Archive
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Events in East Lancashire on Saturday, March 24
Spring Fair, St Francis Church Hall, Feniscliffe, Blackburn, 11am-2pm. 'The Boyfriend,' Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, 7.30pm. Janet Anderson MP Surgery, Darwen Library Theatre, 10am-11am. "The Matrix," Municipal Hall, Colne, 8.30pm. Spring Fayre, Pendle
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GREGORY WAITS ON QUARTET
UTILITY player Phil Veivers, Danny Butler, Sean Furey and Adrian Mead are coach Mike Gregory's main doubts for their home game against lowly York. Andy Cheetham and full-back Wayne English have already been ruled out, but prop Lee Hansen, who missed Swinton's
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RAMS IN A GREAT STRUGGLE
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED 1 GREAT HARWOOD TOWN 1 RAMSBOTTOM's inconsistency surfaced again as they were unable to see off a side in the North West Counties Division One relegation zone. Great Harwood got away to a fine start with a goal after just six minutes
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DOIN' THE CONGA
RADCLIFFE BORO...3 CONGLETON TOWN...1 LEE KISSOCK and Neil Hardy scored the crucial goals that put Radcliffe Borough back on the victory trail after their hiccup at Kendal. A lively game against relegation-threatened Congleton, surprisingly, didn't produce
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SEDGLEY SEE OFF SANDAL
RFU NATIONAL LEAGUE THREE (NORTH): SANDAL...19 pts SEDGLEY PARK...66 pts SANDAL put up a good fight at Park Lane a few weeks ago, but in front of their own supporters last Saturday, they were never remotely in the game. Nor were Sedgley at their best.
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Atherton catch a cold...
WITH two of their usual 15 confimed to bed because of flu, a below strength Atherton RU Under 13s went down 44-22 to Leigh Under 13s. During the game Atherton lost their best player through illness and another with a broken finger. For Atherton, James
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Injury hit Leigh go down
PLAYING an unbeaten St Helens team with several key players missing, Leigh Under 11s went down 16-6. Leigh started well and after several drives Lyndon Robertson broke the line and went over only to be denied by a knock-on. Prop Daniel Weaving, who was
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Please send us your stamps
WE are collecting stamps for Guide Dogs for the Blind and would be grateful if readers would send us their used ones. MRS DIANA ASHTON, 66 High-bank, Roe Lee, Blackburn BB1 9SX.
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You make us feel so young
YOU accidentally paid me and my friends a compliment in your review of the Abba Mania gig at King George's Hall, Blackburn (LET, March 5). "...the audience hardly reacted, the only saving grace being small pockets of teenagers suitably glammed up for
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Blaze rages through derelict club
A DERELICT social club will have to be demolished after fire raged through the building late last night. Roads in the western part of Leigh were blocked by police as firefighters struggled for three hours to put out the blaze at the disused Plank Lane
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Reward to trap rail vandals
RAILWAY bosses today put up a £2,000 reward as they hunt for vandals who tried to derail a train. The thugs struck exactly a week ago, throwing a heavy 16 foot piece of steel weighing a third of a tonne across tracks between Atherton and Hag Fold railway
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Charity begins at home
YOUNGSTERS certainly dug deep to raise more than £1,000 for the NSPCC. The children of Springside Primary School were given an envelope to take home and collect donations from family. Some pupils even gave their pocket money to the charity. Pam Smith,
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Jobless bucks national trend
THE latest jobless figures for Bury showed a slight increase despite the number out of work nationally falling below one million for the first time in 25 years. Last month, the claimant count for the borough totalled 2,084, up three on January's figure
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Swan! Brake!
A SWAN could have been faced with a charge of "careless diving" after he swooped onto Market Street in Bury on Friday morning (March 16). The bird caused a flap with motorists when it wandered into the path of the traffic. The swan is pictured calmly
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Pleased to meet you, Mr Mayor
BURY Brownies were given a civic welcome when they visited the borough's "First Citizens". The youngsters, attached to the 25th Bury Christ Church Walmersley Brownies, were the guests of Bury's mayor and mayoress, Councillor Bill Johnson and Mrs Joyce
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Borough gets new guide
FINDING your way around the borough should be made easier with the publication of a new street guide. The booklet, which runs to more than 70 pages, contains a log of useful contact points in addition to a complete set of street maps covering the entire
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Homelessness open for debate
TACKLING homelessness will be thrown open to public debate at a meeting of Bury Housing Forum next month. Hannah Saunders, the policy advisor on National Delivery of Strategies for the Rough Sleepers Unit in London, will attend the event at Bury Town
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Call to recycle more
BURY North MP David Chaytor has called for the borough's doorstep waste paper collection service to be expanded. He praised Bury's scheme and said that he would like to see it eventually extended to include cans, bottles, cardboard and clothes. The MP
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Friends in dog attack horror
A TEENAGE girl suffered horrific injuries after she and a friend were savaged by a vicious dog. The large Alsatian only released its grip on screaming Lisa Smithies when her aunt slammed the front door against it. The 14 year old suffered nine bites to
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Nursery children are looking for Trouble!
