Archive
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Dutch give courage to the heart
LET us raise our glasses to the dedicated Dutch scientists who have determined that drinking beer is good for the heart. It is something to do with ale increasing Vitamin B6 in the blood to shoo off some horrid amino acid or other. But, heck, who cares
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Has Labour done enough for the grey vote?
UNDER fire from the grassroots for being out of touch with ordinary people and with the Tory leadership's populist policies going down well, Labour responds today with a bid to win back the disaffected 'grey vote' with a plan to put up the basic pension
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Carl aims to go Gall-o-way with Reid's Wearsiders
CARL GALLOWAY is taking a massive step towards playing for his dream team. No, not Man United, Man City or even Bury . . . it's Sunderland where Carl's heart lies, writes STEVE BOTT. The 16-year-old Whitefield lad will link up with his idols at the Stadium
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SUPER SEDGLEY SIGN OFF IN STYLE
Sedgley Park...39pts Liverpool St Helens...7 A DOWNPOUR just before the match made playing conditions tricky, but Sedgley were quick to impress. Sion O'Hare almost scored, then Chris Radacanu did, following a little dart from scrum-half Chris Kinsey.
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Littlejohn makes Bury merry men!
Cardiff City 0 Bury 2 THIS was one occasion when Bury made a nonsense of the statistics to gain sweet revenge for a harrowing FA Cup defeat in November and chalk up their fourth double of the season. Cardiff had the ball in the net twice, both disallowed
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Today in 1975 25 years ago
SAVED: Four years old Emma Heywood was rescued from the canal behind the Farmers' Arms , Bank Top on the Bury-Radcliffe boundary. Emma was given artificial respiration by Mrs Sheila Owen, then aged 29, of Openshaw Fold, Bury, who was picnicking nearby
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Thanks to a cinema star
MAY I offer sincere thanks to Ultraframe boss Mr John Lancaster for making it possible to keep Clitheroe's cinema open. It is the only one in East Lancashire where British and foreign films are shown. There is no point in the Government subsidising the
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It's put up or shut up time
I READ with interest letters regarding the secret inner cabinet meetings proposed by Blackburn with Darwen Council. What a democratic way of going about the businesses of Blackburn and Darwen. One wonders if this idea actually originated in Whitehall
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No surprise at public concern
OVER the last few weeks, much has been said about the possibility of asylum seekers coming to East Lancashire. At a meeting of Hyndburn Council, Councillor Douglas Deakin owned up to being the mole who leaked the story to the media. I think that everyone
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Keep council doors open
IN 1985, as parliamentary officer for the community rights project, I drafted the Local Government (Access to Information) Bill and organised the campaign to get it into law. It was adopted as a Private Members Bill by Robin Squire MP (Conservative --
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Nicely-Nicely does it
GUYS and Dolls is a classic piece of musical history combining knockout songs with real New York wiseguys and a script literally peppered with gags and witty asides. But were Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company wise in choosing such an ambitious project
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Shock death of golf club official
A GOLF club head greenkeeper has been found dead at home just weeks after his wife conceived their first child through fertility treatment. Family and friends are mourning the loss of David Young who worked at Darwen Golf Club. Police said he apparently
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Human torch horror
HUMAN torch victim Gavin Davies ran screaming through the streets in flames after a freak accident outside his home. Gavin, 17, was engulfed in flames when a plastic tub containing paint brushes and white spirit was accidentally knocked over and ignited
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Council tax protest
NOW that the demonstration area 'Victoria Square' seems to have been completed in time for the local elections in May, has anyone considered organising a protest against the large increase in council tax. The cost of this work and sculptures to decorate
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Post Offcie valued
I WOULD like to reply to the letter published April 13 re sub-post offices. I collect my retirement pension from Gillars Green post office. The hours seem adequate to me and the service is good. At no time during my 22 years at Gillars Green have I seen
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Thanks to Star readers
SOME time ago The Star kindly printed my appeal for poems relating to the Royal Air Force. The response was gratifying and the poems of a very high standard. Now, my anthology of Air Force poems, entitled 'The Poems We Wrote'', is on sale. Copies are
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Those poor people
THOSE poor asylum people. In the war we were on basic rations, later I had a child, we had to manage, no use asking for more there was none. My husband was at sea, merchant navy. We had bombing night and day for quite a long spell, living in the East
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Don's death is tragic loss
IT was with great sadness that I read the Star of the death of former Saints' star Don Gullick. Although I am too young to remember him in his playing days, I do remember him as a teacher during my time at Ashton Grammar School between 1964 and 1969.
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Just to say thanks
MAY I through your paper say "Thank You" to the gentleman who came to help me when I fell in Alexander Road on Monday 10th April, 9.15am, as I was on my way to the Doctors. My injuries were worse than I thought, so a "Big Thank You Sir." Mrs J Law Westminster
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Stop the blazes
A PRESTON councillor is pushing for swift action to be taken over the future of Horrockses Mill, in New Hall Lane, following a fire at the historic building. Coun Harold Parker is meeting Preston town clerk Jim Carr this week to discuss finding funds
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River diesel spill probe
ENVIRONMENT Agency officers believe that an oil spillage in the River Lostock on Sunday came from a nearby industrial estate. The fuel leak, of red diesel, was reported to the Environment Agency's emergency hotline by local residents on Sunday evening
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Pulling out all the stops
THEY'VE shaved beards, hosted concerts, altered clothes, and even made jam in their bid to raise money for the local church. Now they've got just fifteen miles to go to their target. Parishioners at St Andrew's, in Ashton-on-Ribble, have organised dozens
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Bound for the big time
ALL the world's a stage for a Preston actor as he heads to the capital to see his name in lights. Talented Dermot Canavan is packing his bags to take up a ten month acting course at the prestigious Drama Studio, in London. Last year the Citizen featured
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Leanne set to be a Mountie!
A FORMER Preston College student has come back to her roots to find support for her new venture -- and she really does have a mountain to climb! Dr Leanne Carol Callaghan, who studied for her A levels at the college ten years ago, has been given the opportunity
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Dinner in the park
PAT Chadwick, Mayoress of Burnley (pictured, front right) welcomed hard-working members of her charity committee at a special dinner. Also among the guests at Towneley Hall was the borough's Mayoress-elect, Nasreen Malik (front left).
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Officer offers a walk in new forest
WOODLANDS officer Keith Wilson is offering two spring morning walks to give folk a chance to see the Forest of Burnley team's latest creations. Both walks set out from Towneley Hall on Sunday, May 7, and there is a choice. A 10.30am start from the hall
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Same con different trade
TRADING standards chief have warned homeowners in Lancaster and Morecambe to steer well clear of door-to-door builders offering to fix up properties. They are particularly concerned about cowboy plastic fascia and guttering repairers who are calling on
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Learning with sound and light
KARAOKE machines, therapeutic lightboxes and lightbubble tubes are among the gifts donated to Lancashire children with learning difficulties, thanks to an £18,000 charity pay-out. Medicash, a not-for-profit, health cash plan provider, has donated the
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MP ends asylum hotel proposal
THE Government has no plans to house asylum seekers at Morecambe's Grosvenor Hotel - and that's official. Following details originally revealed in The Citizen, MP Geraldine Smith tabled a question in the House of Commons asking the Ministers to explain
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Health group warned
A CHIEF health watchdog warns that major changes in patient care planned by a doctor-led health group must clearly show they provide real improvements before they are given the go-ahead. Community Health Council chairman Coun Frank Clifford said plans
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Councillors may be fingerprinted
ELECTION bosses have called in police to run fingerprint tests on an important document after the original went missing from a town hall and a copy was left in its place. If "dabs" are found on the papers, councillors may be asked to provide their finger
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Politicians attacked after Bubbles bursts
BUSINESS leaders in Morecambe have aimed a verbal volley at local Labour and Tory councillors for backing a tennis centre instead of Bubbles. The Morecambe & District Chamber of Trade claim the public should be aware of the recent council vote on
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Key role for women in farming - MP
POCKETS of rural poverty across the district are just as bad as any inner city deprivation, claim the Country Landowners Association (CLA) In the week that Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson addressed the concerns of 140 women agricultural workers, the CLA said
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Festival atmosphere planned for Marsh
THE Marsh area has won a £2,500 grant to stage a community festival and they've offered an open invitation to everyone in the district. The lottery cash will go towards £500 from the Single Regeneration Budget to help organise the festival on Coronation
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Readers bridge the gap!
