Archive
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Events in East Lancashire on Thursday, January 18
Venus, Jupiter and Saturn, Planet Earth Centre, Bacup Road, Todmorden, 6pm-8.30pm. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Charter Theatre, Preston, 2pm and 7.30pm. Sequence Dancing, Accrington Town Hall, 7.30pm. Burnley and Pendle Speakers' Club
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Too much red tape makes us feel blue
IT is a plainly ludicrous situation when a region like ours, with a notoriously poor record for dental health, finds itself for the second time in a month having new and expensive treatment facilities standing idle for months because of suffocating bureaucracy
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Soccer: Come on Boro, give us a goal -- or 11!
RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 5 OSSETT TOWN 6 THIS was definitely not one for the purist -- but if it was goals you were after, Stainton Park was the place to be on Saturday afternoon. The 174 spectators got full value in that respect as first Radcliffe's defence
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'Meat' killing not humane
PEOPLE who eat meat like to think that animals are killed '"humanely.' I am a member of the animal charity 'Viva!' and their new investigation reveals that, each year, five million sheep and almost two million pigs are improperly stunned and regain consciousness
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Wrong-doers get the help
I READ with interest your article "£1 million down the drain" (LET, January 10). My own personal experience relating to one particular department over the past 18 months has been that if you are a law-abiding citizen and pay your taxes, you are expected
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Crossroads work urgent
I CONGRATULATE Frank Harrop for his comments concerning the crossroads at Marsh House Lane/Roman Road/Hoddlesden Road, Darwen (Letters, January 2). Something needs to be done urgently before there is another fatal accident. I, too, can confirm there is
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Statement upsetting
REGARDING your Comment 'Praise for fresh ideas on religion' (LET, January 3), I am concerned and upset with your comments that we, at St Anne's Church, Fence, only have old-time religion after the consistory court gave us permission to re-instate the
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Chorus from a classic
ERIC Leaver, shame on you! The song you quoted in 'Looking Back' (LET, January 8), is one of the best known choruses from the Gilbert and Sullivan classic 'The Gondoliers.' And once upon a time, school choirs used to learn -- and sing -- such gems. Luckily
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New £45,000 dental suite gathers dust
A NEW state-of-the-art emergency dental suite opened by Home Secretary Jack Straw has been standing empty for months -- because government officials haven't given permission for it to be used. The situation was revealed just weeks after it came to light
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It's like pulling teeth!
A NEW state-of-the-art emergency dental suite opened by Home Secretary Jack Straw has been standing empty for months -- because government officials haven't given permission for it to be used. The situation was revealed just weeks after it came to light
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Conman robs pensioner
A THIEF ransacked a pensioner's front room after conning his way into her home in Dearden Fold, Bury, on Saturday afternoon (Jan 13). The man claimed he was a water tester to gain access to the property. He escaped with £60 in cash. The offender was white
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Concerns over care for the elderly
ELDERLY people in Bury face being short-changed by new government care legislation, according to a leading housing charity. Methodist Homes, which runs the Epworth Grange Nursing Home in Chirmside Street, Bury, say that long-term care provision put forward
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Dailly sad to go
EWOOD outcast Christian Dailly today revealed he had no option but to leave Blackburn Rovers after finally agreeing to join West Ham. The 27-year-old was set to seal a £1.75 million move to the Hammers this morning, providing he passed a medical. But,
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A case of power failure
THE conning of a pensioner out of a large sum of money, as you reported in the Star, and the onset of real winter weather, prompts me to write to you on a subject which concerns all of us especially the elderly and infirm. In 'The News' produced by St
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What about the litter louts
I READ with great interest, Alan Whalley's article 'Woodland Way to a Better Existence' (Star, Dec 21 2000). I am heartened by the new tenants and residents association. I appreciate environmental activities centred around the woodland area. The Nativity
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The true cost of crime
In a week which saw new national crime figures, the St Helens Star looks beyond the raw statistics to reveal the true misery of coming home to find you've been burgled ONE FAMILY returned after a delightful day out to find that thieves had ransacked their
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Young mum upset by sex act in car
A HOUSEWIFE was horrified when she spotted a man exposing himself and performing a sex act in his vehicle in a supermarket car park, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard how the young mum was upset and left shaking after she saw Stephen Roult,
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Girl tells how teen pal was 'touched up' by man
A MIDDLE-AGED man "touched up" a schoolgirl and performed sex acts on himself, a court was told. A jury heard how the teenager confided in her schoolfriend and later started sobbing in a German lesson after the friend wrote a series of questions which
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Heroin dealer gets six years
A "PREMIER league" heroin dealer who used empty shops to ply his "sophisticated and wicked trade" has been jailed for six years. Anthony Dewhurst, of Giles Street, Nelson, ran two drugs retail shops in Nelson for more than two years before he was arrested
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Jumping stars head for Haydock
HAYDOCK Park is preparing for what could be its best day of jump racing in years on Saturday, January 20 -- weather permitting. Some of the top prospects for the Cheltenham Festival are entered for three established trials at the racecourse. General manager
