Archive

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Bullock suffers new injury blow

DARREN Bullock's injury plagued season has taken another twist after Bury's hardman midfielder suffered a back injury in a midweek reserve match. Bullock was hoping to make his comeback in tomorrow's tough clash at high-flying Walsall but that now hangs

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Today's the day

1840: Queen Victoria married Albert. For her, he was an "angel" and "perfection." For the populace, he was a fortune-hunting foreigner after England's "fat" Queen and "fatter purse." Victoria's wedding dress was referred to as "a tasteless muddle." 1855

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This week in 1976 25 years ago

MISS 18: Bank Clerk Diane Foster was selected as Bury's Miss 18-Plus for 1976. Diane, 24, of Sefton Street, Limefield, worked for the Midland Bank in Bury and was chosen from over 40 girls to represent the town in the regional heat of the competition.

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A hidden agenda?

THE Labour party has made much of the 'inner' meaning of its new logo. However, if you rearrange the shapes in the logo, you spell the word 'evil.' Is there something Jack and the boys aren't telling us? JOHN COTTON (Local Conservative Spokesman for Blackburn

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Who are we to object?

REGARDING the current wave of hysteria, paranoia and obsession with so-called illegal immigration, just who or what do we think we are to dictate just who is and who is not allowed to come to this country? We do not own this land. Almighty God owns it

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Does trader want to kill town trade?

IT is about time Jeff Stone (Letters, January 23) stopped peddling his mismash of half-truth, slant and factually incorrect information and for once came clean on town centre and roads issues. The traffic congestion connected with the current bridge repairs

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Frozen out!

THOUSANDS of pensioners and low income families in Atherton and Tyldesley have missed out on cold weather payments - because it's hotter there than in Leigh! Measurements made at two different weather centres during the cold snap between Christmas and

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Bid to end street wars in Brierfield

A STREET fight between gangs of rival youths has led to calls for urgent progress on a peace garden in Brierfield -- more than a year after the plans were revealed. A large group of youths were involved in the disturbance outside Mansfield High School

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Ticket details

ROVERS: Tickets for the home match against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, March 3, will go on sale from next Monday. Prices for the Jack Walker Lower Central and Upper Outer areas are £20 for an adult, £10 for a senior citizen and £7 for a junior.

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Putton looking for a change of style

NOTTINGHAM Forest midfielder David Prutton will try out a new style of play against Rovers tomorrow -- to try to stop getting himself suspended. The influential 19-year-old has been hit with his third ban of the season after receiving his tenth booking

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Forest Run up

A round up of Nottinham forest's form of late. LAST SIX RESULTS Huddersfield 1 Forest 1 Scimeca Forest 0 Palace 3 Forest 0 Wolves 1 FA Cup Birmingham 0 Forest 2 Bart-Williams, Prutton Forest 0 Norwich 0 Forest 1 Crewe 0 Jones THIS SEASON After an inconsistent

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Eyal's pledge of Victory

BLACKBURN new-boy Eyal Berkovic today pledged to help lead his new club back to the Premiership. The former West Ham play-maker has now been given the all-clear to kick-off his Rovers career at Nottingham Forest tomorrow. But the Israeli international

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Bid to end street wars in Brierfield

A STREET fight between gangs of rival youths has led to calls for urgent progress on a peace garden in Brierfield -- more than a year after the plans were revealed. A large group of youths were involved in the disturbance outside Mansfield High School

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Khan returns

DARWEN: Manager Steve Wilkes is urging his side to build on Tuesday's 1-0 win over Warrington. They face Bootle at home in NWCL Division Two tomorrow. "We need to get a run of games going.," said Wilkes. "There is only one team, Squires Gate, who we can't

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A shambles - agent slams planners' decision to turn down Atherton superstore while local businesses

AN AGENT acting on behalf of developers has slammed planners who turned down an application for a new superstore in Atherton. Town centre traders breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday when Wigan's development control committee rejected proposals for a

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How MS victim picked up his pen for therapy

WRITING has proved magic therapy for a policeman who had to give up his career when he was struck down by Multiple Sclerosis. Dog handler Tom Hill spent 17 years in the police force, 10 of them working as a police dog handler, but five years ago was forced

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Minority groups can voice their opinions

ETHNIC minority groups in Hyndburn will have the chance to voice their opinions on council services in the town's first-ever Asian Community Survey. This week, more than 1,000 surveys will be sent out to almost every Asian household in the borough, taken

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Use our website to get in touch

READERS from around the World have once again been contacting the Journal with requests to get in touch with friends and family. The Journal has been inundated with replies to the feedback form in the Get In Touch section on our web-site -- www.thisisleigh.co.uk

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Cases dealt with by magistrates at Leigh

