Preston's historic flag market could give thieves a chance to cash in on the town's heritage, councillors have warned. They want guards to work around the clock watching over the town's famous flagstones when they are ripped up and re-levelled
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Man in court over £70,000 deception
A PRESTON man has been charged with obtaining money be deception after a Staffordshire widow's £70,000 'nest egg' disappeared. Following a police inquiry involving several forces across the country, Brian Willis, 47, was arrested. Detectives say the widow's
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Service appeal
AS a paramedic working in Cardiff I have an interest in the history of the ambulance service and, in particular, the insignia used by each service. As a collector of service cap badges, my aim is to produce a definitive list of each service, its history
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University to get civic honour
NICK Park and Tom Finney are two of Preston's famous faces who have been honoured with the Freedom of the Borough. Now they are set to be overshadowed by a new name - the University of Central Lancashire. The town's university is the latest candidate
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Ex-pat has a passion for bowls
WHEN Teresa Stafford's doctor suggested she moved south to help her get rid of her recurring bronchitis, he was thinking of a nice cottage in Devon. So imagine his surprise when Teresa, along with husband Geoff, upped sticks from their Victoria Road,
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Welcome to the greatest show on earth
COME to the circus, the greatest show on earth - that's the invitation on offer to Preston party-goers as a leading entertainment troupe limber up for a Millennium Eve to remember. In conjunction with Preston and South Ribble Business Partnership, a North
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Readers' Recollections: Tales of village life
TAKE a trip down memory lane and discover the historic past of Lostock Hall and Tardy Gate through the pages of a new book written by local woman Jackie Stuart. On realising that there was very little literature concerning the historic areas, near Preston
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Beckham joins worst 11 line-up
HE'S said to be one of the greatest players this country has ever produced. Thanks to his lightning speed, and a great right foot - not to mention his famous wife - David Beckham has become a household name across the globe. He's picked up numerous soccer
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FIVE YEARS AGO: An anxious Christmas
HUNDREDS of East Lancashire staff at two of the country's top building societies were facing an anxious Christmas following the announcement of a multi-billion pound merger plan. Staff at the Leeds Building Society in the area said they were stunned at
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Oyston pessimistic about parole success
OWEN Oyston, who has spent three-and-a-half years in jail for rape, could be home by Christmas. But he wouldn't put a fiver from his £100 million fortune on it. A date has finally been set for a new Parole Board hearing - but he doesn't think the result
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LOCAL CRICKET: Johnson set to return
RECORD-breaking batsman Ben Johnson is returning as Colne professional. The South Australian left-hander was a sensation in the first of his two seasons at the Horsfield in 1996. He smashed the league batting record with 1,718 runs and chipped in with
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Field ditched for sports hall
PART of a school's playing field is to be handed over to developers - and the pupils couldn't be happier. Dozens of supporters packed into Preston Borough Council's monthly planning meeting to back plans to sell off part of Corpus Christi High School's
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ICE HOCKEY: New boy Mahon unavailable
BLACKBURN Hawks will be without recent signing Paul Mahon for this weekend's ice hockey double header. Mahon was due to undergo an operation yesterday on a long-standing shoulder problem and will be out for at least the next week. Hawks take on player-coach
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£267,000 boost to road safety
COUNTY council chiefs have pledge to pump £267,000 into a series of local safety schemes in a bid to cut accidents on the county's roads. A total of 13 local schemes have been given the green light, including three in Preston and a further three in Chorley
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SOCCER: Old boy Jacko to face Shakers
BURY can expect their biggest crowd of the season when Preston visit Gigg Lane tomorrow Though they failed to beat Wigan in midweek, the display was better than for quite some time, but although unbeaten in nine games, Bury have not won a League fixture
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Community mourns tragic doctor
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Preston family doctor who died after plunging 30ft in a freak walking accident at the weekend. GP Peter Inglis, aged 49, was out walking at Arnside, near Silverdale, Cumbria, on Saturday afternoon when he lost his footing
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SOCCER: Nice headache for Wanderers boss
SAM Allardyce has got selection problems of the best kind ahead of Bolton's trip to Portsmouth tomorrow. For the first time since taking the Wanderers hot seat Allardyce has room to manoeuvre with the arrival of French midfielder Franck Passi and the
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Tickets for Highbury