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Battling Bulldogs clinch league double
Barrow Island u/18s 10 Blackbrook Bulldogs 12 BATTLING Brook picked up a National Youth league 'double' over the Cumbrians with this hard-earned victory. Electing to play up the pronounced slope, Brook were soon six points in arrears but fought back with
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Second-half surge seals points
Ulverston 8 Portico Panthers 18 LANCASHIRE Cup winners Portico eventually proved too strong for Ulverston but they had to come from behind to do it. The home side led 8-0 at the break, thanks to two unconverted tries, after a first half of end-to-end
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Bold rally after sluggish start
Wigan St Judes A 16 Bold Miners 28 BOLD rallied after a slow start to take the points. St Judes got off to a flier, rattling in 16 points in the opening quarter before the visitors hit back with a strong run by Ian Honey resulting in Chris Burgess going
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Heath stay on course
Thatto Heath Crusaders 35 Milford Marlins 18 HEATH resumed after a three-week lay-off and stayed on course for the National Conference League Division Two title. The home side opened the scoring on 11 minutes when Conference top scorer Mike Woods went
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Final triumph is Panthers' crowning glory
Portico Panthers 8 Haydock 4 PANTHERS crowned a meteoric rise to the top of the Amateur Rugby League tree with this St Helens Glass Lancashire Cup final triumph over neighbours Haydock. For the Yickers though it was once again a case of so near, yet so
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Inspector to visit homes field site
A GOVERNMENT inspector will visit a hillside field in Pendle before deciding whether a developer can turn part of it into a housing estate. Fairclough Homes is appealing against Pendle Council decision not to allow it to build around 160 houses on land
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Can anyone clock this?
A GANG of local froth-blowers wonder if anyone can clock up an answer to the following little yedscratter. The argument simmering at the town-centre Wheatsheaf pub over the past several weeks concerns the packets in which Clock Face crisps were once dispensed
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Five years ago
TRIBUTES were pouring in from supporters, players and officials after the death of Burnley footballing legend Harry Potts. The former manager at Turf Moor, who won the league title with Burnley and launched them into Europe, died at the age of 75 following
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Tom's plea for team in peril
TOM Webster is Mr Accrington Stanley FC -- after being a boyhood fan, groundsman, scout, manager and director. Now he has pleaded with fans to help stop a team dropping out of the football league -- as his beloved club did 38 years ago. Tom, 74, of Heywood
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Kilby blasts Payton move reports
CLARETS leading scorer Andy Payton is not on his way out of Turf Moor. Stories linking Payton with a move to Wigan Athletic were the talk of the town at the start of the week. And the 33-year-old striker was also mentioned as a target for Notts County
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Ternent fumes
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent launched an icy blast at Scunthorpe after Burnley's wasted FA Cup journey last night. The scheduled third-round FA Cup replay at Glanford Park was postponed less than an hour before kick-off because of a frozen pitch. And Ternent
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Plucky Prescot push leaders to limit
Prescot RU 11 Oswestry 15 UNBEATEN league leaders Oswestry came to Prescot expecting another easy victory but the home side had other ideas and in the end were unfortunate not to win. Prescot opened the scoring with two penalties by centre Chris Leigh
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Rainhill go clear of rivals
RAINHILL Labour defeated Parr Labour 7-2 to go eight points clear at the top of Division One of the St Helens Snooker League. RESULTS Division One: Haresfinch Social (2) 2 Pilks Ravenhead (2) 7, Pilks Ravenhead (1) 7 Haydock Cons 2, Scala Snooker 2 Windle
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National acclaim for truant-busting school
TURNING up for lessons has definitely brought its own reward for some Bury youngsters. Truancy rates have been cut so much at St Paul's CE Primary that the school has won national acclaim. St Paul's is one of the top 50 schools in the country, and the
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New fight looms at Barracks
THE controversial Barracks Lodge saga is back on the agenda. Developers Stately Homes have resubmitted plans for a housing scheme which involves the filling of the lodge at the rear of Newington Drive, Bury, a plan described as "ecologically destructive
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Police on alert over missing man
LODGES and ponds around Bury are being checked by police following the disappearance of a depressed local man. Mr Zbigniew Lazurec vanished from his Peers Street home in Bury on Thursday evening (Jan 11). It is believed that a note was left behind stating
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Shipman was my doc discloses MP
BURY MP David Chaytor has revealed that he was a patient of killer doctor Harold Shipman. The Labour man said he and his family were "lucky to be here" and is only relieved that his elderly relatives were not registered with the murderer. He stunned fellow
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Standing up for the old terraces
HAVING had his season ticket revoked for standing up during a match, 58-year-old Burnley FC fan Harry Gaskell, of Colne, has had it restored -- now that he has signed an undertaking to stay glued to his seat in future. But while the club has not commented
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Glass attack man is jailed
A 21-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for nine months after smashing a glass in the face of another man at a night club. Malcolm Tidyman thought the other man, who was part of a larger group, was going to hit him, so he pushed the glass into his victim's
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Where's the dignity in keeping our money?
