Archive
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Pistol 'threat' terror
A MAN was left shaking with fear after an air pistol was waved around in public, a court was told. It was claimed at Preston Crown Court that Thomas Doonan told him: "I'm going to shoot you." The man was so frightened by the incident that he could hardly
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Workers wait for news of job cuts
COUNCIL workers in Rossendale will learn later this month how many jobs are to be axed in a shake up of costs and services. Union leaders now hope job losses can be covered by not filling vacant posts and voluntary redundancies. Assistant secretary of
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Fears for small shops
TRADERS in Blackburn say they fear that radical changes to town centre roads could spell the end for specialist and independent shops. The town's chamber of trade has appealed to the council to avoid a repeat of the loss of local shops that followed the
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Anderton double as Phoenix rise
A DOUBLE strike by Steve Anderton saw Leigh Phoenix rise above Atherton C&N. They scored a 5-1 win in the Leigh & District Amateur League's Davenport Cup (Round 2). Also on target: Tony Whittacker, Simon Whittacker and Scott Mulcrow with Ryan
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Good turn ex-con back in jail
AN ex-prisoner, who got behind the wheel while disqualified from driving, is back in prison - this time for a total of nine months. Charles Wright, 38, who cared for his partner who suffered from multiple sclerosis, was told by Burnley magistrates that
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Sex offender lived with girl, 15
A SEX offender banned from mixing unsupervised with children was found living with a girl aged 15, Burnley Crown Court heard. Gary Kimm, 25, had been put on probation for two years in August 1998, after indecently assaulting a six year old girl in Colne
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Karting plan is on track
AN AMBITIOUS businessman is hoping to live life in the fast lane with plans to turn a Radcliffe eyesore into a £1M leisure complex. Entrepreneur David Jackson (39) wants to transform a disused mill in Water Street into a state-of-the-art indoor karting
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College make hockey finals
PRESTON College Hockey team have beaten all the other colleges in the North West to make it to the national finals of the British College Championships in March. They face seven other teams from around the UK in their quest to become national champions
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Asian mental issues probed
A MENTAL health awareness aimed at helping Asian women is being held during International Women's Week as part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's Festival 2000. The event, on Wednesday, March 8 at Bangor Street Community Centre, Blackburn, is being organised
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End of line for rail fare dodgers
RAIL bosses today announced a new get tough line against East Lancashire fare dodgers and warned: "Our inspectors could be in any station, anytime, anywhere." First North Western Trains, which runs services across the area as well as commuter links to
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Biker dies at accident black-spot
A BURY father-of-two died instantly when he was thrown from his high-powered motorbike on a notorious stretch of moorland road. Mr Azhar Ahmed's 600cc Yamaha is believed to have clipped the kerb at an accident black-spot in Chorley Old Road, Horwich,
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Most hype ever!
Division Two: Burnley v Wigan - Pete Oliver's match preview WHILE Ian Wright's arrival at Burnley has made tomorrow's visit of Wigan Athletic to Turf Moor surely one of the most hyped Second Division games in history, there are still only three points
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Community pays its respects
MOURNERS gathered at St Ambrose Church, Leyland, to pay their last respects to a much-loved local character. Footpath sweeper David Harrison, 53, of Oak Tree View, Wigan Road, Leyland, affectionately known as 'Leyland's own Father Christmas' because of
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Italian firm in Sappi offer
AN Italian paper firm has made an offer to take over part of the production of Blackburn's Sappi mill, it was confirmed today. If Sappi accepts the offer for its cast coated paper brand it will result in about 60 job losses at the Feniscowles site - more
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Anger over rat-run misery
ANGRY residents claim the council isn't doing enough to stop their road being used as a rat-run. More than 180 people living at Parsonage Road, Blackburn, signed a petition asking for traffic calming measures after a series of accidents outside their
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Calling star sleuths
PLEASE can anyone enlighten us. My husband has lived in Carr Mill for 43 years and cannot place where the railway station was. I would be grateful if any of our senior population could let us know. CARR Mill resident (name and address supplied). Converted
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JPs in rail fight
LEIGH and Wigan magistrates have been recruited to help combat increasing trespass and vandalism on railway lines. The new Railtrack campaign "Lives on The Line" follows the loss of six young lives in the north west in the past two years. In a presentation
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Short-cut is blocked
CRAIG Short has declared himself fit to join Tony Parkes' success-starved squad as they try to salvage something from a season that has gone desperately wrong so far. But he will have a fight on his hands with an immediate route back to the first team
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Chairman says sorry to family
PRESTON'S housing chairman has apologised to Deepdale family who claim they were allowed to move into a firetrap. Coun Ken Cole wrote the apology to the Bamber family, of Basil Street, Deepdale, after reading about their plight in the Citizen. The back
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Ten coppers for whole resort
ANGRY residents feel local police are failing them with often as few as TEN officers on patrol to cover the whole of Blackpool. That's ONE officer for every 15,300 people! And outside Blackpool, residents of Poulton, Thornton and Lytham also say they
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Policeman hurt in house attack
A POLICE officer felt a push in his back before falling down some stone steps outside the house where he had just arrested Stuart Sedgwick. Blackburn magistrates heard that as the officer landed with his back against a wall, Sedgwick landed on his chest
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Events in East/Central Lancashire on Saturday, February 18th
Josephine Cox signing books, WH Smith, Blackburn Town Centre, noon-1.30pm. "Mother Goose" pantomime, All Saints High School, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. The Solid Silver Sixties Show, King George's Hall, Blackburn, 7.30pm. 'Car Wash
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Jumbo poser trumpets on
WHAT came first, the elephant or the lane? That's the intriguing query triggered by Eccleston reader Tony Sweeney in response to a placename yedscratter (February 3) forwarded by Mrs R. Martin of Westhoughton. She'd asked how Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath
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'Dog owners have no sense'
I WRITE in support of W T of Garswood. The problem of dog fouling is terrible. Owners who allow their dogs to behave in this way and those who fail to clean up after them are as bad as the animals themselves. People seem keen to force their pets upon
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Superman of the bones table
THEY called him King Charles, the ruler of the town-centre domino scene. In fact, Charlie Nurse was such a superman at the 'spots on bones' game that folk travelled from miles around to see whether he could be toppled. Some had a long wait . . . for at
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New hope for blitzed precinct
A CHURCH, synagogue and Conservative club could be sacrificed to make way for a multi-million pound development at the Elms Square, Whitefield. Millionaire Mr Albert Gubay, the proprietor of North Western Properties, owners of Whitefield's blitzed shopping
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Standards committee on way
A NEW standards committee could be set up to deal with complaints against Preston councillors and officers. The new Code of Conduct will provide clear rules for councillors and officers, to ensure that their behaviour is of the highest standard. The standards
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Astounded at pension rise
MY wife and I are both 66 years of age. I was astounded at the news of our pension rise which amounts to about £1.30 per week. This is about the same as last year. In principle we have got nothing for two years, because we pay more back in rates. This
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£1.8m cost of litter louts
LITTER louts are costing local council tax payers £1.8 million a year. That is the cost of the contract for cleaning Leigh and Wigan streets. Now the Tidy Britain Group is seeking an army of volunteers to stop the rot and join the group's annual National
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Head in fear for children's safety
A HEADTEACHER is calling for a safer road crossing for pupils at a busy junction. Paul Adnitt, the head of St James CE Primary School, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, is campaigning for warning signs and flashing lights on all the approaches to the junction
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New homes on mill site
EXTRA homes, extra jobs. That's the exciting prospect as the old makes way for the new in Radcliffe. Work has begun to demolish the former Radcliffe Paper Mill and in its place will come hundreds of new homes and a range of employment opportunities with
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It works for us!