FOLLOWING a fantastic response from Citizen readers the man who asked which stone bridge appeared on the film Brief Encounter believes he finally has the right answer. Peter Davies of the Friends of Carnforth Station posed the original question and received
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Swelling number of hall visitors
LEIGHTON Hall, near Carnforth, is set to break records for group visits this year with almost triple the number of group bookings for 2000. The increasing profile of the beautiful historic house has helped boost the tourist trade in North Lancashire.
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Balloons up, time capsule down
A MILLENNIUM time capsule will buried by the Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley next week and hundreds of balloons released at one of the town's residential homes. Councillor Eddie Fisk and Mrs Pat Chadwick will attend a ceremony at Dove Court Residential
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Champions out to slay Giants
HIGH-FLYING Saints are hoping for a seventh successive win when Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants come to Knowsley Road on Bank Holiday Monday, kick-off 3pm. With leaders Bradford Bulls otherwise engaged, third-placed Saints will be seeking to go level at
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Sharp skittles Preston
BLACKPOOL 186-6 dec PRESTON 67 all out PRESTON were dismissed for a total of 67 after Blackpool declared on 186-6. Blackpool pro Marcus Sharp bowled 20 immaculate overs taking six wickets for a miserly 11 runs to see the visitors off. Preston lost wickets
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Tragedy at cricket
THE opening weekend of the cricket season was hit by tragedy with the death of a Leyland cricketer. John Nellis, 50, had opened the bowling for Leyland's Third XI against Ravens from Chorley, when he complained of feeling ill. He collapsed on the pitch
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Mistakes costly for Hounds
Parr Hare & Hounds 10 Kirkholt 46 HOUNDS ended their season with a spirited performance against promotion hopefuls Kirkholt in a game that was much closer than the scoreline suggests. Indeed, for long periods the homesters were the better side and
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Saints rip Wigan apart
Saints 38 Wigan 14 TRULY magnificent! What else can one say about Saints' performance after this rip-roarer in the Knowsley Road cauldron on Good Friday? Victory over the old enemy is always sweet but few more than this when, trailing within four minutes
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Mum on thieving expedition jailed
A MOTHER of three, who went on an organised thieving expedition, piling video recorders into an Asda trolley, has gone to jail for six months. Beverley Smith, 30, made the trip to the Accrington branch with two accomplices and a judge told her stores
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Tribute to gradely neighbours
WE'VE all heard that oft-repeated moan: 'Neighbours just aren't the same these days!' But pensioner Mrs E. Roberts of Campion Close, Haresfinch, wouldn't agree with this for one moment. In fact, she's so grateful to the caring folk around her that she's
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The great arm-benders' outing
NOT much evidence of designer gear, sports tops or trainers in this peep-back picture (below). For it was taken during an era when fiercely masculine overcoats, flat caps, serge suits and starched white collars represented leisure-time attire for the
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Survivors of a proud family
OUR recent glimpse at village life during the start of the 1920s has resulted in some amazing feed-back. Regular customers may recall that a flashback photo accompanied the item. This featured 11 members of the local Millington family, well-scrubbed and
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Lifeboat honours
A PENWORTHAM woman is to receive an award from Princess Anne for her dedication to the Royal National Lifeboat Service. Pat Dewhurst has been honorary secretary of the RNLI Penwortham branch since 1974. She will be presented with the charity's gold award
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Professor is a coup for Uni
THE University of Central Lancashire has got a new professor of mental health and law ethics -- William Bingley. His appointment is a major coup for the university, as he has a high national standing in the field of mental health. A lawyer by training
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Raiders wreck centre
A CHARITY leader has slammed thieves for ransacking her office and stealing electrical goods -- days before the National Lottery Charities Board was due to visit to assess the organisation for a grant. Poppy Tanna discovered the burglary when she opened
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TEN YEARS AGO: New school opens
THE new £1 million Brookhouse County Primary School, Blackburn, was officially opened. The "split-level" showpiece, which opened its doors to pupils in September, was a major step in easing a classroom squeeze. The school, off Troy Street, created 245
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FIVE YEARS AGO: Charity 'con' alert
HOUSEHOLDERS in Hyndburn were urged to be on the alert for charity envelope hijackers. The warning to check credentials was issued by Christian Aid before its house-to-house collection. The previous year bogus callers ripped off the charity off when families
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Fun day at the Stables
HYNDBURN Christian Stables, in Accrington, have held a fun day. And Gemma, 17 (pictured on the left), who is a tenant at the Stables, was eager to show some of the artwork on display to 13-year-old Nathan Whalley.
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Council pair make top spot
HUSBAND-AND-WIFE team Doug and Sandra Hayes (pictured) are to become the new Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn. Their appointment comes four years after an election defeat stopped them taking on the roles. Hyndburn councillors Doug and Sandra, of Kingfisher
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Driver Michael knight of road
A LEIGH hero bus driver, whose quick thinking saved a pensioner from a mugger, has been hailed a knight of the road. Eagle-eyed Michael Bennett was driving in Bolton town centre when he spotted 74-years-old Mrs Kathy Harwood being followed. He stopped
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Tracey joy at gran tribute book
A LEIGH hairdresser is hoping her uncle's book will take the biscuit. Tracey Mason, who lives with 14-years-old daughter Jenna in Chestnut Drive, Leigh, is delighted with the success of the biography about her grandmother, Winifred Cowell. And she hopes
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Putting on their walking shoes for diabetes cash
FIVE mates are pulling on their hiking boots for a 50 mile trek to help fund diabetes research. The quintet -- all regulars at the Bull's Head at Astley -- will spread their Yorkshire Dales sponsored walk over three days and hope to boost British Diabetic
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Double alert over phone masts
MOBILE phone masts have got health-conscious locals up-in-arms. At Culcheth irate residents have called a public meeting on May 15 to discuss the Tanner's Farm mast near homes off Twiss Green Lane. And in Leigh people living near a site earmarked for
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Floods go after footpath safety fears
WILDLIFE concern rose as water levels dropped on Hindley Green flood lands. And Carr Common community activists Sue and John Vickers say they were asked to help stop The Floods being drained. Mr Vickers says the Dangerous Corner floodland (pictured before
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Please see the light
BENEFITS office workers have signed a petition against new lighting which they say is affecting their eyesight. And union bosses at the Warbreck House, Bispham site have accused DSS contractors of breaching health and safety guidelines by downgrading
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An answer please... post haste?
AS A GIRO customer since its formation, having also had my pension paid in each month since then, I also use the cash point as my main source of supply of cash. Not having credit cards or wanting to get money by cheque (my choice), I find it rather frustrating
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Duty Rota
CHEMISTS on duty on Sunday, April 30, are: Moss Side Pharmacy, Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, 10am-2pm; Boots, Fishergate, Preston, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Asda, Fulwood, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Sainsburys, Deepdale, 10.30am-4.30pm; Scholes Chemist
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It's a dirty war and size matters!
YESTERDAY morning I was walking my dog along the promenade between Frontierland and the Midland Hotel. There were two young women on horseback on the beach. I realised that one of them had allowed their horse to foul on the beach and they were leaving
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Are we starting at right point?