HOW comforting that Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe thinks it is to councillors' credit that they have "retained their dignity" while the matter of a bunch of them pocketing thousands of pounds in expenses that they were not entitled to was investigated
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Bury among country's worst for deaths
A SURVEY of the NHS has revealed that Bury's hospitals have one of the highest death rates in the country. And according to the shock figures, Bury Health Care NHS Trust was the joint 14th worst authority for patient/doctor trust. However, the report
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Ternent fumes
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent launched an icy blast at Scunthorpe after Burnley's wasted FA Cup journey last night. The scheduled third-round FA Cup replay at Glanford Park was postponed less than an hour before kick-off because of a frozen pitch. And Ternent
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High Street takings joy
HIGH Street giants enjoyed ringing tills in the run-up to Christmas, sales figures reveal. Boots, Debenhams and Woolworths-to-B&Q group Kingfisher all reported busy trading in the festive period. High street chemist Boots said sales of its core health
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Lots of potential in auction move
AN East Lancashire company of surveyors will be putting goods under the hammer in Haslingden. Chorley-based surveyors, shm Smith Hodgkinson, are centralising their auction services at a new facility in Haslingden. The move follows increased demand for
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Ground rent shock for residents
A CONSUMER watchdog outfit is gearing up to provide vital advice to residents who may have received a shock request for ground rent arrears. Just before Christmas, a number of homes in the Queens Park area of St Helens received letters asking them to
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All change down at CAB
ST Helens District Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) is changing the way its services are delivered. Starting Monday, February 5, an advisor will be available for a one-hour appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Sessions can be booked by calling
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Robinson vows to save crisis hit Shakers
Accrington Stanley 0 Bury 2 BURY might have won this match but apart from a useful run out for a couple of youth team lads this fixture had nothing to do with football. Top of the agenda was saving Bury FC from extinction. And it was fitting that it was
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It's a very special school
HAMBLETT School has been given the thumbs-up by Government inspectors. Ofsted inspectors, who visited the Rainford Road school, found it to be "highly effective" with "a large number of significant strengths." The inspectors judged that the leadership
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Claire, 15, elected to 'parliament'
CLAIRE Martin has been chosen to represent St Helens in the new Youth Parliament. Claire, aged 15, who lives in Fingerpost, was elected as the borough's Member of the new Youth Parliament (MYP) by young people at an election day at the Town Hall. A pupil
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Plea to find 'lost' family
A WOMAN is calling on the detective skills of Star readers to help track down a long, lost relative. Lilian Whittle, who has family links with St Helens, received the best Christmas present of her life in the shape of Tom Owen, a great uncle she didn't
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Razor-sharp Bill parties on ninetieth
A TRIED and tested exponent of the dubbers and cut-throat razor, who first excelled in short-back-and-sides 75 years ago, has snipped his way to an extra-special birthday. Bright-as-a-button Bill Ratcliffe, of Windle, notched up his 90th milestone with
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Drunken woman abused police officers
A WOMAN was seen by police standing over another woman who had blood pouring from a head wound, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that the victim did not want to complain of an assault but Carol Ann Walker was arrested because she was shouting
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Prisma unveil £100,000 cash and carry
A COMPANY has unveiled a new £100,000 cash and carry operation at its headquarters in Blackburn. Commercial kitchen suppliers Prisma have made the investment at their Greenbank Technology Park headquarters. Included in the new system is a call centre,
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To shoot hunt dogs would be 'ridiculous'
AN East Lancashire MP has described the threat by a local hunt to shoot its hounds if their bloodsport is banned as "absolutely ridiculous." Rossendale and Darwen's Janet Anderson is sure homes could be found for the animals. She spoke out as MPs prepared
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County Hall opts for wind power
COUNTY Hall electricity is set to be generated from wind power. The move towards environmentaly friendly energy will make Lancashire County Council only the eleventh authority in the country and the first in the North West to use the system. It forms
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Shock as Labour dump ex-mayor
A FORMER mayor who had a series of run-ins with Labour council bosses today hit out after being dumped by his party ahead of this year's elections. Peter Greenwood, who was awarded a CBE in 1998 for his service to local government, said he thought Labour
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Game thwarted