BLACKPOOL FC has been allocated 2,600 tickets for their third round clash in the AXA sponsored FA Cup against Arsenal on December 13 at Highbury (kick off 7.45 pm). Season ticket holders will be entitled to one ticket per person. Season tickets can still
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Transport policy questionable
THE new report today showing that British motorists get the rawest deal in Europe - paying the most for their fuel and cars and suffering the worst congestion and car crime - only confirms what most believed already. But it is the deliberate nature of
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Critic expelled from supporters club
A PRESTON North End fan has been banned from the local independent supporters association after criticising the club at their annual general meeting. Andrew Woods, a Preston North End shareholder, launched a stinging assault on chairman Bryan Gray, blaming
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Question time
YOUNGSTERS from Bispham High School Arts College put professionals on the spot in a Question Time-style event. The Blackpool pupils joined other selected North West schools in Barclays New Futures Question Time in Manchester, quizzing experts in business
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Lytham in fine derby form
KIND Edward and Queen Mary School U12s rugby team enjoyed an emphatic win in their first local derby. Lytham entertained Rossall on a blustery day. The home team exploited the elements to lead 17-5 at the interval. Further tries from number eight James
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Teachers make a big splash
WATER babies Rosie O'Donnell, Caroline O'Donnell and Rebecca Garcia took the plunge to raise funds for St Mary's High School, Blackpool. The Year 8 pupils were among over one hundred swimmers to take part in the sponsored swim at Newton Hall Pool. Teachers
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Serving up a new kit
LYTHAM Juniors U10s soccer team, who compete in the Poulton and District Primary Football League, have served up some cordon bleu style football this season - and now the youngsters are delighted to have a local restaurant supporting them as they approach
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Tony's driven up the wall
STORE owner Tony Rafferty says speeding drivers are putting his life and his livelihood at risk and he has accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to his problems. Tony has run his traditional general store, 'Tony's Corner Shop', on the junction
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Cash comes bowling in
ST MARY'S 6th Form College students went ten-pin bowling this week to raise funds for the Jubilee 2000 appeal. They raised hundreds of pounds in sponsorship in the event at Blackpool Superbowl organised with the help of Blackpool's Youth Service. Jubilee
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NON LEAGUE SOCCER: Weekend preview
ACCRINGTON STANLEY have made the perfect preparation for their FA Umbro Trophy second round clash with Spalding United at the Crown Ground tomorrow. The Reds settled an old score in midweek when they beat UniBond Premier Division outfit Bamber Bridge
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Bright ideas can wish cash
SCHOOL-barclays-c md 25/11/99 Schools can win up to £20,000 in this year's Barclays New Futures awards. The awards, run in collaboration with Community Service Volunteers, offer cash and resources for school/community partnership projects. Pupils are
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Driver needs safety lesson
I AM writing in the hope that the driver of a car which nearly collided with me and my children on a zebra crossing will realise what could have happened and drive more carefully in the future. The crossing is on Barton Street near Waves swimming pool
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Yickers launch new team
HAYDOCK Warriors are about to launch an under 11s side. It will cater for youngsters in Year Six and means Haydock will now run teams from under eights to open age. For further details contact Ste Jones on 01744 601235. Converted for the new archive on
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Drama awards for Arnold
AFTER another drama-packed year Arnold School has received four awards from the National Operatic and Drama Association. Rachael McCormick won a best actress award for her role in The Secret Garden and Owen Weetch was named best actor for playing Death
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Recipe for corruption
NEW Labour's shenanigans over the selection of their candidate for Mayor of London ought not to distract the rest of us to the dangers of elected mayors elsewhere in Britain. Under New Labour's proposals, power would pass from elected councillors to a
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Talking in a class of their own
THERE was no room for argument as King Edward VII and Queen Mary School took first place in a district debating competition. The Lytham school played host to four other schools in the senior debating contest run by the English Speaking Union. Sixth form
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Millennium mistake
WHEN our clocks are poised to strike the midnight hour tomorrow, there will then be precisely 400 days left of the 20th century and second millennium AD. Exactly 2000 years ago, Earth's inhabitants were contemplating the end of November of the year 2
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Vine hit back
Vine 46 Swinton IP 6 FIELDING their strongest line-up for a month Vine returned to winning ways in a game restricted to 35 minutes each way by the visitors' late arrival. The homesters made a good start and led 28-nil at half-time with tries by Haigh
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Just enough!
