Archive
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Events in East Lancashire on Friday, March 23
'Tenorissimo' -- three tenors in concert, St Gabriel's Church, Blackburn, 7.30pm. American Wrestling, Guild Hall, Preston, 7.30pm. 'The Boyfriend,' Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, 7.30pm. 'Gunz and Roses, Municipal Hall, Colne, 7.45pm. ME/CFS Support Group
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Put a trace on text bullies
WHENEVER it occurs, bullying is a nasty and serious business. It can traumatise victims -- making their lives a misery, putting them in terror of going to school and jeopardising their education and lifetime opportunities. It can also make life hell for
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It's cool to walk to school
SCHOOLCHILDREN and parents say "It's Cool To Walk To School" with Lionel Vinyl this week in a new scheme from Blackpool Borough Council. Pupils aged between 5 and 14 received an info card recently pointing out the benefits of leaving the car at home,
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Striker rejects rivals to stay with Shakers
SHAKERS loan striker Colin Cramb has turned down a move to Walsall to stay with Bury until the end of the season. And if the Shakers can raise £100,000 then Cramb could be signed permanently. Transfer business is stepping up ahead of Thursday's deadline
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Try living in the real world
FOLLOWING an opinion poll of just 1,016 people you conclude that Labour could increase its majority at the next general election (LET, March 16). What nonsense! In the real world, where real people voted this year in by-elections around the country, the
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Selective amnesia on Europe
ON January 1, 1973, the Conservative government under Edward Heath took Britain into the Common Market by a simple majority vote in parliament. Labour promised that they would seek to renegotiate terms of the treaty by holding a referendum on continued
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Trucker thanks his life-savers
A LORRY driver who was brought back to life after a heart attack was today meeting the two paramedics who saved him. Desmond Barlow, aged 49, suffered a massive coronary while working at Christian Salverson, off Warrington Road, in Leigh. But while he
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Security dye found on man's clothes
FORENSIC tests on red security dye from a stolen cashbox was found on the clothes of a man who has admitted being part of a gang of robbers. And tests on a red stain found on a £20 note taken from £820 cash found at the house of the mother of another
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Soldier's remains are Harry
THE remains of a soldier's body, discovered 85 years after he was killed, are that of Bury Fusilier Private Harry Wilkinson, it has been revealed. Forensic tests on the well preserved skeleton have confirmed the identity of the soldier who was killed
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Lorry boy inquest opens
AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a six-year-old Bury boy who died after a collision with an articulated lorry unit. The hearing was told that Shoaib Aftab, a pupil at Fishpool Infants School, had been walking with a friend a
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Text message that spelt fear for schoolgirl: 15-year-old told: 'You're going to die'
A TEENAGE girl has been withdrawn from school after she claimed to be a victim of bullies who threatened to kill her by text message. Nicola Wilson, 15, said she has been bombarded with terrifying messages on her mobile phone for the past six months.
