Archive
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Rainhill earns mark of respect
RAINHILL Parish Council has had its Charter Mark renewed for a further three years. Council chairman, Catherine Kedge was presented with the award at a ceremony in London on February 1. Rainhill is the only parish council to have been awarded the award
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Fever Pitch: PNE's grand day out
FEVER PITCH, a column for the PNE fan by a PNE fan, kicks off in your Citizen this week at the club's biggest Cup match for 34 years. SO, we're out of the FA Cup after scaring the life out of supposed "big boys", Everton. On our journey to Goodison Park
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MP 'a bid to solve courts crisis
LEIGH MP Lawrence Cunliffe is taking up the fight to keep Leigh Court with Cabinet Office Minister Mo Mowlam who is responsible for appointing local magistrates. And he will tell her and the Lord Chancellor how the court, earmarked for closure in April
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ICI show jump in profit
CHEMICALS group ICI has revealed that its massive restructuring plans have begun to pay off, with a 17 per cent jump in full-year profits and a reduction in its debts. Strong performances by the group, which owns the Synetix site in Clitheroe, helped
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Authority puts info on the web
INTERNET technology will enable local people to keep up-to-date with important decisions about the area as council minutes and agendas go on-line. The latest expansion of Lancaster City Council's website is part of a plan to develop the use of the Internet
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Don't be afraid of relegation - yet
BAMBER Bridge have dropped into the relegation zone - but manager Tony Greenwood isn't panicking yet. Brig have games in hand over their rivals - thanks largely to the team's best ever FA Cup run earlier in the season. Brig didn't play last weekend, but
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Lottery fair play plea
MP DAVE Watts has called for further changes on how National Lottery grants are allocated. The St Helens North representative voiced his concern following newly-published figures indicating that the town does not receive its fair share. He has now written
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Families asked to watch out
RESIDENTS in the Queens Park area are being urged to set up more HomeWatch schemes to reduce the risk of crime. Sergeant Bill Clarke, in charge of policing in the area, told the Star: "The HomeWatch schemes have prevented a number of potential crimes.
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Michael - chef to the peacemakers
GLOBAL chef Michael Hickey is cooking up a treat for our troops in Kosovo. Leigh Territorial Army chef, Sergeant Hickey is serving a six month tour of duty in the war torn country, helping feed those restoring peace. Michael, 49, (pictured below), is
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One of our boats is missing
A VALUABLE piece of St Helens history has been stolen. And now members of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society are asking members of the public to help them find it The specially commissioned model of a Mersey flat boat was stolen from the Rangers Visitor
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Heavyweight Buffalo!
THE Dukes has lined up three acting heavyweights to star in their anticipated new production "American Buffalo." Rehearsals are under way for the opening night on February 17 and everyone at the Dukes are delighted to have landed such a distinguished
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Schools priority in 6.6% tax rise
COUNCIL Tax is set to rise by an average of 70p per week. In announcing the borough's budget proposals for 2000/1, Wigan Council Leader Peter Smith quoted an average increase of 6.6% - one of the region's lowest figures although twice the rate of inflation
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MP's support for gay rights vigil
LANCASTER MP Hilton Dawson "fully supported" a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered university student vigil in the city this week. The students held a candlelit vigil at the town hall to protest against Clause 28 of the 1988 Local Government Act
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Voices raised to swell hospice fund
MONEY raised when eight local choirs raised their voices in a millennium concert has been passed on to a local charity. A cheque for £3,120 was presented to staff at Pendleside Hospice, Reedley. The fund was boosted by a raffle organised by the hospice's
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Cowley's Italian job
EIGHTEEN students from southern Italy are taking part in an art project at Cowley High School, Hard Lane. The students and three of their teachers, from the Istituto Magistrale Statale in Matera, are staying at the Lindisfarne Hostel, St Cuthberts High
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High-tech centre opened
THE first of three high-tech centres across Pendle to provide free information technology training has been opened by the mayor. The Pendle Technology Centre, Exchange Street, Colne, will give people aged 17 and over the chance to pick up skills in computing
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Centre's huge cash boost
PEOPLE with mental health problems have been given a £403,000 cash boost. The Creative Living Centre in Prestwich has bagged the cash from the National Lottery Charities Board. The centre aims to improve the lives of people with mental health problems
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Designs on success
BOLTON and Bury Chamber's Business Link has appointed Ann Rimmer as design adviser - ready to help local companies boost their image to win more business. Ann, who is a professional graphic designer, will help the area's small and medium sized firms analyse
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Powering up for change
A HANDS-ON project designed to involve children in practical ways of saving energy has been launched in St Helens. Small Change is a new pilot programme being run by Global Action Plan, in partnership with Groundwork and St Helens Council. The innovative
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Beggars give town short shrift
BEGGAR OFF! That's the message from the town's scroungers, who are communting to more lucrative sites because they claim Preston folk are too tight! Beggar Simon Anthony Reid was fined £50 by Blackburn Magistrates last week after being caught begging
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Dead woman's husband arrested
THE husband of a dead Whitefield woman has been arrested by detectives. Mr Albert Southwood is assisting with police inquiries and has been released without charge on bail pending the results of a post mortem and forensic tests carried out on his wife
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Boost for rail users
WORK begins next month to provide 70 temporary car parking spaces at Newton railway station - the first phase of a £300,000 scheme to provide a park and ride facility. St Helens Council has been campaigning for better facilities at the station for many
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Becky heads for the heights in Africa
TACKLING the dizzy heights of Africa's highest mountain will be former Bury Grammar School pupil Becky Johnson. However, the 18-year-old's ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro will take second place to five months of teaching in the Tanzania town of Moshi. Becky
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Heartache for Bury MS victims
TWO sufferers from multiple sclerosis had a "glimmer of hope" snatched away because health bosses would not pay for costly new drugs. For years the two men - Ian Cheetham and Stephen Brooks - have been confined to wheelchairs with the progressive disease
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Wanted: supermen or women!
FANCY having a dirty weekend for charity? The famous Lancashire Fusilier Krypton Factor Assault Course challenge is to make a welcome return to the fund-raising calendar on the weekend of May 20 and 21. The popular event disappeared in 1993 after raising
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Are police canteen jobs to go?
CATERING staff at St Helens police station are waiting to see if they will still be employed there after July 31 this year when the current catering service contract runs out. Merseyside Police has carried out a comprehensive review and consultation with
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Mark rides to the rescue
COUNCILLOR Mark Arnold turned good samaritan when his next door neighbour, Julie Wheeler, asked for help after being told that her mother had just been robbed. Just minutes earlier Julie's 15-year-old daughter, Kelly had rushed to their home in Lansbury
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Yachtsman Blyth picks Colin
LANDLUBBER Colin Betts is preparing for the trip of a lifetime after being selected to join a team competing for the BT Global Sailing Challenge. The father-of-one from St Aidan's Close, Billinge, had never sailed before in his life but had always wanted
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Red alert for RMI boss
LEIGH RMI reached the semi-finals of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy with a 2-1 win at Accrington. But at what cost will only be determined in the fullness of time. For the second time in 18 days they finished the game with only nine men after Eddie
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Post offices in peril?