CASES heard at Leigh Magistrates' Court include: Terence Foley, Cawdor Street, Leigh, stole £450 after entering a building in Atherton as a trespasser -- 150 hours community service. John Williams, Lancaster Avenue, Lowton, driving a car knowing it had

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Chemists on Duty

Sunday, February 11 BLACKBURN: 12noon-1pm: Lloyds Pharmacy, 4-6 Railway Road;10.30am-4.30pm: Superdrugs Pharmacy, 3-7 Stonybutts; 11am-2pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road; 11am-1pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. DARWEN: 12noon-1pm: Boots

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Chemists on Duty

Wednesday, February 14 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Peels, 4 & 6 Railway Road; The Surgery (Chiropody), 132 Lammack Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: Arthur

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Chemists on Duty

Friday, February 16 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Peels, 4 & 6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: Arthur Haworth, 314 Bolton Road; The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst

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Chemists on Duty

Monday. February 12 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Peels Chemist, 4 & 6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: Arthur Haworth, 314 Bolton Road; The Pharmacy

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Castle stormed in crime crackdown

POLICE have cracked down on juvenile crime at a castle, after swapping their uniforms for civvies. Since mid-January, 24 under 17-year-olds have had juvenile referral forms issued against them for offences in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle, ranging from

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Clean-up was a pleasant surprise

I WAS standing near a bus stop in Manchester Road, Leigh, near the Green Lane roundabout on Monday morning. It was the usual scenario -- upturned litter bin with rubbish strewn about and half eaten food. A man came up pushing a pram and righted the bin

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Thought for the week

THE public work of Jesus Christ lasted less than four years and ended in apparent failure on a Roman cross, yet for 2,000 years more songs have been written about Him than anybody else. Even in Britain about a tenth of the population enjoy BBC TV's 'Songs

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New hotline for businesses

BURY businesses seeking more information on the new stakeholder pensions which come into force in April can ring a new helpline. Stakeholder pension schemes will be available for people to contribute to from April 6. Copies of "Stakeholder Pensions: a

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Antler exhibit at Incentive 2001

A SUITABLE case for promotions! That's luggage manufacturing firm Antler which is investing in a new marketing initiative to boost its business in the lucrative promotions and incentives industry. Antler, based at the Pilot Works in Alfred Street, will

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Ruddock listing forces Smith to re-shuffle

CRYSTAL Palace boss Alan Smith is forced into a defensive re-shuffle for tomorrow's trip to Turf Moor after transfer-listing experienced central defender Neil Ruddock. The former Spurs, Liverpool and West Ham strongman played in Palace's 2-2 draw with

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FINALWORD

Palace splashed out £2 million on Skonta Riga's Latvian international Andrejs Rubins in October. The pacey wideman has settled in well and bagged a classic goal in the Worthington Cup semi-final against Liverpool. West Brom (h) drew 2-2 Forssell, Pollock

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Eyal's Rovers pledge

BLACKBURN new-boy Eyal Berkovic today pledged to help lead his new club back to the Premiership. The former West Ham play-maker has now been given the all-clear to kick-off his Rovers career at Nottingham Forest tomorrow. But the Israeli international

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College fire

LESSONS were disrupted when lecturers and 110 students were evacuated following a fire in the Marshall Avenue annex of Wigan and Leigh College. Firefighters soon put out the small fire next to the toilets last Friday afternoon which has been blamed on

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Salesman Brian in a league of his own...

CULCHETH Rugby Club chairman Brian Topping is in a league of his own when it comes to selling. Top UK furniture manufacturer, The Morris Furniture Company, has named him salesman of the year for the second time. Brian, Lancashire area salesman for the

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Organ concert

TWO young musicians will play an organ concert in Hindley St Peter's Church on Sunday, February 18 to mark its 128th anniversary. John Horton, the director of music at St Margaret's Church, Prestwich and Carina Halliwell, a solo cornet player with the

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Classroom plan scuppered

CONVERSION plans for classrooms at a former school have been scotched because the building is within the Green Belt. Redwaters Construction wanted to convert two classrooms at the Kings Park Christian Centre -- formerly Leigh CE High School until it closed

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Rugby star's Peru plea

A FORMER rugby star wants people in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley to sign up for a trip to Peru which will raise money for vulnerable children. Victor Ubogu is going to Peru on a trek through hot springs, ice fields and glacial lakes between April 27

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Youngsters in hospital lift ordeal

A HOSPITAL visit turned in to a claustrophobic nightmare for three children who on Monday night became stuck in a lift at Leigh Infirmary. The primary school age youngsters became trapped when the lift door refused to open as they were on the way down

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Let's all do sum exercise!

