Archive
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Events in East Lancs, Thursday Feb 21
Fabulous Circus Party -- the Sandow Clowns All Laughter Show, Library Theatre, Darwen, 11.30am and 2pm. Children's tours of Hoghton Tower, 11.30am and 2pm. Booking necessary. Blackburn Chamber of Trade Quiz Night, Bulls Head, Wilpshire, 8.30pm. Proceeds
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Heed police warning over 2am licences
IF it was just a case of giving the same treatment to all, the plea by six of Blackburn's town-centre bars to be allowed to open until 2am like two others which already do would not not cause Blackburn with Darwen Council's licensing committee much concern
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Dip in and explore our ponds
Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy THOSE who enjoy pond dipping can often find more in the winter than in the summer. This is because many aquatic insects spend most of their life in water and only emerge in order to breed. Stoneflies, mayflies and dragonflies
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Boro away joy
RADCLIFFE Boro enjoyed a trip over the Pennines last night with a storming 2-1 away win at Stocksbridge Park Steels. The three points at the top four Yorkshire side will be a major boost in easing Boro's relegation concerns. Early goals from Simon Kelly
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I just can't stomach it
IT was interesting to see the model of the new sculpture to be put on the end of Blackburn Cathedral at a wasteful cost of £100,000, paid for by Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration funding. Public art has always been interesting or amusing, but
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There's no time to lose
THE increase in speed cameras can't come too quickly for me. The first one should be at Belmont where many mornings cars pass me as they attempt to get from Bolton to Preston in ten minutes even though children are about catching school buses. I would
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Lesson from America
I HAVE just been on holiday in New York and during my trip I took a bus tour of the city as most tourists do. The bus went to The Battery, Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, and, of course, China Town. While we were shopping in China Town, I wondered
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No place for phone mast
I AGREE with Dennis Cannon (Letters, January 20), mobile phone masts -- it might take 25 years for the effects of microwaves from them to be seen in human beings. Residents of the Moss Street area in Blackburn have organised a petition against the erection
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Elderly must have a choice
REGARDING the comments of Blackburn with Darwen Council executive member for social services, Councillor Sue Reid, about giving care to the elderly in their own homes (LET, February 15), while I welcome this initiative in principle, can we be assured
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Footie food disappointing
REGARDING your article "Rovers hit back at prices survey" (LET, February 2), I must point out the difference between value and cost. While I wholeheartedly agree that the report in question was inaccurate in respect of cost, there is the wider issue as
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Leigh ticket rush hots up
LEIGH Centurions won't be short of vocal backing when they take on Super League big spenders Warrington Wolves in next Sunday's Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie at Wilderspool. By yesterday Leigh fans had snapped up almost 2,500 of their 3,800 allocation of
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Revenge against Watford
WATFORD 0 ROVERS1(Bent 72) ROVERS boss Graeme Souness exacted his revenge last night as fate turned full circle on an evening of high drama at Vicarage Road. Back in September a flabbergasted Souness felt his team had been mugged by the match officials
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My suggestion for Windle Island
I WOULD like through your columns to make a suggestion to St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council. While they are considering having a McDonalds Drive-thru on the left of St Helens Crematorium, how about having a Wacky Warehouse or a Dunkin Donuts on the
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A big thanks to Kath
AS a parent of a child attending the Hurst school, I would like to thank Mrs Kath Sharples for her tireless campaign against the proposal to build the new school adjacent to the Scott Clinic. I would go so far as to say that without the the work that
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Morning after pill... pharmacist replies
AS a pharmacist I feel duty bound to respond to the letter concerning Emergency Hormonal Contraception (the 'morning after pill') from a 'concerned parent' (Dear Star, February 8). I do not wish to argue about moral and ethical issues, but I feel I must
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Gillian's hills give her a head start
FIGHTING FIT: Teacher Gillian Garner, above, and with members of the Gateway Club, above right TEACHER Gillian Garner hopes her training in the hills of East Lancashire will put her a class ahead of some of her colleagues when she takes part in a 410
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Deprived get helping hand from the union
RESIDENTS living in the most deprived areas of Nelson are to be given a helping hand by the town's popular credit union. Substantial development of Nelson Community Credit Union will involve the appointment of a full time manager and back-up administrative
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McDonald and Higham drafetd in
CHALLENGE Cup favourites Saints take another step on the road that hopefully will lead to Twickenham when they make the long trek to Whitehaven for their fifth round tie on Sunday (kick-off 3pm). But they have to tackle the Cumbrians without the services
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Missed chances costly for UG
Mayfield A 38 UGB 14 THE final scoreline flattered Mayfield as UG missed several try-scoring opportunities. Stand-off A. Hussey and prop I. Penketh scored the UG tries, with full-back Ball adding three goals. The Birkett Motors man-of-the-match for UG
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Great win for Vine
St Helens Vine 22 Ashton 8 VINE registered a tremendous victory despite having to play out the final 15 minutes with just eight players. Two-try Carl Thompson took the man-of-the-match award, while Mark Pickering was also in top form, grabbing the homesters
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Derby stroll for Haydock
Pilkington Recs 10 Haydock 50 RECS, who are low on luck and form, needed some good fortune to have a chance in this contest, but a well-drilled visiting side were in no mood to give them any crumbs of comfort. Basic early errors and a lack of confidence
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Chemists on weekend duty
THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, February 25, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Lloyds Pharmacy, 473 Warrington Road, Rainhill; Taylors Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am to 8pm); Lloyds
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Gerbils' surprise for foster mother
HOUSE sales negotiator Carole England went beyond the call of duty by becoming a foster-granny to two litters of gerbils belonging to her customers. Carole, who works for Lovell Homes in Colne, lent a helping hand when Tina and Richard Pearson moved house
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Remember the man at Wurlitzer?