AS PART of a local spat Dr Colin brown calls for a 'mature GP debate'. Before the 1997 election, Blair apocalyptically claimed that there were only two weeks left in which to save the NHS by voting Labour MPs whom Dr Brown commends so highly raised expectations
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Stark choice left us a tricky situation
I UNDERSTAND why people think that councillors have not been listening to them over the lighting of the Halton-Caton cycleway, but it could have been financially and legally very risky for the council to have pulled out of the contract at such a late
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Greens believe in detailed consultation
THE Green Party seems to be getting some stick about the Caton cycle path and a few points do need clearing up before we can get down to what really matters which is how to make the roads a lot safer than they are now and safe for cyclists. The specific
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Getting bogged down
THIS weekend thousands of people will make their way to the nearest garden centre with the aim of bringing more colour into their lives. Many will pick up a bag of peat compost without thinking twice about it. Sadly, they will be helping to destroy a
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Trees could be useful
THE Green group seem to be taking some stick over the upside-down trees. This is somewhat unjustified as we have never said we were in favour of them and the scheme was decided upon a long time before we got onto the council. Our arts representative,
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Lesley's set to give England a try
A FLEETWOOD rugby player is ready to give the big league a try after being selected to play for England team. Lesley Gray, 28, is ready to tackle the new role after being spotted playing for Fleetwood Ladies and then given an international call up. She
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Preece destroys Pool
ANDY Preece destroyed his former club with a stunning display which saw Blackpool plummet further into trouble losing 3 - 2 at Bury. The Shakers' player-manager headed past an unprotected Phil Barnes from a free kick on 37 minutes and converted a penalty
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Killing in the name of sport
IT was refreshing to read of the rescue of Tina the Terrier in last week's Journal (April 13) "Terrier Tina saved after 4 day ordeal". However, on closer reading it is a pity that she was rescued by the Fell and Moorland Working Terrier Club, an organisation
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Area is just an urban sprawl
WHILE I am pleased the people of Pennington have won their battle over Taylor's Hole, I remain mystified as to how Wigan MBC's planning committee work. A few months ago the committee were told by the chairman to disregard over 1,000 objections to proposals
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Third place, fourth round
CARNFORTH'S Ian Joel last weekend took third place on the Somerset Stages which is the fourth round in the national B.T.R.D.A. Series. The hybrid Peugeot Cosworth of Andy Burton was the first to come across the snow on the first stage but this didn't
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Lingings: man of integrity so how can he stay?
YOUR last week's edition carried what I can only assume to be Graham Lingings' letter of resignation from the Hindsford Ward Liberal Party. I am sure he sees himself as a man of integrity and indeed such he may be, but he should realise that not all in
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Goalie keeps Blues from the door
Spennymoor United 0, Lancaster City 0 ALTHOUGH Lancaster City played a superb game at Brewery Field, one man proved to be their Nemesis, 'keeper Phil Naisbett. The former Barrow goalie played a truely impressive game. Naisbett seemed to be under attack
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Head and Dugdale pairing ensure gripping stuff
THE Pirelli Rally gets under way from Carlisle City centre next Saturday morning. Amongst the entries in the second round of the British Rally Championship are Cumbria's Team Penguin. The pairing of Steve Head, a forester from Burton-in-Kendal, and Andrew
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Villagers fear Pontins plan
MIDDLETON villagers fear ambitious plans for a £50 million retirement village at the former Pontin's holiday camp could end up as a massive housing estate. The local parish council claim the company behind the scheme has only drawn up "sketchy" proposals
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Stress claims warning to firms
AN engineering organisation representing Bury companies has warned stress claims in the workplace are set to rocket. EEF (Engineering Employers' Federation) North West say stress is set to be one of the most serious issues facing employers in the region
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Firm collects two top awards
THE Bury franchise of ANC Business Services Group Ltd has double cause for celebration. For it has won two of the transport industry's top awards. The company was voted Express Operator of the Year at the IFW European Freighting Industry Awards 2000 and
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Investors scheme more user-friendly
A NEW version of the Investors in People standard has been launched that will help local organisations go even further in gaining advantages through their workforce. The changes make the standard more user friendly by adopting clearer and simpler language
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Environment cash up for grabs
ENVIRONMENTALLY-friendly companies throughout Bury could clean up to the tune of £20,000 each. For three awards totalling £60,000 are now available for local businesses for environmental improvements to their premises. Schemes that may qualify include
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Attention! Peter lands dream job
EX-ARMY man Peter Biggs has been appointed as the new attendant to the Mayor of Fylde. Peter, of St Annes, told The Citizen he was pleased to be accepted for the position as he has always wanted to do this job. He left the army in January 1997 after serving
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Canine coup for our Meg
A LYTHAM dog made her debut appearance this week as the new Nipper mascot for music giants HMV. Meg, a two-year-old Jack Russell, who belongs to Lisa Davies from Lytham, appeared at the Blackpool HMV store on Wednesday (April 26) representing Nipper from
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Royal day for lifeboat ladies
A LYTHAM lifeboat lady is to get a royal reward for her outstanding service to the RNLI. Mary Russell, pictured, has worked with the St Annes-on-Sea Ladies Lifeboat Guild for more than 26 years and is to be honoured with a special award presented by HRH
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Missing companion
THE mother of a severely disabled Leyland woman has slammed county council chiefs for failing to inform her that her daughter's transport escort faced the axe. Pam Hitchin, of Merlin Grove, off Slater Lane, Leyland, says she wasn't told that the Lancashire
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Ruskin shine through rain
Ruskin Park XV 15 Rhyl 5 IN a game which started in heavy rain and finished in brilliant sunshine, Ruskin gained a well deserved victory. The only score in a tight first quarter came from a Stu Fisher penalty, but following a break-down in a Rhyl attack
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Scientific day at the Dome
PUPILS from Hodgson High School, in Poulton, spent a day at the Dome recently and quite literally had a ball! Children's favourite science teacher Johnny Ball gave pupils a science lesson to remember at the infamous London landmark as part of a nationwide
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Golfers chip in for Saints
BIG-SWINGING golfers are set to club together to help cash-strapped Saints drive out of the rough! For Leigh-based Rowley Sports Management have been commissioned by the Super League champions to stage their annual golf day at Blundells Hill, Rainhill
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Goads protesters picket zoo gates
ANIMAL rights protesters gathered outside Blackpool Zoo on Monday (April 24) in an effort to urge visitors not to enter. A group of protesters handed out leaflets and photographs criticising the controversial goading techniques used on elephants at the
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Kosovo bound
A LOCAL health trust worker will be flying out to Kosovo this week to teach vital life saving skills. Lucy Belson will involve setting up a training programme for paramedics and working in the front line of emergency care. She has also been asked to spend
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Shrimps equal record
FANS and players alike were celebrating this week as Morecambe FC managed to equal a footballing record. The Shrimps battled hard in an away fixture with Kingstonian and held on for a goalless draw which saw the club unbeaten for 14 games for the season
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Village history now in print
HEYSHAM village's rich history is celebrated in a special tourism leaflet which was launched last week. The colourful leaflet Historic Heysham Village has been produced to boost tourism and local interest in the village and follows two other recent success
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Home sweet home, Oz a distant memory
HMMM, well, what's happened since the last time we spoke? What news is there to impart this week? Let me see. There's the fact that I've clocked up a quarter of a century and turned 25 on Monday, I suppose, but what else? I've finally become the proud
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England ace Austin holds a firm bat
BAT'S THAT! Lancashire and England cricketer Ian Austin enjoys a joke with Simon Chapman from the Leigh Public House Cricket League. The league hosted a Sportsman Dinner with some 125 people packing the Mick Martyn Bar at Hilton Park. Former Leigh hooker
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Drama as A&T riders stumble
BRAVE riders from Astley & Tyldesley Cycle Speedway lost out in a dramatic struggle at Sandwell in the British Team Championship. A&T, still smarting from having lost the 1999 Midlands/North Division Two title to Sandwell in controversial circumstances
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Bass champs take a bow
OUR HOUSE (darts) and Jolly Carter (dominoes) are champions of the Bass Tavern Lowton & District D&D League. In the final week of the season best darts came from Jim Rodgers (Musketeer) on 10 with Jolly Carter's Ray Lowe one back. Most wins through
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Chris sets sights on Olympic glory
A TEENAGE super swimmer has proved that people with learning disabilities can overcome their problems to shine in other areas. Chris Pugh, 15, who suffers from dyslexia, could make his debut at the Sydney Olympics if he performs well at a competition
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RMI have title in their grasp
LEIGH RMI are one win away from securing Nationwide Conference football next season. A thrilling 5-3 win at Colwyn Bay leaves them needing just three points from their remaining three games. It was a case of a little help from their friends on Easter
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Clayton leads Fold's final flourish
NEIL CLAYTON pushed Higher Fold LC to royal glory. They beat Leigh Sportsmen 5-3 in a thrilling Redwaters Coronation Cup Final in the Leigh & District Amateur Football League. Goal ace Clayton was named MoM but the goals this time came from Steve
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Motor cyclist collides with fire tender
A MOTOR cyclist is in hospital with serious injuries after a collision with a fire engine. The accident happened at 9pm on Wednesday (April 26) in Ringley Road, at Outwood, Radcliffe. The fire engine from Farnworth Station was preparing to turn at a road
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On the march
TWO local trade unionists put their best foot forward this weekend in a mammoth march to celebrate Britain's workers. Brian Marden and Alex Pandolfo leave the borough today (Friday April 28) to start their odyssey from John O'Groats to Land's End (JOGLE
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Councillor fights for life
LIBERAL Democrat councillor Wilf Clegg has suffered extensive brain damage after a road accident. The Holyrood representative underwent a six-hour operation at the Royal Preston Hospital after he sustained massive head injuries. Coun Clegg (53), of Brandram
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Pool ready for great escape
BLACKPOOL bounced back from a nervous first-half to turn on the style in the second -- and produced a performance to keep alive hopes of Division Two football with a 2 - 1 win against Bristol Rovers. The Seasiders' shaky start saw Ian Hughes having to
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They think it's all Rovers!