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Foster strike secures Rovers victory
ROVERS RES 1 BRADFORD CITY RES 0 FRENCH defender Romain Faure played a full 90 minutes at Christie Park last night as Rovers reserves beat Bradford thanks to a solitary strike from Steve Foster. Faure is currently on trial with Rovers from Nationwide
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Turf war on grot spot
A TURF war has emerged across Preston -- over dumped rubbish. The problem came to light this week as councillors finalised plans to take part in next month's national Just Bin It campaign -- organised by the Tidy Britain Group. And residents, together
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Ex-rugby player Russell joins crusade
A FORMER 16-stone rugby player is throwing his weight behind a campaign to save the hospital that gave him a second chance. Russell Walton, 28, pictured, is backing the crusade to stop health ministers closing down the famous Wythenshawe Hospital, in
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MG fan club comes of age
SPORTS car enthusiasts from a local motor club are gearing up for a grand reunion to celebrate 21 years since the launch of their club. Members of the Preston and District MG enthusiasts club, who meet monthly at Fox Lane Cricket Club, in Leyland, are
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Mum sold drugs to feed habit
A LANCASTER mother who sold drugs from her home to feed her own habit has been jailed for six months. Patricia Barwick, 42, of Ryelands Road, denied possessing cannabis resin with intent to supply, but was convicted by a jury after a trial in February
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We're not a dumping ground
MORECAMBE MP Geraldine Smith has slammed crisis hit charity Homeless Action for directing ex-offenders and drug addicts to the West End of Morecambe. Her comments come a week when her Labour colleague, Hilton Dawson, launched a campaign to save the organisation
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Bonkers for cash
PUPILS and staff at one primary school will be going mad for charity next week. Everyone at Holy Saviour Primary School, in Holland Place, has been asked to turn up for lessons on Friday, March 30, with wacky hairstyles for the school's Charity Mad Hair
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Brig lose at home
Bamber Bridge Blyth Spartans 3 BLYTH picked up three points aided and abetted by a poor performance by Brig at Irongate. The visitors benefited from a highly-debateable penalty decision as well as some sloppy defensive play. Five minutes in to the first
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Rugby League fans get their say
RUGBY League fans from the Preston area are invited to voice their concerns about the state of the sport at an open forum organised by the Rugby League Supporters Association. The event takes place on Saturday April 7 in Leeds at Hunslet Boys and Girls
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Playscheme opening for Easter
PARENTS across Preston will be relieved to hear a popular playscheme is to re-open in time for the Easter school break. The University of Central Lancashire is providing a healthy alternative to video games and surfing the net by promoting its playscheme
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Crying fowl over claims
PRESTON-born animator Nick Park is crying 'fowl' after a children's author claimed the plot of the box-office smash Chicken Run is similar to a book he wrote six years ago. The claim from English writer Alan Davidson comes after the cartoon movie, co-produced
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Ten years ago
AN elderly couple from Great Harwood were heartbroken when thieves ransacked their home and stole £3,000 which they had saved for a holiday and to pay for double glazing. Vincent and Nancy Devaney, of Moss Street, kept the money in a safe which was hidden
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Andrea builds bright future
ENGINEER Andrea Wood is making her mark in the male dominated world of construction. Andrea, 25, from Oswaldwistle, is site engineer at City South, Bellway Homes' site in the centre of Manchester. She is one of two just women out of more than 170 workers
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Judges explain decision on Fell
APPEAL Court judges were today giving their reasons for clearing and freeing "serial confessor" Peter Fell, who spent 17 years in prison for a double murder he has always denied. Mr Fell, 39, has been described by psychologists as a fantasist whose confession
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Mixed views on cigs spell
IT is so far so good for two smokers who tried to kick the habit with hypnotherapy. Shirley Tattersall and Neil Kenyon have not lit up for more than a week after they were put under the spell by hypnotherapist Lee Carlin. The pair joined nine other hopefuls
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Youth crime crackdown applauded
RESIDENTS have applauded a new police approach to cracking down on juvenile disorder in a Hyndburn town. People attending a meeting of the Oswaldtwistle Area Council gave a round of applause as police unveiled their get tough stance against badly behaved
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Waste or fuel? Court to decide today
JUDGES will decide today whether the controversial Cemfuel is a hazardous waste or a fuel, and whether it should be more rigorously monitored. Castle Cement, which claims the waste solvents and oils are a fuel, and the Environment Agency, which has hotly
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Click on to life of Brian
THE moral majority love to hate the 'Antichrist Superstar', Marilyn Manson. (Or Brian Warner as he is known by his family!) Fans of all ages are sure to appreciate the suitably doomy/arty black-and-red interactivity of this cannily designed site. To follow
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Mother's Day tips
FENG Shui is being raved about this month in the run up to Mother's day. The Feng Shui Craft Suppliers recommend that you bring some harmony into your mum's life this Mother's Day by introducing her to some good Feng Shui techniques. This can be done
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Blackspot review
CITY councillors are to press for improved road safety on Meeting House Lane after the tragic death of a vicar there two weeks ago. The council's transportation committee accepted a proposal from Green councillor Emily Heath to instruct the city and country
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Chill out on the Bering
FOLLOW the trials and tribulations of the Ice Challenger team, the first explorers to drive across the Bering sea. For a matter of weeks each year, the Old World and the New are united by an unstable ice bridge which forms when the Bering Sea, between
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Do these groups help or hinder?