JOHN Beirne claims Government proposals for child benefits and pensions to be paid directly into people's bank accounts, could force up to 40 post offices in St Helens to close. The Liberal Democrat councillor for Marshalls Cross said: "This is about
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Nightclub closes in £1m riddle
A TROUBLED East Lancashire nightspot has closed - leaving entertainers and former workers wondering when they will get their share of the £1million owed by the owners. The doors were today closed at Brassingtons Cabaret Club, Burnley Road, Altham, whose
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Teenage bowlers set for challenge
LEIGH Cricket Club is backing bowling - of the crown green variety. As part of the Millennium celebrations at their Beech Walk ground, they are planning a competition for the town's young people. The club's Bowling Section have set the tournament, for
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Hupton double halts Phoenix flight
THE weather played havoc with Leigh & District Amateur Football League at the weekend. In Division One only two matches were played, and only one was completed. The match that went the full 90 minutes saw Hag Fold WMC beat Leigh Phoenix 4-1 with goals
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Lee's try fails to spur Tyldesley
TYLDESLEY RU's hit and miss season saw another poor performance as they lost 18-5 at Trafford MV. And that was despite taking a first minute lead via a Lee Berrisford try after good work by scrum-half Lee Cunliffe. They were never in the game after that
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Survival bonus for relieved Ayres
WARREN AYRES breathed a huge sigh of relief as an ambitious late penalty fell short and Leigh MR scraped in 14-12. The defeat of out-of-sorts Redhill - who have not won since mid-November - was a huge survival bonus for the Twist Lane side. In a nailbiter
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Clarets v Bristol Rovers tactics
TACTICS: Rovers haven't looked back since switching to a 5-3-2 line-up seven games from the end of last season and aren't about to change now. KEY BATTLE: Burnley's defence will have to find a way to muffle the threat of Bristol's prolific strikepair
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Man who kick-started motorcycle carnival
THE founder of the Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show, Tony Winder (right) has given up the chairmanship to become president. Since he started up the event in 1992 it has gone from small beginnings to become the largest motorcycle street extravaganza in
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College caters to would-be chefs
CATERERS were grilled by prospective chefs of the future during an open evening at Nelson and Colne College designed to give a taste of life in the catering industry. A panel of six people, ranging from former college catering students to people with
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Toaster fault blamed for kitchen inferno
-A FIRE which severely damaged the kitchen of a house in Blackburn is thought to have started in a toaster. Firefighters were called to the blaze, in a semi-detached house in Tower Road, Blackburn, at 10.30am yesterday. The female occupant of the house
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24 jobs go at Fluidair
A RADCLIFFE firm has made half its workforce redundant in the wake of a decision to virtually cease production in the UK. Twenty-four staff at Fluidair Compressors, based in Miller Street, have lost their jobs with the decision to transfer 95 per cent
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Bad tackling hurts Warriors
U14: Pilkingtons 26 Warriors 10 LEYLAND made a fast start, scoring first and holding Pilkingtons for most of the first half. But lack of concentration and bad tackling allowed Pilkingtons to take the lead. Leyland regained control in the second half but
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Burnley opta preview
THE sharp-shooters from the West country roll into Burnley tomorrow. But the Clarets will fight fire with fire as the two Andys, Payton and Cook, bid to outgun Jason Roberts and Jamie Cureton in front of goal. Payton is the Second Division's leading scorer
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Twins in Gambia!
GIFTS to Gambia! That's the aim of kind-hearted pre-school children in Bury who are helping their counterparts in West Africa. And in the latest effort involving Bury's Chantlers Pre-School, a parcel of jigsaws, toys, books and other items are now Africa-bound
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Holloway: Backs hold the key
WHILE the much-vaunted striking partnerships are ready to grab the glory at Turf Moor tomorrow, Burnley and Bristol Rovers each have another string to their bow which has underlined their promotion credentials. Andy Payton and Andy Cooke and the Rovers
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Ward set for shock recall
ASHLEY Ward is set for a shock recall to the Blackburn Rovers squad for tomorrow's crunch derby clash with Bolton at The Reebok. The 29-year-old frontman has missed the last five weeks with a damaged shoulder following a Boxing Day collision with Nottingham
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Out like a light!
TALK about built-in obsolescence! Has anyone else noticed that three of the four lights illuminating the new Belisha beacon crossing outside the recently-opened school in Rainford Road have lost their sparkle? Within days of the school's opening, the
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Amateurs scare Lynx in cup bid
LANCASHIRE LYNX 18, WALNEY CENTRAL 6 LANCASHIRE Lynx made hard work of a challenge cup third round try against the famous Cumbrian amateurs. But the gap between the professional and amateur games proved to be barely big enough for Lynx to squeeze through
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Where on earth has globe gone?
WHATEVER became of the landmark globe which used to adorn the rooftop of Radiant House? The building was recently the town-centre gas showrooms, now housing an outdoor clothing company, with offices above. The yedscratter is forwarded by the 'fireside
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The numbers game
WHAT a joke, 13,000 fans for the World Club Championship! It was stated that Knowsley Road was not big enough (capacity 19,100) and there weren't enough corporate facilities. Did they really expect a full house at Wigan? Anywhere but Wigan and a lot more
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A crazy horse's chaotic trail
LOOKING back with memory's fond eye, the horse-and-cart age, which all but petered out around the 1950s, may have seemed like a romantic time. But it certainly wasn't without unexpected perils - particularly if there was a stubborn beast between the shafts
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300 head for Woodbury
WE'RE on our way to Woodbury! That's the cry from 300 Bury people who will travel to the USA later this year for the borough's ambitious "Sailing Into the New Millennium" experience. nd they are assured of a warm welcome - and a bumper programme of events
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Row over £2m Asian centre
A PLANNED £2 million sports centre for Asians has been criticised by councillors for promoting segregation. Members say that any new centre must serve the whole community if local taxpayers are to help pay for it. The Asian Development Association of
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Park and taken for a ride
MANY years ago I was driving down George Street in order to park in the car park opposite the cinema. A policeman stopped me at the end of the road and informed me that George Street was now access only. She did not wish to believe that I was heading
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Teacher paid to stay at home
A TEACHER suspended after allegations were made by a pupil has been on full pay for nearly four years. Although no charges were brought against Anthony McNally, governors at Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom cleared him of any misconduct, he has been
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Cig trial finished my haulage firm, says boss
A BUSINESSMAN has spoken of his devastation at losing his business after he was put on trial for illegally importing millions of cigarettes. Haulage boss Stuart Taylor said he and his family were "gutted" at the collapse of their business, which employed
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Bowled over
MEMBERS of a bowling club which was ravaged by fire in 1998 are celebrating after scooping £63,128 from Sport England. The Deepdale Bowling Club was gutted by the fire, believed to have been started by teenage arsonists. The money will be spend on improving
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Arson probe at scout huts
POLICE are probing a suspected arson attack which destroyed Scout huts and a caravan. Four firecrews spent three hours at the Sir Geoffrey Hulton estate on Newbrook Road, Atherton, after the blaze took hold of two adjoining huts and a six-berth caravan
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An anonymous Good Samaritan
HAVING carelessly lost in Asda my wallet containing mementoes of immense sentimental value, imagine my delight when a ring at the door presaged its return intact. The anonymous Good Samaritan did not give me the opportunity to thank - let alone reward
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Looking for Rose Queens
HAVE you, or a member of your family, been a Rose Queen or an attendant at Christ Church Walmersley during the past 70 years? We would like to trace as many people as possible to take part in a Thanksgiving Celebration on the weekend of June 17-18 this
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POP policing
LANCASHIRE Police headquarters in Hutton will play host to a third conference on problem-oriented policing (POP) in March. The one-day conference will concentrate on how successful partnerships are formed through POP and how they can deliver safety strategies
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Family bible was left behind
MANY years ago my family and I emigrated to Australia. We had to depart at very short notice, leaving behind a large cabin trunk full of belongings to follow on as unaccompanied baggage. When the trunk arrived, some three months later, I discovered that
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Bridge chicane
SINKING Breaston Bridge in Leigh is being rebuilt. Work started last week on a £1.3 million scheme to rebuild the bridge, which runs over Pennington Brook on Warrington Road. The work has been ordered by the Environment Agency after it was discovered
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Radio staff unplugged on TV
TWO Preston radio executives have turned TV stars in a new fly-on-the-wall documentary. 'FM Unplugged' takes a fast-paced, in-depth look at the workings of Manchester-based Piccadilly Key 103, the biggest FM commercial station outside London. Preston-based
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Meningitis: do not be confused
I WAS interested to read the story headlined "Brain bug battle targets toddlers" (BuryTimes, Jan 21) and pleased to see that you mentioned that this new meningitis vaccine only protects against meningococcal meningitis Group C, but unfortunately does
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Rumours of party problems
THE two members of Preston's Peoples Party have made an astonishing attempt to rejoin the Liberal Democrats, a senior Lib Dem councillor has claimed. According to the councillor, Coun Tony Jones and Coun Joe Fitzgerald - who quit the Lib Dems last year
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Gas on the road
SHOPPERS can meet a team of experts from British Gas next week at an energy roadshow. The team of experts will be in Leigh's Spinning Gate Shopping Centre from Monday, February 7 until Saturday, February 12. They will tell people how the company's revolutionary
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Lottery grant is in their court
TIM Henman watch out - England's future tennis star could come from South Ribble. That's the dream of staff at the South Ribble Tennis Centre, who are celebrating a Lottery windfall of £629,000 to help expand the centre. The money will be used, along
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Man dies in crash
A GRANDFATHER from Fulwood died after suffering a heart attack at the wheel of his car, alongside his six-year-old granddaughter. Police suspect 72-year-old Albert Hough suffered a heart attack at the wheel of his Ford Sierra before losing control of
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Council of war to save court!