PNE CHAIRMAN Bryan Gray celebrated his club's promotion to the First Division by launching a stinging attack on local rivals Blackburn Rovers. As Gray basked in the glory of North End's crowning as Division Two champions, he stoked up the rivalry between
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Welcome back boys
BLACKPOOL was blessed at the weekend with the return of The Charlatans to the touring scene. Shambling rather than bursting on to the stage of Winter Gardens Empress Ballroom on Saturday (April 22), they soon had a capacity crowd bouncing to a storming
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Carpet boss piles on praise for workers
THE operations manager of a local company which weaves carpets for premier hotels and casinos in America has described its employees as its "most valuable asset." Peter Jarvis of Couristan Carpets Ltd., Eccleston Street, was addressing representatives
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Legend of the Hotties
COMMUTERS at St Helens Central Railway Station will be able to admire a piece of artwork made of steel and copper which has been fixed to the Corporation Street arches next to the station. The work tells the story of The Hotties section of the St Helens
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Bury go for their guns
A YOUNG gun could go for it as the Shakers entertain Reading in their last home game of the season tomorrow. Player-boss Andy Preece is unlikely to make too many changes to the side that ran out impressive 2-0 winners at relegation threatened Cardiff
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Derek's called to the bar again!
A POPULAR mine host who has dispensed good cheer for 20 froth-filled years is still pulling a foaming pint -- but from a different set of pumps! For larger-than-life character Derek Burrows has taken the tenancy of Tetley's Hope and Anchor, City Road,
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Jab campaign is a success
ST HELENS & Knowsley Health Authority are celebrating the success of the new meningitis C vaccination campaign. The vaccination programme, which began last November, has already treated all children under two years and teenagers aged 15 to 17 -- the
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Teenagers' Romanian cash gift is under wraps
A TEAM of dedicated teenagers have beaten the odds to raise £8,000 to enable a group of Romanian orphans to enjoy their first-ever holiday to the seaside. The plight of the 100 Romanian teenagers forced to live in a run-down Bucharest orphanage, was brought
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Engineer threw pan of gravy over wife
STEVEN Vine threw a pan of boiling gravy over his wife, causing extensive burns to her head and back, Blackburn magistrates heard. The court was told that the oil rig engineer lost his temper after his wife threw his Sunday tea on the floor. But his reaction
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Debut for samba band
OBSERVING a dying industry will provide the theme next month for Rossendale's annual Whit Arts Week. The event, taking place between Sunday May 28 and Sunday June 4, includes a number of highlights from previous years, as well as Irwell Day which will
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Random search success delights Doreen
DIRECTOR Doreen Johnson had to don her deerstalker in her search for "Random Harvest". Once it had been decided the James Hilton play would be the St Joseph's Players May production work began on tracking down copies of the script. "Most of us had seen
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Murder has its rewards for Leigh group
THE business of murder has proved an outstanding success for Leigh company The DeadEnders. They have just completed the first half of their 2000 season with whodunnits in Eccles, Ulverston, Wigan and Blackley. And charities have been the big winners.
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Fun day to beat abuse
MOSLEY Common farmer Margaret Percival is organising a family fun day to help stop child abuse. She is taking part in a nationwide National Farmers' Union event on May 14 to raise funds for the NSPCC. Now Margaret, who has been farming Leylands Farm up
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Teaching drivers to reduce risks
SPEED traps collar 1,000 local motorists a month. Now, in an effort to reduce dangers and educate drivers, some offenders could find themselves having to undergo a driver improvement course instead of facing prosecution. Safety campaign figures reveal
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Thanks for a great night
ON Saturday, April 15, we spent an interesting evening in the new cultural and recreational centre of the Gujarat Hindu Society in South Meadow Lane, Preston. Everyone was warmly welcomed and, after a tour of this impressive and functional building, we
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Dury Chemists
Sunday chemists (April 31): Blackpool: Boots, 28-38 Bank Hey Street, 10.30-4.30pm; Co-op Pharmacy, Cherry Tree Road, Marton, 10-4pm; Moss Chemist, Morrisons, Squires Gate Lane, 10-4pm; Peel St Pharmacy, 110 Talbot Rd, 10-4pm; Superdrug, Hounds Hill Centre
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Canine coup for our Meg
A LYTHAM dog made her debut appearance this week as the new Nipper mascot for music giants HMV. Meg, a two-year-old Jack Russell, who belongs to Lisa Davies from Lytham, appeared at the Blackpool HMV store on Wednesday (April 26) representing Nipper from
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Royal day for lifeboat ladies
A LYTHAM lifeboat lady is to get a royal reward for her outstanding service to the RNLI. Mary Russell, pictured, has worked with the St Annes-on-Sea Ladies Lifeboat Guild for more than 26 years and is to be honoured with a special award presented by HRH
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Learning new skills on the job
NEW figures show youth unemployment in Blackpool South has fallen by more than three quarters. At the same time, Blackpool council are launching further schemes to provide training for jobless people caught in what they call the 'low skill trap'. Labour
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Heartbreak as school closes
ELMSLIE Girls' School is to close at the end of this term due to mounting debts and lack of pupils signing up for the year 2000. Staff and pupils were shocked to find a letter on their doormats on Tuesday morning informing them of the decision to close
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1,000 sign anti-secrecy petition
MORE than a thousand people have signed a petition against plans for a "secret cabinet" to run Blackburn with Darwen Council. Liberal Democrat leader Coun David Foster presented the petition -- against decisions being made in private by only eight councillors
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Room to pray thanks to Lord Patel
CAMPAIGNING Peer Lord Patel has shaken up the House of Lords just two months after his arrival -- by securing a new room at Westminster for Muslims to pray in. Before Blackburn's newest Lord's arrival in Parliament on February 16, Muslims had to share
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Judge puts burglar back behind bars
A MAN who committed two burglaries 12 hours apart has been jailed for a total of three years. Lee Jones was on prison licence at the time of the offences. A judge sent him back to jail to serve an outstanding nine months when he passed sentence at Preston
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Campaign bids to protect babies
A CAMPAIGN aimed at stopping cruelty to babies will be boosted by a number of fund-raising events in East Lancashire. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is holding a Children's Day on Wednesday, May 3. The aim of the day is
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Teenagers team up with police
YOUNGSTERS on a troubled estate are joining forces with police and other groups to build a new Blackburn youth centre. Former housing office St Bees Close House, Fishmoor, is being converted to a club for local teenagers by Groundwork Blackburn's Youthworks
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SOCCER: Preston preview
DIVISION Two champions Preston North End will be presented with the trophy after tomorrow's match with Millwall -- and manager David Moyes is looking forward to it. "It will sink in when I see that silverware and get hold of it!" said the boss, whose
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LOCAL CRICKET: Sharma raring to go
PADIHAM professional Ajay Sharma is looking forward to his return to English cricket after a nine year absence. Sharma used to play in the Central Lancashire League for Ashton in 1991 but returned to India, where he featured in the national squad until