DOES anyone recall the name of the St Helens cinema organist who went on to Blackpool Tower Ballroom fame? The question leaps from a note sent by Stan Roberts of Wharmby Road, Haydock, who recollects being "musically startled" during a pre-war visit to
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Mystery of Old Meadow Pit
A GAGGLE of retired miners button-holed me, flourishing a published list of closed pits under the heading of 'Death of the Lancashire Coalfields'. They jabbed a finger at the name of Old Meadow Pit, Haydock, listed as having been closed in 1959 with the
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Death of our proud twang
BLAME it on the telly -- and, to a lesser degree, the radio. They stand in the dock, jointly accused of having destroyed our glorious Lanky Twang heritage. The damage, of course, was done decades ago when we were influenced into abandoning our noble Northern
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Stepping out to golden milestone
KEEPING alive a worthy tradition, the St Helens Folk Dance Club has heeled and toed itself to a golden milestone. And this rather unsung organisation is to mark its 50th anniversary with a special celebration dance on Saturday, March 24. Venue is St James
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TEN YEARS AGO
POLICE were appealing for help from the public after villagers in Withnell Fold were left stunned by the theft of their war memorial. Thieves removed the stone memorial from the Rememberance Gardens leaving behind a wreath from villagers.
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FIVE YEARS AGO
LANCASHIRE Detective Chief Superintendent Bill Hacking attacked the courts and government policy for the rise in crime. He said the fear of prison had been removed because many professional criminals were just released back into the community.
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Walker finds woman dead in car
THE body of a woman driver was discovered lying at the bottom of a ravine by a walker. Stephen Hill, of Heysham Road, Heysham, was out walking in the Trough of Bowland yesterday afternoon at the Langden Intake near Dunsop Bridge when he saw a car lying
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Collins shell-shocked after rare defeat
JOHN Collins looked slightly shell-shocked after his table topping side slipped to only their fourth defeat of the season. Burnley join Preston, Birmingham and Stockport as the quartet of Division One teams to get one over on the Premiership-bound Cottagers
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LR in control
ATHERTON LR turned in a top drawer performance to win 2-0 at home to one of the Division Two title chasers Stone Dynamoes. Colin Lomas paved the way with a first half goal and substitute Barry Massay set up Gavin Salmon midway through the second half
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Joint managers
ATHERTON Colls have appointed Dennis Haslam and Tommy Foster as new joint first team managers at the club. There was little the new managerial duo could do last night in their first game in charge at home to one of the top outfits in Division One Fleetwood
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Stolen Sierra torched by thieves
A FORD Sierra was destroyed by car thieves early on Sunday evening (Feb 18). The vehicle, which had earlier been reported stolen, was abandoned and torched in Cedar Street, Bury, at 6.30pm. Firefighters who responded to an emergency call-out were unable
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Teenager sustains minor injuries
A TEENAGER escaped serious injury when he was involved in a collision with a motorbike. Adam Lysack (15), of Lavender Street, Radcliffe, received only grazing to his knees in the accident, which happened on Saturday evening (Feb 17) in Harper Fold Road
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New mayor's new post!