THE March 15 Citizen informs us that the reduction in local taxpayers' subsidy to Signposts, Homeless Action and three other groups is still raging fiercely. It would help Citizen readers to judge who's right in this dispute if we could get honest and
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TAKE your mouse for a test drive
Fish4cars has the best database of new and used cars available anywhere. The database contains around 160,000 vehicles of all ages and types. You can use the site to get impartial information on any vehicle, insurance quotes, road test vehicles or to
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Tough going for Blackpool Rangers
BLACKPOOL RANGERS U12s 1 FOXHALL 3 DEFENCE frailties let Foxhall cruise to a 0-3 half-time lead. Rangers came back strong and were rewarded when James Smith showed great strength to head off a challenge and steer the ball into the corner of the net. Man
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Mixed weekend for Thornton
THORNTON CLEVELEYS U10s A 0 SPIRIT OF YOUTH 3 A POOR show by the Tigers who were outfought and outplayed. THORNTON CLEVELEYS U10s B 1 SPIRIT OF YOUTH 1 A BATTLING performance by the Lions who went behind early doors but fought well with sterling performances
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Lytham fight for valiant draw
Lytham 1st XI 1 Wigan 1 AS the hockey season comes to a close LSA turned in a below average performance against the Northern League Division One winners yet still managed to gain a point. LSA dominated the play for periods and created several chances
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Top of the table clash
IN a top of the table clash between Carleton A and St Annes YMCA A in the Premier Division of the Lytham St Annes and District Table Tennis League, the honours remained even with a 5-5 draw. So Carleton A remain on top by three points, but YMCA have the
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Honours even in top of the table clash
IN a top of the table clash between Carleton A and St Annes YMCA A in the Premier Division of the Lytham St Annes and District Table Tennis League, the honours remained even with a 5-5 draw. So Carleton A remain on top by three points, but YMCA A have
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We could become disease dustbin
LORRY loads of animal carcasses infected with the foot and mouth disease will soon be heading for Lancaster's Nightingale Hall Farm, The Citizen can exclusively reveal. The Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) has effectively "requisitioned" the rendering plant
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Payton set for return
TOP-GUN Andy Payton could soon be back in business for the Clarets. The 14-goal leading scorer has been on the bench for six of the last seven games as Ian Moore and on-loan striker Gareth Taylor have spearheaded the Burnley attack. But manager Stan Ternent
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Prom coming to the Prom
FYLDE music lovers are in for a real treat this summer when the Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra presents the Last Night of the Proms on Lytham Green. Each summer the orchestra wows audiences throughout the country with its traditional British performance
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Mets keeps Bolton on the rugby map
Frank Endacott, Wigan Chief Coach, writes every week for our wwwthisisleigh.co.uk website EVERYONE at the JJB Stadium is looking forward to another Friday night Tetley's Bitter Super League clash and this weekend we have the mighty Leeds Rhinos on our
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Payton set for return
TOP-GUN Andy Payton could soon be back in business for the Clarets. The 14-goal leading scorer has been on the bench for six of the last seven games as Ian Moore and on-loan striker Gareth Taylor have spearheaded the Burnley attack. But manager Stan Ternent
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Stay at home Taylor's battle
ROVERS defender Martin Taylor is hoping to play his way back into Graeme Souness's plans after turning down the chance of a trip to Dubai to get some games in with the reserves. While the rest of his team-mates are currently soaking up the sun on a seven
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Ewood Sunday match!