A SMALL force of six determined people met to draw the battle lines in defence of Leigh Magistrates' Court. Plans to terminate operations on Chapel Street and switch them to Wigan have enraged the town. And, with the full backing of The Journal, a 'Council
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Everything is fine and dandy at the festival
THE Leyland Festival Committee enjoys the full co-operation and support of the members and officers of South Ribble Borough Council. It is true to say that without their assistance, the Festival could not take place, and we are are extremely happy to
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What a 'waste'
COUNCILLORS have attacked plans to spend £10,000 installing speed humps on a road leading through Moor Park. The compromise was announced at last week's leisure services committee meeting, and involves installing traffic-calming humps on the road running
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Bayliss: Fame in a street name
A FORMER Preston pupil got more than he bargained for when he opened the Citizen last week. International celebrity, Stephen Bayliss, pictured, was surprised tolearn that a new cul-de-sac being built near his former Ribbleton Hall High School was going
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It's simple: Euro-sceptics are wrong
LATEST opinion polls suggest that a clear majority of people are opposed to Britain joining the European single currency. So let me antagonise all the Euro-sceptics by saying that the majority are simply wrong! I am not surprised by the poll findings.
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Now a word about PNE...
WHEN potty PNE fan Gavin Willacy became annoyed at having to travel 400 miles to watch a North End game he did the only thing any supporter would He moved a little bit of Deepdale into his family's back garden! Five of the letters which used to adorn
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Raiders may have struck before
POLICE are linking the armed raid on a Securicor Depot to others around the country. Three men, armed with two power saws, two shotguns and a handgun, broke into the compound, off Stanley Street, around 6.30pm on Saturday. The men, who were on foot, broke
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Why can't we contract out of paying the council tax?
EVERYONE'S going on about the internet these days and while out surfing the other day I came across the new web site featuring Lancaster City Council. Well presented and laid out, it's a mine of information, and paints a picture of a forward looking,
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Residents live in fear
RESIDENTS on a road which is part of an illegal racing track are pleading for help before someone is killed. Locals living on Moss Lane, Farington, claim their lives are being put at risk by teenage boy racers who use the narrow lane to show-off their
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Job losses announced
WATER and electricity giant United Utilities is axing 620 jobs nationwide as part of a major cost-cutting drive. The job losses will come through voluntary redundancy and a new policy of non-replacement, putting more pressure on the remaining workers.
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Police give crime the knock
PRESTON Police are taking part in a novel initiative to tackle crime in the town's hotspots - by making door-to-door enquiries to law-abiding residents. Operation Dividend had the best possible start with 20 arrests and heroin with a street value of £80,000
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Phil's big budget
SOUTH Ribble chief executive Phil Halsall is quitting after landing a top job at Liverpool City Council. Phil, who joined the council in 1996, has been appointed as the city council's new director of resources. His £110,000-a-year job includes being responsible
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James is left behind
ANGRY mother Sonia Bethwaite has blasted bus firm Stagecoach after they found her son's schoolbag - and gave it to a driver! Walton-le-Dale High School pupil James Bethwaite now faces the agonising task of rewriting all the work in his exercise books
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Hawks preview
ICE HOCKEY: Hawks player-boss Bobby Haig has no new injury worries ahead of Sunday night's Arena clash with Altrincham. Apart from long-term absentee Colin Downie, Haig has a full complement of players as his side look to overturn the Cheshire side in
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Keeping an eye on UFOs
WE are third year degree students at Accrington and Rossendale College hoping to make a documentary film on UFOs and are looking for people who have encountered or sighted them. We are also searching for people with knowledge of sightings in the Rossendale
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Problem of cost solved
IN your article (LET, January 21), on the possible re-siting of the drinking fountain at the Darwen Street bridge in Blackburn, erected to the memory of George Dewhurst, who was elected a member of the first town council in 1851, a spokesperson for the
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Betrayer of trust
FAMILY GP Harold Shipman, Britain's most prolific serial killer, was jailed this week for the rest of his life for the murder of 15 of his patients. The full extent of his killing spree may never be known, but detectives have prepared files on another
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Everyone is rounding on blinkered IRA
THE peace process in Northern Ireland hangs by a thread as the intransigence of the IRA threatens to turn the clock back to the misery of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. There can be no doubt as to where the blame lies. This time it is not the Unionists, the
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SOCCER: Stanley top-two target
PROMOTION-CHASING Accrington Stanley will be looking to follow the form book at Whitley Bay tomorrow and maintain the pressure on the Unibond League First Division leaders. Bottom-of-the-table Bay haven't won in their last six league games, while Stanley's
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Ban Bill must be passed
THE Bill to ban the hunting of wild mammals with dogs must be passed, for its supporters believe that the hunting and killing of wild animals by dogs inflicts unnecessary suffering. Drag hunts, where hounds and riders follow an artificial scent, is a
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Smoking: it's a tax on addicts
WE know that smoking leads to heart and lung disease and that it has proven links with cancer. But that does not alter the fact that people who are hopelessly addicted are paying a grossly unfair levy for something they can not help. I have been smoking
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Press thanked for production
THIS is a heartfelt thanks to you and your team at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for your support prior to and during our production of 'Dracula Spectacula' in aid of the East Lancs Hospice appeal. We sold many tickets as a result of your interest.
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World at your wheel
THE area's motor crews will this year get a chance to use the same forest as the Ford world rally team. The local crews will get the experience at The Malcolm Wilson Rally in March held at the Lowther forest. The Ford world team use the forest for training
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Tributes to Aldridge flood in
TRIBUTES to Martin Aldridge have been pouring in to Bloomfield Road, writes Chris Dixon. The Seasiders striker, on loan at non-league giants Rushden and Diamonds, was killed when he was involved in a head-on collision, following Rushden's 6-0 win over
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Owens stage takeover
OWENS Corning have staged a takeover bid. They took advantage of Haydock's game being called off to claim top spot in the Warrington Premier Division. And their move to the top was all the sweeter, thanks to a 6-2 derby victory over Blackbrook. Meanwhile
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Swan killers are just heartless
SENSELESS slayers have struck again, killing much-loved local wildlife. Can't they leave things alone? Two mute swans on an Atherton pond have become the latest victims of gun-happy morons popping off harmless creatures for fun. Heartless people like
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Debbie's fall from grace!