ALMOST 200 pupils and staff at an Astley school donned leotards, gym kits and trainers for an intensive aerobic workout all to raise money for charity. The students of St Mary's RC High School jumped, kicked and stretched for a 20 minute vigorous session

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Two mayors at new school opening

A TYLDESLEY school had not one but two mayors in attendance at its formal opening today. Highlea Secondary School in Mosley Common Road was opened by Mayor of Wigan Cllr Joan Hurst and the Mayor of Salford the Right Worshipful Cllr Barry Warner. The £1.2

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Council 'no' to Shakers cash

BURY Council have dramatically ruled out giving cash to help save Bury Football Club. Shakers chairman Terry Robinson had been in talks with council representatives and was hopeful that some sort of emergency aid deal could be sorted out. But council

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Health bosses flooded with calls after organ scandal

HOSPITAL bosses have been inundated with calls from worried relatives from Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley in the wake of the national organ scandal. Wigan and Leigh hospitals set up a helpline just nine days ago to cope with the amount of expected inquires

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Conservation area home plan passed, in spite of

protests TRIPLE glazed windows might be needed in a new home planned for secluded Hall House Lane in a Leigh conservation area. Planners have agreed to a request from P Baines to build a four bedroom home and detached garage on land near a factory and

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Traders to fight on for cash support

LEIGH'S unhappy outdoor market traders are to campaign on for compensation despite being told they will not get it. Their spokesman, battling Maureen Maloney, says if the inside traders and the kiosks can have damages they don't see why they can't. The

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Councillors' surgeries

FRIDAY, February 9: Leigh Town Hall (7-8) K Cunliffe; Tyldesley Town Hall (6.30-8) S Hellier; St John's School, Mosley Common (6.15-6.45) B Wilson; Astley St Stephen's School (7.15-8) B Wilson, C Rigby; Council offices, Abram library, Vicarage Road (6.30

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Community centre plan to go ahead

CONTROVERSIAL community centre plans are going ahead with the backing of Leigh's Police chief. But the scheme hasn't gone down well with everyone in the Plank Lane area. This week Plank Lane Action Now Club's (PLANC) application to convert two homes in

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Parents are told not to panic after meningitis hits pupil

PARENTS have been warned not to panic following a case of meningitis at a Leigh High school. A year eight pupil at Bedford who was taken ill with the brain disease last week is said to be much better in Wigan Infirmary. On Monday headmaster Mr Stephen

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'Drug shop' men jailed

TWO men who ran a "successful and profitable drugs shop" from a house in Tyldesley selling thousands of pounds worth of heroin and crack cocaine have been jailed for a total of 11 years. Derek Boardman and Christopher Morris, both of Elliott Street, sold

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'Fear attack' on bus driver

A BUS driver told how he shook with fear after a knifeman jumped on his vehicle and demanded cash. Stephen Lonsdale Bayes told Burnley Crown Court he tried to kick the man, who was wearing a scarf around his face, off the bus and he turned and fled empty-handed

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New police station plan for Atherton

ATHERTON is to get a new police station and Tyldesley's will soon close temporarily. For years there has been public demand for better police facilities in Atherton where a 'low cred' building in Bag Lane has served since the town's Water Street station

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Lifter Mike's a golden wonder!

WORLD champion weightlifter Mike Pyke (right) struck gold again on Saturday when the nation's top disabled athletes converged on Leigh. Wheelchair wonder Mike, 34, a Leigh lad who now lives in Hindsford, topped the British Weightlifting Association's

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I'll carry on working, vows Bickershaw lottery winner Catherine

A BICKERSHAW woman has vosed to carry on working after her numbers came up on the National Lottery. Catherine Davies, 45, scooped £90,866 on Saturday's lottery draw. But she says she won't be handing in her notice. And this week she was back behind the

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Hit and run victim Thomas is haunted by nightmares

A NINE-year-old Leigh boy mown down by a hit-and-run driver is back home but is still struggling to even move around the house and suffers nightmares. Thomas Wilson, of Bond Street, was knocked down on Chapel Street near Leigh town centre last Tuesday

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Smash and grab yobs target OAPS- elderly domino players call it a day after terrifying attack

A CRUEL smash and grab handbag snatch has forced frightened elderly domino players to shut up shop after 60 years. Yobs attacked the Atherton club, throwing bricks through windows as 40 men and women, many in their 70s and 80s, sat inside. Then one, wearing

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We solve the riddle of the missing tramp

THE Journal has solved the mystery of missing tramp Brian Jeffries Contrary to rumours, the vagrant, who had made Atherton his base until he collapsed 20 days ago on the pavement not far from his town centre bus stop-cum-toilet block home, is alive and

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Husband butted his wife after rowing

A MAN butted his wife in the face after a prolonged row over her inviting an ex-boyfriend round to their house. Blackburn magistrates heard that Sharon Lynch suffered a cut lip and bruising as a result of the attack which was witnessed by her daughter