I AM writing in reply to Alan Whalley's wailing last week about the state of the streets behind the town hall. It is fairly obvious that he lives where the sounds of heavy lorries, cars and black cabs are not heard as they are in terraced houses. Black
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Hotel owners count cost of night blaze
THE owners of an award-winning hotel in the Ribble Valley were today counting the cost of a fire which swept through part of the building early today. Flames badly damaged a two-storey annexe of the Gibbon Bridge Hotel, near Chipping, at about 12.45am
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Look at the global picture
I'VE READ with interest over the last few years he financial trials and tribulations of Morecambe Seafront and, in particular, The Dome, Bubbles and the Midland Hotel. I am surprised at the lack of vision there appears to be in finding a suitable solution
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Schools to get extra peak places
TEMPORARY changes should help high schools cope with peak admissions. Discussions took place today aimed at enabling four schools in Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton to cope with an anticipated extra demand for places in two years time. Wigan LEA successfully
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Think again on Post Offices, MP urges
EAST Lancashire Tory MP Nigel Evans has warned that government proposals to pay pensions and benefits direct into people's bank accounts could lead to the closure of dozens of rural Post Offices, not to mention other shops in villages. He told Trade and
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Cabinet next?
IN view of the resignation of the Welsh First Secretary, at the very time Mr Blair was publicly announcing his support for him, could the Prime Minister be prevailed upon to declare support for the whole of his Cabinet? TERENCE MILES, Teak Street, Bury
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Taxi drivers in a jam
IN ANSWER to your letter, New Taxi Laws Not In Stone, by the Secretary of Lancaster City Hackney Proprietors Association, who is he kidding? Mr Spence contends that his Association represents 70 per cent of the trade in this area. If my maths is correct
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Don't keep mum: ask Andrea!
WHEN Andrea Davies was pregnant with her first child she called on the National Childbirth Trust for help with morning sickness problems. They gave her so much good advice that Andrea, of Atherton, has now decided to help other mums-to-be and new mums
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Fair? Not for hard-up OAPs
AS an OAP on a fixed income, it behoves me to keep household accounts. For the past few years, gas, electricity and water bills have shown a small percentage increase. Last year my council tax was three times the rate of inflation, while my miserable
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Shooters attack swan killers
AS LEIGH'S swans killer hunt continues Britain's shooters have slammed the actions of sadistic airgunners. "We condemn this totally irresponsible behaviour," said Stephen Lea, Press officer for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. The
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War trips: Can you help?
THE War Research Society is run mainly by retired and serving police officers and ex-servicemen as a charitable hobby. It was founded many years ago and supports a number of causes, including Commonwealth war graves, and Normandy widows and veterans.
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Research into violence
I AM researching disabled women who have suffered domestic violence and the problems they may have faced in securing a place at a refuge. I would very much like to hear from anyone who has found themselves in this situation. I can guarantee that anyone
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Don't think you are always right
IN response to "St Anne's Churchgoer," (Your Letters, Feb 11), writing about the "over-zealous" officer who booked the offending parkers, I must point out that there are unbroken white lines along the centre of Chapel Street, Tottington. The full penalty
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MP calls for Commons debate on court
SAVE Leigh Court champion MP Lawrence Cunliffe has launched a closure decision probe. He is questioning suggestions that North and West Greater Manchester Magistrates Courts Committee had decided to close Leigh Court before D-Day. And he is curious to
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The metric burden
WE have a Government that insists on wasting £29m to prepare us for the unwanted Euro, in the interests of "giving people a choice". However it was unwilling to allow people to "have a choice" in buying goods in the measures 77 per cent prefer. Enforcing
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Wrong way to fight vandals
I UNDERSTAND a two-metre high fence is to be erected around the bowling green area in Whitehead Park, Elton. The council has apparently decided to put up the fence to protect the bowling green from further vandalism. The park is a public place for local
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It's the business
MORE than 1,100 jobs will be created in South Ribble, as government inspectors have given the go-ahead to a massive business park, writes DAVID HIGGERSON. Work on the new site, which is close to the end of the M65 in Bamber Bridge, will begin in the summer
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Labour bosses slam election 'paranoia'
LABOUR Party bosses have denied it is investigating allegations of premature electioneering in Leigh. Leigh Constituency Labour Party members complained to Labour's regional office and Millbank HQ in London about developments in the race to find a General
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OAPs to get 73p, not £5
AS representatives of South Ribble OAP's Association, which now has more than 650 members, we would like to challenge the statements made by our constituency MP David Borrow in an article about the forthcoming increase in the state pension (Citizen, February
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Colleges celebrate Oxbridge successes
STUDENTS and teachers at Newman College are celebrating a double success. Ten students have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge and the college has recorded a 100 per cent pass rate for its maths GCSE resits. And at Runshaw College, in Leyland
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Lancashire's top of class
LANCASHIRE's education bosses have been given top marks in a recent Ofsted inspection. And the county's secondary schools rated the support level from the authority the highest of any in the country. The inspectors' report has showered praise on the authority
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Fraudster sentenced
A BENEFITS fraudster has been jailed for cheating Preston Borough Council out of almost £10,000. Ian Nichols, of Gleneagles Drive, Fulwood, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court, to obtaining £9,139 from the council by deception plus £94,499 from the
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Harsh reality of cold winters
WINTER deaths throughout Preston are set to soar as the country's fuel poverty scandal continues to worsen. Last year 107 elderly and vulnerable people in Preston died, and campaigners say this year is going to be even worse. That's the stark message
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Preston bouncer saves star Leo
A FORMER Preston bouncer is being hailed the star of Leonardo DiCaprio's latest film for pulling the Titanic star from shark-infested waters off the coast of Thailand. And Leo, who is set to make millions from the movie The Beach, owes thanks Paul Davies
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Blair right to rip us social workers' claptrap
IN THE wake of the horrendous child-abuse scandal in care homes in Wales, Tony Blair pledges to revise the adoption laws so that more children are placed in loving family situations and fewer in institutions. He is right to reverse the prevailing polarity
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Breakthrough for PR voters
LAST year saw a big breakthrough for British democracy, when throughout the UK proportional representation meant that for the first time in the European elections, our MEPs are actually elected on their true share of the vote. Although the poll was low
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SUPERBIKES: Slight has brain operation
WORLD Superbike star Aaron Slight underwent surgery today in Sydney to stop the bleeding from a burst blood vessel in his brain. Slight, 34, from Masterton, New Zealand was diagnosed as having an 'arteriovenous malformation' - also known as AVM - following
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Curse of the cabs keeps coming back
WHAT is almost as disturbing as the disclosure today that 85 per cent of private-hire cabs in Blackburn and Darwen fail their MoT test on the first attempt is the fact that the curse of the clapped-out cabs seems never to go away. Time after time and
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The things kiddies say
HERE are a couple of laughs from my grandson, Daniel, aged seven. Recently, he and his twin sister, Lindsay, were visiting us and they enjoy freshly-cracked nuts. Watching me crack the sometimes almost-impossibly hard almond shells, Daniel said: "Grandad
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COUNTY CRICKET: Atherton under fire
MIKE Atherton is expected to dominate "any other business" at Lancashire's Annual General Meeting at Old Trafford tomorrow morning. And the former England captain can expect a rough ride for his widely-publicised criticism of county cricket early this
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'Moving On' forced to move on. . .