sTHE next Mayor of Bury has been appointed as the council's representative on Bury College Further Education Corporation. Coun Paul Nesbit formally took up his place last Wednesday, along with student governors Paul Birds and David Chandler. The corporation
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Post office ram-raid
RA"AIDERS caused £3,000 worth of damage to a Radcliffe post office. They drove a Ford Escort through security shutters at Outwood Post Office in Ringley Road West at 3am on Sunday (Feb 18). A quantity of cigarettes were taken. The car, stolen earlier
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Three injured in two-car collision
THREE people suffered minor injuries during a two-car collision in Bury on Saturday (Feb 17). The accident happened at Crostons Road's junction with Tottington Road at 12 noon when a Nissan Micra, driven by Mrs Irene Farrar (59) of Bolton Road, Hawkshaw
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They're Al!ve and gigging!
MEMBERS of a teenage Bury band in search of a major record deal still reckon it has every chance of outlasting the "Popstars" sensations. The band Al!ve believes the TV-manufactured group which includes 19-year-old Bury girl Suzanne Shaw could struggle
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Joe demands ciggy rights
A HEAVY smoker who puffs his way through 300 cigarettes every week is making a plea to local hospitals to drop their smoking ban. Joe Whittle of Clock Face was so incensed at being unable to smoke in Whiston Hospital that he actually discharged himself
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Station back on track!
ST HELENS Central Station is in line for a major facelift under ambitious proposals by Merseytravel. Merseytravel is commissioning a £16 000 study to boost the railway station, which is used by more than 2 500 people every day, by improving its appearance
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Preece to the rescue
Colchester 1 Bury 1 by Steve Canavan PLAYER boss Andy Preece grabbed a point for rejuvenated Bury and stretched their unbeaten run to four matches after grabbing a late equaliser at Colchester. After going behind to a disputed penalty, Preece made himself
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Facing up to their victims
YOUNG offenders could be brought face-to-face with the victims of their crimes as part of a new 12-month 'fast track to justice' initiative launched by St Helens Council. The proposals, which put a greater emphasis on parents taking more responsibility
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National honour for 'listening' Liz
A ST HELENS woman has won national recognition for her work supporting children and young people in care in the area. Liz Dobson who runs the PSS Children's Rights Project in the town, has been appointed to the management committee of the Children's Rights
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Villagers oppose new homes site
A GROUP of neighbours fear the rural tranquility of their leafy country lane is being threatened by the prospect of an up-market housing development -- and they have vowed to oppose it! Builders Wainhomes have submitted a planning application to erect
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Pilot scheme protection from doorstep crooks
A PIONEERING scheme to protect pensioners from bogus callers is to be piloted in homes across Lancashire. Pensioners in 52 homes in Blackburn will be testing the new equipment designed to reduce the risk of targeting by the doorstep fraudsters. The first
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Pub food that's really hot stuff
CUSTOMERS are guaranteed more than just a warm reception at one country pub. For what started as a challenge between a few regulars at the Hare and Hounds, in Belmont Road, Abbey Village, has now become an institution. Over the past year, The Three Seas
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'It's important that lessons are learned'
EAST Lancashire MPs are pressing health bosses to answer questions about the death of a toddler from meningitis after errors by hospital staff. Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust admitted that 13-month-old Ethan Smith would probably have
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Pubs want extra drinking time
PUB managers in Blackburn town centre have called time on shorter opening hours and will tonight urge council bosses for a "level playing field" with their competitors. Six central Blackburn bars are bidding to stay open until 2am, after licensing bosses
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Nelson bid
SOCCER: Nelson could open a five point lead at the top of the NWCL Division Two if they beat second placed Blackpool Mechanics at Victoria Park tonight. But if John Bailey's men do slip to a loss, the Seasiders will jump over them into pole position.