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NON LEAGUE SOCCER: Coleman's call
MANAGER John Coleman is urging all Accrington Stanley supporters to help his side across the finish line as they prepare for one last push in their battle for promotion. The Crown Ground chief believes Stanley's huge travelling army tipped the balance
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SUPERBIKES: Big in Japan
THE World Superbike championship was turning Japanese today. Nine of the 10 fastest riders in today's opening qualifying practice session at Sugo had Japanese connections. But the biggest surprise was that Honda rider Colin Edwards was only eighth fastest
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Eccles cake walk for Vulcan
Vulcan 28 Eccles nil FLASHES of individual brilliance earned Vulcan viuctory against a well drilled Eccles outfit. C. Laughton fginished off a move he had started with a try under the sticks, and Holland added the extras. For the next ten minutes Eccles
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Whiston claim title
WHISTON have been crowned kings of the Rainhill Junior League. The under 13s side clinched their title with a 3-1 victory over neighbours Rainhill United. RESULTS Wednesday, April 19 Under 15s: Blackbrook 5 Rainford Rangers 1, Holt 5 Eccleston United
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Stallone research
HAVE you always enjoyed the films of Sylvester Stallone? Do you only like a select number of his films? Did you enjoy his films once, but not any more? I am conducting research at the University of Sussex on the popularity of Sylvester Stallone throughout
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Vulcan blast super seven
VULCAN aim to see out the season in style. Their 7-0 hammering of Runcorn Albion puts them in with a great chance of securing promotion to the Warrington League Premier Division. RESULTS Tuesday, April 18 Premier Division: Daten 2 Blackbrook 2, Haydock
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Know any cliffhangers?
I AM currently writing a book about the history and present day status of the cliff lifts and cliff railways of England and Wales. My research is almost complete and I would like to ask your readers if they have any anecdotes about experiences concerning
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P&O cruise is halted
PRESCOT and Odyssey Cricket Club went agonisingly close to victory in their opening league game against newly promoted Birkenhead St Mary's. The teams were preparing to take the field when torrential rain arrived. The wicket was covered and after a delay
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War not the answer
A LOT of hypocritical rubbish is talked about people having laid down their lives for their country in the Second World War. Let us be honest, many of those who died were conscripts and had little choice in the matter. If they had wanted to fight for
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Meet some real Christians
I HAVE to agree with Robert McDougall that the Holy Spirit is everywhere where Christians are living their lives for Jesus. Even churches that are decadent, outdated ivory towers run by selfish clergy have a number of born-again believers living their
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City status: the facts
I AM writing following recent coverage of what was said to be a Home Office assessment of towns who have applied for the honour of city status. I want to assure your readers that we are nowhere near the end of the selection process. The document mentioned
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Park claim trophy as their own
Warrington 21 West Park 41 AFTER sharing the Lancashire Trophy with Wigan last season, West Park claimed it outright in their fourth Trophy final since the competition was revived in 1987/88. They expected a much tighter struggle than that which ensued
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Lets clean up our act
WHILE I believe that dog owners should be made to clean up the animal deposits or pay a penalty, I also think this should also apply to horse owners. My dear wife and I enjoy a walk along Cleveleys promenade but often find ourselves dodging the said deposits
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Town bid farewell to Hoghton Road
ST HELENS Town make a piece of local history this Saturday when champions Vauxhall Motors come to Hoghton Road. For it will be the final game at Town's home for the past 54 years. After reaching Christmas in second place, Town still hold hopes of a high
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Are pensioners getting a fair deal today?
THE HOUSE of Commons Social Security Select Committee has announced it is undertaking a report into pension poverty, and as a member of that committee I would welcome comments on the wide range of issues involved. What do your readers think of the support
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Knockout blow for Combination
THE St Helens Combination's Open Age Inter League outfit went out of the North West Alliance Inter League championship at the semi-final stage. The team, gave a very good display in atrocious weather at Victoria Park, Warrington before a 'last second'
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Get there early plea
POLICE are warning football fans travelling to Preston North End's final home fixture of the season to arrive early. PNE take on Millwall at their Deepdale ground on Saturday, April 29, in a sell-out match with some 21,000 fans expected to attend. Inspector
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Gloomy display, but a bright finish!
Cambridge 2, Preston 0 PRESTON seldom seem to turn it on against the lesser lights and this was as gloomy as it gets. But they still managed to become Division Two champions as other results clinched it. The scenes which followed the final whistle at
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Never excuse yobbish behaviour
THE correspondent signed "A Working (if not perfect) Christian" (Apr 21) makes a personal attack on Fr. Hailes instead of writing about the issues and problems at Holy Trinity Church, Bury. A parish priest should always be concerned about current issues
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Priest has first-hand knowledge
I WRITE in reply to the letter from "A working (if not perfect) Christian" (Apr 21) whose unfair criticism targeted Father Hailes. Father Hailes does not "sit in judgement over people that he knows nothing about". He has first-hand experience of the vandals
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Criticism won't help: support will
CORRESPONDENT "Bury fan for years" (Apr 21) wrote asking for more people to write to the Bury Times requesting a clearout at Gigg Lane. I am responding, as requested, but to ask fans to get behind the directors, who do their best in almost impossible
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Yob smashed my car windscreen
READING about that poor man who may be blinded for life (Bury Times, Apr 7) and about how much damage is done by thoughtless young hooligans who believe they can escape conviction because of their age, it made me think what a laughing stock law and order
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Applaud effort to root out racism
I WAS astonished to read (Apr 21) that "Loyal Bury FC Supporter" thought that the anti-racist theme day was a waste of time. First of all the club should be commended for the way it has actively tried to make a stand against racism. Although there has
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Minority must feel safe at Gigg Lane
I FEEL I must reply to the letter condemning our recent anti-racism day as "a waste of time". The club, several years ago, felt that racism was not a problem at Bury FC. I contradicted remarks made by an ex-councillor on the subject and felt that a general
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In a jam - and for what?
THOUSANDS of motor racing fans were furious following the disg-race-ful British grand prix farce on Sunday. They were stuck in jams 15 miles long around Silverstone, and those who did manage to get there in time found themselves bogged down in mud and
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They think it's all Rovers
PNE CHAIRMAN Bryan Gray celebrated his club's promotion to the First Division by launching a stinging attack on local rivals Blackburn Rovers. As Gray basked in the glory of North End's crowning as Division Two champions, he stoked up the rivalry between
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Appeal for blood
THERE will be blood donor sessions at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall, Vincent Street, St Helens on Monday, May 8 from 2 to 4pm and from 5.30 to 7.30pm; and at the St John Ambulance Hall, High Street, Prescot on Tuesday, May 9 at the same times.