A SLOPPY performance against Hendon on Saturday (Nov 20) was all it took for the Seasiders to get a dream tie against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup after a 2-0 victory. Manager Nigel Worthington described the tawdry cup tie against Hendon as
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Salute to UGB heroes
UGB 10 Crosfields A 19 UGB's 12 men deserve a medal for their commitment and positive attitude. Their first try came from Shaun Anders after man-of-the-match Karl Pownall had chipped through. But Crosfields hit back with three tries and penalty to take
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Girls tackle the decision makers
YOUNGSTERS from Fleetwood who believe in the adage "It's good to talk" are taking part in a pioneering project today. Six members of the Milton Young Women's Group, aged 14-16, and two workers in charge travelled down to Westminster yesterday (November
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Action team led park permit fight
IT WOULD appear the actions of the Residents' Action Team, against the Railway Road Area Permit Parking, supported by Leigh Conservative Association, has achieved its goal of having the scheme scrapped. The Action Team has led an ongoing fight against
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This is the limit
I'M sick of motorists getting clobbered. Every year the cost of motoring is increasing, but the new Transport Bill is the dizzy limit. Plans include hitting the majority of drivers with higher taxes, fees, fines and charges. It's ludicrous. And the planned
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Vulcan extend their winning sequence
Helsby 2nd 3 Vulcan 2nd15 VULCAN stretched their unbeaten run into double figures. However, the home side took the lead with a penalty goal This seemed to wake Vulcan up and within five minutes Vulcan crossed the whitewash through Baines. The remainder
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Company guilty of safety breaches
THE company who owned the Blackpool Oasis Centre amusement arcade where an 11-year-old boy was found electrocuted last year has pleaded guilty to safety breaches. Lee Scott-Harman, of Princes Court, Blackpool, was found dead behind a win-a-toy machine
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Rocket man rocks Wayne
ST HELENS snooker professional Wayne Brown was brought crashing back to earth in the Liverpool Victoria UK Championships in Bournemouth. He suffered a 9-2 beating at the hands of World number four Ronnie O'Sullivan in the last 32. But it wasn't before
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Glory hunters a waste of time
I HAVE witnessed blatant glory grabbing by the chairman of Leigh Business Partnership over the proposed Railway Road parking scheme. When this was first announced we organised a petition, and a few shops and other places helped by putting them up. We
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Fylde MP seeks pension boost
A FYLDE Coast MP has launched a hard-hitting campaign to boost old age pensions. Wyre's Labour MP Hilton Dawson plans to present a petition to Tony Blair appealing for pension rises to be re-linked to earnings rather than inflation and he has organised
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Saints reply over tickets
SAINTS have answered criticism that no concessionary tickets will be available World Club Challenge game against Melbourne Storm at Wigan on January 22. Vice-chairman Mal Kay: "Knowsley Road's capacity is only 19,100 and insufficient to make the match
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Trying to trace Jeffrey Miller
DURING the last war my mother and I stayed with my father's brother Alf Miller, somewhere in Blackpool from June 1944 and returned to London in October 1945. I am trying to trace my late Uncle Alf's son, Jeffrey Miller, whom I have not seen since the
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Park's fitness crucial
West Park 26 Birkenhead Park 16 IT'S 'nip and tuck' at the top of league North West One after Park's hard fought victory over fourth place Birkenhead Park. And it means Saturday's game at Caldy is a definite 'four pointer'. Somewhat overpowered by the
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Sweet revenge for Heath
Thatto Heath Crusaders 38 Haydock 18 THATTO Heath took revenge for their defeat on the opening day of the season by exacting a crushing defeat on their local rivals on Saturday. Heath got the scoring under way through in-form winger Mike Woods who showed
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Marathon men step up challenge
Great Harwood 1 St Helens Town 1 THIS weekend and the following Tuesday, Town wrap up a marathon slog of away games with visits to Mossley in the league challenge cup and Leek CSOB in a league game, making a total of six successive games away from Hoghton
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Caravan of hope