EAST Lancashire company bosses are being invited to give up their Sunday next month in the interest of improving their business. Blackburn's Ewood Park is the venue for a two-day business event, Opportunity 2001, that opens on Sunday April 8. Organisers
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Career break
ROSSENDALE bright sparks Edward Finn and Jamie Auty are switched on to a promising career as electricians thanks to ELTEC modern apprenticeships. The 16-year-olds joined W.H. Good as electrical installation apprentices last year after visiting the Jobs
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'Angel' cash helps firms
BUSINESS angels have been given a lift with changes to the Enterprise Investment Scheme which provides tax breaks for investors in small companies. In TEChINVEST, the North West has one of the UK's most successful business angel networks which links private
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Scrap merchant's employee injured in fire
A DARWEN scrap metal merchant has been ordered to pay over £11,000 in fines and costs after a worker was injured in a flash fire while using faulty cutting equipment. Blackburn magistrates heard that John Bury suffered burns to his face after the incident
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OAP insisted on op that led to death
A PENSIONER who died after a risky operation had earlier insisted on surgery to make her life worth living, an inquest was told. Kathleen Harvey, 80, who had been plagued with bowel problems, suffered from long-standing diverticular disease and had previously
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Well done Peter!
I DON'T think there is a resident in Leyland who will not miss the Festival, but I'm glad Peter Houghton and others have decided to keep the craft tent going (Citizen, March 15). Well done to Peter for coming up with an interesting idea for Leyland and
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Researching my family tree
I AM researching my family tree and have come across a letter to my great grandfather Thomas Abraham from his sister Mary Ann about the death of his wife Lily. The sister, Mary Ann Evans, was born in Liverpool before moving to 16 Smith Street, Preston
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Come and join our battle tour
EACH year the King's Own Infantry Battlefield (research section) organise a pilgrimage tour to the First World War battle areas of France and Flanders. In September we plan to visit the battlefield areas of the Somme and the Ypres Salient, Vimy Ridge,
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Will there be more matchbox houses?
I WISH to echo the sentiments raised by I Duerdon (Citizen letters, March 1) I hope all those councillors who voted in favour of the South Ribble Local Plan (which included housing for Manor House Farm) are happy to see yet more matchbox houses being
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Make a meal of ostrich meat
Food News, with Pauline Hawkins OSTRICH is becoming increasingly popular as a beef substitute as shoppers shun mainstream meats because of the foot and mouth crisis. Various cuts of meat are available, including best fillet and steak, and customers can
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Gang rob old man at home
A GANG of thieves broke into the home of an elderly Blackpool man, threatening him until he told them where he kept his cash. The terrifying raid took place at the man's home on Preston Old Road, Blackpool, at 6.45pm on March 11. The three men, all described
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Young workers crackdown
GET WORK permits for young employees or face prosecution. That's Blackpool Borough Council's blunt warning to local firms after a cafe owner in the town was fined for letting a 15-year-old work without a permit. The cafe proprietor was fined £50 and ordered
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Teens tell of centre fears
TACKLING town centre crime and disorder is on the curriculum for students at Blackpool Sixth Form College this week with the launch of a creative competition. Licensee representative and local DJ Joe Curran, from the Community Night Time Safety Forum,
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Fury over the fence!
ANGRY residents feel they are banging their heads against a brick wall trying to get Blackpool Council to do something about a vandalised wooden fence. Homeowners at Greenway, off Highfield Road, Marton, are fed up with the state of the fence which they
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Pants for the memory
KIND-HEARTED Fylde folk caught Red Nose fever at the weekend, taking part in dozens of crazy capers to raise money for the wacky fund-raising effort. Everything from giant Y-fronts to a poetic cockerel up the Tower boosted Blackpool's contribution to
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No entry while PNE play
ANGRY residents living under the shadow of Preston North End's Deepdale ground are up in arms at the police who they claim, are preventing families getting to and from their homes on match days. People living in Lowthorpe Road say it is like a "police
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MP prepared to have drugs test
EAST Lancashire Tory MP Nigel Evans today said he was prepared to be tested for illegal drugs after he said there was a good case for MPs to be randomly checked. Yesterday, under pressure from campaigning Labour MP Paul Flynn, he said there was 'a case
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The North has the right spirit for the Commonwealth Games
THAT Dome shenanigans was a joke. The media devoted hours to London's white elephant. Guess what they gleefully told us every time? The shock revelations all screamed the same thing -- nobody cares about the poor old Dome. It struck me that if nobody
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Richard is right man for the road
"THIS is good for the profile of the club," smiled a delighted Richard Thomas after a stunning win in the inaugural Burnley 10K. The Darwen Dasher made an early break from a strong field which included Lancashire Champion Paul Muller and a fift strong
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Grateful for the gift of life
IN reply to the letter headed "Lesser Known Facts On Organ Transplantation", does the writer have any idea of transplants? As a recipient of a heart transplant 12 years ago, I can assure the writer that it is possible to lead a normal life. I had a cardiac
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Democracy? What democracy?