KIND-HEARTED children at a Radcliffe nursery are looking for Trouble. But it has nothing whatsoever to do with the behaviour of the 30 toddlers at the Radcliffe Hall Kindergarten and Day Nursery. Instead, Trouble is the name of a ten-year-old cross labrador
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Military funeral for Bury fusilier
THE remains of a soldier, discovered 85 years after he was killed in the First World War, have officially been identified as Bury fusilier Private Harry Wilkinson. A forensics specialist this week formally confirmed the identity of the skeleton, which
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Centurion's dual code bid
LEIGH Centurions are set to challenge former top-flight rugby union neighbours Orrell to a dual cross-code battle. Leigh are considering a proposal to stage a double billing of league and union games with Orrell in August, rekindling memories of the ground-breaking
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Search is on for missing player
A SEARCH has been launched for a Pakistan footballer who mysteriously disappeared shortly before the national team played in Bury on Wednesday night (March 21). Eighteen-year-old defender Nasir Iqbal was last seen walking out of the Gigg Lane ground as
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Window will symbolise borough's friendship
A GROUP of Americans have arrived in Bury for a special service to dedicate a stained-glass window symbolising their new-found friendship with the borough. Sixty people from Woodbury will attend the dedication ceremony at St Anne's Church, Tottington
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Freak injury threatens Gillespie return hopes
KEITH Gillespie's hopes of an emotional return to international duty were today in jeopardy after the Rovers winger picked up a freak injury in his sleep. Gillespie returned to the Northern Ireland fold earlier this week after surviving one of the deepest
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Ewood trip to sun and trio may be called up
THE eyes of the sporting world will focus on the Middle East tomorrow for the running of the Dubai World Cup. And some of Blackburn Rovers' promotion-chasing squad look set to be there in person to soak up the special atmosphere which surrounds one of
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Banned driver caught trying to start car
A BANNED driver who got behind the wheel to help bump-start a friend's car, is awaiting sentence. Burnley Magistrates heard how single dad Russell Fox, 40, had gone just 75 yards of his planned 200 yard journey when he was stopped by police. Fox, of Hurtley
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Prime suspect named in 26-year-old murder
DETECTIVES investigating the brutal murder of 11-year-old Lesley Molseed a quarter of a century ago have named a former East Lancashire man as a prime suspect. Detective Chief Supt Max McLean, who is leading inquiries into Lesley's death, said they wanted
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BIRMINGHAM
MARCH 24 Sheffield Wed (H) APRIL 1 Wolverhampton (H) 7 Wimbledon (A) 13 Bolton (A) 16 Portsmouth (H) 21 Burnley (A) 28 Grimsby (H) MAY 6 Huddersfield (A) BOLTON MARCH 31 Wimbledon (H) APRIL 3 Stockport (H) 7 Crewe (A) 13 Birmingham (H) 16 Crystal Palace
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Wright worried about draws
CHORLEY: Boss Ken Wright says he was 'very disappointed' not to pick up six points from the last two games. Chorley drew 1-1 against Belper Town on Saturday and drew 5-5 with Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday but Wright says his side should have won both games
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Dale, Rams and Blues do battle
ROSSENDALE, Ramsbottom and Clitheroe are heading for a title showdown in NWCL Division One. The local rivals look odds-on to be challenging for the league championship come May. Rossendale are now top of the league with Ramsbottom trailing nine points
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Fildes signing and an early kick off
PADIHAM: Graham Howarth was hoping to sign midfielder Paul Fildes from Colne in time for the match at home to Chadderton in NWCL Division Two. After a super 6-0 win over Oldham Town on Tuesday confidence is sky-high. Howarth said: "They are struggling
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School in spotlight
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice was preparing for his toughest interview yet today when he was due to visit Trawden Primary School, in Colne. The school has been holding a number of art events this week which will continue into next week and one of them will
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Thugs attack with air rifles
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a spate of incidents in which they believe air pistols were used to cause thousands of pounds-worth of damage to car and shop windows in Colne In each of the attacks during the past week, small holes have been
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Struck off doctor to appeal
A DOCTOR who was struck off the medical register last month for falsifying patient records has appealed against the decision -- and will be allowed to carry on practising. Dr Shiv Dey, who is on leave from his surgery in Burnley Road, Colne, was struck
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Ten years ago
A MANHUNT was under way in Burnley after a police constable was knocked to the ground and dragged through a barbed wire fence when he tackled a burglar. PC Paul Quinton was chasing the man across gardens to the rear of Kibble Crescent after the burglary
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Grid-lock bus stops will have to stay
BUS stops blamed for traffic grid-lock look set to stay after highways bosses decided there is nothing they can do to improve the situation. Councillors had complained that new bus stops on Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, which jutted out into the road had