A MILLENNIUM musical at Ightenhill County Primary School, Burnley, will now be performed at the beginning of next month. This week's planned shows were stopped by the traffic gridlock caused by Wednesday's icy road conditions. Two performances for parents
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Stamp of approval for Woodlands School
A BLACKPOOL special school has been singled out for one of the highest accolades a school can receive. Woodlands School has got the government stamp of approval from education watchdog OFSTED after Chris Woodhead included the school in his latest annual
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In search of my family
IN 1910, a 23-year-old woman from Accrington set out for Canada, to begin a new life with her widowed mother, her sister, and her two-year-old daughter. She was Florance Shorrock (ne Harwood) and was fleeing an unhappy marriage, taking with her, not only
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A lorry-load of drug advice
ANYONE strolling past Mereside County Primary School in Blackpool recently may have been amazed to see what looks like a huge articulated lorry parked outside. But appearances can be deceptive and what this wagon can achieve is far more than just a colourful
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New stadium plans
WORK on transforming Bloomfield Road into a 15,000 capacity all-seater stadium could begin in the close season. Plans for the £10.75m development have been submitted to Blackpool Council and the club are hopeful approval will be granted. If the go ahead
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Care Plus plan to help young
A NEW scheme, aimed at improving the health, education and opportunities of 13 to 17 year olds in specialist residential or foster care, is to be launched in Burnley. Lancashire County Council's Care Plus scheme will be based at the Easden Clough Resource
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Vine bow out
Vine 4, Dewsbury Moor 30 VINE'S National Cup run came to an end with this defeat at the hands of National Conference opposition. Depleted by injuries, Vine found themselves 24-0 adrift after the first half. After the break though they matched the Yorkshire
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MP fights for life after collapse in park
VETERAN Burnley-educated MP Robert Sheldon was today critically ill in hospital after collapsing from a suspected heart attack in a London park. The 76-year-old MP for Ashton-under-Lyne was said by his office to have been taken ill while walking to the
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Blackpool dumped by Freemasons
THE FREEMASONS have followed in the footsteps of the Labour Party and decided not to hold their annual meeting in Blackpool this year. Andrew Sykes, chairman of the communications committee of the Freemasons, explained the reason behind the decision to
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Eagle swoop on Vulcan
Eagle 18, Vulcan 2nd 8 A YOUTHFUL Vulcan faced an experienced Eagle side. And after a frantic five minutes Eagl scored through some excellent backing up. From the kick-off the Vulcan pack went to work with Slevin, Lawrenson and Duffy laying a platform
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Wright old cash bonanza for Clarets
WRIGHTMANIA has triggered a commercial high at Burnley FC - with the club set to gross an extra £100,000 this week following the signing of the star striker. The House Full signs are already up for tomorrow's clash with promotion rivals Wigan - with the
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Hounds draw sting from Hornets
Parr Hare & Hounds 30, Salem Hornets 12 HOUNDS produced their best display of the season to complete a league double over fellow strugglers Salem. Hornets arrived with a big squad and bolstered by a recent victory over Saddleworth, Hounds' conquerors
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Garden horror
A 49-year-old woman was taken to Whiston Hospital with severe burns after being found in the back garden of her Blackbrook home. Firefighters were called to the house in O'Sullivan Crescent at about 5am on Tuesday, February 15. The woman suffered 50 per
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For whom the Belles toll . . .
THE eagerly awaited Axa Women's Fifth Round FA Cup fixture between Garswood Saints and Doncaster Belles ended in deep disappointment for the home side and were defeated 4-0. Garswood started brightly enough but Doncaster opened the scoring through England
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Girl, 12, found drug-user father dead
THE family of an overdose victim told a coroner that users of the heroin substitute methadone should be made to take it in front of a doctor or pharmacist to prevent it being stockpiled. An inquest heard that John Anthony Barrow, 50, of Saxon Street,
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Pilks hold off Rhinos' charge
Pilkington Recs A 28, Cadishead Rhinos 18 RECS second string returned to winning ways to maintain their division six title challenge. They led 16-12 at the break and consolidated their lead through a good second half performance and were well organised
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Tackle cats menace
SO, Wigan Council is getting tough on irresponsible dog owners (Journal, February 10). Fair enough but what about the even more irresponsible cat owners, whose pets cause misery to many more residents on a regular basis across our area. My neighbours
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Welder in farm fire tragedy
A WELDER was engulfed in flames in an accident at a Nether Kellet farm this week. Edward Burrow, 22, is in a 'critical but stable' condition at a Preston hospital after suffering at least 40 per cent burns. It is believed he was stood on or near a drum
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A hero's welcome
THE incredible achievements of Lancaster's waterpolo team were acknowledged on behalf of the people of the whole county this week. The team won the treble last season walking off with the prestigious British Championships, national league title and national
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'Come see for yourself'
A MORECAMBE charity, devastated at a 60 per cent cut in its council grant, has challenged councillors to see for themselves the good work they do. Members of Age Concern, based at the Rainbow Centre, are still reeling at the reduction, which will adversely
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Fortune smiles
MR Owen from Moss Bank was this week's £2,000 first prize winner in the Willowbrook Hospice weekly lottery draw. Other major prize winners Miss A. Swift, from Haydock who won £200; Mrs O. Kenyon, Haydock (£125); Mrs B. Shukie, Haydock (£75); and Mr E.
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Pilks on top
PILKINGTON are steering a title course. They lead the under 16s section of the St Helens McDonald's JOL and have games in hand on nearest challengers St Annes Rovers. RESULTS Under 16s: Rainhill United 3 Blackleyhurst 3, Blackbrook 1 Holt 3, Moorfields
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Dismal run continues with draw
REJUVENATED Morecambe salvaged a point against Nuneaton after they were underdogs against 10 men for the majority of the game. The Shrimps' dismal run now extends to 11 games without a win and leaves people wondering whether they are safe, just 9 points
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Uphill task for the Moss Laners
Liverpool St Helens 0, New Brighton 32 LSH failed to show the improved form they have shown in the last four matches and paid the penalty against a well- drilled New Brighton side. In the early stages the home side competed well and, although they faced
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What friends are for
WHEN Alan Clarke fell ill with cancer his friends were so impressed with the hospital care he received they decided to raise money for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal. Within a month the Clarke Group, as they called themselves, had raised an amazing £6,800
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Case for the defence . . .
Penrith 0, West Park 15 A TREMENDOUS second half defensive stint against both a determined Penrith attack and all the adverse extremes of the Cumbrian weather saw West Park retain their unbeaten league record. A 10-nil lead at the interval with wind advantage
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One step from Twickenham
KING Edward School in Lytham could soon be winging their way to Twickenham after the under 15s made it to the semi-finals of the Daily Mail cup. The team, now unbeaten in 19 matches this season, put in a spirited game at Royal Grammar School, Worcester
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Millennium show planned
WHISTON Town Council have begun preparations for a Millennium Summer Show to be held in June and are inviting applications for stalls and car boot spaces. The show will be held at Higherside Community School, Cumber Lane on Saturday, June 17 and other
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Murdock's delight at N Ireland call-up
DEFENDER Colin Murdock's impressive displays on the pitch have led to a call-up to the Northern Ireland team. It is the central back man's second call-up to the squad, but with new a new boss at the helm, Murdock is hoping to crack it this time. The away
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MP's should vote against this vote
AS a parent, I care for my children. I want the education system to give them a solid foundation of skills so that they can think for themselves and grow up to be employable members of society. I am therefore very concerned that the Government wants to
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Sweeping statement
BLACKPOOL tax payers are picking up the tab for litter collection, and the Tidy Britain Group want to do something about it. The annual bill for cleaning up the streets in town is a whopping £1,274,000 per year but the National Spring Clean campaign aim
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Spanish classic in park
THERE will be no siesta for the Dukes staff this summer as Williamson Park is transformed into medieval Spain to stage Migel de Cervantes' classic, Don Quixote. A tale of adventure and love, it will be dramatised specially for the promenade season by
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And another one on the way?