SOCCER: Nelson's bid to build on their NWCL Division Two lead was thwarted by the weather last night when their game at Holker Old Boys was postponed. In Division One, Rossendale's home clash with Kidsgrove and Darwen's Worthington Challenge Trophy match
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If it ain't broke don't fix it
LIKE the Sunderland greengrocer up before the beak this week for selling his apples and pears in pounds and ounces, football should also be able to blow a raspberry to the European Union bureacrats. The on-going saga of a change in the transfer system
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Robinson: We will always be grateful to Stanley
BURY chairman Terry Robinson says his club will always owe a big debt of gratitude to Accrington Stanley for holding the fund-raising game which raised £8,000 for the cash-strapped Second Division club. "I will always be grateful to Stanley. It is something
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St Helens McDonald's JOL review
RESULTS Under 16s: Cronton 2 Rainford Rangers 1, Rainhill United 8 Blackleyhurst 2. Under 14s: Rainford Rangers 3 St Annes Rovers 1, Blackleyhurst 0 Knowsley South 2. Under 12s: Rainhill United 6 Bleak Hill Rovers 0, Ravenhead Juniors 3 Rainford Rangers
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Schools soccer starlets are six-hits
THE St Helens Schoolboys under15s soccer team continued their impressive season with a 6-1 win over Rossendale. After a scrappy opening, St Helens took control with goals from Chris Dearden (Sutton) and Danny Melling (Haydock). Rossendale battled gamely
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Ann retires from competitive athletics
ONE of St Helens' most successful athletes has decided to retire from competitive athletics due to ongoing injury. Ann Griffiths started running at the age of 10 and quickly established herself as a future champion with victories in county championships
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Rainhill Junior League round-up
RESULTS Mini Soccer, Week One Premier Division: Whiston Juniors Rangers 1 Whiston Juniors Celtic 0, Blackbrook Juniors 1 Young Gate 0, Rainhill United Celtic 0 Pilkington 2, Whiston Juniors Rangers 2 Blackbrook Juniors 0, Young Gate 1 Rainhill United
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What's On with Sue Gerrard
VARIETY really is the watchword in the weeks ahead with everything from wrestling to panto and from musicals to magic to entertain you. AMERICAN Wrestling comes to the Theatre Royal on Sunday, January 28. The action starts at 7pm with top grapplers from
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Arson probe at church
FIREFIGHTERS investigating a fire which started in a portable toilet at St Ann's Church in Rainhill, at about 11.20am on Sunday, January 7, believe may have been started deliberately.
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Early birds catch the TV
MARGARET and William Whitfield from Marshalls Cross were the lucky first prize winners in St Helens Council's annual draw for the early return of Electoral Registration forms. The couple were presented with their prize of a portable television by deputy
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Clothes plea by cancer fund
THE Imperial Cancer Research Fund is asking people to donate their unwanted clothes. Every bag of clothes raises an average of £10 towards cancer research Area retail manager Suzanne Williams, said: "Most people have far more clothes than they think,
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Let's do it again
BIGHEARTED volunteers from Age Concern St Helens joined forces with workers from Tyresave to provide a huge festive spread for local elderly people at the Mansion House in Victoria Park. The event was supported by Tyresave's customers who donated enough
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Drugs alert after theft
POLICE in St Helens have issued a warning following the theft of drugs from an address in Haresfinch on Tuesday, January 9. The drugs were inside a black Puma holdall bag which was also stolen and are used in the treatment of diabetes. They included 16
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Crime guard tips at show
MEMBERS of the public attended a community crime and home safety information exhibition at Derbyshire Hill Youth and Community Centre. As well as the provision of smoke detectors and advice on protecting the home, there was also information on employment
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Terry in top talks
EURO MP Terry Wynn, whose North West constituency includes St Helens, is to speak at a top level conference in Paris to discuss ways of modernising European Parliaments. Terry has been invited as chairman of the European Parliaments Budgets Committee,
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Pat to open new nature reserve
MAYOR of St Helens, Pat Robinson, will open the borough's third nature reserve in Sidings Lane, Rainford, on Wednesday, January 31 The former colliery site has been declared a nature reserve by St Helens Council, St Helens Wildlife Advisory Group and
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90-year-old knocked to ground
A WOMAN of 90 was knocked to the ground by a thief who snatched her handbag. The attacker struck as she returned to her home in Stainton Close, Clinkham Wood, at 7.50pm on Sunday, January 14, following an evening out. He suddenly appeared at her side
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Recruits need cold noses
MERSEYSIDE Police is looking for four-legged recruits to join the fight against crime. The force's dog section needs donated German Shepherd dogs to join 48 other working canines. Animals aged between 12 months and two years are needed. Inspector Tony
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Did you see brutal attack on forecourt?