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Twins in van horror
TEENAGE twin brothers were in hospital today with serious head injuries after colliding with a van. Fourteen-year-olds David and Matthew Howard of Shelley Gardens, Great Harwood, were crossing High Street in Rishton when they were struck by the Suzuki
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Residents' victory in blackspot fight
WORRIED residents living near to a traffic blackspot were celebrating today after council bosses agreed to implement traffic calming measures. But for one of the people involved in one of the most recent crashes -- where a bus ploughed through a building
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Appeal for new gates at Atherton CC
STRIKING miners who laid the square at Atherton Cricket Club would be proud to walk through the ornamental gates which will soon open the way to Higham Park. Now an appeal fund has been launched towards the cost of installing the wrought iron gates at
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System failed me, says innocent man
INNOCENT man Peter Fell today blasted the system which led to his conviction for double murder being overturned and said: "Without my friends, I would have been homeless." Mr Fell, 39, was officially declared innocent yesterday by Court of Appeal judges
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Golden wedding celebration for the couple who stick together
MEMORABLE milestones and a healthy sense of humour have studded golden couple Jimmy and Doris Jones's 50 years together. The Leigh couple from Higher Folds married on St Patrick's Day in 1951 and have enjoyed a high profile through half a century -- and
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TV comic Peter invited to appear in pit disaster film
COMEDIAN Peter Kay has been asked to appear in a film based on the Pretoria Pit disaster which killed 344 miners. Proposals for a movie based on the 1910 tragedy are currently being considered by London-based Celtic Films Limited. The potential film has
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Why Carol's great new book is lousy!
HEALTH visitor Carol Wyatt is in line for a top award . . . after writing a book on nits! The 32-year-old nurse and mum-of-two has put together a storybook for children to dispel myths about the age old problem of head lice. Entitled Princess Cleanhair
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Judges' Cemfuel ruling pleases agency
THE Environment Agency celebrated after High Court judges ruled that Cemfuel, the controversial liquid fuel, is a hazardous waste. And Castle Cement, which brought the test case to the London court, was ordered to pay the agency's substantial legal costs
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Burglar jailed after £11,000 raid
A MAN serving time for burglaries has been given a concurrent sentence for a separate raid. Kevin Austin was given three years and nine months' prison to run alongside the term he is already serving. Preston Crown Court heard that other offences for which
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All letters of objection and the petition were local, councillor
IS Councillor Tom Sherratt so arrogant as to assume that locals haven't the nous to rumble his assertion that letters were received "from all over the country" but not, presumably, from Sawbridgeworth, Herts, home base of the fortunate developer (Journal
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Paper trail
FOR goodness sake don't apply to one of those adverts to become a proof reader at £14 an hour if you're a tree lover. Since I did I've been bombarded with home working jobs and junk mail of all kinds. They come thick and fast every week -- a few trees
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Farm fun
I PARKED behind a van in Atherton with a "Lancashire farmers for local quality food" sticker. In it was also a big advert "Wanted good woman. Must be able to clean, cook, sew, dig worms and clean fish. Must have a boat and motor. Please send picture of
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Billy buff
I MUST confess I didn't watch any of the record breaking Comic Relief -- but I turned over between comedy programmes elsewhere to catch the Big Yin, Billy Connolly, galumphing about the streets in the buff. With his milky white body and three quarter
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Red rag?
A SCHOOL is changing its red uniform after psychologists warned it could make pupils aggressive. The head says the switch would make school life more tranquil. Dream on. He's asking parents at his 482 pupil junior school for their views -- and so far
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Young tycoons aim to be best in business
BUDDING young business tycoons from Bury's schools and colleges will take centre stage next Tuesday (March 27) when the local Young Enterprise scheme hosts its annual final presentation and awards evening at the town's Elizabethan Suite from 5.30-8.30pm
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Clarets braced for relegation scrap
WITH high-profile derbies to come against promotion hopefuls Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End in the next two weeks, Burnley will be mixing it with two of the form sides of the division. Before that, though, the Clarets must concentrate their minds
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Gareth Taylor looking forward
GARETH Taylor is relishing a Turf Moor return after taking the next step towards becoming a fully signed up Claret. The big striker has signed a month's extension to his loan deal from Manchester City so will again spearhead the Burnley attack at home
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Cycle Speedway
ASTLEY & Tyldesley stage their opening match of the 2001 Cycle Speedway season on Sunday at the Gin Pit track. The first of five events starts at 12 noon, with the opening match of the Northern Fours League, featuring Astley & Tyldesley, Stoke
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Name that land!