A BLACKPOOL nightspot is well and truly getting into the Christmas spirit - with the launch of a new charity campaign. Brannigans on Market Street is pulling out all the stops to raise £16,500 to enable the Mothers of Sexually Abused Children (MOSAC)
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Cats get the bird
I WAS disgusted to read your front page story Recluse Leaves Fortune to Cats (Citizen, November 11). People can leave cash to help whatever interests them, I suppose, but when there are so many really deserving needy causes, it is sheer wickedness to
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Murder cops seek 'scared' man
MURDER squad detectives are hoping an artist's impression will bring new leads in the killing of a Blackpool garage owner. The picture was issued after house-to-house inquiries brought forward new witnesses saying they had seen a man running from the
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Garswood held
GARSWOOD United were held to a 1-1 draw by Grove United on Saturday. Their goal came from youth team player Barry Clarke. Russell Dineley was man of the match, while Neil Prescott was unlucky with a shot that rattled the crossbar. Meanwhile, a young reserve
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New sports forum
A SECOND Sports Forum at the Boro Club will bring a strong Bolton Wanderers flavour to the town. For on the top table will be recently appointed team manager Sam Allardyce and coach Phil Brown, the former first team skipper who took over the boss's role
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Woman burned in house fire
POLICE will talk to family members as they try to discover how a woman suffered burns at in a house fire in Major Street, Accrington. A woman was today recovering in Blackburn Infirmary with nine per cent burns to her upper body. Fire and ambulance crews
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Cricket: Daz aims to restore pride
ELTON-based cricketer Darron Foy is a man on a mission. The Kearsley CC all-rounder journeys to Villa Park tomorrow, aiming to save face in an indoor Test series that currently sees England trailing 4-0 to the Aussies. Darron, a former professional with
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Bell bid to ring in the Millennium
TODDLERS are backing an appeal to make an ancient bell ding-dong merrily in Bongs! Tyldesley Top Chapel bell hasn't rung in ages, although they did get a slight 'tink' out of it last week. Now the race is on to get it chiming in time to ring in the new
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I don't want Rovers manager's job, says Parkes
TONY Parkes insisted today that he does not want to manage Blackburn Rovers on a permanent basis despite mounting speculation linking him with the post. Dave Bassett's decision to commit himself to Barnsley has forced the Ewood board back to the drawing
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Deepdale Diary
NORTH End could be in line for a bumper pay-day if rumours surrounding West Bromich Albion's Kevin Kilbain bear fruition. The ex-Northender, who has a significant sell-on clause for North End, in his contract, is rumoured to have attracted a £5 million
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Wife in human torch horror
A WOMAN doused herself in methylated spirits and set fire to herself at her home in Accrington following a family dispute, police said today. Detectives talked to family members but have now closed their investigation into the circumstances in which Tahira
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Bury Shake off dark clouds
Bury 2, Wigan Athletic 2 FORGET Brian McClair and multi-million pound takeovers, a few more performances like this and dark clouds on the Gigg Lane skyline will soon start to disperse. Classy league leaders Wigan Athletic arrived at Gigg Lane with an
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Soldier on the run to Omagh for charity
A LEIGH soldier has run from Warrington to Omagh to raise money for cancer research. Private David Bullough, 19, and a former pupil at Lowton High, is currently based in Omagh, Northern Ireland with the 1st Battalion The Queen's Lancashire Regiment. Keen
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Guides are winners in hand-out
FYLDE Guides are jumping for joy after the borough received a welcome cash boost thanks to a £4,250 lottery award. The money, the second award to Fylde Borough Council from the Lottery Sports Fund, will be used by the Guide Association to buy sports equipment
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James Hilton mementoes top £30,000
MEMENTOES once-owned by Hollywood screenwriter James Hilton from Leigh fetched more than £30,000 when they went under the hammer in America. The sale, which took place at Christies in Los Angeles, was hailed a success by auctioneers after 96 per cent
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Forgotten treasure: Much more could be done to make best of our waterway
Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy I DON'T think that we in East Lancashire realise what a treasure the Leeds to Liverpool Canal is. We often travel miles to sing the praises of other Inland Waterways and we tend to forget what a tourist asset our own
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Now is time to deliver, says new headteacher
WESTLEIGH High School pupils were advised never to settle for second best at their prize day on Tuesday. Peter Deakin, chief executive at Warrington Wolves RLFC, guest speaker at the annual presentation evening spoke on how education can make a difference
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Swim boy's a little splasher
SUPER little swimmer Harrison Smith has made quite a splash for the North West Air Ambulance. The kind-hearted seven-year-old has raised more than £400 for the emergency helicopter in a sponsored swim. Harrison, from Cheddar Avenue, South Shore, decided
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Canary Wharf contract
A FILTER firm has scooped a new contract at one of Britain's most famous landmarks. Burnley-based Interfilta has installed a new filtration system at Canary Wharf for the Financial Services Authority premises. The firm is also supplying products for the
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Firm chips in after theft
BLACKPOOL primary school pupils are delighted to be back online after burglars stole their computers. William Knight, whose Whitegate Drive-based company CCST provides high-tech services to firms across the country, has donated three reconditioned computers
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Avis has a way with sums
THE familiar expression 'I am no good at maths' could become a thing of the past according to Astley gran Avis Mulhearn. She has been so impressed with the Japanese Kumon Maths teaching method she has now started her own Kumon study centre at Lowton Civic
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Heart wait too long for brave Michael
LEIGH'S little Braveheart, Michael Gillespie, has died in hospital after a desperate wait for a heart transplant operation. Despite a frantic countrywide and European search a suitable donor was not found in time to save the life of the "walking miracle
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Women in fire drama
TWO women needed oxygen following a fire at a house in Crow Lane West, Newton-le-Willows at the weekend. The fire started in the kitchen at about 11.55am on Sunday, November 21 and the women, aged 71 and 39, were treated for smoke inhalation but refused
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Jobless figures fall
UNEMPLOYMENT figures for Bury have shown a sharp downturn. The number of claimants in October totalled 2,121, down from the previous month's figure of 2,853. The latest seasonally unadjusted count comprises 1,581 males and 540 females. October's unemployment
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Eco warrior 'Fungus' in village green war
'THE country's top Eco warriors move into Hindley Green on Sunday, in a bid to help save the area's last green fields from the developer. Manchester Airport protesters, including naked treetop lady, Fungus, will join an eco-awareness day on the 'Village
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Gunman cons way into house
A WOULD-be robber armed with a gun tricked his way into a house in Derby Street, Nelson, and demanded cash. The man knocked at the door just before 6pm on Wednesday and told the 45-year-old owner, who has not been named, he needed water for his car. The
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Special reserve
A NEW nature reserve is being officially opened at Clinkham Wood this Sunday (November 28) as part of National Tree Week. The opening will be performed by Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Jackson and will feature a demonstration of timber extraction
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Better deal for Bury - at last!
IT'S good news for council tax payers as well as local jobs and services. That's the early verdict from town hall bosses after Bury was handed a better financial deal by the Government. Council leader Derek Boden described the provisional settlement for
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Two die in car crash
TWO men from Nelson were killed and a teenage girl from Burnley was seriously injured in a road smash in West Yorkshire last night. The trio were in a Honda Civic when it was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Cavalier on the A650 at Riddlesden,
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Puzzle over trailer raid
POLICE are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the theft of a trailer and £25,000 worth of equipment from a transit van on Thursday, Nov 18. The trailer, a radio detection Gator cam (a drainage camera valued at £10,500) and a Neolith BFG super
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What a waste!