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Appeal to let in India earthquake victims

A COUNCILLOR has called for flexibility in the immigration laws for people who want to escape the devastation of the Indian earthquake. But today a senior source for the Home Office told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph that would not happen. Coun Salim

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Kent signed by Lowerhouse

LOWERHOUSE have signed Natal all-rounder Jon Kent as the new professional at Liverpool Road. The 21-year-old, who replaces fellow South African Martin Van Jaarsveld, currently tops the first-class batting and bowling averages in his country's Supersport

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Rams glad of a game

RAMSBOTTOM United travel to Glossop in NWCL Division One hoping to play their first game for ten days. Ken Bridge's side, like many teams in the area, haven't been able to put a run of league games together and were left frustrated again last Saturday

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Bury's tough test

Bury face a daunting trip to promotion candidates Walsall, t unbeaten at home this season. The Shakers, though they beat the Saddlers comfortably at Gigg Lane in September,have lost their last eight away games. But victory over Peterborough last week

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Ricketts back leading the line

HIGH-flying Bolton Wanderers are looking to do the double over struggling Huddersfield Town at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow. Back in September, Sam Allardyce's men ran out winners in a five-goal thriller at the Alfred McAlpine Stadium. Since then, the

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Bury heading for Bermuda Triangle

HOW long are things going to be allowed to continue like this at Gigg Lane? We are like a ship adrift without a rudder or a captain. The "rudder" would be the stability provided by the cash investment of a prospective new owner and the "captain" would

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Enforce bear-baiting laws

UNDER the cruel sun, an even more cruel spectacle is taking place. Chained to a post, a terrified brown bear is teased relentlessly by the excited crowd and stones are thrown. But this is just the beginning. Suddenly a pack of snarling, snapping dogs

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The weather caught us out

I WOULD like to reply to the article (Jan 5) and subsequent letters concerning the fair at Radcliffe. Firstly, I must apologise for the damage caused on our fair leaving the site at Redbank playing fields. Obviously, as with all the sites we visit, we

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A lesson for all politicians

THE recent departure of former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson may have led to jubilation in some quarters, but this is likely to be short-lived. The career of the so-called "Sultan of Spin" has been a very colourful one. It is a great pity

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We must work in partnership

TESCO'S planning application has once again focused attention on the future of Prestwich Village and the store's impact on the local community. Recently, I walked the site of the proposed developments with the principal officer from Bury Council's planning

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I'm thrilled for Popstar Kym

THE Sunday lunchtime drinkers of Golborne were the first to hear the singing talents of Pop Star sensation Kym Marsh. The wannabe youngster who dedicated her life to trying to reach the top has finally done it, in front of a bigger audience than she ever

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Fall boy's finger cut off

A SCHOOLBOY'S finger was severed as he jumped over metal railings to retrieve a football. Craig Pendlebury (15) was yesterday (Thurs Feb 8) undergoing micro surgery in a bid to have the finger sewn back on. It was ripped off when he had attempted to recover

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Events in East Lancashire on Saturday, February 10

"The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark," Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley, 1.30pm. Spring Vale Rambling Class Winter Ramble. Meet Bold Venture Park Gates, Darwen, 11am. Dance Night Out with Stan and Olwyn, King George's Hall, Blackburn, 7.30pm

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Walkers can go with the flow

Drive and Stroll, with Ron Freethy OVER the last few years walking in the countryside has been much better organised. Nowhere has this been more obvious than in the development of long-distance footpaths. In our area the Ribble Way and, of course, the

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Keep cars off pavements

IT'S great news that more resources are going to be directed at preventing illegal parking (LET, January 18). Please can we see more fines for motorists who persistently use footpaths as car parks? Why should someone pushing a pram have to risk the life

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Quake cash is main need

THOSE of us that have watched the story of the Indian earthquake unfold cannot begin to guess at the horrors being experienced by people across the world. Please give a little to help at this terrible time to help people rebuild their lives. I would like

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Apology is cold comfort

REGARDING Blackburn Transport timetables -- which said that the Outer Circle bus arrives at Revidge Road, Blackburn, at eight minutes past the hour -- after complaining about waiting for more than 50 minutes in cold weather, a very apologetic inspector

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Parking peril for market

REGARDING the proposed charges for parking in Darwen town centre (LET, February 7), 'commuters' who are taking up spaces in the car parks are mostly council employees who have taken up jobs in the newly-refurbished town hall and those who have moved from

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Huddersfield

ROVERS: The home game against Huddersfield Town on Easter Monday, April 16, has been switched from 3pm to noon for Sky television coverage.