PARIS has the Rive Gauche, Alexandria has its famous Corniche and Radcliffe has its . . .? So far a new riverside park in the town centre remains nameless, but that's where you come in. Radcliffe folk are being asked to come up with suggestions before
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Teachers are to vote on a work-to-rule
TEACHERS across the borough are to be balloted for industrial action over staff shortages. Union agreements say teachers should only cover for absent colleagues for the first three days of an unplanned absence and after that a supply teacher should be
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Doctor answers call for help
BURY College has officially joined the country's elite. However, the top college will temporarily lose the services of a major player in its improved status, as principal Dr Helen Gilchrist has been seconded to help a struggling college. The Market Street-based
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Painting the town red for Comic Relief!
COMIC capers were the order of the day, as schools and businesses across Bury got their act together for Comic Relief on Friday (March 16). Staff caused a stir at Chestnut Court Nursing Home in Newton Street, Bury, with male managers dressing up as nurses
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Amy's the third oldest on earth!
AMAZING Amy Hulmes of Bury is about to be officially declared the UK's oldest person and the third oldest on the planet. Researchers are set to re-write the record books in recognition of the 113-year-old's incredible achievement. The Guinness Book of
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Vinnie is feeling top of the "pops"!
DELIGHTED dad Vinnie Crowshaw is feeling top of the "pops" after learning that his daughter Suzanne's band Hear'Say had stormed to number one. Not content with making records, the 19-year-old Bury girl and her band are busy breaking them, romping to the
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No go areas could re-open
SOME of the 200 access restrictions imposed across Bury to beat foot and mouth disease could be lifted. Council chiefs will study new guidelines as they consider whether certain "no go" areas can re-open. But land in the north of the borough, which is
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Gareth Taylor looking forward
GARETH Taylor is relishing a Turf Moor return after taking the next step towards becoming a fully signed up Claret. The big striker has signed a month's extension to his loan deal from Manchester City so will again spearhead the Burnley attack at home
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Watch the birdie
LEIGH Ornithological Society meet in Leigh library's Derby room tonight (7.30pm). Visitors welcome, small door charge.
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Best butty shop?
SANDWICH fans in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley can nominate their favourite butty shop for a top award. The British Sandwich Association is inviting suggestions to ring 01235 821820 before March 30.
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Clean up team brave the rain
VOLUNTEERS of the Atherton environmental projects group gave the community of Howe Bridge a helping hand litter picking in the village. In the pouring rain last Saturday the group collected 40 bags of rubbish from the grounds of the Scout hut and the
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New Kwik Save
KWIK Save shoppers in Hindley Green will see a new look at their local store following a makeover. Staff will be kitted out in new uniforms to complement the improved interior, created at a cost of £60,000. Store manager Andrew Daniels said; "The change
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Counter shut
THE public enquiry counter at Leigh police station is due to be temporarily closed for the next four weeks. The closure, between 7am and 3pm, is due to refurbishment. The enquiry counter at Wigan will be open during those hours as a substitute. For emergencies
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Bill payers surf the Net
WEB surfers are prefering to pay their bills at the click of a mouse rather than stand in a queue. Wigan's Internet bill payment facility, introduced at the end of January, is proving hugely popular, with 133 citizens paying more than £22,000 for council
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Glowing report
GREATER Manchester's transport Integration Project has received a glowing endorsement by the government. The scheme, which brings together the private and public sector providers of local transport services, has seen improved ticketing and passenger information
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Volunteers' skills training
VOLUNTEERS are off to an Anglesey outdoor centre to help ensure Atherton lives up to residents' expectations. A group of 12 from Atherton Community Mapping team will be developing their skills on a community development course weekend on Holy Island.