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a brutal, apparently unprovoked assault which left a garage forcourt attendant requiring hospital treatment for multiple injuries. The victim was sweeping the forecourt of the Texaco garage on St Helens Linkway at
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Now's the time to see spectacular creatures at their best
Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy BETWEEN mid-January and the end of March is the perfect time to see East Lancashire's wildfowl at their best. The autumn moult has finished and the male birds are in their most attractive plumage. Most of the species go
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Soccer: Rams on the up!
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 2 NANTWICH TOWN 0 TWO second half goals finally overcame a stubborn Nantwich side as Ramsbottom continued to put pressure on the division's leading lights. The Rams' injury problems continued with John Bowman and Barry White coming in
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Bury FC: Hari Kiri Shakers let it slip again
Northampton Town 2 - Bury 1 ROLL up, roll up, roll up and see Andy Preece's Amazing Kamikaze Kings - they're coming to a town near you! THRILL . . . as they dominate the opposition for long periods with some damn fine soccer. GASP . . . at their inability
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Exotic bike ride for charity
WOMEN volunteers are wanted to join television presenter Professor Winston to take part in a 370km bike ride to help raise money for Queen Charlotte's Appeal in October this year. It starts in Gallipoli, continues along the Aegean coast and finishes in
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Put blame on vandals
IN reply to Mr A Reid's comments on Blackburn Council's 'pathetic excuses' (Letters, January 10), I have been a joiner for Blackburn Council for 12 years and in that time I have tried loyally to serve the public. Countless times we read in the Evening
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Collections a credit to the council
REGARDING your front page article '£1 Million down the drain' (LET, January 10), neither the executive board nor council staff have anything to hide in relation to the collection of income. The report was, of course, a public document and a statement
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Children blamed for pub fire
CHILDREN playing with matches are being blamed for a small fire which resulted in a Bury pub being evacuated. Drinkers and staff at The Crow public house in Bell Lane were forced to wait on the street as two crews of firefighters tackled the flames in
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Terzis hails man of the moment Simon
SIMON Svabic, Leigh Centurion's close season signing from Tetley's Bitter Super League club Salford City Reds, has enjoyed a sparkling start to his Northern Ford Premiership career with his home-town club. The goal-kicking former Oldham stand off has
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The football revolution
THE front page headline in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph of January 17, 1981, simply read 'Blitzed'. It referred to the launch of bombing attacks on Iraq at the start of the Gulf War. Another event, which exploded on the world of East Lancashire sport
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A taste of Orange aid
Orange is the colour, It's orange I love best. Puts me down on yellow lines When I need a rest. Helps me block the thro' roads, Some folk call me a pest. I say the need is genuine But many think I jest. Orange sits by pub or church, Where we may be blessed
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Still a Lancashire lass at heart
I WAS born in St Helens 77 years ago and have lived in Lincolnshire since 1953, but at heart I will always be a true Lancashire lass. My maiden name was Heaton, my grandfather was a councillor at Eccleston for many years and we had a tobacconist's shop
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Twin, 35, is not jailed for attack on brother
A TWIN said to have attacked an elder brother in a sex abuse claims confrontation has escaped jail. Burnley Crown Court had heard how Harry Windle ended up "semi-conscious and bleeding," after younger siblings Mark and Andrew, 35, turned up at his home
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Hard-earned success for Finch
Haresfinch 30 Leigh Harriers 19 FINCH fought back from a half-time deficit of 18-7 to record a hard-earned win. A try by winger Ste Richards and a conversion and a drop goal by stand-off Colin Rogers gave the home side an early lead. But sloppy defence
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Hounds out of luck
Weaverham Rangers 22 Parr Hare& Hounds 10 HOUNDS once again travelled without the full complement of 17 players -- although they did have the 'luxury' of a starting 13 and one substitute -- and were unlucky to be beaten by a typically physical Weaverham
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Haydock bounce back with a win
Haydock 26 Farnworth 6 HAYDOCK returned to league action and put their Lancashire Cup final disappointment behind them to score a convincing win. The home side dominated the early stages with forwards Reynolds, Bloor and Carroll running strongly. After
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Pilks leave it too late
Orrell St James 22 Pilkington Recs 10 FOR the second consecutive week Recs got off to a poor start, finishing the stronger but leaving themselves too much to do in the second period. The home side adapted better to the heavy conditions and took the lead
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Saints in plea for fan power
ANXIOUS Saints have urgently appealed to fans to get behind the team when they tackle Australian champions Brisbane Broncos at Bolton's Reebok Stadium on Friday, January 26. The club's plea comes in the wake of reports that demand for tickets for the
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Chemists on weekend duty
THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, January 21, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Earlston Pharmacy, 35 Eccleston Street, Prescot; Taylor's Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am to 8pm); Lloyds
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Saddled with horsey queries
A COUPLE of unrelated 'equestrian-type' puzzlers come from the brain-racking members of Moss Bank Debating and Walking Stick Society. Can anyone say where Jockey's House (referred to in old local documents) once stood in St Helens; and how it got its
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Partners please for last waltz!