MANAGER David Moyes is determined to play a 'wait and see' game with latest trialist Chris Iwelumo. The 21-year-old, currently playing for Danish club Aarhus, played in Tuesday's reserve game against Port Vale, scoring the third goal. But while he impressed
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This is moral bankruptcy
IN his naive attempt to appear trendy, modern and in step with "new" Labour, the chairman of Blackpool's education committee tramples on the personal standards of the overwhelming majority of decent people in the town. His support for the promotion of
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The wedding train
NEVER mind walking down the aisle, what about dashing down the platform! The Blackpool couple seen here awaiting the train to their honeymoon destination got married on Valentine's Day and were so lovestruck they nearly missed it! Gill and Gary Whitehead
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Lend a hand
IF you have a few hours a week to spare and would like to benefit the local community, the St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau would like to hear from you. The local branch of the CAB organisation are looking for new volunteers and ideal candidates should
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Lindsey's had a right 'royal' year
SUMMER fun may seem a long way off at the moment, but St Annes Carnival organisers are already looking for this year's Carnival Queen. And reigning "royal" Lindsey Smith can confirm it's certainly not just all about sitting on a float and waving. "It
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Matthew takes one step at a time.
THEY may be small steps for young Matthew Myerscough - but they are giant steps in his struggle against cerebral palsy. Five-year-old Matthew gave everyone at St. Bernadettes Primary School a wonderful surprise recently when he walked into an assembly
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Deepdale Diary: The week in review
THE teenager dubbed the new Michael Owen made his debut for North End on Tuesday as part of his trial at the club. Welsh teenager Craig Wilkinson, 16, is being chased by a host of Premiership clubs but is spending a week at Deepdale. Following his 13
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Hockey men coast it
ST HELENS Hockey Club earned a 3-1 home victory over Ulverston at the weekend. The goals came from Mark Alcock and Chris Dorney (2), who was making his first start since Christmas. This Sunday St Helens entertain Rossendale at Ruskin Drive in the semi-final
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Sharks and Spencer!
THERE was something fishy going on at Blackpool Sea Life Centre last weekend, but luckily a high street store was on hand to help. A freezer fault meant that the tropical sharks' tasty fish supper perished, leaving the staff with a hunger crisis. But
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Jussy just loses in Holland
A HEARTBREAKING points defeat in Holland will prove an unlikely platform for success if Radcliffe Thai boxing star Jussy Lowe has her way. The 25-year old went down by the narrowest of margins against unbeaten Dutch opponent Illonka Elmont (20) in Amsterdam
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Wright wants boots to do the talking
CHAT-SHOW host Ian Wright is ready to let his boots do the talking when he runs out at a packed Turf Moor tomorrow. It's been an unbelievable week in Burnley and the excitement surrounding Wright's signing for the Clarets will reach fever pitch when Stan
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A well earned rest
CITY manager Tony Hesketh welcomed this weekend's break from the league with open arms following this great 3-0 win over Spennymoor. The rest could mean Hesketh gets half of his first team back. Injured players Jamie Udall, Kevin Barnes, Paul Haddow,
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Wooders storm to victory
Burtonwood 12, Ormskirk 10 THE Wooders never looked back after making a flying start. Straight from the kick-off they turned over possession and sent the ball along the backs for Tickle to cross for the opening try. Paladino converted. Ormskirk fought
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Youngsters' cancer fight boost
PUPILS at an Accrington high school handed over £130 to help the fight against cancer. Year 10 students from Moorhead High School, Cromwell Avenue, raised the money for Cancer Research through a series of events last term. The cheque was handed over to
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Short-cut back is blocked for Rovers defender
CRAIG Short has declared himself fit to join Tony Parkes' success-starved squad as they try to salvage something from a season that has gone desperately wrong so far. But he will have a fight on his hands with an immediate route back to the first team
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Official: YOU helped to catch criminals
CRIMESTOPPERS works! That is the conclusion of new research which shows that anonymous information phoned in by the public to Crimestoppers is helping police catch more criminals. The study into arrests made following information received from Crimestoppers
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Fever Pitch: We're winning aren't we?
The Fan takes a look at a phenomenon hitting Deepdale, namely Rovers Syndrome; and what's up at Burnley? NORMAL service has been resumed thanks to Sean Gregan's left foot of all things and Tepi's long distance one-two with Neil Pointon in the first half
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Susan's £200 offer to find her 'baby'
A LOWTON dog lover has covered the town with posters in a bid to find her much loved golden retriever. Mrs Susan Brierley and her husband, Peter, are offering a £200 reward for the return of four-years-old, Gus, who disappeared from fields behind his
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First class scheme
POSTAL worker Farook Patel has given a training programme his stamp of approval! Farook, 20, signed up to a Modern Apprenticeship under the XTEND scheme for school leavers in East Lancashire. The former Beardwood High School pupil is now working at Darwen
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Horses and history
Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy - this week, in Middleham THERE is no doubt that the Yorkshire Dales look beautiful in the summer but travelling the narrow roads at peak times can be a problem. So can parking. I therefore decided to risk the showers
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Lift off for St Annes
THE first phase of a regeneration scheme to boost St Annes town centre was launched on Valentine's Day. Hundreds of school children released balloons bearing the slogan "Putting the heart back into St Annes" to celebrate the cutting of the first sod of
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Thwaites in the pink over deal
BREWERS Thwaites have struck a multi-million pound deal with a top entrepreneur. The Blackburn firm has linked up with Basil Newby's "In the Pink" leisure group which has become Thwaites' biggest-ever free trade account. In the Pink includes venues such
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Warts n'all at new clinic!
A NEW Leigh clinic for patients with skin conditions will open at the end of the month. It will be named in honour of one of Wigan's most famous Victorian clinicians, Dr Prosser White, who specialised in the field. But the very best in 21st century care
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Knowledge: chapter and verse
HERE'S a novel celebration for you - two Blackpool librarians have been presented with a bouquet of flowers to mark more than 40 years' service in the resort. Rosemary Thomasson and Eileen Ferrier will receive the floral tributes for their dedication
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CAB slam justice barrier
LEIGH Citizen's Advice Bureau has slammed the Magistrates' Courts Committee over plans to close the town's courthouse. It claims it is irresponsible and negligent to raise barriers for the Leigh community to have access to justice. The criticism follows
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Chilly Charity challenge for Vicky
PARAMEDIC Victoria Tucker is swapping her ambulance for a bike. Victoria, whose husband suffers from asthma, is planning to ride 252 miles in Iceland for the National Asthma Society. But she reckons that by the time she has finished, she might need to
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Becky hits high note
THE recently-launched Eccleston Millennium Choir, comprising the area's four churches , will present a musical extravaganza at St Julie's, Howards Lane, on Saturday, February 26, from 7.30pm. Making her bow as a concert soloist in what has been dubbed
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Memories flood back for Edith
IT'S 70 years since Edith Martin was a schoolgirl at the Bag Lane School in Coal Pit Lane, Atherton. It seems like only yesterday! The memories came flooding back with this photograph of her 1930 class. And Edith, now 81, of Lambeth Street, Atherton,
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Alex is a winner with BT.
READERS have picked out three-year-old Alex Bailey, of Rose Berry Close, Ramsbottom as our Child of the Year. Little Alex was picked from the 36 finalists entered in the competition sponsored by the Bury Times and ABC Portraits of Huddersfield. Mum and
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Post office raided
ROBBERS smashed their way through a security screen to steal cash from the post office in Greenmount. Shortly after 3pm on Wednesday (Feb 16), three men, all said to be in their early 20s, burst into the sub-post office in Holcombe Road. They smashed
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Millward salutes his super heroes
RELIEVED Wakefield boss Andy Kelly paid Leigh the ultimate compliment after his side had scraped through Sunday's Challenge Cup thriller. "Leigh were magnificent and marvellous," he said. "They deserve the chance to go into Super League. "I know what
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Stuck with it
A RADCLIFFE adhesive specialist has won the Investor in People award. The process sparked a revolution in the way Itac Ltd regarded training and progress. Managing director Mr Paul Armitt said: "As an old family firm, training had not been a priority.
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Get moving!