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Bury keep their major assets
MIDFIELDER Darren Bullock was Bury's main mover on transfer deadline day, joining First Division Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season writes Steve Canavan Blades manager Neil Warnock knows all about the combative player's qualities as
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Pets can win prizes
PLUCKY pets from the region are being asked to put their paws forward for annual title of Pet Survivor of the year 2001. Courageous pets who have fought back against a fatal illness or injury will have the opportunity to win prizes for both their owner
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Facelift for farm
PLANS have been announced to renovate a farm. An application has been received to knock down existing derelict cottages at Bank Bottom Farm, Broadhead Road, Edgworth and replace them with a new development. The applicant wants to build single storey residential
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Landmark mill wins major award
EFFORTS to renovate one of Darwen's most familiar buildings has won recognition in a major awards scheme. The scheme to convert India Mill into light engineering and office space have been given a mention in this year's Civic Trust Awards, one of only
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One in seven looks after disabled relative
ONE in seven people in Wigan and Leigh care for a disabled or ill relative, Scope has reported. With approximately 44,000 people voluntarily caring for a relative in this area alone the report also worryingly considers how many disabled people are living
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Ex-model stands for Conservatives
A FORMER model has been nominated by Makerfield Conservatives to fight the general election. Jane Brooks, 41, (left) from Westhoughton, a science graduate, was chosen to stand against Cabinet Office Minister Ian McCartney. A fluent French speaker, Jane
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Thieves hit village store
DETERMINED thieves ransacked a village store while the owner was enjoying a Mexican holiday. Thieves smashed down gates and reinforced doors after disabling a sophisticated alarm system at a Terry Gregory's Spar convenience store in Mosley Common. Bottles
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Councillors' surgery times
FRIDAY, March 23: Leigh Town Hall (6-6.30) K Anderson, M Hale, Mrs L Liptrot (7-8) K Cunliffe; Council offices, Abram library, Vicarage Road (6.30-8) Mrs E Smethurst. SATURDAY, March 24: Atherton Town Hall (9.30-11.30) R Holmes, Mrs S Loudon (10-11) G
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Groovy barber sees his track zoom up Net charts
A SINGING barber from Leigh has been highly rated by fans of music channel MTV. Rob Grice, together with 29-year-old window cleaner Stuart Connor, have seen their track, I Want Everything, become the highest new entry in the MTV Undiscovered internet
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Judge orders not guilty verdict
A JUDGE threw out a case against a man accused of handling a stolen cheque guarantee card which was taken from a woman who worked in a hostel. Following a submission from defence counsel at the end of the prosecution case, Judge Reginald Lockett ordered
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'Leigh is a rubbish dump now'
A CANADIAN tourist who spent just one week in Leigh and Atherton branded the towns "disgusting" in a scathing attack on the area. Former Leigh rugby player Jim Hindley, who emigrated from Leigh to Calgary in 1968, said he was amazed at the amount of litter
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Barn blaze destroys pair of tractors
A FARMYARD barn blaze early on Tuesday destroyed two tractors and damaged another belonging to Atherton farmer John Blakemore. Mr Blakemore, 73, and his wife Joan were roused from their beds at 4am by neighbour Keith Latham who had been disturbed by the
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Family hit by terrible luck put faith in God
A FAMILY hit by a run of bad luck have become born-again Christians following a series of mini-miracles. Mark Aldred suffered brain damage following a scrambling accident and had trouble with his speech and memory. But on the day he appeared to make a
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No sweetener for Titley in Euro debate on sugar
A DEBATE on sugar has left North West Labour Euro MP Gary Titley with a bitter taste in his mouth. He found himself on the losing side when MEPs voted in Strasbourg to reject European Commission proposals for root and branch reform of the European sugar
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Yes, this area IS a dump when it comes to litter
PARDON our saying so, but what a dirty lot WE area. Let's hope ex-pat Leighite Jim Hindley, who strongly voices his disgust in your Journal this week (See Page 7) at the the amount of rubbish littering our streets, will stir a positive reaction to stop
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Planning ban on mosque call to prayers
PLANNING chiefs turned a deaf ear on pleas to allow a mosque in Blackburn to issue the Islamic call to prayer three times a day. Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee had granted permission to convert the single storey building at the corner
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Praise as school gives pupils a flying start
INSPECTORS praised a primary school for having many strengths and few weaknesses. Ofsted inspectors said Wensley Fold CE Primary School, Blackburn, had good standards of teaching and made especially good provision for pupils with special needs or who
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Old folk warned as cruel tricksters strike
POLICE in have again warned pensioners to be on their guard against bogus officials after two more elderly people fell victim to sneak-in thefts. In the latest cases, women aged 81 and a 77 were targeted by conmen posing as officials from the council
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'Unfit conduct' company bosses get ban
TWO East Lancashire businessmen have been banned from acting as company directors after their company was placed in voluntary liquidation with debts of almost £95,000. Peter Alan Astley, of Heyfold Gardens, Darwen, and Jack Birnie, of Haslingden Road,