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Padiham
fightback PADIHAM fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with strugglers Holker Old Boys in NWCL Division Two. Holker got two goals through pacey striker Carl Walters in the first half an hour to set up what they must have thought was a certain win
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Sorry
Bolton fail to deliver BOLTON Wanderers failed to deliver in front of their biggest crowd since their relegation from the Premier League, being held by lowly Grimsby at the Reebok last night. Goals from Gudni Bergsson and Bo Hansen spared Bolton's blushes
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Dale hammer
sorry Harwood ROSSENDALE 7 GREAT HARWOOD 1 ROSSENDALE were disappointed when the league ordered this game to be replayed after it was abandoned, with Dale 1-0 up, due to a power cut with 10 minutes to play earlier in the season. But the re-arranged game
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Darwen disappoint
DARWEN seemed to throw in the towel against Tetley Walker. Steve Wilkes's side were 3-0 down within the first 25 minutes. An early second half strike from Lee Webb wasn't enough to lift the side and they crashed to their fifth league defeat of the season
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Biker's bid for sponsor aid
A CHAMPION motor cycle road-racer is appealing for sponsors to help him bridge the gap between club level and national level this season. Haydock-based John Carroll has won a number of titles in recent seasons, including the Darley Moor 125cc Championship
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Rainhill Junior League round-up
RESULTS Sunday, February 18 Under 15s: Basildon 1 Bleak Hill Rovers 1, Blackleyhurst 0 Denton Athletic 8, Eccleston United 5 Lane Ends Athletic 5, Knowsley South 8 Seneley and Garswood 1, Oak Juniors 2 Whiston Juniors 2. Under 13s: Aventis JFC 2 Ravenhead
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Haydock hoping for 'home' win
STAFF at Haydock Park will be hoping for a 'home win' in the course's biggest jump race of the season on Saturday, February 24. For, among the fancied runners for the £100,000 De Vere Gold Cup, is Haydock's own horse, Streamstown, who has been made 4-
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Table-toppers share spoils
St Helens Combination THE clash of the St Helens Comboination's Premiership leaders lived up to all expectations with Shoe FC and Billinge eventually sharing the spoils in a terrific game at Parr Stocks. Shoe twice took the lead only for Billinge to draw
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What's On with Sue Gerrard
MARCH breezes with in some great entertainment ranging from music and mirth, to jazz and drama. There is still a chance to enjoy some traditional panto fun when 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' returns to the Theatre Royal from Thursday to Saturday,
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It's a new cat's cradle
ST HELENS Council's Planning Committee has granted permission for an extension at a cattery at Moss House, Reeds Brow, Rainford to provide an additional 18 boarding pens.
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Echo of distant guns
THE St Helens branch of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association are to tour the battlefields of France and Belgium on the weekend of May 4/7. Cost is £154 and anyone wishing to go should telephone Phil O'Connor on St Helens 601892.
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Did you see this accident?
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an accident at Junction 7 of the M62 (Rainhill Stoops) at about 12.20pm on Tuesday, February 13, involving a Maroon-coloured X-registration Ford Mondeo and a white Transit van. Anyone with information is asked to
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Good sports at schools
TWO local primary schools have earned recognition for their efforts to promote the benefits of physical activity. Sutton Manor Community Primary in Manor Road and Eccleston Lane Ends primary in Albany Road, Eccleston Park, have both been awarded Activemark
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Snapping the road dangers
A ROAD Safety Workshop, organised by Groundwork, will be held at St Cuthbert's RC High School, Berry's Lane, on Monday, February 26, from 11.25 am to 12.35 pm. The workshop aims to identify the routes on the Cement City Estate that pupils use to walk
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Honour for six of best
SIX local 'celebrities' whose names are carved indelibly in the town's success story are to be honoured for their efforts. Graham Ashworth (Ravenhead Renaissance), Kathleen Duffy (Providence Hospital), Geoff Duke (motor cycling), Alex Murphy (Rugby League
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Treble chance for scrabblers?
EIGHT members of the St Helens Scrabble Group will be bidding for a hat-trick when they take part in an Open Tournament organised by Preston Scrabble Club on Saturday, March 3. The Saints, as they are known, have taken part in the tournament for the last
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Trio go on the web
MOSS BANK Liberal Democrat councillors Carole Kavanagh, Richard Ferry and Eric Simpson are getting connected to the world wide web! The trio have launched a web site which they hope constituents will use to see what's going on in and around Moss Bank.