THREE more names have been added to our growing list of local hops which boomed during the golden era of strict-tempo ballroom dancing. A regular correspondent (too shy to be identified by name) asks if anyone recalls dancing at the Congs Hall in Knowsley
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A comic swapper's paradise
NOTHING triggers the flow of colourful childhood memories more effectively than a mention of the many kids' comics that were avidly read, and then eagerly swapped, in pre-TV times. A grizzled old-timer, shielding under the pseudonym of Hey Nonny No, first
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Ten years ago
CROWDS of people were evacuated from their houses and others were taken to hospital when a gas explosion ripped through a row of houses in Blackburn. Two houses were gutted and windows in other homes in Rockcliffe Street, were blown out but no-one was
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Thumbs down to 'glass house' plan
AN appeal for a conservatory at Loud River Barn, Clough Lane, Thornley-with-Wheatley, which Ribble Valley Council planning committee refused last July, has also been turned down by planning inspectors. The plan, submitted by Mrs J Boardman in June 2000
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Vine go on try spree
Folly Lane A 0 St Helens Vine 49 VINE bounced back to winning form with this nine-try mauling of Folly Lane A. Man-of-the-match Mark Pickering led the scoring spree with a hat-trick of touchdowns and five goals, while Chris Diamond also crossed for three
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UG sting Hornets
Irlam Hornets 20 UGB 30 UG scored a well-deserved win over fellow strugglers Irlam Hornets. Blake and Hussey scored first-half tries for the visitors, both converted by David Ball, with Irlam replying in similar fashion to leave the game deadlocked at
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Clock run out of steam
Clock Face Miners 10 Waterhead A 38 CLOCK eventually ran out of steam against league leaders Waterhead. In the first half there was nothing between the sides, Neil Scott and Glynn Walsh scoring tries for the home side and Steve Rybczynski adding a conversion
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Murder squad false alarm
MURDER squad detectives were put on stand-by after the body of a Whitefield pensioner was found at his home on Friday (Jan 12). Scenes of crime and forensic officers were among the first to enter the property in Victoria Avenue after Mr Brian McDermott
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Lottery machine stolen
A SHOPLIFTER missed out on hitting the jackpot when he stole a National Lottery ticket machine from a Bury store. The chancer walked into the Spar late shop in Walmersley Road shortly after 9.30pm on Thursday (Jan 11). Pushing a young female shop assistant
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Stabbed after family night out
A RADCLIFFE man was stabbed three times following a night out with his family. Detectives were yesterday expected to interview the victim, who is currently recovering from his injuries in Bury General Hospital. The man, his wife and a 22-year-old nephew
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Attitude to street plan opponents is all wrong
GIVEN the traffic chaos stemming from the latest addition to Blackburn's inner ring route -- all throwing doubt on the wisdom of the council's plan to add to this mess by shutting town-centre Church Street -- I would have thought that regeneration supremo
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Dailly sad to go
EWOOD outcast Christian Dailly today revealed he had no option but to leave Blackburn Rovers after finally agreeing to join West Ham. The 27-year-old was set to seal a £1.75 million move to the Hammers this morning, providing he passed a medical. But,
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Climate tax tips
FIRMS facing higher fuel bills following the introduction of the climate change levy are being invited to find out more about how the tax will effect them. Companies across East Lancashire are being invited to a workshop at the Museum of Science and Industry
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Women close gap in salaries
THE salary gap between men and women has closed dramatically since the Sex Discrimination Act was introduced in 1975, a new report has said. The Equal Opportunities Commission launched the report on the changing roles of men and women to mark the anniversary
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Experts join forces to help firms
A BLACKBURN accountancy firm has joined forces with a leading insolvency company to assist troubled businesses. Pierce Chartered Accountants of Blackburn, a leading firm of north west business and financial advisers, has announced a strategic alliance
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Police's East Lancs operation pays off
OPERATION Export has already brought a marked improvement in cases involving auto crime in the area around the St Helens stretch of the East Lancashire Road. Launched on November 20, 2000, the operation covers the East Lancs between the Royal Oak pub
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Lucky escape for sales 'target'
DESPITE repeated warnings, elderly people continue to be duped by unscrupulous salesmen. In the most recent wave of high-pressure tactics, salesmen are targeting old folks and convincing them they need to have damp proof work carried out in their homes
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New store planned for glass site
UP to 300 new jobs could be created in the town following the news that planning officials have approved outline proposals which would result in a major new supermarket being built on the site currently occupied by St Helens Glass. The planning application
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Great Scott... what a baby!