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Stay-away tourists hit business
BUSINESSES hit by the foot and mouth crisis have urged visitors to return to the countryside -- before their livelihoods suffer lasting damage. Rural shops, pubs, holiday cottages and other attractions are all losing custom and jobs are on the line as
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Snapper John called up for Lancs
LANCASHIRE'S injury striken touring side of South Africa recruited photographer John Dawson to make up the side today in Oudtshoorn against the South Western Districts team. John, who used to play for Rawtenstall Cricket Club, is the club photographer
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Snapper John called up for Lancs
LANCASHIRE'S injury striken touring side of South Africa recruited photographer John Dawson to make up the side today in Oudtshoorn against the South Western Districts team. John, who used to play for Rawtenstall Cricket Club, is the club photographer
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Nelson's Kiko says, "I'll stay"
NELSON hot shot Kiko Rodriguez has pledged his immediate future to the NWCL Division Two leaders. The striker, who has scored 18 goals since his move from local football in October, was being chased by UniBond First Division side Ossett Town. But he will
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Hawks facing double tester
ICE-HOCKEY: BLACKBURN Hawks face the toughest of weekends with back-to-back play-off fixtures against the League's top two. Tomorrow the squad travel east to face Billingham Eagles, who finished top of the English National League (North) in the regular
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Last minute agony
GREAT HARWOOD 0 PRESCOT CABLES 1 GREAT Harwood couldn't repeat last week's 2-0 victory over Prescot Cables, going down to yet another last minute goal. Last Wednesday, Denis Underwood's side beat the Merseysiders 2-0 at their place but a last minute winner
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Clitheroe to kepp on fighting
DEVASTATED Clitheroe manager Dave Burgess still harbours hopes of securing an FA Vase final spot against Taunton tomorrow. The Blues are 5-0 down after the first leg but Burgess says he has not given up hope of an historic fightback. "There would be no
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IT SOUNDED flippant but Sam Allardyce was deadly serious when he assessed the damage of successive d
"At least we don't have to play Blackburn again!" the Wanderers' boss suggested, acknowledging Rovers' superiority but refusing to concede defeat in the race for the second automatic promotion place. The Reebok boss accepts that Graeme Souness has a strong
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A postcard of Bury
I COLLECT picture postcards, particularly those with maps and lighthouses on but also general views. I do not have any from the Bury area and was hoping that some kind reader might send me one to: P.O.Box 1492, Bournemouth, Dorset BH7 6YB. BRIAN JAMES
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What happened to consultation?
READING Councillor John Byrne's letter about why council tax payment dates are being moved (Mar 9), I felt that his last "fact" came across with all the understanding and charm of the Mafia demanding protection money. Pay up or we will be round with the
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Back us against Tesco
AT the special area board meeting on March 6, I asked local councillors who were not on the planning committee, to openly back residents against the proposed Tesco development in Prestwich. Councillor Derek Boden then launched into a diatribe about how
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Council tax increase: we won't forget
ORRESPONDENT Mike Badham (Mar 9) hit the nail on the head in his letter about the latest council tax hike. As for voting out the guilty parties, he will be relieved as I am that this opportunity is but a year away for voters across the borough. Perhaps
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Dinner guests
THE contestants on Who Wants to be a Millionaire never cease to amaze me with the people of their dreams, the ones they would love to take away if they won a million. One couple's idea this week were Ken Barlow and Lulu. If I could choose 10 people for
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Magic TV?
THE code breaking masked magician revealed the secrets of some of the biggest and classical illusions on Saturday -- in a TV repeat of course. I'm just glad I haven't got a bed surrounded by a canopy of 18 inch spikes which could drop down on me -- so
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Wrong note
LOWTON florist, singer Martin Lambert, gave a superb performance on the BBC's "Star For A Night" on Saturday -- yet didn't win. But then he didn't lose either. Because the lad with a big voice is sure to have attracted notice and admirers all over the
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Guess what your mum wants for Mother's Day
IT'S time once again to salute the backbone of the nation -- the mum! In a recent survey it was discovered that the top four gifts given on Mother's Day are plants, chocolates, flowers and jewellery. But when asked what presents they would prefer to be
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Centurions rejected Hammond
THE Centurions were offered ex-Great Britain star Karle Hammond before he joined up with Salford in the Super League last Friday. Leigh were approached by Hammond's agent, Tommy Cunningham, and told that Widnes were on the verge of releasing the stand-off
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Leigh and Orrell are cross-code partners
THE Centurions are set to challenge former top-flight rugby union neighbours Orrell to a dual cross-code battle. Leigh are considering a proposal to stage a double billing of league and union games with Orrell in August, rekindling memories of the ground-breaking
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RL fan Brian's final visit to Hilton Park
RUGBY League fanatic Brian Simpson, who died after collapsing in his local pub, this week visited his favourite ground for the last time. Store manager Mr Simpson, 57, from Atherton, had been a Leigh RL supporter since his school days and following his