A VICTIM of a fall in Morecambe spoke of her gratitude to a kindly neighbour who helped her through 40 minute painful, ordeal this week. Debbie Gillespie, 21, fell down a manhole on Green Street on Monday evening. Luckily her cries were heard by a passing
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Government award for child centre
A LOCAL Child Development Centre has been awarded a Charter Mark by the Government for its work with special needs children. Blenheim House, in Newton Drive, Blackpool, has built up a reputation for its continued support of Fylde families which have children
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Insulting estate residents
NOW that it has become obvious that their public relations exercise on Hag Fold estate, Atherton has gone wrong, local councillors are attempting to insults residents, who quite rightly have objected to asylum seekers being 'dumped' against their wishes
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Landlords go on the offensive
MORE than 100 local landlords attended a special meeting to denounce the council's new registration scheme last week. During an often stormy meeting at Morecambe Town Hall the landlords were incensed at news that they had signed up to the most stringent
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Sporting bonanza in store
SPORTY youngsters can now take advantage of a bumper basketball and hockey package put together by St Helens Council. There are hockey sessions for boys and girls (seven to 16-year-olds) beginning on Thursdays between 4.30pm and 6pm at Broadway Leisure
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Freezing faithfuls' vigil pays off
WHILE his Irish eyes are smiling, devoted fans in Blackpool were freezing as they queued for five days for tickets. These plucky followers, including Sharon Phillis from Barnsley and Betty Turner from Halifax (pictured) braved the wind and rain to secure
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Farmer falls foul of BSE guidelines
A FARMER has been fined £2,000 after selling old cattle as young cows fit for human consumption - breaking strict BSE guidelines. Francis Joseph Clarkson, 61, from Ellel, pleaded guilty at Lancaster Magistrates Court to 15 charges relating to the misrepresentation
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Ruskin break their duck
Douglas 7, Ruskin Park 10 A GREAT team effort earned Ruskin their first league win on the Isle of Man. Winning the toss, Gary Pennington chose to play against the strong wind, gambling on his defence holding out in the first half and putting pressure
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Hesketh gets late Christmas present
LANCASTER City will "almost definitely" finally sign Leigh RMI striker David Eatock tonight (Thursday). Eatock, 24, was leading scorer for Newcastle United reserves last season. Keegan had signed him for the North East giants from Chorley for £20,000.
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Where are you now?
MAY I through your column make an appeal for "lost friends". It is nearly 30 years since last seeing or hearing from these special friends. Where are you now Roy and May Sanderson, son Johnson, daughters Janet and Karen, last heard of in Blackpool? If
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Brook miss their chance
Blackbrook 12, Millom 25 A BELOW-strength Blackbrook side missed a golden opportunity to claw their way out of the bottom two of Division One of the National Conference with this defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Millom. And it was a far cry from
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MP says stop people 'playing God'
A BLACKPOOL MP has backed a bid to outlaw euthanasia attempts by saying that people should not be allowed to "play God". Gordon Marsden, Labour MP for Blackpool South, has supported a Bill in parliament to ban the withholding of medical treatment if the
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Farmer falls foul of BSE guidelines
A FARMER has been fined £2,000 after selling old cattle as young cows fit for human consumption - breaking strict BSE guidelines. Francis Joseph Clarkson, 61, from Ellel, pleaded guilty at Lancaster Magistrates Court to 15 charges relating to the misrepresentation
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Nice one Cyril!
Gainsborough Trinity 1 Lancaster City 0 LANCASTER have another tough away match against the Unibond's in-form side Whitby Town on Saturday. Manager Tony Hesketh said he was looking forward to the challenge even after this defeat. He argued City were unlucky
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Characters wanted
RDF Bristol is making a new history series for BBC2. We are looking for gripping family sagas. Do you have any colourful characters among your ancestors who you would like to find out more about? Did any of your forebears play a part in national historical
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Thanks from the heart!(pic:heart)
TEN years ago when dad Derek Hunter cast his eyes on his daughter Deborah he could only pray he would still be alive to see her the following month. We can only imagine what it meant to him and Deborah when, two years ago, he walked her down the aisle
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Vulcan in command
Parkonians 22, Vulcan 21 VULCAN left a brave comeback until too late to claim the spoils on the Wirral. They trailed 8-nil at half time and things went from bad to worse. With 25 minutes to go they were 22-nil, behind but suddenly the Vulcan side woke
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Look after our own homeless first
BLACKPOOL Council has now decreed all council housing is to be ordered furnished (and of new furnishings). This will cost Blackpool ratepayers an extra £2.5m and appears to be introduced to provide luxury for thousands of world refugees now flooding into
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Student death adds to a 'tragic' year
THE death of another student at Lancaster University - the sixth in recent years - has added to a "hard, tragic year" at the institution. Sami Kalle Juhana Janakka, 23, from Finland, fell to his death from a 14 storey hall of residence in the early hours
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Thrilling finale looming
SOMETHING has to give . . . Blackbrook and St Annes Rovers both have 100 per cent records at the top of the Rainhill Junior Football League. RESULTS Saturday Under 10s mini soccer: Lane Ends Athletic 0 Pilkington Rangers 1, Captains Lane Celtic 2 Rocket
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Haydock close gap
Folly Lane 0, Haydock 28 HAYDOCK closed the gap on leaders Thatto Heath with this comfortable success against Premier Division strugglers Folly Lane. Although Haydock did not play to their full potential it was pleasing to keep the Swinton side pointless
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Disabled woman is mugged - for £1
A VICIOUS gang of thugs left a man with a fractured skull and a disabled woman badly beaten in two horrific attacks in Blackpool. The attacks were believed to have been carried out by the same gang of three men and a woman on Dinmore Avenue on the Grange
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Body blow for gym man
ONE time Mr Britain and former Lancaster gym operator Samey Hussien was sent to prison for nine months for supplying drugs this week. He first became involved with anabolic steroids to further his body building ambitions. Preston Crown Court heard how
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Appeal of Belles
GARSWOOD Saints women's football team take on the mighty Doncaster Belles at Simms Road this Sunday. Kick-off for the Ladies FA Cup fifth round tie is 1pm. And the club is now selling tickets for its Valentines disco on February 12. Price is £5 per couple
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Cabbies to pay the penalty
LOCAL taxi drivers claim a new penalty points system to be introduced by the council will make their jobs impossible. Airport drivers are particularly upset and have signed a petition calling on the council to scrap the proposed system. Many claim the
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Bid to curb thefts
POLICE have launched an operation to target burglars and car thieves in the Garswood and North Ashton areas. Extra officers will be on duty from 11pm for the next few weeks in a bid to cut down crime in the areas and residents are asked to ensure that
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Town back on track
St Helens Town 1, Atherton Collieries 0 THE postponement of Saturday's trip to storm lashed Glossop meant Town couldn't follow up the previous Wednesday night's much- needed victory over Atherton Collieries who came to Hoghton Road as the league's form
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Hockey men claim cup spot
ST HELENS Hockey Club reached the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over West Derby. In an end-to-end game, there were chances galore, but the decisive strikes came from Phil Travis and Mark Alcock. And on Saturday St Helens
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Resort label storms up hit parade(pic:royale)
MORECAMBE hit the pop charts this week when record labelfaith and hope - whose head office is in the resort - released a single which went straight into the UK charts at number 15. The single Don't Falter by Mint Royale, featuring Lauren Laverne, not
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Shoe give Pilks the boot
SHOE FC had no trouble in securing a place in the semi- finals of the Garswood Trophies Hospital Cup. A 5-0 drubbing of fellow St Helens Star Premier Division side Pilkington Reserves, means they now face Division Three outfit College St Helens. The Shoe's
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Youths held over bridge missiles
TWO youths from Sutton have been arrested and cautioned by police following reports of bricks and stones being hurled from bridges onto passing cars. Sergeant Brian Tredant of Sutton Police Station, said: "This is becoming quite a problem and we would
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Steve lifts top award
FIREMAN Steve Leigh has landed a major trophy. He was crowned the North West Power Lifing Champion at Appleton Thorn, near Warrington. Competing in the up to 110 kilo class, he lifted 812kilos in three lifts - squat, bench press and power lift. It was
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Milk float turns over
A NUMBER of residents in Sutton were left without their morning pinta when a milk float was involved in an accident on Mill Lane at about 4.30am on Thursday, January 27. The Express Dairies float apparently veered out of control on a mini-roundabout near
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Bury FC: Kids close to Wembley
BURY'S Under-19 side took a major step nearer a Wembley final this week. Goals from Lee Connell and Adam Martin were enough to give them a 2-1 victory at Sheffield United in the Youth Alliance Under-19 Cup on Tuesday afternoon. The win earned the Shakers
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Doctors face Shipman changes
LOCAL doctors will face a catalogue of changes following the case of evil doctor Harold Shipman . The General Medical Council is developing proposals to strengthen the bond of trust between a doctor and patients. It is proposing to bring in assessment
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Shrimps take a welcome break
Dover 3 Morecambe 1 MORECAMBE have a break this weekend. After ten games without a win maybe it's just as well. The Shrimps were due to play Doncaster Rovers on Saturday - but the Yorkshiremen have been forced to postpone. The break will mean the Morecambe
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Schoolboys find winning touch
ST HELENS Schoolboys have claimed two notable scalps. The under 11s A team beat Skelmersdale in the Merseyside League 1-0. Scorer was David Connolly and man of the match was skipper Greg Tansey. This was followed last Saturday by a battling 3-2 victory
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Historic delay?