ST HELENS couple Shaun and Lisa Leyland celebrated the New Year with the birth of son Scott Francis - believed to be the North West's first baby of 2001. And it's double joy for the couple who have won the Star's competition for the first local baby of
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School pals fall victim to bike thieves
TWO school pals who had their bikes stolen while they played on the street have pleaded for their return. Sean Flannery and Daniel Sutcliffe were waiting by a phonebox at Turncroft Road, Darwen with friends when three teenagers grabbed their bikes and
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To shoot hunt dogs would be 'ridiculous'
AN East Lancashire MP has described the threat by a local hunt to shoot its hounds if their bloodsport is banned as "absolutely ridiculous." Rossendale and Darwen's Janet Anderson is sure homes could be found for the animals. She spoke out as MPs prepared
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Puppy rescued from freezing canal
AN eight-month-old dog was pulled to safety after becoming stuck in ice after being thrown into a canal. The animal, which is described as a black labrador cross, was rescued by firefighters from the canal bank at Bennington Road, Blackburn and has since
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Court staff walk out
A UNION boss warned that cases were unlikely to reach court as a two-day strike started today. Administrative staff were set to walk out of crown and magistrates' courts across East Lancashire in a dispute over pay. But Ted Elsey, a national officer with
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Crime hotline a big success
CRIMEFIGHTING charity Crimestoppers has been hailed a huge success after recording its most successful year since it was launched 11 years ago. The Crimestoppers line referred 2,485 cases to a number of law enforcement agencies last year, including the
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'Think tank' to tackle bus yobs
BUS bosses, head teachers and education chiefs are drawing up a battle plan to tackle the increasing problem of yobbish youngsters causing mayhem on school run buses. Incidents of drivers being verbally abused, pupils fighting amongst themselves, missiles
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It's like pulling teeth!
A NEW state-of-the-art emergency dental suite opened by Home Secretary Jack Straw has been standing empty for months -- because government officials haven't given permission for it to be used. The situation was revealed just weeks after it came to light
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Challenge match postponed
SOCCER: Great Harwood's Worthington Challenge Trophy second round match against Stone Dominoes, postponed on Monday, has been rescheduled for tonight. The game is set to take place at the Showground although it is already in doubt because of the hard
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Wright on
SOCCER: Bolton Wanderers are set to take Man City keeper Tommy Wright on loan until the end of the season. Sam Allardyce has been forced into an urgent search for keeper cover following the cruciate knee ligament injury to Jussi Jaaskelainen against Tranmere
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Enfield swoop for Van Jaarsveld
ENFIELD have named former Lowerhouse all-rounder Martin van Jaarsveld as their new professional. The 26-year-old South African, who finished eighth in the batting averages in the Transco Lancashire League last season, replaces Australian David Saker.
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Appleton set for WBA move
PRESTON midfielder Michael Appleton is discussing personal terms with First Division rivals West Bromwich Albion after North End accepted a bid -- thought to be £750,000. The 25-year-old cost £500,000 -- then Preston's record buy -- when he joined Deepdale
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McIlroy: The big boys should help
NORTHERN Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy has called on the Premiership big boys to help club's like Bury in the future. The former Manchester United star did his bit to help his former club fight off the threat of extinction by donning an Accrington Stanley
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Ruskin grind out victory
Eagle 16 Ruskin Park 21 RUSKIN prevailed in this dour, hard-fought encounter at Eagle and although not at their best, they can be pleased with the two league points obtained from a difficult fixture. Eagle opened strongly with typical forward play and
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Bears maul lacklustre LSH
Walsall 48 LSH 15 LSH were brought down to earth with a bump by bottom-of-the-table Walsall. Nicknamed the Bears, Walsall belied their position with a display, which gently hugged the visitors in the first half and then squeezed the life out of them in
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It's a struggle for Cables
Prescot Cables 1 Salford City 1 SALFORD City came to Valerie Park as league leaders, a place recently occupied by Prescot, but the first half was anything but top-of-the-table fare as both sides struggled to master the slippery surface. The opening 15
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Park take no chances
West Park 20 Stockport 8 IN contrast to recent meetings with Stockport which have produced entertaining, high-scoring games, Saturday's encounter proved to be a scrappy affair with both sides struggling to maintain continuity and not helped by frequent
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Town hit top spot
St Helens Town 2 Maine Road 0 THOUGH not as spectacular as some of Town's recent outings this win was hugely significant as it took Jimmy McBride's men to the top of the NWCL. With half a season still to go no-one in the St Helens camp is getting carried
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St Helens Combination round-up
A HEADER by Rainford North End's Dave Brewer proved decisive as they defeated Sportsman Atheltic 1-0 in their Hospital Cup third round tie. And in the Star Premier Division, Billinge keeper Chris Jones was the hero of the 2-1 victory over Shoe in their
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Permission for new Whiston homes
KNOWSLEY Council has granted planning permission for Harwood Homes to build 35 houses, comprising of three detached , eight semi-detached and 23 terraced houses, on land at Lickers Lane, Whiston.