LAST night (Thursday, March 15) I attended the first "Democracy Road Show" at Highfield School. I was one of only eleven people who attended, obviously due to the lack of publicity. I wonder what the thinking was behind the decision to advertise in the
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Pension rise, but I'm worse off
AS a 79-year-old living in sheltered accommodation I was pleased to receive a letter from the DSS informing me of an increase in pension of £6 per week and 25p later in the year on my 80th birthday. I am happy with that as I am not a greedy person. But
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Prince Charles to the rescue?
PENSIONERS in Leyland are calling on Prince Charles to help restore Southern Towngate to its former glory. Leyland residents Joy Mills, Betty Lancaster and Renee Dolan, are determined to put Leyland back on the map as the 'Garden of Lancashire'. They
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Sweet success may cost jobs
RELOCATION plans by one of Radcliffe's biggest employers could spell boom but also some gloom for the workforce. Confectionery giant Adams, maker of the world-famous Hall's Mentholyptus sweets, wants to build a new factory close to its existing headquarters
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They're top of the form
TALKING in class can be a good thing, especially when it helps you win a competition! And a three-strong team from Lytham St Annes High technical college have done just that -- winning the district final of the Rotary public speaking competition, Youth
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Council tax nightmare
AS householders, we are supposed to be pleased that the council tax is only going up £50 this year - less than £1 a week. What isn't taken into account is that, over the last six years, our council tax has gone up by £300 - only £50 a year! What frightens
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Referendum that's loaded
I WARNED last November that a Tony Blair referendum on "joining the euro" would commit our nation to eventual overall control by a single European government. One currency demands one government. Some might have dismissed that warning as scaremongering
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They've got musical all stitched up
OUR Lady Star of the Sea Amateur Operatic Dramatic Society is to perform The Pajama Game next month at the Parish Centre on St Alban's Road, St Annes. The Pajama Game runs from April 3 to April 7 and follows the struggles between bosses and workers at
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Jim hits the Bullseye
RADIO Lancashire's comic duo of Jim Bowen and Sally Naden are "taking to the boards" this week as stars of a revue they have devised for the theatre. The Happy Dafters appear in A Springtime Revue of Farmyard Frolics at Blackpool Grand Theatre tonight
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Developer blasts council over plan
A DEVELOPER who has been awarded planning appeal costs against Burnley Council today blasted councillors for wasting taxpayers' money by ignoring their officers' advice. Geoff Hook, of Stonehaven Consultants Ltd, Roughlee, appealed against the council's
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Truants better have a proper excuse
WELFARE officers will be swooping on school truants in a two day crackdown. The officers, supported by local police, will be asking children in Bury town centre and at Woodfields Retail Park to explain why they are not in class. Cllr Trevor Holt, chairman
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Fairclough boost for Centurions
LEIGH Centurions' joint skipper Andy Fairclough made a successful comeback after a month's injury absence as the Alliance side beat Doncaster 34-10 at Hilton Park last night. The centre scored two tries and laid on another in his first game back after
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Stay at home Taylor's battle
ROVERS defender Martin Taylor is hoping to play his way back into Graeme Souness's plans after turning down the chance of a trip to Dubai to get some games in with the reserves. While the rest of his team-mates are currently soaking up the sun on a seven
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Say 'pants' to poverty
HUNDREDS of Preston fund-raisers said 'pants to poverty' on Friday in aid of this year's Comic Relief. And with more than £17m raised so far nationwide -- fund-raisers are just 'panting' for more of the same next year. Nurseries, schools and businesses
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Helen's lament
THOUSANDS of people will miss the delights of Leyland Festival but one special girl will never forget the annual June gala. As the crowned festival's millennium queen Helen Doige, of Charnock Street, Leyland, has earned herself a place in the history
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Force pilots radio scheme
POLICE officers in Preston became the first force in the country to pilot a new radio system to help in their fight against crime. The new Airwave radios went live on Monday and is the first step towards officers on the streets having a "virtual office
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Payment 'back to normal'
BENEFIT payments are returning to normal in Preston following special measures to beat benefit backlogs. Council chiefs say payment times have been slashed by more than 50 per cent since October, with all new claims processed within 21 days, provided
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Bus station ban lifted?