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Search for a loving home
ST HELENS Council is looking for more people to offer long-term care to youngsters between eight and 16. A council spokesperson said: "Most children in care over the age of eight will spend the rest of their childhood in a children's home. "They may never
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Blast over travellers
JOHN Beirne has challenged Home Secretary Jack Straw to come to St Helens to see for himself the damage caused by travellers. The Marshalls Cross Liberal Democrat Councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate for St Helens North accused the Government
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In the footsteps of The Beatles
LOCAL band Korova are following in the footsteps of The Beatles by wowing audiences at Liverpool's famous Cavern Club. And the four talented lads, who took their title from the bar in the film 'A Clockwork Orange', are celebrating after beating off competition
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Hot tip on DIY
BOC St Helens Gas and Gear Centre is launching a 'Vehicle Check' campaign to help improve road safety. "More enthusiasts than ever before maintain their own vehicles and motor cycles", says John Llorca, manager of the centre in Washway Lane, Haresfinch
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Thanks for all your help
ON behalf of neighbours, my disabled husband and myself, could I say thanks for all the help we received on Sunday February 11, when the tower block flats at Mill Hill, Blackburn, were demolished. I would also like to thank the staff at Ewood Park for
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Charge would boost trade
FOR the information of Roy Davies (Letters, February 15), the idea for "pay and display" on just three of the car parks in Darwen did not originate from "Councillor Smith and his merry band of councillors," but from town centre traders and local residents
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Nazi way not the solution
OVER the past few weeks, I have read many letters concerning illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, most complaining that we should send them back and that Britain is a "soft touch." But I think many of your correspondents do not realise that this is
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Pendle ordeal of 'lost' family
A MAN and three young children had to be led to safety by rescuers after a family walk on Pendle Hill turned into a nightmare. An RAF search helicopter was called in after mist and low cloud reduced visibility to five yards and left Anthony Almond and
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Bring on Bolton says Jansen
BLACKBURN striker Matt Jansen last night roared 'now bring on Bolton' after Rovers secured a vital 1-0 win against nine-man Watford at Vicarage Road. The England Under 21 international endured a night of personal frustration as Hornets keeper Espen Baardsen
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Rovers striker Bent in middle of red card fury
BLACKBURN striker Marcus Bent today insisted he's no cheat after last night's promotion battle between Rovers and Watford erupted into controversy. Hornets boss Graham Taylor and his players were incensed by referee Rob Styles's decision to send off defender
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Rovers
FORM GUIDE: FRIEDEL: Pulled off two stunning saves in the space of a minute which turned out to be crucial...8 CURTIS: Played a vital part in the goal with a perfect pass to pick out the clever run of Berkovic...7 BERG: Another commanding display from
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Quest for an old Saint
I AM trying to find out information relating to my great grandfather, Robert Doherty, who played for St Helens RLFC around 1895. I would be most grateful if any relatives, who know anything about him, would please contact me because I am researching our
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The tragedy of little Patch
I WRITE in response to the letter headed 'Patch didn't deserve to die' (Dear Star, February 8). In his letter, Patch's owner was disgusted how the driver of the vehicle that hit his dog and killed it didn't even bother to stop. But he admitted in his
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Well done to all the rest
I FELT compelled to write in response to the article in the February 8 issue regarding schools' performances in the annual Ofsted report. While recognising certain values of Ofsted reports, it does anger me when certain schools get credit time and time
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Girl in needle attack terror
AN ANGRY mother is alerting clubbers in the area to be on their guard following an horrific assault during a night out in St Helens when her daughter was injected by a mystery attacker with a hypodermic needle. The girl from Haydock, who does not wish
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Worker crushed by heavy factory machiney
A CONTRACTOR was crushed to death when machinery weighing between one and one and a half ton fell on to him as it was being moved at a Burnley factory site. An inquest was opened into the death of Robert McPhearson, 47, who died when he was working at
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Gillian's hills give her a head start
FIGHTING FIT: Teacher Gillian Garner, above, and with members of the Gateway Club, above right TEACHER Gillian Garner hopes her training in the hills of East Lancashire will put her a class ahead of some of her colleagues when she takes part in a 410
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Mums march to save play schemes
TWO hundred mums and kids marched to the town hall in a bid to halt the closure of after-school play schemes in their town. But they accused the Tory General Election candidate Rob Frost hopeful of heckling the Mayor Coun Rafique Malik as he received