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Stepping out in style . . .
THE Silhouette Dance Club Cheer Leaders will be stepping out in style when they provide the entertainment at the opening of the new B & Q Warehouse, Ravenhead Renaissance Park on Friday, January 26 from 9.30am. And watch out for the Boundary Road-based
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Food going cheep say rangers
ST HELENS Ranger Service are holding a Feed the Birds session in Sankey Valley Park on Sunday, January 21. They will be demonstrating how to make bird cakes and showing which food is best to give birds at this time of year. Anyone interested in attending
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Battery removed from smoke alarm
A MAN of 75 and a woman of 67 were taken to Whiston Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after an oven fire in Byron Avenue, Whiston, on Monday, January 8. Merseyside Fire Brigade spokesman Mike Harris said that although there was a smoke alarm in
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Back-to-work course offer
NEWTON Family and Community Centre are joining forces with Business Skills (St Helens) in an effort to teach people the skills to get them back to work. The centre is offering a free 20-week Return to Work course, which teaches a range of skills including
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Drink drive offences fall
MERSEYSIDE Police's Christmas drink drive campaign, Operation Nemesis, has been hailed a success after a reduction in the numbers of alcohol-related offences over the festive period -- in contast to the national trend. The total number of breath tests
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Work to start on bridge
WORK to improve the bridge over the Sankey Canal on the A58 Blackbrook Road near the Ship Inn pub in St Helens is due to start on Monday, January 29 for six weeks. The vital improvement work is being funded by St Helens Council and carried out by Mayfield
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Bid for top urban award
THE St Helens Urban Regeneration Partnership, Ravenhead Renaissance, has beaten off stiff competition from local authorities across the country to be shortlisted for a major national award. It is the first time that St Helens has been put forward for
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Double honour for officers
TWO police officers from St Helens were among 24 officers of Merseyside Police commended by the Chief Constable, Norman Bettison, at a ceremony held at police HQ in Liverpool. DC Paul Ford was commended for "outstanding professionalism and motivation
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Wish upon a star
STAFF at the Co-op Village Store on Warrington Road, Rainhill, are organising a social night on Saturday, February 10 at the Sidac Social Club in Sutton, in aid of the children's charity, 'When You Wish Upon A Star'. The event has been organised by the
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Off-licence raid plea
POLICE in St Helens are appealing for witnesses to a robbery at Victoria Wines off-licence, Church Road, Haydock. Just before the shop closed at 9.55pm on Thursday, January 11, a man burst in and threatened staff. He demanded keys to the till and stole
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Kids get bright ideas
WHISTON Willis Primary School has brightened up the playground by painting the waste paper bins in vibrant colours. The competition, run by Knowsley Schools Council, is aimed at improving the environment by encouraging children to put their litter in
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Streetsafe helps cut crime rate
ROBBERY figures have fallen substantially across Merseyside including the St Helens area, according to a report released by the Home Office this week. The number of robberies on the streets of Merseyside has fallen by 10 per cent in the six months ending
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Curtain up on star-studded night!
THE stars will certainly be shining brightly at Theatre Royal on Saturday, January 20. For that's when the eagerly-awaited Grand Final of our very own 'Stars In Their Eyes' comeptition takes to the stage with curtain up at 7.30pm. Run in conjunction with
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Tech suite open to all
PUPILS, parents and members of the community will benefit from a newly-installed information technology suite at Sutton Manor Primary School. The high-tech resource centre is the first of 48 centres which will be provided in schools across the borough
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Warm salute for Betty
PENSIONERS Jean and Denis Norton have thanked the manager of their sheltered housing scheme by presenting her with a top national award. Ivy Court in Pitt Street, Fingerpost, is one of 56 sheltered schemes run by Riverside Housing Association, which have
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Don't panic!
CIVIC leaders insist that Bury is NOT slumping into crisis, despite big factory closures and job losses. They say the borough is thriving and attracting new firms. And they reject gloomy forecasts that the area is losing out to the South. Their "think