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'Johnno' has his ups and down

IT took David Johnson six years and three clubs to play in the Premiership -- only to drop back down to the First Division within months. The 24-year-old striker was snapped up by Nottingham Forest boss David Platt a month ago for £3m from Premiership

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Computer goal scorers at Turf Moor

A NEW £250,000 state-of-the-art computer centre has been officially opened at Burnley Football Club. A partnership between Burnley College and Burnley FC, the new information technology suite was funded by a grant from the Department of Education and

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Dale on title hunt

ROSSENDALE: Jim McCluskie's side are at home to Mossley in NWCL Division One. They will be looking for their fifth consecutive win to help bolster their title chances. United currently lie seventh in the table but with their games in hand they could easily

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McCluskey doubt

PADIHAM: The Storks could do neighbours Nelson a favour by beating title challengers Blackpool at the Arbories in NWCL Division Two. Anthony McCluskey is suffering from knee ligament problems but could play and John Harrison could return to the team after

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Gilbert's debut

COLNE: John Lister's strugglers travel to Stone Dominoes, whose NWCL Division Two title charge has faltered over the last couple of months. Lister has signed 34-year-old former Nelson midfielder Keith Gilbert and 37-year-old centre half Terry Fothergill

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Lee a doubt

NELSON: Top-of-the-league Nelson are at home to promotion-challengers Warrington. John Bailey was delighted to see his side leapfrog Blackpool to the top of the NWCL Division Two midweek, but is still looking to strengthen the side. "I will be looking

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Freeze going on

FORECASTERS predicted fresh snow falls across East Lancashire with temperatures remaining below freezing. Many roads were still blocked and police were urging motorists to leave their cars at home.

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Dog attack terror

A PENSIONER watched in horror as a dog burst into her home and savaged her pet spaniel. Mrs Jean Howson-Smith, 73, of Fielding Street, Rishton, suffered a broken thumb as she tried to protect her pet, Elsa, from the bull terrier-type dog.

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Journal readers praised after shoe box appeal

JOURNAL readers have been thanked for their "fantastic response" to the Christmas Shoe box Appeal. A mammoth 24,153 present-filled boxes for children in troubled countries were donated by generous Journal readers for this year's appeal. More than 63,000

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Keiley's sights on star award

A PARTIALLY sighted teenager is due to be rewarded for her dogged determination in overcoming her disability during a celebrity-studded ceremony in a London hotel tomorrow. Former Prime Minister John Major will present Keiley Radcliffe, 14, of Spring

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Three-year-old Jared Eckersley is hyperactive, can barely speak and has severe learning difficulties

A LOWTON mum has spoken of her young son's battle with a genetic disorder -- which even many doctors know little about. Shirley Eckersley's three-year-old son Jared was born with Fragile X -- the most common inherited cause of learning disability. Until

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A YOUNG father who chased a gang of children he claimed were constantly plaguing his family has walk

Sean Prescott had been accused of causing grievous bodily harm to a 12-year-old girl, by kicking her and breaking her collar bone and knocking her unconscious. He had also been facing six charges of common assault against other boys and girls in the gang

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Simon's on Cloud Nine after runway honour

AN ASTLEY man was the first pilot to fly an airplane out of Manchester Airport's new multi-million pound runway. Simon Hurt, aged 32, who was brought up in Astley, was chosen because of his local roots to fly the Emirates airbus A330-200 plane from Manchester

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MP backs widow's battle

AN MP has taken up the case of a devastated Lowton woman whose husband was killed by a death driver who escaped jail and was given a "derisory" £220 fine. MP Ian McCartney has complained to the police complaints authority and the Crown Prosecution Service

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Ex-businessman doug findlay tells of his shock after diagnosis - How I won my battle against throat

A RETIRED Astley businessman has beaten off throat cancer -- with a fighting spirit and great sense of humour. Now with the future looking good, Doug Findlay is urging people who have any fears or early symptoms of the disease, such as a persistent hoarse

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Chemists on Duty

Thursday, February 15 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Peels, 4 Railway Road. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 6.30pm: Donald Wood Ltd, 53 Fishmoor Drive; Healthbook Ltd, Audley Shopping Centre, Audley

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Chemists on Duty

Tuesday, February 13 BLACKBURN: To 9pm: Peels, 4 & 6 Railway Road; Cohen, 63 Whalley Range. To 8pm: Johnston Pharmacy, 50-52 Johnston Street. To 7.30pm: Aston Pharmacy, 95 Accrington Road. To 7pm: The Pharmacy, Oakenhurst Road; Geloo Bros, Cleaver

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Country station in baby drama could be closed

NEW mum Lindsay Miller today spoke of her dismay after learning that the rural police station where she gave birth could close. Lindsay, 23, of Edisford Road, Clitheroe, had to rely on Det Sgt Pam Holgate to deliver her baby when her husband's van broke