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Pendle ordeal of 'lost' family
A MAN and three young children had to be led to safety by rescuers after a family walk on Pendle Hill turned into a nightmare. An RAF search helicopter was called in after mist and low cloud reduced visibility to five yards and left Anthony Almond and
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Bulldogs lose their bite
Dewsbury Moor u/18s 12 Blackbrook Bulldogs 8 A TIGHT pitch conspired to produce a defence-dominated game and Brook turned in their poorest performance of the season. Despite taking an 8-0 lead through two Darren Woods tries, the visitors fell away allowing
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Hounds' second-half slump
Parr Hare & Hounds 16 Halton Hornets 48 A SEOCND-half collapse saw Hounds swept aside by a strong-running Hornets side. The home men started well and looked the better team in the opening quarter, but their inability to build on scores and a tendency
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Finch show spirit in defeat
Adlington Rangers 26 Haresfinch 6 FINCH put up a spirited display against one of the promotion favourites in a penalty-punctuated game that was much closer than the scoreline suggests. Adlngton opened the scoring with a converted try and a penalty goal
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Miners dig in for victory
Bold Miners 24 Saddleworth A 12 BOLD were made to work hard to beat a Saddleworth side bolstered by the inclusion of half-a-dozen first team players. The visitors scored first when their left centre broke out of two tackles to touch down wide out, but
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Panthers claw their way back
Roose Pioneers 12 Portico Panthers 16 PORTICO had to dig deep to record this hard-earned success in Cumbria. Roose enjoyed most of the possession in the first half but solid defence kept them at bay and the only points of the half came close to the interval
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Crusaders clip high-flyers' wings
Woolston Rovers 10 Thatto Heath Crusaders 15 CRUSADERS won this League Express BARLA National Cup third round tie far more convincingly than the scoreline suggests after a terrific first-half performance that paved the way for glory against high-flying
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Sawmill horror victim speaks as bosses are fined
A MAN left crippled in an horrific works accident today spoke about his ordeal and warned: "This is what happens if you ignore safety at work." Jack Parsons, 45, almost died and revealed he had been left confined to a wheelchair following the accident
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Hot-shots of yesteryear recalled
THE flashback photo (January 25) featuring Earlestown soccer club in their early post-war halcyon years, kicked off a host of memories for old fans of the Vista Park outfit. Many have expressed delight at having those glorious non-League times revived
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Who was town's last clogger?
WAS Clare's clogshop the last in St Helens? Well, that's the overwhelming view of many local folk, responding to that particular theme, recently running through this page. Reader K. Bloomfield of Sherbourne Road, Blackpool, pops up with a few more possible
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Young duo in double trouble
A FEW hours after being cautioned for vandalising a phone box in Clitheroe two 11-year-old boys were caught pushing themselves around in a £1,500 stolen wheelchair. The specially-made chair had been reported stolen from a unit at Pendle Trading Estate
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Plot thickens as A Partridge is spotted
A REMOTE railway line in East Lancashire was the venue for a film scene with comedian Steve Coogan -- and the Alan Partridge actor was in a new guise. The location of the former station-master's house at Newsholme, near Gisburn, provided Blackburn director
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Boss fined over accident horror
A MAN left crippled in an horrific works accident today spoke about his ordeal and warned: "This is what happens if you ignore safety at work." Jack Parsons, 45, almost died and revealed he had been left confined to a wheelchair following the accident
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TAYLOR MADE GLORY
MATCH-WINNER Glen Little reckons Burnley's victory over table topping Fulham last night was largely thanks to new boy Gareth Taylor. The Clarets upset the odds by becoming only the fourth team to beat the Premiership-bound Cottagers in the league thanks
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Clarets Formbook
Michopoulos: Had hardly anything to do but was left exposed for the goal...7 Thomas: His pace was tested a couple of times by striker Barry Hayles but solid and provided cross from the right wing for the equaliser...7 Cox: Another excellent game at the
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A Little miracle
BURNLEY2 Moore 73, Little 88 FULHAM1 Hayles 49 WING wizard Glen Little weaved his magic and the curse of Turf Moor struck Fulham once more. The Cottagers have not won on a trip to Burnley in 50 years -- the last victory was 1951 -- they have had 24 visits
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Tough going for Striders
FOUR members of St Helens Striders took part in the Parbold Hill race at the weekend. In probably one of the toughest events in the running calendar, the course takes in tracks, fields and the infamous hill, with bog-like conditions. Dennis Wharton completed
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Ruskin back on track
Congleton 10 Ruskin Park 20 RUSKIN resumed winning ways with this hard-fought win at Congleton. The visitors started strongly and applied plenty of pressure but could not turn this into points, although they opened the scoring with a Fisher penalty after
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Teenager mugged