A MULTI-million pound town centre re-development plan which could spell thousands of new jobs for Preston has been given the go-ahead. Preston Borough Council chiefs claim the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has decided not to list the town's bus
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In high spirits for 'Holy Grail'
WHEN I wer' a lad, a trip to the local pub normally involved lashings of warm beer, a packet of pork scratchings and enough money for a kebab on way back 'ome. Yet for one man, propping up the bar at pubs up and down the country is a necessary evil --
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Save our town plea to Prince
PENSIONERS in Leyland are to call on Prince Charles to help restore Southern Towngate to its former glory. Leyland residents Joy Mills, Betty Lancaster and Renee Dolan, are determined to put Leyland back on the map as the Garden of Lancashire. They have
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Getting friendly could mean business
AN innovative proposal to promote environmentally friendly job creation schemes will form part of Lancaster City Council's bid for £15 million of European funding. The idea, put forward by green members of Lancaster City Council, will see new jobs focus
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Vicious trio rob teenager
A TEENAGER was attacked and had clothes and a watch stolen as he walked along Osborne Road, Lancaster at 1.50am on Saturday morning. The 18-year-old was shouted at by three men sat in a dark navy blue maestro, who asked for the time and cigarettes. Two
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Comedy past could make future perfect
THE FRIENDS of the Winter Gardens say they will campaign hard to keep the landmark building as a theatre. While accepting there may be some good ideas contained in the latest feasibility study, which suggests the building only has a future as a comedy
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Watchdog highlights shortage of midwives
A HEALTH watchdog has expressed "grave concerns" about staffing levels at Royal Lancaster Infirmary's maternity ward. The local Community Health Council (CHC) claims more midwives are urgently needed to ease the "considerable pressure" on the maternity
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Driving an unsual launch for 999 project
PENDLESIDE Hospice's new £30,000 ambulance will be launched on Wednesdaywhen its first passenger will exit the vehicle in a rather unusual way. Four times Superbike World Champion Carl Fogarty has agreed to take part in the unveiling of the ambulance
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Chris cruises to finals
PRESTON'S young tennis star Chris Llewellyn beat off stiff competition to reach the national finals of The Hertz Number 1 Cup held at the Palace Hotel, Torquay, earlier this month. Chris, from Lappet Grove, Cottam, beat local, area and regional players
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Anti-racism project listed for award
PRESTON group RAFFI 'Respect All Fans Football Initiative' has been shortlisted against fierce competition for the highly prestigious BBC ASIA Achievement in Sport Award. The ASIA awards, (Asian Success, Innovation and Achievement) Awards, supported by
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From Russia without love
IT'S funny how the lives of pop stars often differ wildly. Veteran Spice Girl star and solo singer, Mel C, is touring Moscow and has been moaning again that she'd like to have a boyfriend, but she can't find the right man -- Russian men have now thanked
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Five years ago
FARMERS at Gisburn auction mart were the first victims of the backlash against beef during the mad cow disease scare. They saw a 20 per cent drop in prices of cattle which worked out as £150 per animal. Supermarkets and burger chains were fearing a huge
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Sanctuary may be devastated
'Frightening future' for animal carers A BOSS of an animal sanctuary forced to close in a bid to protect animals from the foot and mouth outbreak today pleaded with members of the public to keep supporting it -- or it could face ruin. Olive Lomas said
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Builder's anger after break-up
BUILDER Shaun Iredale broke his way into his former home and kicked the walls in a rage, terrifying his ex-partner, a court heard. Iredale, 36, of West Lane Cottage, Downham, was bound over in £50 to keep the peace for six months by Blackburn magistrates
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Auditor knows when I found out
I'M pleased to tell Mike Ford that the answer to his question is simple and straightforward and I don't have anything to hide, certainly not a 'smoking gun'. However, the matter has formed part of my evidence to the District Auditor's inquiry so it's
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The text message that spelt fear for schoolgirl
A TEENAGE girl has been withdrawn from school after she claimed to be a victim of bullies who threatened to kill her by text message. Nicola Wilson, 15, said she has been bombarded with terrifying messages on her mobile phone for the past six months.