REFURBISHMENT work at the local history and archives section of St Helens Central Library will last for a week longer than expected. Officials say it is now likely that facility will not reopen until Monday, February 14. A council spokesman said: "We
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Time to make Forster pay!
NICKY Forster and Steve Butler may well regret choosing Reading ahead of North End come 4.45pm on Saturday. Both players publicly snubbed North End in favour of the Madejski Stadium and both line up against North End at Deepdale this Saturday. And while
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RL: Injured trio to return?
SWINTON Lions will be hoping to welcome back a trio of stars for Sunday's derby showdown with Rochdale Hornets at Gigg Lane (kick-off 3pm). Coach Mike Gregory is keeping his fingers crossed that centre Paul Loughlin will have shaken off a knee injury
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Burst floods homes
A LEIGH family battled against a torrent of water to save their home - with sandbags. The family used the bags in a desperate attempt to divert a "river" of floodwater. But, despite all Jeremy Dawes' efforts, his semi-detached home in Lawson Avenue, Westleigh
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Bishop's men rock Cowley
COWLEY suffered a 19-5 defeat at the hands of a big Bishop Heber side in terrible conditions. Cowley's try came from Cottington, while Ford impressed with his tackling. The Year 10 side turned the tables, however, running out 37-12 winners. Tries were
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Peter drives to the rescue
A FLEETWOOD soldier was today recovering in Kosovo. Not from injuries, luckily, but recovering broken down cars and trucks for the army. Peter Moorhouse (pictured) is one of the engineers responsible for keeping vehicles on the road in the war-scarred
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BHF to use hobby horse
F you have a hobby or skill you could put to good use the British Heart Foundation would like to hear from you. Whatever you do - swimming, walking, cycling, dancing - it could be put to good use to raise vital funds. Heart and circulatory disease is
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PNE lose out on Butler signing
PRESTON North End have admitted they were in the race for ex-Cambridge striker Martin Butler's signature. Their statement follows the player's decision to move to Reading in a £800,000 deal. Astonishingly, North End denied any interest in Butler just
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Barbara's long lost family search
AN American woman is searching for long lost relatives in the Leigh area. Barbara Ann Naylor, of Rhode Island, wants to contact relatives of her maternal grandparents who emigrated to the United States in 1918. She says her nana's name was Florence Jackson
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All-day parking for just 50p!
SUNDAY shoppers in Blackpool are to get cheaper parking as part of a move to make the town a seven-day shopping centre. Customers will be able to leave their cars in the Hounds Hill car park all day on Sundays for just 50p until the end of March. And
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Leisure break
LANCASTER'S Leisure Services are offering a selection of activities for 8-16 year olds during the half term break. The activities offered include orienteering, climbing, birdwatching, cycling, netball, basketball, football, fencing, archery, table tennis
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Nightclub closes in £1m riddle
A TROUBLED East Lancashire nightspot has closed - leaving entertainers and former workers wondering when they will get their share of the £1million owed by the owners. The doors were today closed at Brassingtons Cabaret Club, Burnley Road, Altham, whose
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Bury FC: Pity the crowd
Bury 0, Bristol City 0 PITY those brave souls who left their cosy fireside and the Saturday matinee Henry the Eighth and his Six Wives for shivering Gigg Lane on Saturday. How the Shakers could have done with the sort of cutting edge that the mad monarch
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Shop boss Ben Perrin dies, 87
SELF-MADE businessman Ben Perrin has died in hospital, aged 87. The former Tyldesley mill worker with his late wife, Margaret, and son Bill, ran a string of shops in Leigh, Tyldesley, Atherton and Hindley. Ben Perrin inherited his mother's business acumen
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This Spice of life I can do without
Shelley Wright's wry look at life FORGIVE me if I seem a little below par today but I feel like I've been Tangoed twice in the last week and it's all thanks to a little girl I shall refer to only as East Lancashire's answer to Baby Spice. And five days
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Winning the war on crime
POLICE and community groups are working together to beat crime on a Blackpool housing estate. Crime on the Grange Park estate fell by 14 per cent in the period from April to December last year, with domestic burglaries declining by a massive 47 per cent
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From little acorns
IF you have had a baby this year you are entitled to take advantage of the council's millennium tree planting. The council will plant a tree as a permanent record of every new child's birth in the district. A certificate will be issued to parents and
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Town where vice did not raise standard!