A 16-year-old boy was punched in the face and robbed during an attack in Bury Interchange. The teenager, accompanied by a 15-year-old friend, suffered a bloody nose before being forced to hand over cash and his mobile phone to two Asian males. A small
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Bury West area board meeting
RESIDENTS in the Bury West area are invited to discuss local issues great and small on Thursday (Feb 22). The new Bolton Road Sports Club is the setting for the next meeting of the Bury West area board. High on the agenda will be the question of whether
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£1.6m promise to create more nursery places
BURY will receive more than £1.6 million to create 1,071 new nursery places to give young children in disadvantaged areas the flying start they deserve. The cash for the borough is included in a total funding package for the North West of £60 million
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Colin's got spirit of adventure
LANDLUBBER Colin Betts will be sailing the ocean waves to help a worthy cause. For the intrepid 44-year-old from Billinge will join the BT Global Challenge round-the-world yacht as a member of the 18-strong crew of 'Team Spirit', when it weighs anchor
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Centre wins VIPs' approval
A COMMUNITY centre has won Government approval after playing host to a couple of VIP guests. Cabinet Office Minister, Lord Falconer, was joined by St Helens North MP Dave Watts on a tour of Newton Community Centre and hailed the efforts of volunteers
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Mum in Greek isle tattoo alert
AN angry mother is warning other parents to beware of letting their children have tattoos done while on holiday abroad. Wendy Sexton, from Lindale Drive, Clock Face, issued the alert after her seven-year-old son Lee suffered an extreme reaction to a tattoo
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£211m tonic for our hospitals
MONTHS of succesful lobbying have paid off with the news of a £211 million hospital investment boost for St Helens and Knowsley. And MP Dave Watts has described the announcement as the biggest boost in health care since the creation of the National Health
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Gill's half the size in 18 months
GILL Kenny is only the half woman she used to be -- and she couldn't be more delighted! For the 35-year-old mum has shed an incredible 9 stone 12lbs in just 18 months after undergoing a rigorous training schedule. Gill, a personnel relations officer with
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Perk up our park, demand villagers
PARENTS and councillors have launched a crusade to get their village park renovated -- after claiming that parts of it have been left untouched for almost 25 years. People living in Edgworth say the park is in such a state of disrepair that facilities
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The Avenue, Leigh Road: quiz night Tuesdays from 9.30pm with a guaranteed £25 to winner, plus weekl
Boar's Head, Market Place: rock night Thursday with live band. Karaoke disco Saturday (9pm) and quiz nights Wednesday and Sunday (9pm). Bowling Green, Manchester Road: quiz night Thursday from 9.30pm, with possible £250 jackpot. Free pool Tuesday with
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Soccer chief's sudden death shock
A FOOTBALL club was in mourning today after their manager collapsed and died minutes after the final whistle had blown in his side's game last night. Ramsbottom United FC manager Ken Bridge, 56, suffered a heart attack in the dressing room and, despite
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Gregory's Girls have a ball in goal
PITCH-ER THIS: Emma Heyes, 11, and pal Cecily Atkinson, 11, warm up for their football coaching session GIRLS proved they were just as keen as boys when it comes to football at a half-term coaching session. The training was held at Shadsworth Leisure
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Gregory's Girls have a ball in goal
PITCH-ER THIS: Emma Heyes, 11, and pal Cecily Atkinson, 11, warm up for their football coaching session GIRLS proved they were just as keen as boys when it comes to football at a half-term coaching session. The training was held at Shadsworth Leisure
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Euro MP wades in to river clean-up campaign
CAMPAIGNERS bidding to clean up a river that starts in a sewage works have received support from Euro MP Chris Davies. As much as 80 per cent of the Hull Brook comes from Samlesbury Treatment Works in the summer months and some fish have no chance of
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Drinker's attack on landlady 'disgraceful and deplorable'
A JUDGE has vowed that courts will protect people working in pubs after slamming the behaviour of a drinker who attacked a Blackburn landlady. Judge Barbara Watson told John Kyle, 35, who had grabbed Dawn McQuaid by the throat until she was choking, his
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Star on the crest of a wave
THE East Lancashire member of an up-and-coming music group today reflected on a fortnight of non-stop activity and revealed: "I'm keeping my feet on the ground." And after an appearance on Top of the Pops and other television shows, a leap into the Top
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Leisure course top of the class
LEISURE and tourism bosses of the future are being groomed at a college which has been judged to have one of the top courses in the country. And delighted staff at St Mary's College, Blackburn, said they hope their students go to the very top after the
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Hero Preece
SOCCER: Bury's revival continued as player manager Andy Preece scored a late equaliser at Colchester. After three victories, Preece popped up eight minutes from time to gain the Shakers a vital point as they bid to move out of the bottom half of the Division