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Sale of hospital site homes 'doing well'

HUNDREDS of families have expressed an interest in a luxury housing development next to a secure hospital, according to a company. Six houses have already been sold on the huge building development next to Calderstones in Whalley. A spokeswoman for builders

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Yobs sink lower than ever before

THIEVING yobs targeted a most vulnerable sector of our -- and unfortunately their -- community when they terrorised a whist and domino meeting. A harmless group of law abiding elderly locals in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s were the subject of their

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Why the Swedes are now in driving seat of Euro union

THE Swedes are taking over. Not only Sven Goran Eriksson of the England team, but Sweden is now in the driving seat of the European Union for the next six months as it takes on the Presidency of the Council. So we had Goran Persson, the Prime Minister

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Cream of the crop

A FORMER farmer hopes to become cream of the crop after a top appointment. Ray Wilcock, who lives in Ramsbottom, has become UK sales manager for one of the country's top agricultural and healthcare companies. He has joined Preston-based Marabo Ltd after

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What a chiller for the Scottish

HELPING to keep a cool head! That's a Bury company which is making sure that Timothy Taylor cask ales transported to Scotland arrive in prime condition. It's thanks to a new cooling system installed in one of their national delivery lorries by Zanotti

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Record high

BOLTON and Bury Chamber is celebrating an enviable record. The business support agency has welcomed its 1,200th new member which is a record high never surpassed in 114 years of Chamber history in Bury and Bolton. Susan Dobbins, director of JSD Export

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New council to spearhead all over-16 education

A NEW group which will spearhead the planning and funding of all post-16 education throughout Greater Manchester from April has been launched. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Greater Manchester, is one of 47 such organisations established throughout

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City name price for Aloisi

BURNLEY are weighing up a big-money bid for John Aloisi after being quoted an asking price for the Coventry City striker. The Sky Blues are evidently willing to sell the 25-year-old front man for the right figure. And the Clarets must now decide whether

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I'll play wherever the boss tells me

UTILITY man Graham Branch is ready to knuckle down in the left-back slot to help Burnley get their First Division campaign firing on all cylinders again. Despite being a naturally attacking player the versatile Branch has filled in successfully on the

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Coventry name price for Aloisi

BURNLEY are weighing up a big-money bid for John Aloisi after being quoted an asking price for the Coventry City striker. The Sky Blues are evidently willing to sell the 25-year-old front man for the right figure. And the Clarets must now decide whether

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Fellowship meeting MONDAY night fellowship meetings start at 7.45pm in Atherton Baptist Church. On F

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New soccer strip appeal

HIGHER Fold All Stars soccer side need help to get a new strip. The team has just finished seventh in the Wigan six-a-side league and need £250 to buy replacement kit. Already they have raised some funds, but need sponsors. Contact Paul Mee on 0776 994

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Pages' new name

THE YELLOW pages directory is to be renamed Bolton & Wigan. Since the existing Bolton Yellow Pages directory was first published, the local area has changed considerably. Independent research amongst local businesses and users showed a preference

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Probus club meetings

MORTS Astley Heritage Group's six year battle to turn the former Astley Hospital administration block in to a community centre was highlighted at Atherton Probus Club's last meeting. Group cornerstones Christine Jones and Elaine Hurst explained the community

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Shop leader in unity plea

SHOPKEEPERS' leader Gordon Jackson is urging fellow traders to band together. The Leigh Business Partnership chairman, who hopes to be installed for his sixth year of office on Wednesday, February 21 at the LBP annual meeting (7pm start) in the Derby

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Pupil Daniel's Diana award

MODEL pupil Daniel Wood has danced away with the Princess Diana Memorial Award for services to the community. Daniel, 16, a Year 11 student at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, was nominated by his school because of his outstanding talents and

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The past on camera

GRAPHIC images of life at the turn of the century are an important part of local social history captured gloriously through the lens of pioneer photographer The Rev William Wickham. The Wigan clergyman's legacy will be highlighted by archivist and accomplished

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Euro MP's Serbia visit

LEIGH Euro MP Terry Wynn has visited Serbia to assess the war-torn country's needs. Mr Wynn, chairman of the budgets committee, was part of a small delegation on a fact finding mission on how help can be given to return the country to the safe holiday

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Top waiter search

WAITERS could be served up with a treat in a new competition to find Britain's best waiter. Judges are not just searching for someone who can carry plates, they are looking for someone with enthusiasm and charisma, who deserves the opportunity of a lifetime

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Petrol station plan stalls

A SCHEME to build two dozen homes on a petrol station site has been put on hold while planners get to the root of a drainage problem. Harlor Homes' plans to build on the former New Island service station alongside the East Lancashire Road at Lowton has