THIS week completes my journey from the source of the river at Ribblehead to its estuary at Lytham - not really a seaside town at all but set firmly on the estuary of the River Ribble across from Southport. The natural silting process has reduced the
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A better start for kids
BLACKPOOL has been chosen to pilot a national programme to provide a better start in life for young children. The Sure Start initiative hopes to boost the prospects of disadvantaged children under four years of age. And local Government Minister Hilary
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Not so lucky for swan duo
LUCKY Hollow did not prove so fortunate a home for a pair of mute swans. The fully grown pen and cob were found shot dead and floating in the middle of the pond there at Old Hall Farm, Atherton. And their death has caused uproar in the Old Hall Mill Lane
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Screening unit on the move
A BREAST cancer screening unit is moving to Fleetwood in a bid to encourage more women in the town to use the life-saving service. Health workers have been concerned not enough women in Fleetwood are using the mobile unit at its present location in Poulton
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Frozen assets
WORKERS at a plastics factory have helped make the ultimate cold bath! An all-female team of intrepid explorers recently became the first to make it to the South Pole after a 700-mile trek across the Antarctic. And a bath made from Lucite, manufactured
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Graham digs his roots
A CHESTERFIELD man has written to the Star in a bid to see if any of our readers can help him complete his family tree. Graham Lomas told the Star: "I am hoping that your newspaper may be able to help me in my efforts to trace some living members of my
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Kirsty's a real sharp operator(pic:fencer)
IN her spare time this teenage girl from the area is one of the most formidable swordsman in the whole of the North West. But, by day, modest Kirsty Burgmans, 15, of Morecambe High School, plays down her numerous achievements in the sport. Just last week
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Frank backs new Xanadu rail link
A LOWTON pensioner, 100 per cent behind Xanadu and the Kenyon rail link, has hit out at protestors. Frank Knight, of Crow Wood Road, is appealing to people against the park and ride interchange to have a rethink on what he claims will be Leigh's salvation
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Help us to stay mobile
DISABLED and elderly residents across the district are praying for funds to save them from a lonely, housebound existence. Shopmobility, a charity which brings together elderly and disabled people for shopping trips to Lancaster and Morecambe, loses its
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Bus crash report to CPS
THE report into the bus crash which killed a student in Lancaster is in the hands of the CPS. The service was handed the report after extensive investigations were completed this week. The crash at the junction of Parliament Street and Bulk road killed
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Readers help Terry's identity crisis
JOURNAL Readers have rushed to the aid of Euro MP Terry Wynn who has been suffering from No-Man's-Land fever. Terry's identity quest brought in suggestions from his Journal-land constituents after he asked for help in coming-up with a suitable name to
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Hospital's tape away
A VIDEO recorder installed by a local charity for patients at Royal Lancaster Infirmary has gone missing. And members of Heart Concern, the charity who raised the money to buy the video, have made a heartfelt plea for those responsible to return it. The
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Buddies wanted for reading project
READING "buddies" from the business community are wanted by Bolton and Bury Chamber. The scheme is aimed at helping boost literacy skills in local schools, and the ball has started rolling in Bury, courtesy of nine volunteers. Now the Chamber hopes more
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Bidding for a better deal for students
A NEW sports hall for Parr High School and the improvement of science and technology facilities at a number of schools in the borough head the list of funding bids which St Helens Education Committee is making to the government. On-going repairs to a
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Business 'Oscars'
THE premier business "Oscars" event for companies in Bury and Bolton will be staged on Friday, June 2. That's the new date scheduled for the latest Bolton and Bury Business Awards. The event, the eighth successive awards, will be held at the Reebook Stadium
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Safety seminar
ESSENTIALS of health and safety will be highlighted at a free seminar in Bury later this month. The town's thriving Business Environment Association (BEA) is staging the event at its Link House headquarters on Wednesday, February 23, between 8.30am and
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Girl bit sex fiend
A TEENAGE girl was indecently assaulted as she walked her dog through Taylor Park on Thursday, January 24 between 7.30 and 8pm. The 17-year-old entered the park from Queens Road and let her dog off the lead. Suddenly she was grabbed by the throat from
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Medical boost for Cruickshank
MEDICAL opinion has ruled out surgery on Heath Cruickshank's damaged ankle. Instead of an operation, Leigh's top Aussie forward will undergo an intensive physiotherapy programme in an effort to get him back on the field within a couple of weeks. Hilton
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Tallest tale this century
REPORTS that Blackpool Tower could be dwarfed by a Big Brother that would be visible from space have been described this week as "premature to say the least". Council bosses say they have not seen any plans to build a Tower Two that would be almost twice
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Super League Trinity provide big challenge
IAN MILLWARD has been handed the Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie he wanted. Monday's draw paired Leigh at home to Super League Wakefield Trinity - and he is rubbing his hands with anticipation. The Leigh coach admits it is unlikely his side will make it all
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United in distribution domination
THE Bury depot of a leading distribution company is to benefit from a share of a multi-million-pound investment. United Carriers, the express parcel and freight company, will receive a nation-wide boost of £3.4 million. It is now planned to spend £2.9
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Tricky's here to stay
SAINTS' Australian scrum-half Darrall Trindall has been assured his stay at Knowsley Road is not in jeopardy after being involved in a car crash last week. The accident occurred on the car park of Stakis Hotel but police did not attend the accident. Former
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Shipman horror sparks review
FOLLOWING the conviction of Dr Harold Shipman, who murdered 15 of his patients, St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority has announced that it will be reviewing its current systems for monitoring GP practices. Dr Shipman, 54, from Hyde, Great Manchester
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Don't walk this way, yet
SHOPPERS will benefit from road works in Bury town centre, say highways bosses. Workmen are turning Crompton Street into a pedestrian-friendly route which will complement the latest Mill Gate expansion on the site of the former Central Methodist Church
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Leigh survive tough amateur challenge
LEIGH took the winning ticket. But Siddal looked like they had won the raffle. The battling amateurs from Halifax pushed Leigh all the way in Sunday's Challenge Cup clash. They never gave them a minute's peace and went home satisfied with a job well done
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New scheme fills the skills gap
A NEW graduate placements programme is allowing Bury companies to fill the skills gap. And thanks to European and Government funding, Bury College is providing the expertise to benefit firms across a broad business spectrum. The college's "Bury Business
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Free parking for disabled blocked
A MOVE to give disabled drivers free parking in all council car parks has been blocked. Tory councillor Dorothy Gunther called for holders of orange badges to be allowed to park in spaces other than designated bays. She said that Bury's neighbours such
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Maths kid Matthew enjoys sum success
IT all added up to success for Unsworth CP pupil, Matthew Phair, when he fought off tough competition to reach the final of a national maths competition. The ten-year-old whizzkid took part in the competition organised to launch the Year of Maths. He
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Royal date for brave charity champ
MICHELLE Lewis, the plucky Rainhill teenager who has raised almost a million pounds for charity, is to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at a special reception in Buckingham Palace. The 17-year-old former Cowley pupil is currently just £67,000
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Keeping old school ties . . .
ANXIOUS to keep in touch with classroom colleagues after a lifetime dispensing the 'three rs', two former well-loved figures at the blackboard decided to do something about it. For Marjorie Lamb and Mabel Irwin had a brainwave in forming the St Helens
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Second time around for Bill
FATHER of the council, Mr Bill Johnson MBE is to become the borough's first citizen for the second time Coun Johnson (76), will succeed Bury Mayor Coun John Costello in May. Mr Johnson, a Tory councillor, has represented Tottington for the past 40 years
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Warning on scramble bikes
ST HELENS Council is warning motor cycle scramblers who cause damage to public and private property that it will deploy tough new legislation to put the brake on. Chairman of Leisure, Councillor Keith Deakin, said: "St Helens will not hesitate to use
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Super League Trinity provide big challenge
IAN MILLWARD has been handed the Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie he wanted. Monday's draw paired Leigh at home to Super League Wakefield Trinity - and he is rubbing his hands with anticipation. The Leigh coach admits it is unlikely his side will make it all
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Bury FC: Johnson deal cash lifeline?
BURY FC's financial problems could be about to get a massive lift thanks to George Graham. The Tottenham Hotspur boss is believed to be ready to bid £5 million for Ipswich Town's former Bury striker David Johnson, a deal that would net the Shakers around
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Gemma's art for top show.
FORGET Damien Hirst and his cows in formaldehyde . . . contemporary artist Gemma Brownstein has carved out her place amongst the cream of Britain's young artistic elite. However, at first, the modest 17-year-old, of Ferndale Avenue, Whitefield, was not
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Extra cash on its way
EXTRA cash is on its way to help with out-of-school learning for young people and their parents. St Helens Council has landed grants worth £134,000, spread over four years. The money has comes from the New Opportunites Fund, which targets lottery cash
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Dancers face reel world
A TROUPE of young Irish dancers from St Helens are preparing to compete for the title of World Champions later this year - and they want your help to do it. The dancers are all pupils of the McNamara School of Irish Dancing run by sisters, Caitlin and
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Uniting to beat the vandals
RESIDENTS are uniting with the council and the police in a bid to stamp out problems caused by a gang of teenage vandals in the Dentons Green area. Councillor Patricia Martinez-Williams, who helped to organise a meeting of interested parties at the police
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Thieves strike
Thieves took a Technics stereo stack system, a collection of compact discs, a black Panasonic video player and silver Sharp mini disc player from a house in Essex Street. A mini hi-fi system and a collection of compact discs were stolen from a house in
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Steve gets RMI back on track
LEIGH RMI boss Steve Waywell was forced into some half-time tinkering to keep his side at the top of the Unibond Premiership. In a go-slow start, the Railwaymen had fallen behind to a ninth minute goal at Gateshead. It had Waywell scratching his head
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Crude school tables condemned
MP DAVID Chaytor has condemned "crude" school league tables which ignore the successes of less able students. He singled out the achievements of pupils at Elms Bank High School and said it was "demoralising" for youngsters that they didn't appear in the
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Girl power!