WHEELCHAIR users in St Helens will soon be given a helping hand to do their shopping thanks to a £300,000 grant from the National Lottery Charities Board. The money will be used to set up a Shopmobility St Helens scheme to loan battery-powered wheelchairs
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Thumbs up to £4.8m expansion
A FAMILY firm has been given the "thumbs up" to create 160 new jobs in Bury. Plasticware manufacturers Thumbs Up (Bury) Ltd are to forge ahead with a £4.8 million invest programme at its storage and distribution centre in Dumers Lane. Between 120 and
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Man dies in Crete barbecue tragedy
A DAD died of carbon monoxide poisoning after bringing a barbecue indoors while working in Crete. Cameron Smith , of Prestwich, was working as a barman and labourer on the Greek island when the tragedy occurred on February 6. Crete authorities say Mr
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Off-duty hero earns award
A QUICK-thinking Bury cop has earned a top bravery award. Off-duty Detective Constable Chris Jameson averted a potential motorway disaster when he saved a young woman intent on jumping from a bridge over the M66. The incident happened at the Walmersley
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Husband Graham sees less of Vivien
VIVIEN Taylor is a shadow of her former self, and she couldn't be more delighted! For the mum-of-four from Newton-le-Willows has joined the ranks of the super slimmers after shedding six stones. Vivien's weight ballooned to 16 stones after she became
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Millward salutes his super heroes
RELIEVED Wakefield boss Andy Kelly paid Leigh the ultimate compliment after his side had scraped through Sunday's Challenge Cup thriller. "Leigh were magnificent and marvellous," he said. "They deserve the chance to go into Super League. "I know what
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Lawson sale could spark clear-out
IAN Lawson's departure to Stockport could be the start of a mass clear-out at Gigg Lane. The Shakers are reckoned to be ready to offload some of their playing staff, to stave off the financial wolves baying at the door and get rid of some dead wood. But
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13 firms win smoke-free awards
A LUCKY 13 Bury companies have been rewarded for bringing some fresh air to the borough. They have won a Roy Castle Good Air Award for encouraging smoke-free areas within their restaurants, cafes and works canteens. The award scheme was developed in Yorkshire
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Seadogs keep heads above water
THE St Helens Sea Cadets headquarters, T.S. Scimitar, is all ship-shape and Bristol fashion, thanks to the generosity of big-hearted St Helens folk. And it's a far cry from 18 months ago, when the unit was floundering due to a series of burglaries and
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Damage claim dispute
DARREN Jepson, 24, of Shaw Close, Darwen, was bailed until March 8 by Blackburn magistrates after pleading guilty to causing £300-worth of damage to a Ford Orion. Simon Farnsworth, defending, said his client accepted damaging the vehicle but not the amount
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Extra cash to make life better
ST HELENS Council leader, Marie Rimmer went 'walkabout' in Newton High Street to see the range of improvements already being carried out. And Councillor Rimmer, who is also chairman of the Newton 21 Partnership, announced that another £60,000 would be
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Celebrity bargains
CORONATION Street favourites Roy and Hayley Cropper donated souvenirs from their 'wedding' to boost a grand charity auction. Other items under the hammer at Highfield Working Men's Club in Radcliffe Street, Darwen, included a pen belonging to Tony Blair
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School's goldenheart gang
CARING youngsters at Carr Mill Junior School are taking time out to write to youngsters at an orphanage in Bangladesh. The youngsters are responding to a plea from Peter Byrnes, whose 19-year-old son Brian was killed in an accident on the East Lancashire
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Cheque taken from gran's book
SEAN Taylor stole a cheque from his grandmother's book and then made it out to himself for £250. But the manager of a cheque-cashing shop became suspicious when Taylor, who he knew, told him the money was a birthday present. Blackburn magistrates heard
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Tonic in crime war
ST HELENS Council and Merseyside Police are celebrating after successfully bidding for £241,000 Government funding over the next two years to tackle crime. The money will be used to launch a borough-wide pilot scheme to reduce victimisation and is linked
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Mac attack
BLACKPOOL boss Steve McMahon has a tough job reorganising his troops in time for the crunch match at Cambridge on Saturday (February 19). The Blackpool manager has publicly rebuked David Bardsley following comments in the press. Bardsley suggested that
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Threats 'only in the mind'
WILLIAM Holden phoned police and told them someone was holding a gun to his head and a knife to his throat. Blackburn magistrates heard it was only after armed officers went to his house that it became apparent the threats were only real in Holden's mind
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Sweet 'n sour for Athletic
LEIGH ATHLETIC are facing cup joy and league despair. Their poor league form continued with a 1-0 loss at Chadderton, the team showing a lack of confidence in both attack and defence. However, a 2-1 home win against Jubilee Hotel took them to the semi-final
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Praises sung at Chapels!
A NURSERY school found by education watchdogs to have serious weaknesses has experienced a "remarkable" transformation. Mrs Sheryl Hill, head of Chapels Nursery School in Darwen, is said to have been inspirational in moving the nursery forward since her
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Late strike rocks RMI
LEIGH RMI were left reeling from Saturday's "fair" 1-1 draw at Bishop Auckland. Minutes from time the North East side grabbed the equaliser after Ricky Harris had conceded a free kick just outside the box. The goal upset Leigh manager Steve Waywell, whose
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Top girl Kate makes a big splash
TYLDESLEY SC have had a good start to 2000 with success in comps at Kirklees, Everton, Horwich and Newcastle. The 200/400 meet at Kirklees provided hot competition for Kelly Banner, Stuart Carlisle, Khalid Jhugroo, Charlotte Steele and Samantha Thompson
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Training partners' transatlantic ties
TWO runners are trying to keep up with each other by e-mail in a transatlantic training programme. David McBride (right of picture), of Preston New Road, Samlesbury, is preparing for the London marathon with his friend Robert Forrest (left), of Georgia
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Craig & Gary spark Amble ramble
TYLDESLEY RU strolled to a 44-10 win against Ambleside. Good early possession led to tries for Craig Broadhurst and Gary Corbett. But the Lakeside side capitalised on a loose pass which was "headed" on for a try. The reply was swift with the Tyldesley
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Clare's right royal award
WORK at an animal sanctuary and a 50-mile hike carrying full camping gear helped 20-year-old Clare Prismall of the Cribden Venture Scouts gain a Queen's Scout Award. She was presented with her badge by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale, Coun Alan and
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Arm wrestlers land jobs on National Lottery show
THREE East Lancashire arm wrestlers will spend each weekend hob-nobbing with the stars after landing leading roles on a primetime TV show. Reigning British champion Neil Pickup, world number two Andy Barker and current Arm Wars winner Michael Holland
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Rachael aims to bowl them over
RACHAEL WALSH is this week bowling them over at the heart of English Cricket. The youngster has reached the final of Young Female Cricketer of The Year. And this week she travelled to Lord's where she was the youngest competitor in girls from all over
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Burglar allowed to keep his liberty
A BURGLAR who was put on probation and was then "lost" by the service, has kept his freedom for the offence committed three years ago. Burnley Crown Court had been told how Christopher Eaton, also in breach of a conditional discharge, was not at home
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Grand National for super Miners
LEIGH MINERS hold their heads high this week, still smiling from the shock result of their season. It came at Siddal in the National Cup 3rd round. Miners had already lost there in the Challenge Cup. But not this time as they beat the Yorkshire side 14
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Chef found hanging from bannister
A CHEF who suffered moods of black depression was found hanging from the bannister at his home, an inquest was told. Neil Hucking, 51, of Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, was found on Thursday last week with a dog chain around his neck by his wife, Cynthia.