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Mum's plea to thieves who stole baby videos

A DEVASTATED mum is desperate to get back precious videos of her baby daughter's birth and her later recovery from a terrible childhood illness. Nurse Dawn Ward, of Rectory Avenue, Lowton, said the tapes meant "everything" to her and begged the thieves

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Company moves into the big league

A COMPANY coupling has led to a change of name for a Lowton firm -- and put them in the big league. From April, VBG Ltd will trade as Fontaine VBG, following the purchase of the previously Sweden-owned company by the Marmon Group, which owns Fontaine

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Ex-mayor Jimmy's 'late' gift surprise

A FORMER Leigh mayor, who retired from public life after almost 30 years' service, has been given a belated surprise by ward colleagues. Ward friends of Alderman and ex-councillor Jimmy Jones invited him to a bit of a do at the Boundary and surprised

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Local firm helps minesweeper to return home

A HUGE model minesweeper is today back home thanks to a generous Atherton haulage company and the Journal's sister paper The Bolton Evening News. The 29ft by 12ft wooden minesweeper -- complete with mock guns and a funnel -- was a present from the Cromer

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Primary school's glowing Ofsted report

LOWTON Junior and Infants' School has received a good report from government inspectors. Headteacher Sue Wilkinson, staff and governors are delighted with their November Ofsted indspection statement which described them as an effective school in which

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Hunt is on for student paramedic candidates

GREATER Manchester Ambulance Service have launched a campaign to recruit 100 student paramedics. Candidates must be over 18 and have held a clean driving licence for at least one year. They must be fit and healthy and have five GCSEs A to C grades (or

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Cartoonist collects local folk's pet hates

A CARTOONIST has been convinced that Leigh folk enjoy a good rant -- after people contacted him with dozens of their favourite moans and whinges. Drawing duo Grennan and Sperandio appealed to Leigh people to tell them what their pet hates were so they

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Darwen rapist loses jail appeal

A MAN who raped a terrified mum as her children slept soundly next door has failed in his bid to cut his eight-year jail term. John Devitt, 27, of Ivinson Road, Darwen, kicked his victim twice in the chest and told her she was "going to be taught a lesson

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Memorial theme of artists at Leigh Gallery

TWO artists will be looking at the art of remembrance in a new exhibition opening at a Leigh Gallery. Although artists Nick Crowe and Kenny Hunter are inspired by radically different sources -- one by the internet, the other by old public statues -- they

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Man denies attacking his cousin

A LEIGH man has appeared in court accused of suddenly attacking his cousin by dragging him over a fence and ramming his head on concrete paving stones. Gareth Williams, 29, of Coronation Drive, Higher Fold, denied causing actual bodily harm to his cousin

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Everyone for tennis thanks to Atherton youngsters

AN Atherton school has served up an ace for tennis fans. Pupils at Hesketh Fletcher High have contributed cash towards a facelift for the park courts they play on in summer. Now the town's budding Agassis and Williams can now practise their skills at

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School bridges the gap

A NEW £660,000 classroom being built at St James CE primary school, Haslingden, will help bridge the gap for nursery school children. It will allow three and four year olds moving from nursery to reception classes to mix with older pupils for play and

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Pop girls in tune with super Net game!

THE 20Clicks game launched by the Leigh Journal last week has had one musical trio dancing with delight. Katy Malloy, Katie White and Emma Lally, who make up local pop sensation TKO, used triple brain power to chalk up a near-perfect score. The group,

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Dad's tribute to friend who tried to save his son

FRIENDS linked hands and blocked the road in Atherton town centre before a funeral wake for 25-year-old pub manager Sean Gregson Hendry who was found hanged last week. After the funeral, as 200 mourners packed in to The Venue nightclub in Market Street

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Meeting called to discuss future of 'eyesore' mill site

THE future of a towering eyesore, increasingly criticised as creating a bad impression beside a gateway into Atherton, comes under fire next week. Five storey Victoria Mill, which soars above Bolton Old Road, has featured in the pages of the Journal several

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Staff praised at improved school

STAFF have been praised at the highest level after turning around an underachieving school in less than two years. The chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson was impressed by the way dedicated teachers improved standards at St Nathaniel's Primary School

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Drinkers flee from bowling club blaze

DRINKERS were evacuated from a busy social club after fire broke out in the steward's flat above. More than 150 members had to flee after fire broke out at Leigh Bowling Club but fortunately none were injured. Within 48 hours it was business as usual

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Step out and help this cancer charity

TWO Atherton women who have fought breast cancer are urging families to celebrate Mothers' Day this year by stepping out for a special walk. Pensioner Alex Farrimond and Linda Buckley have joined Groundforce presenter, Charlie Dimmock, in appealing to