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Kirkham girls victorious
KIRKHAM Grammar School 1st XI competed in the Lancashire Schools Under 19 Tournament at Witton Park, Blackburn. Kirkham won their pool and were drawn against Runshaw College in the semi-final. Kirkham dominated the match and won the game to earn a place
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From the Real Progress group
HOW can we at Real Progress turn a negative into a positive? To some supporters of Blackpool Football Club "Real Progress" seems to conjure up negative images and ideas. We are unsure how this perception has come about and exactly why some have formed
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City's final countdown
Bamber Bridge 0 Lancaster City 1 Colwyn Bay 1 Lancaster City 2 THEY may not be facing local rivals Morecambe, but Lancaster City will still be eagerly anticipating their first Marsden Lancashire Trophy final in 25 years. A Paul Haddow strike saw City
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Pakistan football star does a runner from Gigg
MYSTERY surrounds the whereabouts of a Pakistan soccer star who went missing from the squad and failed to turn up for an international soccer match at Bury's Gigg Lane. The player - 19-year-old Nasir Iqbal - disappeared from outside the ground as teammates
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Maureen's in the running
A DARWEN woman is currently pounding out the miles as she enters the final stage of her training for this year's London Marathon. Maureen Hartley is taking part in this year's event to raise money for the Blackburn with Darwen branch of Age Concern. She
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Couple injured in crash
A COUPLE from Fleetwood were injured when their car went out of control and overturned on the Grane Road between Haslingden and Blackburn. The accident happened in treacherous weather conditions with windswept snow on the road near to the Grey Mare pub
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Government's pat on the back to school
STUDENTS at Rawtenstall's All Saint's High have made the grade and helped their school secure £15,000 through a government acievement award. Mike Brennan, headteacher, said: "The staff's dedication and hard work is crucial to our students' success." Rossendale
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Hopes of inspector as he takes up new post
A NEW inspector has been announced for Rossendale East -- Inspector David Robinson. Mr Robinson has been in the force since 1987 and the former training instructor was awarded a commendation for bravery after tackling two violent offenders carrying out
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Shop raid victim's success by design
A TOP designer clothing shop which nearly foundered months after opening because of two ram-raids is moving to larger premises. Mario Bellusci, of Darwen, had run his business Bellusci Uomo on Ormerod Street, Rawtenstall, for ten weeks when he was ram-raided
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Red flags not red noses!