WHO says girls can't play football? Certainly not anyone who watched a recent primary school six-a-side tournament at Runshaw College, Leyland. For not only did they show the skill of Shearer and the determination of Desailly, they also left the student
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Woman quizzed and police breakdown barricade
POLICE stormed a house in Blackburn after reports that a woman was threatening to harm herself with a knife. Officers were told that Fionnuala Hamill, 30, had barricaded herself inside the house in Cockridge Close, Livesey. Officers were called to the
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Bolton opta rating
PER Frandsen and Claus Jensen are out to prove who's the greatest Dane at The Reebok tomorrow. The Danish duo once formed a deadly partnership at the heart of Bolton's midfield under previous boss Colin Todd. But tomorrow they'll find themselves in direct
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Alarms ring in derelict store
RESIDENTS living in the centre of Leyland fear they are becoming insomniacs - because the alarms in an empty supermarket are keeping them awake all night! Concerned locals say youngsters are breaking into the old Kwik Save building on Towngate, setting
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Sheriff meets posse of crime-fighters
COMMUNITY leaders showed the High Sheriff of Lancashire some of their successful projects to tackle crime at a Blackburn estate. Lady Shuttleworth visited the tenants' base, Hereford Road, Whitebirk, to meet members of the Blackburn with Darwen Crime
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Faz on Bolton v Rovers
ENGLAND coach Derek Fazackerley believes Rovers need to improve on their away form if they want to get promotion via the play-offs. Rovers face arch-rivals Bolton Wanderers tomorrow in a crunch derby game at The Reebok. And former Ewood stalwart Fazackerley
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Rape claim ruined my life
A CARE worker falsely accused of raping a 91-year-old man has spoken of his relief now the "nightmare" is over. The charges against him were eventually dropped, but Mr Barry Hardman (30) says he is determined to make his former employers pay for the way
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Hoppers leap to the occasion
Waterloo 29 Preston Grasshoppers 29 WITH neither side involved in the Tetley Bitter Cup, an opportunity arose for Hoppers to travel to Merseyside to test themselves against opponents from a higher league. Both sides took the opportunity to give four or
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Ternent swoops for Bournemouth defender
BURNLEY spelled out their promotion intentions when they unveiled new £500,000 signing Ian Cox at Turf Moor today. Clarets boss Stan Ternent completed a dramatic swoop for the Bournemouth central defender yesterday afternoon, and he will make his debut
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Anger over profits from 620 job cuts
LABOUR MPs in East Lancashire have condemned North West Water and Norweb's plans to cut 620 jobs, and electricity unions claim it could lead to safety worries for customers. Hyndburn MP Greg Pope labelled their decision disgraceful. He said: "Once again
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Bus plans on the right road
PLANS for a quality bus corridor which will sweep Bury public transport passengers along the main road to Manchester have come under the spotlight. The aim of the plan, looked at by Bury's environment and transport scrutiny and review panel, is to produce
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Top marks for services
BURY Council bosses are celebrating after winning two highly coveted Charter Marks for top quality services to the public. The awards have gone to the local authority's cultural services division and its Pinfold Lane day care centre in Bury. This specialist
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What's on Friday
Live entertainment and fireworks in aid of the East Lancashire Hospice, Fence Gate Inn, Fence, Burnley, 7.30pm. Education queries, Education and Training Department surgery, Old Town Hall, King William Street, Blackburn, 9.30am-11am. Accrington Pals -
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A jumbo-sized yedscratter!
IT'S just about the oddest placename in the borough, but just how did Elephant Lane, down Thatto Heath way, come by its title? The question is posed by a reader from the Bolton area, Mrs R. Martin, who explains that the street reference popped up while
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Carers look to the future
CARERS in Bury will once again be in the spotlight next month. Last summer a major Carers' Consultation Conference provided the launch point for a whole new strategy designed to help those who help others. And on Wednesday, March 8, Radcliffe's Civic
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Imagine the joy
ON behalf of our charity, the Romanian Community Care Group, may I, through the Star's letters page, thank all the people, schools, teachers, parents and children who supported us in 1999. On January 23 our latest consignment left for Romania. We sent
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What happened to them all?
PAYING a rare visit to St Helens from my home in Lee-on-the-Solent I took the opportunity to visit Cowley school. It has changed less than I thought. A chance conversation with Wally Ashcroft, who writes about animals in your paper, reminded my that my
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Enemy plane echoes wing in
A FLURRY of response to the German fighter-plane query, first raised by reader Eric Burke, has come winging in. Eric, from Alder Street, Newton-le-Willows, retains only vague recollections of seeing a captured Messerschmitt displayed during the 1940s
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Trapped in drive
AS a resident of Billinge I have to walk up Beulah Avenue every day to do my shopping. There is a service road in front of the shop for customers to park their cars, but unfortunately many car owners park their cars on either side of the road in Beulah
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Anger over dirty dogs
DESPITE pleas by the local authority and the public at large it appears that the message to dog owners has fallen on deaf ears. Sidewalks are still littered with dog faeces while parks are becoming a no go area. Let's face it, if you own a dog you should
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Help catch thugs who beat my son
I AM appealing to people living on Park Road, Lancaster, for help in catching two youths who attacked my 15 year old son. The incident happened on the evening of Saturday, December 11, at around 10.30pm as he and his girlfriend were walking down Park
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Time to stop horsing around
IN respect of a recent article in the Citizen, I would like to answer the letter as under:- Give horses the right they deserve! In response to the letter of January 27 headed "Dog's Life For Police Horses" it is beyond all reason that any rider of horses
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Pie shops close
LIQUIDATORS are looking for buyers for Pooles Pies in Railway Road and Bradshawgate (pictured), Leigh, which closed unexpectedly on Monday afternoon. The Pooles Pies name - with shops throughout the greater Wigan area - is owned by Martin Davey and Ann
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Horror sight met rescuers
GARRY Rhodes, the Tyldesley-based leader of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, was among the first people to reach Tuesday night's helicopter crash site on Anglezarke Moor in which three people died. Mr Rhodes described the scene as truly horrible. More than
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He was wrong to drink and drive
APPARENTLY Philip Chambers, described as "a close aide to Scottish First Minister Donald Dewar", has resigned following his conviction over two drink-related motoring incidents. In a statement, Mr Chambers reportedly stated his reason for resigning was
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Ian's got rail fans covered!
ALL aboard for the first day covers at Leigh's one-in-19,000 Railway Road Post Office. No, Sub Postmaster Ian Heaton (pictured) hasn't swapped his counter for a station! But the men at the Royal Mail got all steamed-up and excited at discovering the office
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Maritime Festival scrapped
PRESTON'S popular Maritime Festival has been scrapped after sponsors pulled out. Plans for the fifth annual event on Preston Docks hit troubled waters when organisers Preston Partnerships failed to attract big money backers. And the event was finally
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Time to stop these wild claims
BEAU (MR) (Your Letters, Jan 28) chooses to attack this company publicly and I am therefore obliged to correct his assertion that we treated former employee Dr Priestley "so appallingly" and with "obvious malice and bigotry." Dr Priestley was never discriminated
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Motorway poineer Hubert dies, 88
A LEIGH man whose company played a crucial role in the development of Britain's motorway network has died. Hubert Sinar, aged 88, was a co-founder of Leigh engineering firm Raymond Sleigh Ltd in early 50s. As part of his role at the wrought iron work
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Remind us to vote...