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On your beat with Sgt Mark Bradley

THERE have been a number of crimes since January which we classify as bogus official burglaries. These are where the offender calls at an address and suggests he/she is from a legitimate organisation in order to gain entry to the house. Very often the

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School's top class ofsted report

LEIGH St Mary's RC High School, Astley, has received national acclaim in Parliament for its high quality education for the second time in four years. And the whole school is delighted that its second excellent Ofsted report has once again been highlighted

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Second curtain call for true Leyther Ronnie and his legendary Beat Boys

ROCK 'N' ROLL fans will have one more chance to see the legendary Beat Boys. Leigh's best-known rockers, who bridged the generation gap and reunited last autumn for what was to have been a grand finale concert, will be taking one more curtain call. Leader

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MPs pay rise an inflation bustser

EAST Lancashire's MPs have been awarded inflation-busting pay rises of three per cent. All MPs and government ministers will receive the increases in line with the senior salaries review body recommendation for top civil servants. Blackburn MP and Home

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Community centre turns into base for collections

A COMMUNITY centre will be used as the base for an appeal for victims of the Indian earthquake. The Bank Top Community Association is using the Bank Top Community Centre, on Oakenhurst Road wants blankets, clothes and any other "non-perishable items"

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Public's chance to name hospital

HOSPITAL bosses today threw a challenge to the public -- find us a name for our new building. Designs for the new Blackburn hospital are beginning to take shape and bosses are now seeking ideas for naming the building. Simon Neville, of Blackburn, Hyndburn

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Cathedral to reveal art secret

CATHEDRAL officials are preparing to unveil a £100,000 "breathing" piece of art just days after other sculptures were revealed to people in Blackburn. The circular sculpture, eight metres in diameter, is being kept under tight wraps until Monday, when

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Partnerships pay off for college

A YEAR of success, both inside and outside the lecture room, was celebrated at Blackburn College's awards night. Forging strong partnerships and building on the foundations of strong educational success helped the college build its reputation, the audience

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Nelson lose pro

TRANSCO Lancashire League title hopefuls Nelson have been rocked by the news that Chris Harris won't be coming to Seedhill as professional this summer. The New Zealand all-rounder and his wife are expecting their first child so family commitments and

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Not Formby again!

BACUP: Bacup manager Brent Peters is hoping to overcome his 'bogey' side, Formby, in NWCL Division Two. Bacup have never won at Formby since Peters became manager. Goalkeeper Adam Potts could make his comeback from injury. "When I told the Adam who we

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Showdown talks at the Showground

THERE is renewed optimism at Great Harwood Town following showdown talks earlier this week. Manager Denis Underwood and his assistant Andy Clarkson held a clear-the-air meeting with the players on Monday as the Showground club plots its escape from the

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Patterson fancies a management role

MARK Patterson is looking for a move into management after his release from Accrington Stanley. The 35-year-old former Bolton and Bury midfielder was this week told he was surplus to requirements at the Crown Ground. But the experienced midfielder has

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Preston win will lesses Bent blow

DAVID Moyes' frustrations at being refused a work permit for Canadian international Jason Bent should be tempered provided his side add three points to their tally against struggling QPR at Deepdale tomorrow. Preston heard earlier this week that utility

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Barry takes Hart with Vase

CLITHEROE skipper Barry Hart is hoping for a change to his FA Vase luck. The 22-year-old has suffered a couple of mishaps in the competition in his short North West Counties career and reckons tomorrow is as good a time as any for his fortune to shift

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What is happening?

AFTER reading that there could be good news for employees at the threatened East Lancs Paper Mill in Radcliffe another blow has been delivered to the local paper trade. On Monday all the workers at Robert Fletcher's Stoneclough works were told that production

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Brewers have a responsibility

I SEE that the brewers are appalled at the drink-driving figures last Christmas and are asking for penalties to be increased. Every driver knows he should not drink and drive and the brewers, who are driven by profit, must be responsible for their product

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Buy the club then you can run it

JUST like "25 Years Loyal" (Your Letters, Feb 2) I too am a local supporter with 63 years' service to Bury Football Club. I buy tickets for everything connected to my club and I also identify myself when I write to the press. If "25 Years Loyal" has a

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Race Relations Act: why no answers?

I NOTICED that neither Paul Bailey nor the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester has deigned to respond to my letter (Jan 12) in which I asked three questions about the Greater Manchester Black and Asian Police Association. They were not frivolous questions

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We won't suffer to see Tesco succeed

MANY local people will have visited the exhibition held at the Longfield Centre, Prestwich, recently, "promoted" by Tesco in support of their proposals to expand retailing on the former hospital site. On the basis of the comments made by Tesco's representatives