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RAMSBOTTOM 1
CHEADLE TOWN 2 Rams mourn Ken Bridge RAMSBOTTOM slipped to a shock defeat to struggling Cheadle at the Riverside but the game was overshadowed by the shock death of Ramsbottom manager Ken Bridge. It is believed the well-respected manager suffered a heart
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Brave Blues
go out of cup CLITHEROE 0 BAMBER BRIDGE 1 WITH just seconds to spare, former Bury player Nigel Greenwood broke Clitheroe's hearts with a late goal in the Marsden Lancashire Challenge Trophy quarter-finals at Shawbridge. Dave Burgess' men had more than
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COLWYN BAY 2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 4
TWO goals in each half helped Stanley extend their unbeaten run to four games as they recorded a first league win away from home since October 21. Accrington almost went ahead on 19 minutes when a Steve Hollis corner was met by Jay Flannery and his header
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Aussie ace to lead honours chase
YOUNG Queenslander Andrew Robinson has been voted Rainford Cricket Club first team captain at the club's annual general meeting. Rainford will be looking to build on last year's success when the 1st XI won the Sandhurst Shield, and the under 15s and 13s
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Nap hand for Cables
Prescot Cables 5 Glossop North End 0 AFTER their midweek draw at Rossendale United, Prescot returned to winning ways with this success which was hard-earned despite the emphatic scoreline. This win also lifted Cables into fifth the North West Counties
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St Helens McDonald's JOL round-up
RESULTS Under 16s: Rainford Rangers 0 Blackbrook Juniors 10, Eccleston United 0 Rainhill United 9, Penlake Juniors 2 Cronton 1. Under 14s: Captains Lane 0 Prescot Cables 0, Knowsley South 4 Pilkington 1, St Annes Rovers 1 Alder Athletic 6, Wilmere Hawks
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Old rivals end Park Cup bid
Aldwinians 19 West Park 6 HOLDERS West Park made an early exit from this season's Lancs Cup at the hands of old rivals Aldwinians who, after four straight defeats by the green and golds avenged last Saturday's league game result. After six tries in the
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Hewitt inspires LSH fightback
Widnes 12 Liverpool St Helens 24 THE home side left their current league form way behind in this Lancashire Cup tie and the Wids were well worth their 12-5 half-time lead. Finding themselves in the unusual position of being behind at the interval, LSH
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End of a Vase dream
Berkhamstead Town 3 St Helens Town 1 TOWN'S dream of a second Carlsberg FA Vase success ended in Herefordshire on Saturday when a penalty miss, three shots which hit the woodwork and a clearance off the line ensured it was to be Berkhamstead's day. A
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Want to loop the loop?
THERE'S a chance to join St Helens Council's Rangers for a leisurely stroll along the Bradleigh Loop following the path of the Sankey Canal on Sunday, February 25. Rangers from Sankey Valley Park will lead the five-mile walk which leaves Wharf Road car
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Thanks a million, Teresa
PETER Byrnes, whose son Brian was killed in a road accident on the East Lancashire Road almost two years ago, would like to thank Teresa Butler who works in the Revenue and Benefits Department at St Helens Council, for holding a raffle to raise money
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Beware of that bargain!
POLICE are urging people to be aware of the dangers of handling stolen property. The warning follows the theft from local retail outlets of a large quantity of fireplaces and surrounds, some of which are known to have later been sold in the Parr and Sutton
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Being happy in North Wales!
A GROUP of youngsters from across the borough will be setting off for a training weekend -- with the aim of helping to make them happy! A party of 36 young people, along with 15 staff, will leave St Helens Town Hall for an outdoor education centre at
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Road safety boost for kids
TWO new school crossing patrols are now operational in St Helens. The newly-installed crossings have been provided outside Hurst School, Hard Lane and at Ellamsbridge Road, Sutton, following campaigns by ward councillors and residents, supported by teachers
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Francis set for starring role...
CINEWORLD Multiplex cinemas have announced that their exciting new multi-screen venue in St Helens is bang on target to open its doors to filmgoers on Friday, March 30. The company have appointed Francis Lamb, aged 24, as the cinema's General Manager.
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Princely squad gets stuck into wasteland
TEAM 11, a group of volunteers from the Princes Trust, are combining creativity with hard graft in an attempt to revamp the gardens and community centre areas of St Davids Church, Moss Bank. The project, which has being running for two weeks, involves
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Our not very artful dodgers
ST HELENS has one of the highest levels of television licence-dodging in the country, according to figures released this week. In a 'League of Shame' issued by TV Licensing, the borough ranked 32 out of the top 40 areas in England with more than 850 licence-evaders
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Soccer manager dies after game
RAMSBOTTOM United manager Ken Bridge collapsed and died in the dressing room at the end of a match last night. Mr Bridge, aged 56, watched his side lose 2-1 to Cheadle Town at the Riverside ground in Ramsbottom, then suffered a heart attack. Despite attempts