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RMI reward long-distance fans with win
Dover 1 Leigh RMI 2 CHORUS creation has been a well noted occupation of the Leigh RMI faithful during their maiden Conference voyage. Having already received the accolade of seasons' best away fans from Millwall supporters in November, dedicated batallions
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Trend we don't want to follow
AS A SPATE of profit warnings and jobs cuts on both sides of the Atlantic trigger fears of recession and send shares plunging in panic selling on the Stock Market, for the second time in a week the trend in East Lancashire heads encouragingly in the other
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Banana diet's making a monkey out of me
Just Jamie - life's trials and tribulations, with Jamie Diffley I'M on a health kick at the moment, my learned friends, and I must say it's driving me mad. I would say bananas but that just brings it all back and I'm trying to block it out. It's not my
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GOLFERS SAY 'LET'S TALK'
HEATON Park Golf Club members are pushing for an early meeting with Manchester City Council and Playgolf to resolve the row over season tickets. In a move to make the course even more of a municipal facility, seven-day season tickets, giving holders preferential
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BURY BID FOR REVENGE AGAIN
THE Shakers head for the south coast today looking to complete a revenge mission for the second time in five days. After defeating Wrexham on Tuesday night - a team who trounced Andy Preece's side 4-1 at Gigg Lane earlier in the season - it's the turn
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RICH PICKINGS FOR DAWES
GILGRYST CUP semi-final STAND ATHLETIC 2 EAST MANCHESTER 1 (after extra time) A NEIL DAWES goal in the 119th minute, ensured a May 7th Bank Holiday Monday clash with League rivals Wythenshawe Amateurs in the Manchester League's top cup competition. Stand
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BULLOCK JOINS BLADES ON DEADLINE DAY
BURY midfielder Darren Bullock was the main mover on transfer deadline day, joining First Division Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season. Blades manager Neil Warnock knows all about the combative player's qualities as he managed him during
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BURY BEAT THE WIDE BOYS
BURNAGE 26 BURY 27 THE flood plains of South Manchester forced Burnage to move their first XV pitch and, as a result, Bury found themselves playing on one of the widest pitches they had ever seen. The relocated pitch was some 85 yards wide and it worked
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NEWBY SNATCHES LATE VICTORY
Wrexham 0 Bury 1 IT'S hard to imagine what star striker Jon Newby can do to elevate him any higher in the affections of Shakers supporters at present. Not content with putting pen to paper on a deal that saw him transfer his allegiances from Anfield to
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East 10s are faultless
A DEPLETED Leigh East Under 10s turned out yet another faultless display in attack and defence to beat Ashton Bears 22-6. Half backs Yarwood and Williams produced some neat plays while the forwards and wings terrorised the Ashton defence. New prop Jason
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East's dreams move closer
Leigh East 50 Heworth 12 LEIGH East's dream of promotion to the Conference Premier Divison moved another step closer to reality as they rattled up half a century of points against the visitors from York. The win took East to a hat-trick of victories over
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Late try clincher
Wigan RU 16 Leigh RU 8 LEIGH fielded a re-shuffled side and their lightweight pack was on the defensive from the start. They weathered the early Wigan pressure and edged into a 3-0 lead with a Billinge penalty. But Wigan struck back with a penalty of
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Miners dig deep for key victory
Leigh Miners Rangers 22 Walney Central 14 AFTER their win at Woolston last weekend, Leigh Miners Rangers come back down to earth with a bump as Walney Central came within a whisker of snatching a dramatic victory at Twist Lane. It must be a matter of
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Stalemate as top two slug it out
Tyldesley 5 De La Salle 5 THE two sides challenging for honours in North Lancashire Division One fought out a tight and tense draw at Well Street. Tyldesley's only league defeat came at the start of the season at De La Salle when the Salford side won
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Today's the day
1788: The father of clowns, Giuseppe Grimaldi, died on this day. 1901: Australian opera singer Helen "Nellie Melba" Porter Mitchell introduced the world to Melba toast on this day. The diva liked her bread sliced so thinly then toasted that everyone who
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This week in 1976 25 years ago
SAW RED: Bury school children on a weekend trip to Amsterdam expected a cultural tour of old canals, traditional cobble-stoned streets and kerbside cafes. Instead they spent just three hours in a city centre sex-riddled shopping precinct. The party of
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Spaces will be free with charges
REGARDING the attack by Liberal Democrat Councillor Kevin Connor on my views on parking in Darwen town centre (Letters, March 15), if he wishes to know how many traders and shoppers have complained about all-day parking at the market and Foundry Street
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Disgrace of stifled debate
A REPORT by the Institute for Public Policy Research labelled the Labour Party's attempts to minimise debate about the European currency in the run up to an election as "naive and decidedly undemocratic." My attempts to raise the issue with Hyndburn MP
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Public should not be misled over car parks
COUNCILLOR Kevin Connor and his Liberal-Democrat colleagues are trying to mislead the public over the issue of car parking in Darwen (Letters, March 15). Coun Connor implies that the council is consulting on introducing a 20p pay-and-display charge on
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Fun in store.