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Pensioner dragged along ground
A TERRIFIED pensioner was dragged along the floor as she bravely tried to stop a thief from snatching her handbag, as she waited for a bus in Sutton, St Helens. The theft happened on Saturday at 12.10pm in Gartons Lane when the 68-year-old woman suddenly
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Doubts creep in as Leigh slip
LEIGH'S mid-season form slump is becoming a major worry. Good Friday's 28-16 stumble at Widnes was their third defeat in four games -- and all the old doubts have started to creep back in. They had their chances as, for the first fifteen minutes, they
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Vandals wreck screening unit
ALMOST 150 St Helens women were denied potentially life-saving breast screening tests last week when the mobile screening unit in the town centre was forced to close for two days following a vandalsim attack. The mobile unit, which is based in the car
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Topsy Terzis Leigh get it right
LEIGH answered their critics in the only way they knew how. A 42-10 mauling of Rochdale was more like the old Leigh -- and underlined that recent poor results were completely out of character. They had the match in the bag by half-time and went on to
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Black day for cabs
DISABLED people could suffer as a whole fleet of taxis are forced off the road. Town hall bosses have refused to renew the licences of 20 public hire drivers because their saloon cars cannot take wheelchairs. Bury Council says it is following Government
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Pool ready for great escape
BLACKPOOL bounced back from a nervous first-half to turn on the style in the second -- and produced a performance to keep alive hopes of Division Two football with a 2 - 1 win against Bristol Rovers. The Seasiders' shaky start saw Ian Hughes having to
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Events in East/Central Lancashire on Saturday, April 29th
Accrington and Blackburn CHA Club: Entwistle Reservoir with Kath Rigby (B walk). Meet Whitehall Park gates, Darwen, 1.30pm. Hyndburn Ramblers meet Black Dog, Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, 1pm (4 miles with Jim Dwyer). Bacup Camera Club exhibition of photographs
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Market magic in town that got its railway back
Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy, this week in Pickering, North Yorkshire SMALL market towns have always fascinated me and Pickering in North Yorkshire is no exception. Each Monday its narrow streets are overflowing with stalls and the smell of soap
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Milk industry on the verge of collapse
WHEN you pour milk over cornflakes in the morning, do you ever think of the work that goes into getting it from the cows to supermarket shelves? The average cost of a pint of milk is about 30p but farmers receive less than a third of that money, despite
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Shakers' Asian showdown is a big success
BURY used Wednesday night's game against Asia FC to run the rule over three trialists. The match, a follow-up to the recent Anti-Racism Day at Gigg Lane, keeps the Shakers at the forefront of the fight to smash racial prejudice - both on the pitch or
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Lions face former coach
STEVE BARROW stands-by for his Swinton debut at Featherstone Rovers on Monday night (kick-off 7.30pm), in what will be a real test of the Lions' play-off aspirations. Rovers are fifth in the Northern Ford Premiership table and coach Peter Roe, who guided
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Today's the day
1789: Captain Bligh was dragged from his bed this morning at the start of the mutiny on the good ship Bounty. After leaving Tahiti three weeks earlier, the skipper cut rations and ale, flogged his crew at every chance and accused Fletcher Christian of
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Volumes of views wanted
LIBRARIES across Blackburn and Darwen want young people to help them with a survey into services in the borough. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is launching a survey, which forms part of the National Children's Survey, seeking the views of youngsters
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Council land awards at the double
STAFF at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's education and training department are celebrating a double achievement. For they have acheived beacon status from the Government and the national Investor in People standard. Director of education Mark
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Remarks insulting
AMID all the current furore regarding asylum seekers, the most ridiculous and insulting remarks made recently were attributed to the leading Labour light, Clive Soley. He described today's pensioners as 'racist.' Tony Blair should go the whole hog and
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Super clique rules roost
OVER the past few weeks, we have read much in your letters pages about super councillors, meetings in secret, etc, regarding the new-style cabinet to be set up at Blackburn Town Hall. What we haven't been told, as yet, are the names of the super councillors
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Closure threat worry
PLEASE, let me thank the many readers who wrote to the Prime Minister in protest at his government's intention to pay pensions and benefits directly into banks from the end of next year instead of into post offices. Two thousand sub postmasters, mistresses
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'Use pits for town sub-way' says Indy John
INDEPENDENT hopeful and former pit electrician John Sumner reckons its time to reopen local coal mines. But he isn't suggesting a return to deep mining -- just a solution to road transport chaos. Next Thursday Mr Sumner, 42, of Platt Street will stand
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Jethro gets saucy at seaside
CORNISH funnyman Jethro appeared in Blackpool for the first time on Sunday (April 23) for a bit of old fashioned saucy stand-up comedy at the Opera House. His gags may be creakingly old and his saucy anecdotes only shocking to vicars and maiden aunts,
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A Starr turn!
BLACKPOOL is getting the Starr treatment this Friday (April 28) as Britain's maddest man returns to the town for one night only. Freddie Starr is back in Blackpool again and is set to grace the Opera House with an evening of his very own brand of adult
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Movie review: Mission to Mars
DE Palma can be a genius. Like his biggest influence, Hitchcock, he has an uncanny knack of building tension to a feverous pitch before delivering a real knockout coup de grace, writes Richard King. Unfortunately the opposite is also true and even more
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Trail-blazers hit town trail
COUNCILLORS blazed the trail to launch a walking history guide to Leigh town centre. The Leigh Town CentreTrail is a 66-page celebration of the town's proud history and architecture, produced by the council's planning department, . It contains two walks
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A hole new ball game
Crystal Palace v Blackburn Rovers - Peter White's match preview THERE could be a new vacancy cropping up at Ewood Park and, already, there are two candidates clamouring to fill it. It all boils down to Blackburn Rovers boss Graeme Souness's continuing
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Dunn ruled out of Palace trip
DAVID Dunn has been ruled out of tomorrow's final away trip of the season at Crystal Palace. The young midfielder impressed as a second half substitute against Charlton on Monday, earning a penalty. But his exertions resulted in a hamstring strain and
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Mystery at Knowsley Road
WHAT is happening at Knowsley Road? First, Hanley was sacked for winning the Grand Final and then for not turning up for a Super League meeting at Bradford. Now Trindall has been shown the door by Saints. I wonder if this has anything to do with his being
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Safety on the roads
IT never fails to amaze me why some motorists fail to yield to emergency vehicles. I am a regular road user and witness, time and time again, the stupidity of these clueless drivers who don't know what to do when they see a fire engine or ambulance, with
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Why I'm fuming
MY name is Peter James McNulty and I would like to bring up the issue of passive smoking on buses. If someone smokes on a bus, be it a passenger or the bus driver, then that smoker gets away with murder. Because not all the buses have either two-way radio
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My pride in St Helens
I CURRENTLY live in Manchester and have recently visited my parents at their home in Eccleston, and I must say that St Helens as a town is improving all the time. I am extremly happy that St Helens Council has marked our heritage with two well-designed
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Old soldiers say goodbye
AN army of old soldiers and ex-service people are expected to gather in Penwortham next week as members of the Royal British Legion's Middleforth Branch say farewell to their standard after half a century. Members of the Middleforth club, in Leyland Road
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Community cash for all
A COMMUNITY chest of £30,000 is up for grabs to community groups in the east of Preston. The East Preston Community Chest fund will give out grants of up to £200 for the first six months, to groups which demonstrate at least one of the following criteria
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Fiona wins a real royal treat
A TRIP to Buckingham Palace and a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair is a treat that most of us can only dream about. But for Preston schoolgirl Fiona Rowley the dream is about to become a reality as she prepares to be whisked off to receive a special
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In talks over stadium plans
PLANNING chiefs are being urged to give Preston North End the promotion present they want more than anything else -- permission to build their new stadium. As celebrations erupted throughout the town following the crowning of North End as Division Two
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Our holiday nightmares
TWO workmates from Preston have revealed how a baggage-handlers' strike in Tenerife almost wrecked their Easter holidays. Joanne Barrow, from Chorley, and Anne Hodgson, of Penwortham, were caught in the strike at different stages of their holidays, and
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Student nurse killed by rogue elephant
FAMILY and friends, including old pals from St Helens Youth Brass Band, have been paying tribute to nursing student, Andrea Taylor, who was killed in an horrific attack by a crazed bull elephant. The Billinge girl had been on holiday in Thailand with
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'Street mob' boost appeal
AN appeal for a new minibus for Hospice Care for Burnley and Pendle received a much-needed boost when £2,000 was donated by a local group. Burnley's Crowther Street Mob - a group of women who have spent Wednesday nights during the last few years making
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Cheer us up to Division One!