A BLUEPRINT has been drawn up to revitalise Prestwich - but it has been criticised by one councillor as a waste of money. Consultants employed by Bury Council have come up with ideas to tackle everything from parking to pelican crossings after canvassing
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Fluidair bucks export trend
A RADCLIFFE firm is consolidating its enviable export efforts, bucking the effects of the strong pound. Paul Dickinson, manager director of Fluidair Compressors in Miller Street, told a meeting of Bolton Bury Export Club his company was revitalising contacts
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Strike threat at Remploy
AN angry shop steward is calling for strike action at a Radcliffe factory which provides jobs for the disabled. Tony Riley believes a protest should be made at the decision to close nine of Remploy's 87 factories nationwide with the loss of more than
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Listen here for great music
HAVING already delighted audiences at Wigan, Padgate and Bolton, a new season of choral excellence is well under way for Haydock Male Voice Choir. With Christmas approaching, the diary is heavily booked for the 80-strong group, with concerts planned at
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Taxi fall man fights for life
A MAN is fighting for his life after falling from a moving taxi. The 34-year-old is on a life-support machine after being discovered unconscious with serious head injuries. He was found in Bury New Road, Prestwich, at 2.20am on Saturday and was taken
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Quit blow for Chris
LEIGH Centurions prop Chris Parr has been given the devastating news that his career is over at the age of just 28. Parr, signed on a free transfer from Rochdale almost a year ago, has been told to quit by medical experts. Parr was in the process of negotiating
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Training boost from Europe
BURY College has won a record £700,000 from the European Social Fund to run training initiatives for local businesses and people. The money will help to fund training for both employed and unemployed residents who wish to improve their skills. Other initiatives
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Former BT reporter arrested
A JOURNALIST from Greenmount was arrested and quizzed by police this week following revelations concerning the Manchester IRA bomb three years ago. Manchester Evening News reporter Steve Panter, who used to work for the Bury Times, was interviewed by
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Operation Santa launched
SANTA Claus will be joining Bury's fight against Christmas thieves. That is the codename for Greater Manchester Police helicopter's role in the festive crime crackdown. Operation Santa will run until the New Year using the advanced technical equipment
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Christmas shoppers' de-lights
THOUSANDS of shoppers crowded into Bury's Mill Gate centre at the weekend for the Christmas lights switch-on. Well-known entertainer Frank "Foo Foo" Lammar performed the honour - throwing the switch to light up the Mill Gate. Other guests were the Mayor
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Honeyed words!
A FORMER St Helens man who emigrated to Australia more than 30 years ago has just had a first volume of poems published. Father-of-four Robert Honey, originally from Union Street, left his job as a mixer in the 'Red Room' at Pilkington and went 'Down
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Ian's plea to money men
IAN Millward has pleaded for financial backing to help maintain Leigh Centurions' standing as one of the top teams outside Super League. The Centurions' coach has set his sights on four new signings before the season kicks off on Boxing Day but negotiations
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Blades homing in on Warnock
SHAKERS boss Neil Warnock has emerged as hot favourite for the vacant Sheffield United post. A dyed-in-the wool United fan, Warnock has made no secret of the fact that the Bramall Lane job is his life's ambition and Adrian Heath's resignation on Tuesday
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Flu jab alert for old people
ELDERLY people and others most at risk of getting flu are being reminded by North West health chiefs to get themselves immunised. Professor John Ashton, Regional Director of Public Health, said: "If those at risk have not yet had a flu jab they must put
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Gearing up for big night
BUSINESS as usual is the message from the four communications centres which handle all 999 emergency calls in the Merseyside Area. The centres - including College Street, St Helens - deal with calls that place all types of demands on the operational policing
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Bid to stamp out violence
TWO local organisations dedicated to stamping out violence towards women in the home have given their support to the national campaign, Families Without Fear, due to be launched this month. St Helens District Women's Aid and the local branch of Unison
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David's on the trail from Grange Park to Hollywood
FEW people would credit a man-eating shark with deciding their future career. But St Helens-born film director, David Yates does just that, citing a childhood trip to see the monster movie, Jaws, as the turning point in his life. And the former Grange