REGARDING reports of a lack of interest and a poor turn out by the electorate at the recent local election (Citizen, January 27). Some perspective voters probably forgot, just as I nearly did until about teatime. When I arrived at the deserted Polling
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Happy days at the Hippodrome
REGARDING the article about the Hippodrome (Citizen, January 27). I don't remember it as a cinema only as a live theatre where I have watched many a good play. I wonder if your reader was perhaps thinking about the Prince's Theatre, in Tithebarn Street
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Pleasure is now shared by many
I WRITE in reply to the letter from Mr A. Metcalfe (Jan 28). I have owned Twine Valley for 18 years and prior to that Ramsbottom Angling Society leased the fishing waters for a nominal fee. The society had an opportunity for 20 years to purchase the site
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Let's back dedicated NHS
I WRITE as the newly-appointed chairman of the Bury Healthcare NHS Trust. On Christmas day morning, I went into both Fairfield and Bury General hospitals to see staff and to thank them for working the holiday. When I telephoned to confirm arrangements
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Commander wins award
A PRESTON Wing Commander's efforts in the Kosovo war have been recognised by the Queen. Preston-born Tim Almond has been told he is to receive the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in recognition of his efforts in organising NATO's flying missions
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Blaming the wrong people
I WRITE in reply to the letter headed "Am I the lone voice of protest?" (Jan 21) from Mr David Foss which referred to a meeting of Bury Local Transport Group (LTG) on Jan 12, when the level of public transport provision in Greater Manchester over Christmas
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Readers' Recollections: Pictures and peas
'PARCHED peas! Come and get your parched peas.' A familiar cry to many of the town's cinema goers some 50 years ago and more. Many readers called to tell us where you could buy the famous savoury snack. Thomas Bamber, of Ashton, who is in his eighties
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From council chamber to the catwalk
SUPERMODEL Naomi Campbell had better watch her back - Preston's mayoress, Jean Swarbrick, is ready to take the catwalk by storm. Preston's First Lady looked divine as she stepped out in a fawn-coloured suit with chiffon scalf and beige hat, in preparation
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Outside court, the press waited
THE media circus gathered at Preston Crown Court earlier this week as family GP Harold Shipman was found guilty of murdering 15 women patients and forging a will. National and regional news journalists clamoured outside the two entrances of Sessions House
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10 YEARS AGO: School wreckers
VANDALS went on an orgy of destruction causing thousands of pounds worth of damage at St Mary's RC School for infants and juniors in Blackburn. Infant school children arriving for lessons were sent home by teachers who were left to clear up the devastation
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FIVE YEARS AGO: Euro sceptic Evans
EAST Lancashire's lone Tory MP pitched in on the side of the Cabinet Euro sceptics as the Government tried to patch up its split over the future of the European union. With Prime Minister John Major moving closer to the anti-federalists position, Mr Evans
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CRICKET: The Lancashire Cricket Board has announced the appointment of James Brindle to the post of
James, 25, is originally from Lincolnshire where he has been employed as the Schools Liaison Officer to the Lincolnshire Cricket Board. James will have responsibilities in continuing to develop leagues, clubs and schools cricket and will have a lead role
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Suicide verdict for youth
A TEENAGER turned to religion to help him cope with psychological problems before taking his own life, an inquest heard. Preston Coroner's Court was told that 17-year-old Bilal Fazal spent hours every day praying at the Clarendon Mosque, in Preston. His
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SOCCER: Preston preview
PRESTON: Boss David Moyes will include captain Sean Gregan in his side as North End look to jump into top spot in Division Two with a win over Reading. Gregan looks set to start after recovering from a knee injury sustained in North End's 4-0 win at Oxford
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SOCCER: Bury preview
BURY: The Shakers put five goals past Colchester in their meeting earlier in the season, and though the U's have improved since then, on the number of chances which The Shakers have squandered in recent games, they are on course to hand out a thrashing
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Cash goes to good causes
MAY I inform readers that all money donated by the generous people of Blackburn towards the Poppy Appeal goes directly to Royal British Legion headquarters in London and not to the local branch and is used to assist disabled ex-servicemen and women and
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Mollie a prisoner in own home
A BABY girl who suffers from a growth disorder has been left house-bound after the theft of her specially-adapted pram. One-year-old Mollie Williams was diagnosed with a congenital disorder of the hips four months ago and since then has had both legs
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SOCCER: Tommo's final fling
THE LAST time Les Thompson featured in a final it was at Wembley, where he helped Burnley beat Stockport County in the 1994 play-offs to win promotion to the First Division. Tomorrow, the former Clarets full-back will be in the Nelson side bidding to
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Guidelines not enough
I SHARE with John Blunt his concern (LET, January 26) regarding the proposal to remove Section 28 of the Local Government Act, which is intended to protect children from unsuitable sexual information. Later, Greg Pope, Hyndburn's MP, indicated he will
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SOCCER: NON LEAGUE TEAM NEWS
CHORLEY can do themselves and Accrington a favour if they win at second-placed Burscough tomorrow. The Magpies dropped two more vital points at home to bottom-of-the-table Whitley Bay last weekend. But they still boast one of the best away records in
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From Russia with thanks
CHILDREN from Norbreck Primary School who raised money for a charity for the homeless have been personally thanked by the charity's director. Year two pupils at the school collected almost £200 in donations for Love Russia when they performed the play
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Privatisation 'by back door'
WE were astonished by Councillor Frank Gorton's comments (Letters, January 13) regarding the remarkable achievements of New Labour, particularly in relation to the health service. He states that the "New Labour government is building more hospitals, which
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They're the tops!
FIVE Lytham students are celebrating after winning the first places of the new year at England's top two universities. The students, who attend King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, are overjoyed after discovering the news that they are bound for the
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Scorpions are easy prey for Eagles
THE Scorpions started off brightly against the Culcheth Eagles and put concerted pressure on their opponent's line, but eventually lost 32-10. Resolute defence by the Eagles kept them out and from a scrum near their own line they went the full length
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Proud tradition at risk
I WONDER if people in Blackburn and Darwen realise that the Draft Local Government Bill will mean that the office of mayor will no longer exist. Personally, I have been aware of all the political goings-on in London regarding the party nominations for
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Vale's rival fixture
Fylde 25 Vale of Lune 7 IT'S back to the league at home on Saturday for Vale after this friendly derby against old rivals Fylde. Vale played well against the higher division side. The result was disappointing but the players will doubtless still be up
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Vine march on
Vine 18, Cottingham Tigers 14 VINE moved through to the third round of the National Cup with this hard-fought success over their visitors from Hull. A closely-contested first half ended with the home men 6-0 up, thanks to a try by Billy Kelly and a penalty
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Silver day for care centre
A ST ANNES day centre celebrates 25 years of community caring this month. Church Road Methodist Day Care Centre will hold a special ceremony to commemorate its silver anniversary on February 15. The caring centre caters for up to 50 elderly clients each
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Swan morons
WHO are the morons who shot a pair of swans on the Lucky Hollow pond in Orchard Lane, Leigh? What harm do these beautiful creatures do anyone? This pair of swans had been resident for several months looking for a nesting place. How low and mean of these
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Speed to John's aid
A HAYDOCK-based motorbike racer is aiming to leave the competition trailing in his wake. And he's calling on local businesses to join him in the quest for success. John Carroll (27) competes in 125cc Open Class Grand Prix motorbike races and of the four
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Carnforth to capitalise on home advantage
Keswick 42 Carnforth 7 CARNFORTH now have a spell of three home games on the trot to improve on disappointments like this. And, despite this apparent battering, they could easily do so against Fleetwood on Saturday. Carnforth put up a spirited defence
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Luck of the draw
THE draw for the preliminary and first rounds of the Hays Chemicals St Helens Cup, to be played on Saturday, February 19, is as follows: Preliminary round: Vine v Parr Hare & Hounds, Portico v Thatto Heath, West Sutton v UGB. First round: West Sutton