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Ready to roll
STUDENTS have given a community centre's minibus a new lease of life. Blackburn College's vehicle refinishing department offered to respray Hawthorn Community Centre's minibus free of charge. Paints for the job were donated by Tony Knowles Motor Bodies
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Private hire taxis to face clampdown
PRIVATE hire taxi firms in Blackburn and Darwen are facing a clampdown after it was revealed 85 per cent of private hire cars fail their MOT on the first attempt. Blackburn with Darwen Council also looks set to phase out private hire taxis which are over
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Borough to pioneer electronic voting
ELECTRONIC voting is coming to Bury as the council tries out a pioneering attempt to boost turnouts. For the first time, some residents in the May 4 local elections will make their mark on a touch-key screen rather than putting a cross on a traditional
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Eva: Man in court
A MAN was due to appear before magistrates today charged with attacking and robbing a Blackburn pensioner. Paul Moss, 29 today, of Stonyhurst Close, Blackburn, was arrested early yesterday by detectives investigating an assault on Eva Komorek, above.
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Evacuation after road collapses beneath lorry
HOMES were evacuated and a road sealed off after the ground collapsed beneath a lorry carrying flammable liquid. The front nearside wheel of the tanker, loaded with 7,500 litres of kerosene, fell down a 3ft deep hole over an old culvert below Burnley
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Crash driver fined
A SPEEDING driver and his girlfriend were injured when he lost control on a bend and smashed into a wall, a court was told. Burnley Crown Court heard how Simon Hughes' passenger, Samantha Wright, had been so frightened as he clocked up about 80mph before
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Christening party pair admit affray
TWO men involved in violent scenes at a christening party where two people were stabbed have been ordered to do community service. Preston Crown Court heard that the landlady of the Park Gates pub at Copster Green, where the function was held in February
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Analysis: On the strikers
STUART Barlow was without doubt the most talked about striker in Division Two in the first half of the season as his goal-glut sent Wigan roaring to the top of the table. But Burnley have since muscled in on the act with Andy Payton shooting himself to
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Firm offers learning lifeline
A GENEROUS Atherton company has offered its former mill shop premises to help people with learning problems. The Dorma premises, in Flapper Fold Lane, will open on February 25 at 10am as a Tyldesley and Atherton Society for People with Learning Difficulties
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Analysis: Peter White runs the rule over Stockport
WIDE boy Kevin Cooper has been a real stalwart for Stockport County this season and could prove a handful as Blackburn Rovers go in search of an end to their recent barren run at Edgeley Park tomorrow. Signed from his hometown club Derby, Cooper boasts
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Stars of tomorrow jet to USA
FOOTBALL stars of the future jet out to Pheonix, USA, tomorrow to take part in the annual President's Day Tournament. The competition has become an annual event for students from Preston College, who field two teams each year, Athletico Preston and Real
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Janet's travel task
TRAVEL expert Janet Davies lost her job as agency manager when the Tyldesley branch of Monks Travel shut down last year. But she was out of work for just a few days before finding a new post at Travelworld, Market Street, Atherton. Janet, 33, who went
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Kilner instinct
Division One: Stockport County v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's match preview IF the size of your wage bill and transfer market spending power dictated a club's position, then Stockport County would not even be in the same league as Blackburn Rovers
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Racism in spotlight
THE fight to stamp out racism is being given top priority in Bury schools. Ahead of many councils in the country, Bury is to launch its new education service racial harassment policy next month. The March 10 conference will feature a range of workshops
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Warriors crash out of cup
U9: Leyland Warriors 28 Royton Tigers 32 THE Warriors crashed out of the cup competition in the last minute of the game. Leyland made a spirited fight back to level the score at 28-28 after trailing 28-10. Darren Jones excelled with an amazing 23 tackles
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Wright wants boots to do the talking
CHAT-SHOW host Ian Wright is ready to let his boots do the talking when he runs out at a packed Turf Moor tomorrow. It's been an unbelievable week in Burnley and the excitement surrounding Wright's signing for the Clarets will reach fever pitch when Stan
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Second female canon for Cathedral
A LEADING Christian campaigner for disabled people's rights will be one of four new Honorary Canons of Blackburn Cathedral. The Rev Frances Edwards, regional co-ordinator for North West Church Action on Disability, is only the second woman priest to become
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He pulled out the gun and shot me. I thought I was dying
SHOTGUN victim Adam Hayes has told of the moment he stared death in the face. The teenager spoke a week after he was gunned down in the street by a mystery man, who left him reeling in agony and screaming: "The son of a bitch has shot me." Blackburn College
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Terror tots stoned cops
HOOLIGANS as young as six attacked police patrol cars with bricks as they ran riot in Radcliffe. The problems are so bad, one leading local policeman says he has never known anything like it. Now residents in the Lever Street area of Radcliffe are demanding
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Luck of the draw
I WONDER how many other Saints fans watching the TV on Sunday were able to fill in the name of Leeds' opponents in the next round of the RL Cup draw before the number even came out of the bag. Why did I know it was going to be Saints? Saints fan (name
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Hoppers gain revenge
PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS 40, NOTTINGHAM 20 HOPPERS gained revenge for an early season defeat but left many of their supporters a little disappointed. When the game was two-thirds over, Hoppers had rattled up 40 points with their visitors only showing a single
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Ex-Boothstown head dies, 71
LONG-serving headmaster Kevin Fleming has died, aged 71. Hindsford-born Mr Fleming was head of Boothstown Holy Family School from 1957-86 and spent all his teaching career at the same school. As a boy Kevin Fleming went to Hindsford Sacred Heart School
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Cyclists and county work in tandem
A SEMINAR aimed at getting cycling in Lancashire on track was a great success, according to Lancashire County Council. The event, held at County Hall in Preston, attracted cyclists from all over Lancashire. Delegates discussed the development of safer
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Divine scheme to save church
WHEN hard-up church officials were told that they couldn't demolish a creaking old Methodist building, they came up with a cunning plan. Instead of knocking it down they decided to sell it and give builders the chance to turn it into flats. The plan will
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Please, Mrs Blair
WOULD-be newshounds Kieron Clark, Kieran Kaye and Amy Millar (pictured) are dab-hands with a pen and note pad. And now they're hoping to land the interview of a lifetime with the Prime Minister's wife Cherie Booth. Leyland Seven Stars Primary School pupil
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Postmark puzzle
I LIVE in Rainhill and pay my rates to St Helens Council. so why is it with the post and any mail I receive with St Helens on it , St Helens is crossed out with Prescot put in its place? I have never paid rates to Prescot as it is in Knowsley. Is this
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Citizen Frank get top award
COMMUNITY champion Frank Parkinson was given the red carpet treatment in the Mayor's parlour. Frank, of Birch Street, Tyldesley received the borough's Citizen of the Month award from the Mayor Cllr Evelyne Smith. His endeavour to make life easier for
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We've had enough
YOU may or may not know of some disturbing things happening on the Vale. On February 7, the police carried out what has turned out to be the third raid in two years. I feel sorry for the people on this estate who have to put up with some very bad behaviour
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Speakeasy saved
A REHABILITATION centre for stroke victims has been saved from closure thanks to last-minute funding. As exclusively revealed in the Bury Times last year, Speakeasy, based at Christ Church Hall, Walmersley, faced a bleak future after Bury Health Care
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Flying the flag
A STUNNING display of colour greeted visitors to Avenham Park on Sunday, as the 100th annual Kimberley Parade marched into town. Members of the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers joined Boer War veterans to mark the centenary of the Defence of Kimberley
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Abuse in shop over drink quiz
CURTIS Ross Tunstall became abusive when staff in the Co-op in Longridge, questioned him about his age when he tried to buy alcohol. Blackburn magistrates heard that he lunged at a member of staff and grabbed hold of him, ripping his shirt. Tunstall,
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Going Green
HAVING been a citizen of Lancaster all my life, I feel a need to express my concerns. We the people of Lancaster voted in the Green Party and it is their duty to help put the Local Authority back on it's feet. Nobody ever did find the reason why the Town
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Scourge of the swastika
THE swastika, a symbol forever linked with the evils and atrocities of the Nazi regime of the 1930s and 40s, has an altogether reverse side to its history. This revelation comes from a keen local historian (and close chum of mine) in response to a recent
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Can you teach someone to surf?