THOUSANDS of promotion-hungry fans have besieged Turf Moor in the run-up to tomorrow's vital final home game. And manager Stan Ternent has urged them: "Get behind us -- we can do it". Supporters have queued around Turf Moor for much of the week in a scramble
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Drugline wins gay tribute
THE first Charter Mark award for excellence in providing health service needs for lesbians and gay men will be presented to Preston-based Drugline Lancashire. The award will be presented to Drugline to acknowledge its work in providing equity and addressing
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Georgian walks
LANCASTER'S Georgian costumed guides Mr Pilling Dick and Dr Socrates Gripenerve, have organised an Old Calendar St. George's Day Walk in honour of the country's patron saint. It will start at 7pm on Thursday May 4 at Lancaster Castle's John O'Gaunt Gateway
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That's what friends are for
ART DECO fans and supporters of Morecambe's Midland Hotel are hoping to raise enough cash to buy the famous landmark and restore it to its former glory. The Friends of the Midland Hotel have joined forces with the North West Heritage Trust to launch a
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Tell us where the cash has gone!
FEARS have been raised that thousands of pounds, earmarked for the most vulnerable people in the area, might not be going to those people most in need. Exceptional Hardship Payments (EHPs) can be paid to the area's most needy can help stop desperate housing
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Jade shines in 'murder' hunt
A CLUED-up young lady from Darwen took no time at all to solve the Mall Murder Mystery in Nelson's Admiral Shopping Centre. Briefed by Mr Sheerluck Holmes, aka Cornelius Kelter, and his sidekick Dr Whatsup, in real life town crier Alan Myatt, of Gloucester
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Local cricket round-up
FLEETWOOD 153-6 LEYLAND 152 TENNANT scored a respectable 34 for Leyland but it wasn't enough to stop a strong-looking Fleetwood side. Clark notched 40 for the home side and Dewhurst, 46, to ensure the win. Rain stopped play shortly after DAF took their
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Hoppers slump to eighth
Grasshoppers 5, Fylde 17 HOPPERS wrapped up their league programme with a defeat at the hands of local rivals Fylde. As a consequence, Hoppers finished in eighth place, and Fylde in ninth. Halfway through the season it looked unlikely that the local clubs
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Title battle goes to the wire
Haydock 20 Roose 1 HAYDOCK won their final league match to set up a Premier Division title play-off with Thatto Heath. In terrible conditions Haydock played basic rugby, and kept things simple - which paid off. They took the lead with a penalty goal from
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Super Saints tame Wolves
Warrington Wolves 34 Saints 47 SUPERB Saints completed a happy Easter double at Wilderspool on Monday, but only after an almighty struggle with the issue in doubt until the closing stages. At first glance point-a-minute scoring might pose questions about
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Chemists on duty
THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, April 30, and May Day Bank Holiday Monday (May 1) between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Sunday: Boots the Chemists, 42 Eccleston Street, Prescot; Taylor's Chemist
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SOCCER: Bury preview
GIGG Lane hosts its end of season party tomorrow with the opening of the new Cemetery End Stand (with free admission for juniors and pensioners) for the game against Reading. And supporters have been greatly cheered by player manager Andy Preece's open
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A couple of Paddy posers
ANYONE able to say what Paddy's Ackle and Paddy's Blunder were? The yedscratter comes from a group of taproom greybeards who have gleaned sketchy information suggesting that it had something to do with Parr's old-time chemical industry. Now, they've contacted
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Puzzled by a lost art
WHERE have all the bagatelle tables gone? That's the question posed by reader Chuck Middlehurst who remembers a time, not so long ago, when many St Helens pubs boasted at least one of these round-ended little tables. They came complete with scoring cups
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Grab the old tin-hat!
IT'S time to don the old tin-hat again because we're venturing once more into the wartime bombing zone. For the past several weeks this old page has been pleasantly blasted with readers' recollections of makeshift air-raid shelters, German bombing raids
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Reminiscing with Harley
IT was a trip down memory lane for Steve Harley when he played in Preston on Saturday. The self-confessed seventies glam icon reminisced about the time he was here in late in 1974 and '75, maybe even '76, too. But he was in 'the big room' then, in the
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Weller passes the stage test
A LIVE performance is always the test of a singer's true ability. We can all recall gigs where the acts sounded like something the cat dragged in and nothing like the their latest CD, enhanced by expert producers and modern technology. Nothing like this
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Judges to help council tenants
DISTRICT judges have called for improvements to Preston Borough Council's housing benefit system. In a meeting with senior council officers during Arrears Week, the judges expressed concern about housing benefit claims, the confusion faced by many tenants
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Dealer notches up a record
A PRESTON car dealership has aced its way into the record books with Preston Tennis Tournament. Bowker, the town's BMW dealership, has given a record amount of sponsorship to the tournament, which attracts players from all over the county. The dealership
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The road to success
STAFF at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery are on the long and winding road to great success after securing top posts in the world of history. After a quarter-of-a-century as the venue's museum and arts officer, Alex Walker, has been given a new role.