WHILE the rest of the world yelled 'pants to poverty', Citizen Smith managed to escape the Red Nose epidemic. It's not that Comic Relief is a bad thing -- those who selflessly give and raise money for charity deserve a pat on the back. But rattling tins
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Sunday chemists
Blackpool: Boots, 28-38 Bank Hey Street, 10.30-4.30pm; Co-op Pharmacy (in Asda), Cherry Tree Road, Marton, 10-4pm; Moss Chemist, Morrisons, Squires Gate Lane, 10-4pm; Lloyds Pharmacy, 110 Talbot Rd, 10-5pm; Superdrug, Hounds Hill Centre, 10-4.00pm. Cleveleys
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Unions are on the comeback trail
TRADE unions are on the march again in the North West, according to the president of Blackpool and Fylde Trade Union Council, Ian Hodson. Unions are winning record numbers of recognition deals across the region according to a recent TUC survey. Also,
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Keeping tabs on patients
A PIONEERING new computer system has been launched this week to keep track of patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The Vic's accident and emergency branch has become the first in the country to install the new state-of-the-art system that will allow
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Calling time on the yobs
WYRE Borough Council is calling time on anti-social behaviour in Wyre and considering plans to ban drinking on the streets in the region's hotspots. A report has been submitted to the council's policy committee from Environmental Services in conjunction
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Where are you, Zak?
A WORRIED mum has made a heartfelt plea on behalf of her three-year-old son for a special playmate he met in hospital called Zak to get in touch as he is missing him desperately. Kieran Deacon struck up the friendship while he and Zac were both staying
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Ex-moonshiner brews ale for Mayor's Ball
THERE was a rather special brew at the Fylde Mayor's Charity Ball last week and it was given the all clear by Mayor Paul Hayhurst. In fact Coun Hayhurst waxed lyrical about Mayoral Choice, a special bitter brewed by John Smith at his Hart Brewery in Great
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Groups cash in for CCTV
PROPOSED CCTV cameras in Barnoldswick and Earby may now be funded by the government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and the Market Town's Initiative. Borough, town and parish councillors have backed a bid to bring 18 CCTV cameras to West Craven, 12 in Barnoldswick
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Cattle scare was a false alarm
A SUSPECTED outbreak of foot and mouth disease on a Withnell farm proved to a false alarm, Ministry of Agriculture officials said last night. The farm in the Abbey Village area was under investigation for some time, but tests on cattle proved to be negative
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Touchpaper lit in war on deadly fireworks
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to curb the sale of potentially deadly fireworks. If trading standards officers' recommendations get the go-ahead, some brands of firework will be banned and firework sellers will be subject to stricter licences. The campaign
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Town hall deal 'good for jobs and taxpayers'
ABOUT 500 white collar jobs are planned for Blackburn after the council signed a deal with private company Capita to take over the running of some services. Local government reporter LIAM MURPHY takes a closer look at how the deal will work and assesses
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Harwood action
SOCCER: Great Harwood Town are in action tonight at Accrington Stanley's Crown Ground. The NWCL Division One side face promotion-chasing Prescot Cables -- a side they defeated 2-0 last week. Denis Underwood's side are battling for survival and desperately
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Cramb stays
SOCCER: Colin Cramb has rejected a permanent move from Crewe to Walsall in favour of extending his loan spell at Bury until the end of the season. Shakers supremo Terry Robinson will be hopeful of sorting out a permanent deal with the striker. The news
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Fouling still as bad as ever
I AM writing with regard to the amount of dog fouling that still seems as bad as ever, despite recent attempts by the council and the media to publicise the problem. I am particularly concerned about the area near my home, namely Conway Avenue, St George's
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Suffering... and they call it farming
I HAVE just watched an obscene video and I feel sick and extremely angry. It showed torture, mutilation and endless suffering and no one cared a jot -- particularly not the Government, who were asked to intervene but declined. The video is called Pig
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Too cosy says Tory
CONTROVERSY is mounting over the appointment of Wyre Council chief executive Michael Brown to investigate allegations against ex-Blackpool council leader Ivan Taylor. It has now emerged that both Ivan Taylor and Michael Brown have served as directors
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Brett's late strike rescues a point
Blackpool 2 Mansfield Town 2 POOL'S run of 25 games without a draw finally ended against a stubborn Mansfield Town although the Seasiders will be grateful of the point gained, from this below par performance. Ian Hughes was again left out in favour Danny