THE BRITISH Computer Society Disability Group (BCSDG) is a membership group that looks at the way computer technology can effectively assist people with disabilities. It has been working in the voluntary disability sector for more than 20 years and is
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Blind charity strikes gold
A CHARITY for the blind is hoping to strike gold with its latest fund-raising idea. The Preston and North Lancashire Blind Welfare Society is appealing to people to donate unwanted jewellery. Society director Peter Taylor said: "Many people have pieces
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Judy's positive way forward
IN the move to make Wigan a dyslexia friendly borough, a campaign started by Leigh businesswoman Shirley Longley, an exhibition and lecture has been organised for May. Entitled "Dyslexia the Gift", the guest speaker will be Judy Carpenter, dyslexia support
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Bridal sweet
VALENTINE'S day was made extra special for Grace Gibbons who enjoyed her first day as the Bury Times Group Bride of the Year. The shocked 25-year-old sales executive was overcome with tears when she won the sought-after title at a bridal extravaganza,
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DJ escapes sentence despite contempt
A DJ from Preston's Rock FM dodged a prison sentence after declaring on live radio that Harold Shipman was 'innocent until proved as guilty as sin'. Mark Kaye, a drivetime DJ, made the comments on the 38th day of the Shipman trial. Traffic girl Judith
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It's like a minefield!
WHAT an excellent letter from W T of Garswood regarding dog dirt. Our area is also badly affected, Old Whint Road, Wedge Avenue and Wagon Lane, Haydock, in particular. The Sankey Valley cannot be enjoyed because of the problem and taking children to Legh
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Clear the roads
I READ with interest Steve Metcalfe's letter in last week's Citizen. While I agree with his opening sentiments regarding the use of trams and light trains, I feel I must disagree with his comments about private motor cars. A tram system would be a positive
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M-way speed cameras
MOTORWAY police have introduced speed cameras to the M55 and M6 while major roadworks take place. Work at the Broughton interchange will see the introduction of narrow lanes and a contraflow in phases until April. The speed cameras are a bid to encourage
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Ahoy sailor!
THE Royal Navy is saluting a new officer. Sub Lieut Chris Andrews, of Leigh, has successfully completed training at the Britannia Royal Naval College to become an engineering (training management) officer. A former pupil of St Mary's RC High School, Astley
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PUPILS from Savick Primary were tripping the write fantastic at a new Harris exhibition.
A collaboration between the Harris Museum and Art Gallery and the Preston school, Year 5 children have been curators at th Write Fantastic exhibition. It gave the youngsters chance to look at artwork and artefacts from the Harris' permanent collections
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Rents: they closed too many offices
I WILL tell you why rent arrears are up (Bury Times, Feb 11). Bury Council has closed so many payment offices that only the best payers will struggle to get to the few offices that are left. Consequently the council are effectively saving money by putting
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Tripping the write fantastic
PUPILS from Savick Primary were tripping the write fantastic at a new Harris exhibition. A collaboration between the Harris Museum and Art Gallery and the Preston school, Year 5 children have been curators at th Write Fantastic exhibition. It gave the
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In the path of gas pipeline
WORK begins soon on a £50 million gas pipeline which will cut through a giant path through Journal-land. Preparations for laying the pipe have been laid over the past few months with a massive contractors' site being set-up alongside Wigan Road, Atherton
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Metrolink nightmare
READING your headline "Misery on the Metro" prompts me to write concerning the reliability of this service. It is now impossible to assess the time needed to travel to an important meeting when arriving punctually is essential. Waiting 40 minutes for
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Santa lookalike dies
MOURNERS gathered at St Ambrose Church, Leyland, to pay their last respects to a much-loved local character. Footpath sweeper David Harrison, 53, of Oak Tree View, Wigan Road, Leyland, affectionately known as 'Leyland's own Father Christmas' because of
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School needs special help: Ofsted
INSPECTORS say a local primary school needs special help to raise its standards. A report by Ofsted inspectors concluded that Our Lady of the Rosary RC school in Leigh hasn't made enough progress over the past four years. They noted since their last visit
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Off-licences under threat
OFF-licences in Preston are being warned to be on the look out following an armed raid on Sunday. A knifeman drew blood from the shop assistant's neck during a raid on the Drinks Cabin, New Hall Lane, Preston. The thug approached her from behind as she
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Get the dog, not the litter
I AM writing with regards to the South Ribble councillor who has sent a rallying cry throughout the borough about litter louts. Coun Forrest should also do the same about dog fouling on the pavements (Citizen, February 10). Time after time complaints
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Why is bowls club still closed?
I AM a member of Manchester Road Park Ladies Bowling Club in Bury. In the middle of the 1998 season, we were given 24 hours notice to vacate the building. We did this thinking that it was to be subsequently used for local young people. Eighteen months
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New honour for key figure
LEYLAND festival committee has voted its longest-serving member as new honorary president. Neil Smith, 59, has been elected as president for two years and will be responsible for receiving the mayor and other special guests at the annual event on behalf
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Getting tough on tax
TOUGH action is on the way to put empty houses in order. From April 1 new legislation means houses needing major repairs will only be exempt from Council Tax for a maximum of 12 months. The Council will then charge the owners half the Council Tax due
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Tom clocks up forty years on the buses
FORTY years on the buses might seem a long time to some, but Thomas Kee is still on the road. Thomas, Preston Bus' assistant chief inspector, received a long service award from his bosses on Tuesday to mark 40 years dedication to the town's public transport
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Did councillor lack conviction?
THE Bury Times recently reported on the approval by the traffic and highways management committee of an increase in parking fees. In these days an increase of 5p is minimal, but the powers-that-be seem to be using the "just short of a pound" ploy from
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Market on the move
A RALLYING cry has gone out to shoppers in Leyland: support your local market and bag yourself a bargain! Beleaguered stallholders are still smarting over the proposed move to Ecroyd Street, off Hough Lane, claiming that it could signal the final nail
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Labour are past their sell-by date
SO yet another department of Bury Council is failing Bury's taxpayers ("Rents go up as arrears spiral", Bury Times, Feb 11). As the Opposition we agree with the Auditor's comments and think that Bury's housing department is in a diabolical, shambolic
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Mum's recycle pedge
A PRESTON mum turned business entrepreneur has pledged to help hundreds of abused women by recycling unwanted household goods. Natalie Waddington, 34, started her business, Waddington's Recycling, five years ago after she has was awarded a grant from
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Progress in our first 1,000 days
AS the first 1,000 days of the Labour Government pass, it is timely that the achievements of almost three years in power are put into context. Clearly there is much more still to do to bring about the stronger, fairer, more successful Britain that we
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A force to be reckoned with
PRESTON soldiers are putting their weight behind NATO's plan to re-build war torn Kosovo. Four soldiers from the town have been drafted to the eastern European country to help bring about peace and normality among the population. Staff sergeant Gary Vincent
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'Stadium must go ahead'
PRESTON North End manager David Moyes has joined the bitter dispute between PNE and Preston Borough Council over the redevelopment of Deepdale, insisting the plans must go ahead. The manager's statement comes as the club and council prepare to lock horns
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Jogger death accidental
A JOGGER in training for the London Marathon died of multiple injuries after falling into the path of a car, an inquest heard. Barry Mapp, 50, of Village Drive, Ribbleton, was jogging across Eastway, from the junction of Longsands Lane, in Fulwood, when
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10 YEARS AGO: Message to Maggie
A DEFIANT message was sent to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher by Lancashire county council leader Louise Ellman: "Justify your £80 million cut in Government support for Lancashire or keep out of our affairs." The message came four days before the county
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FIVE YEARS AGO: Rovers star's story
SUPER Atko made the day for children at a Darwen primary school when he arrived to open a new library. Mark Atkins, the Blackburn Rovers star, turned his talents from football to cut the ribbon at the new showpiece library at St James' School, Darwen.