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Bleakley blasts 'Labour typing'
PRIVATE minutes of a top-level Labour Party meeting have been sent to rival Liberal Democrat councillors. The administrative slip-up came after Wigan Council staff typed up the minutes from a sensitive Labour group meeting discussing the councillors involved
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Helping carers back to work
CARERS who want to get back to work are to be invited to join a new research project. Thirty carers and their families from Higher Folds, Westleigh, Golborne and Platt Bridge will be invited to take part in the National Lottery Charities Board funded
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Mayor's tribute to charity singer
A FORMER professional boxer who helped raise £1,800 for the Mayor's Charity has been found dead in a caravan, poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes from a heater. Romany Johnny Price, 27 -- who recently appeared at a 'Stars in Your Eyes' concert at the Monaco
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Vow to ease stress on teachers
DAVID Blunkett has promised teachers that the Government is doing all it can to reduce the stresses of work. The Education and Employment Secretary heard that one East Lancashire teacher to kill himself earlier this year. Mr Blunkett said there had been
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Astley trees are living memorial
MEMORIES will live on in a village conservation area. Commemorative trees were planted in Dam House woodlands, off Church Road, Astley by members of Morts Astley Heritage Trust (pictured). During the years prior to the Trust's purchase of the old manor
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Cash windfall for schools
ALL Leigh schools are to receive part of a £1.9 cash windfall to help improve standards. Sums they are allocated will vary between £3,000 and £50,000. The amount from the Schools Standards Grant, announced in the Chancellor's Budget speech, will depend
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Asylum issue needs rethinking
THE asylum issue has clearly caused hostility within the district. Due to local attitude it would be a mistake to encourage these people into the resort that already has problems with crime and badly managed housing. As a resort we would not be able to
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Theme park plans on the wrong track
REGARDING the possible plans for the re-development of Frontierland. Whilst I am pleased that there are plans for its future, I do not agree that those plans are the best possible use of the area. We are told that there are ten acres of land, and the
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Raiders cost charity dearly
ONCE again we have had unwanted visitors to our Albert Road charity shop - this time via a smashed front-door window - for the 6th time in the last twelve months. The perpetrators of the crime did manage to get away with a broken tape recorder and they
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Soccer tournament is a big success
MORE than 4,000 young people from across Europe and the USA descended upon Blackpool Pleasure Beach over the Easter weekend for the 2000 Euro-sporting football tournament. Teams of budding soccer stars aged between 9-16 years, from across the continents
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Fylde round off season in style
FYLDE wrapped up their league programme with a satisfying 15 - 7 victory over local rivals Preston Grashoppers. As a consequence, Hoppers finished in eighth place, and Fylde in ninth. Halfway through the season it looked unlikely that the local clubs
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Sharp shooter
BLACKPOOL professional Marcus Sharp made his debut in The Bay Northern Premier League a successful one. He bowled 20 immaculate overs to take six wickets for a miserly 11 runs to help dismiss Preston for 67. The visitors left Stanley Park defeated by
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Vimto's sweet success
TEAM Demon Vimto Honda had reason to celebrate after Monday's British Superbike Championship at Thruxton, Hants. Reigning British Champion John McGuinness took an easy victory at Thruxton to get his championship charge back on course. The 26-year-old
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Sharp team blunts quiz rivals
STAFF at Bury-based stockbrokers James Sharp & Co have shared in a coveted quiz win. They were among the teams drawn from the town's business community which took part in the annual general knowledge quiz, hosted by Bury legal firm Clough & Willis
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Cyber passports to e-security
BOLTON and Bury Chamber is to offer local businesses a flying start in the world of secure electronic commerce. Firms will soon benefit from ChamberSign, which is a Europe-wide initiative enabling businesses to tap into the Internet and do business electronically
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Working together to beat crime
A SCHEME to beat crime in the Fylde by encouraging different agencies to work together with the police has been hailed a success in its first year. The strategy, set up as part of the Crime And Disorder Act, involves the police working with the borough
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Taylor aims to spoil party
Burnley v Cambridge United - Pete Oliver's match preview BURNLEY may need favours from elsewhere to secure automatic promotion, but won't expect or receive any from Cambridge United when they meet at Turf Moor tomorrow. The U's have put together a superb
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We'll take money, not priorities
CHORLEY and South Ribble health chiefs have blasted new targets accompanying a cash boost for South Lancashire. Dr Roy Evison, chair of Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Health Group, revealed that members wanted to use some of the £16.7m injection
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River diesel spill probe
ENVIRONMENT Agency officers believe that an oil spillage in the River Lostock on Sunday came from a nearby industrial estate. The fuel leak, of red diesel, was reported to the Environment Agency's emergency hotline by local residents on Sunday evening
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BEATing drum for a better Blackpool
GREEN campaigners in Blackpool banged the environmental drum at Easter weekend when a brand new activist lobby was launched to make the resort cleaner and greener . Blackpool Environmental Action Team (BEAT) was ushered in on April 22 -- which was also
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Ellel challenge
DAREDEVIL teams across North Lancashire are being challenged to join an exciting outdoor pursuits day - and raise vital funds for charity. The Barnardo's Business Challenge - to be held at Forest Hills Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Ellel, Lancaster, on July
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Football for the girls
ST HELENS Council, the Football Association and Garswood Saints Football Club are organising a festival of football for St Helens schools. The event, aimed at girls in primary and secondary schools, takes place at Sutton High School on Friday, June 16
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Just good friends says Amanda
FOLLOWING claims in April's OK magazine that Amanda Thompson shares her home and life with Eclipse star Vladimir Kekhaial, Miss Thompson spoke exclusively to the Citizen of her feelings on the article. "Well I find it quite funny really," she said, while
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Shrimps extend unbeaten run
Morecambe 1 Nuneaton 1 WITH the end of the season in sight, Morecambe's recent winning streak wavered with a draw at their meeting with Nuneaton on Easter Monday. The Shrimps had a disappointing start and never really showed the excellent form that they
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Snap to it
THE History Channel are inviting people to submit photos as part of their on-going local history project. Photos for the Future 2 hope to create a lasting record of the lives of ordinary people for future generations. Each photo must be accompanied by
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Praise for care report
BLACKPOOL social services chiefs have received glowing praise in the House of Commons for a report on proposed improvements for children in care. Social services minister John Hutton hailed the resort's management action plan, which details a three-year
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Labour face barrage
LABOUR proposals for a new style cabinet system at Lancashire County Council came under a heavy barrage of criticism from Conservative members. Speaking both in debate and afterwards, the Conservative Leader, County Cllr Robert Hodge, dismissed Labour
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Assault on your senses for charity
MARIE Curie Cancer Care are inviting individuals to have a go at completing the challenging assault course used in the making of the Krypton Factor television series. The 200 metre course contains 23 obstacles, with the spectacular aerial slide to finish
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Plastic boosts 'grass roots'
BLACKPOOL Borough Council has stumped up £5,000 to pay for a futuristic all-weather pitch for the town's cricket club. And schoolchildren in the resort were bowled over by news that they will be able to play cricket all year round on the plastic pitch
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There's no glory to bask in now
CALLS to protect the world's biggest shark which sails off the North West Coast have been defeated at an international conference. North West MEP Chris Davies claims the 35-foot basking shark should be listed as an endangered species and be protected
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Send in the clowns
IT'S time to bring on the clowns for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal! Anita Russell has knitted 11 model clowns for the appeal to be used at its fund-raising events. For Anita, of Avenue Road, Normoss, it was simply a way of using an enjoyable hobby to
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Bad day for a giant shark
A NORTH West Euro-MP has said he will step up his fight to save the sharks that swim off the Fylde coast after losing a vote to get them protected. Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies has been campaigning to get the basking shark included in a list of endangered
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MP to speak on achievements
LOCAL Labour MP Hilton Dawson will be speaking at the International Labour Day rally in Lancaster on Saturday. Hilton will use the opportunity to answer his and the government's critics. Hilton said: "I am very proud to be able to speak of the genuine
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Greens in bus stop call
GREEN councillors are calling for additional stops to be placed on Chapel Street to allow elderly residents to shop at supermarkets in the north of the city. This call has been prompted because the bus station has been closed before the new bus station
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Bombers have a cracking Easter
A LOCAL junior football club is celebrating after scooping top honours in a major football tournament. The Bowerham Bombers won the under 11s and under 10s section of the Scotia Morecambe and Lancaster Easter Football Festival at Preston Sports Arena.
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Black magic opens door
LEIGH RMI scored a convincing 2-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic at Hilton Park on Saturday. Boss Steve Waywell said: "We can only throw it away ourselves from this position but we are growing in confidence and learning to be patient." RMI had to wait
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Ton up tonic for Tyldesley
TYLDESLEY RU hit the ton in their final fixture of the season. They thrashed Broughton in a stunning 105-5 performance -- after the home side had stolen a quickfire lead. That was to be their one and only decent attacking move as Tyldesley switched into
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LR boss plots future based on youth
STEVE PLANT, Atherton LR's Director of Football, has unveiled his blueprint for the future of the club. His plans involve turning the club into a major player in youth development -- something high up on the FA's agenda and one which he believes can serve
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Around the greens in Leigh leagues
TEAM Knockout results from the Leigh & District Midweek League . . . Group A: Atherton S&S A 167 Botanical Gardens A 190, Tyldesley Subs 151 Astley & Tyldesley 182, Westleigh Village B 184 Atherton S&S B 166; A&T 195 Atherton S&