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With this Rung, I thee wed!
FORMER Preston College lecturer Simon Jones has quietly 'Thai-ed' the knot. His bride, Rung, 25, from Thailand, the youngest of eight children, the others all boys, currently works as a chef in a restaurant in the East Midlands and has lived in this country
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Ousted chief's bid for top job
CONTROVERSIAL councillor Valerie Wise could make a shock return to the helm of Preston council after emerging as the favourite in the battle for the leadership of the borough. Senior Labour Party sources say four councillors are considering standing for
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LOCAL CRICKET: Baxenden dismay
THE Ribblesdale League disciplinary committee have come under fire in Baxenden CC secretary David Clegg's annual report, following the suspension of Mark Rishton after a drinking incident in the game against Barnoldswick. "It has to be said that friendships
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Farmers: it's all too much
PRESTON farmers insist they are at the end of their tether with the on-going crisis crippling the industry. In a recent survey by the County Landowners Association, two out of 30 livestock farms between Broughton and Longridge had survived intact as a
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Payment delay a disgrace
SO New Labour has done it yet again - tens of thousands of British pensioners have not and will not receive their winter fuel payment. At the end of last year, the Government accepted a European Court ruling which allowed men aged 60 and over to receive
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Girl victim of club horror attack
A YOUNG woman needed plastic surgery and almost lost her sight in one eye after a fun night out with a girl friend ended in a horror attack. The 22-year-old student, who wishes to be identified only as Mel, had visited several town-centre pubs with her
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NON-LEAGUE SOCCER: Stanley seal Watson deal
ACCRINGTON Stanley have swooped to sign ex-England semi-pro international Liam Watson in a stunning five-figure deal from UniBond Premier Division outfit Runcorn. The 29-year-old hit man has been a long-time target of Reds boss John Coleman who first
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'Casualties'air-lifted to safety
FOUR pupils from a Bispham school were air-lifted to safety from the Forest of Bowland with "horrific injuries and suffering from hypothermia". Fortunately it was all part of a training exercise and, apart from getting damp, no one suffered at all. Richard
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Condition explained
IT might have an attractive name, but it is a nasty condition. BehM- et's syndrome (pronounced bayshay's), otherwise known as the Silk Route Disease, is a rare rheumatic disease made up of a group of conditions with unpleasant symptoms - recurring mouth
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NON LEAGUE SOCCER: Team news round-up
CHORLEY chief Ken Wright believes loan signing Peter Smyth can become a big hit at Victory Park despite his disappointing debut in the 1-0 home defeat against Belper last weekend. "Peter was probably disappointed with that contribution but it was always
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A roof for the bats
HOMELESS bats and birds are to get a roof over their heads thanks to a bunch of Blackpool youngsters. The pupils of Palatine High School have made 50 specialised boxes to be used in the Watson Road and Stanley parks. And last week they left their classrooms
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So much to do at sanctuary
NATURALLY, we are very pleased that we shall be staying at Redshell Lane and that the Only Fools and Horses Sanctuary purchase is going through. (LET, February 4). May I just say, though, that we shall still need as much help and support from your readers
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Takeaway attack
A CUSTOMER at The Moonlight takeaway in Croft Street, Burnley, was punched in the mouth in an unprovoked attack. The victim, 20, suffered swelling to both lips. Police are appealing for information about the attack, which happened at 3.20am today. Det
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'Right to roam' snipe
THERE has recently been a campaign in certain sections of the national press to snipe at the Government's intention to introduce 'Right to Roam' legislation. The administration is clearly under pressure from the agriculture industry, which requires help
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Blood brothers?
BLOOD donor sessions will be held at Rainford Council Chamber on Friday, February 18 from 10am to noon and from 2 to 4.15pm. Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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Terrible Tangerines
BLACKPOOL 1, BRISTOL CITY 2 THERE will be big changes at Bloomfield Road following the Seasiders' pathetic performance against Bristol City. In the opening 20 minutes, the Tangerines were simply dreadful. Bristol City could have been 3-0 up as Pool sat
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Sidac set sights
SIDAC stepped up their quest for the Warrington and District League title on Saturday. They were the only team in the top four to gain maximum points. Leaders Owens Corning were held to a draw by Crosfields. RESULTS Premier Division: Moorfield 2 Blackbrook
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Bold under fire
Dalton 24, Bold Miners 18 UNDER-strength Bold produced a brave show against Dalton. From the kick-off quick-thinking Darren Anders sent Chris Anders over for the first try. Bold prop forwards Chris Kean and Ricky Mayor started to dictate and after a strong
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Looking for a home to roost
THESE bedraggled old roosters were found abandoned and wandering around Lancaster canal this week. Now Animal Care in the city are looking for anyone who can provide a good home for them as a matter of urgency. Space at the sanctuary is still at a premium
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Delays ahead
DRIVERS are being warned of possible traffic delays on the A58 at Blackbrook as repairs are carried out to a bridge next to the Ship Inn. Traffic will be reduced to single file and traffic lights will be in operation. Drivers are advised to use alternative
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Fylde lose world battle of flowers
FYLDE flower fans have lost out to Canada with their controversial entry into the international "Green Oscars." And many local residents felt the £4,000 it cost to transport two representatives to the finals of the Nation in Bloom competition in Japan
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Reaching for the top
THESE two young gymnasts from the area will represent the whole of the North West in the national championships later this year. Jamie Morris, 11, and Stuart Mayor, 17, beat off competition from just about every town and city in the region to win the
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The plight of health
A SURVEY of health service workers in Lancashire has revealed that 50 per cent believe patient care, democracy and accountability have deteriorated. The survey was carried out by the Lancashire Association of Trade Union Councils (TUC) to gauge health
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Poulton on track for better station
RAILTRACK North West have announced plans to spend a third of a million pounds on a massive facelift for Poulton-Le-Fylde railway station. The ravages of time and the anti-social behaviour of a small minority have taken their toll on the station, and
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Woman injured
AN 87-year-old woman was taken to Whiston Hospital's intensive care unit suffering from serious spinal injuries following an accident involving a motorbike in Windle on Saturday, February 12. The woman was tring to cross Rainford Road, near to its junction
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Power pack fuels victory
Ruskin Park 21, Marple 6 A TREMENDOUS display by the Ruskiono pack, against a much bigger eight, laid the foundations for this third successive league victory, which considerably eases any fears of relegation. Playing against the wind in the first half
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Health chiefs move to allay job fears
HEALTH chiefs have moved to allay fears among support staff that a £14million redevelopment of Burnley General Hospital could mean job losses. The phase five development to clear Victorian wards and create five new 28-bed wards together with a new centrepiece
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Yickers on course
Widnes St Maries 8, Haydock 23 HAYDOCK kept their title bid on course with victory in this tough encounter. Bloor put the Yickers in front with a drop goal after eight minutes. But Maries replied with a try after 19 minutes. But within two minutes Haydock
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Night of fame for kids
A PACKED audience at the Opera House was treated to a dazzling display on Saturday (February 12) when youngsters from the region's dancing schools performed Millennium Hits from Great Musicals. Each of the 17 Lancashire dancing schools taking part performed
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Cumbrians crush Brook
Ellenborough 58, Blackbrook 0 BROOK were bounced out of the National Cup by a big and powerful Cumbrian outfit. They battled bravely to stem the tide and enjoyed a modicum of success in the first half. After the break though, Ellenborough, with no fewer
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Lillie gives Noel an ear-bashing!
A WYRE pensioner stunned the music world this week when she had the bare-faced cheek to stand up to Oasis superstar Noel Gallagher. "Some Might Say" that 86-year-old Lillie Farrell, of Thornton, likes to live dangerously after she called up the Pete and