A LARGER than life Eddie Murphy was in town on Saturday (March 17) to mark the official opening of another new business that has invested in Radcliffe. The over-inflated star of The Klumps was the main attraction at the Choices Video store fun day on
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Schools benefit from cash grant
FOUR voluntary-aided schools in the borough will benefit directly from last week's Government hand-out to boost disabled facilities. Bury Council was told it would receive £232,400 to improve disabled access in its schools. Under the Government's School
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Help in a clean sweep of East Bury
AN invitation has gone out to people in East Bury to help clean up the town! For 60 teams of litter-pickers are being sought to work in their area during the month of April. The clean-up is being organised by Bury Business Environment Association in partnership
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Thefts could be linked
TWO pensioners had handbags stolen in incidents which police say could be linked. The first theft happened in Gardner Road, Prestwich, at 11am on Thursday (March 15) when an 86-year-old's bag was stolen after she was approached from behind. Police say
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Store WILL close: claim
SAINSBURYS store in Prestwich will close despite public uproar, claims a Tory election hopeful. Nicola Le Page, prospective Parliamentary candidate for Bury South, said her meeting with senior company management revealed they still maintained Prestwich
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Help group needs cash assistance
A POPULAR help group may be forced to wind up its advice centre due to lack of funds. The Jinnah project, based on Ingham Street, Bury, offers benefits and welfare advice to ethnic minorities, and practical support for carers. Launched three years ago
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Twins in van horror
TEENAGE twin brothers were in hospital today with serious head injuries after colliding with a van. Fourteen-year-olds David and Matthew Howard of Shelley Gardens, Great Harwood, were crossing High Street in Rishton when they were struck by the Suzuki
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Mayoral breakfast a fair trade
BURY Mayor Coun Bill Johnson enjoyed a hearty breakfast and helped those less fortunate. To mark International Fair Trade Week, Bury United Reformed Church laid of a feast made from food produced without exploiting the workers of poor countries. Fair
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Open day for the Springs
AN open day is being held for residents in the Springs and Fishpool area of Bury so they can find out more about a special community project. They can meet the team of volunteers who work on the New Springs Project and view its newly-refurbished building
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Upgrade for crossing?
PEDESTRIANS who demanded an upgrade for a zebra crossing in Radcliffe are keeping their fingers crossed after councillors decided it may be a special case. Residents say that Belisha beacons on Bolton Road, close to Harper Fold Road, should be replaced
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Plans to extoll town's good qualities
AMBITIOUS plans are afoot to promote Radcliffe. The marketing strategy was unveiled at the latest meeting of the Radcliffe Area Board town centre sub-group. "Radcliffe and Radcliffe town centre have a lot to offer, it is just that we have forgotten how
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Terzis fires Dragons warning
BEWARE the wounded Dragon! Paul Terzis has told his troops to ignore Doncaster's financial plight and warned of the danger of taking the Dragons lightly. The Centurions put their 100 per cent Northern Ford Premiership record on the line at Belle Vue on
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Sick council leader's plea on building fails
A SICK note plea by Burnley Council leader Stuart Caddy for a planning application to be deferred was turned down after his colleagues were warned further delay could result in an allegation of maladministration. Coun Caddy, who is off work ill, was unable
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Care worker cleared of assault
A FORMER children's home team leader has been acquitted of attacking a boy - and has told of his relief at seeing his name cleared. Care worker David Towler, 53, was found not guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm after a four day trial at Burnley
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Friends in dog attack horror
A TEENAGE girl suffered horrific injuries after she and a friend were savaged by a vicious dog. The large Alsatian only released its grip on screaming Lisa Smithies when her aunt slammed the front door against it. The 14 year old suffered nine bites to
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Landed with a bill for £500,000
A MAN who saved up to buy himself a plane could lose it after it was impounded by Blackpool Airport -- unless he can find more than £500,000. Peter Bird, owner of taxi company Carter Cars, Padiham, has owned his £18,000 Piper Cherokee for ten years and
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Air pistols used in vandal attacks
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a spate of incidents in which they believe air pistols were used to cause thousands of pounds-worth of damage to car and shop windows. In each of the attacks during the past week small holes have been made in panes
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SOCCER: Preston right back Gary Parkinson has joined Blackpool on a permanent basis in a deal that c
The former Burnley player has struggled to make an impact in the North End first team since a serious knee injury two years ago although he has been deputising for the injured Graham Alexander in recent games. Manager David Moyes though has brought in
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Five years ago
DRUGS worth a street value of half-a-million pounds were seized in a crime squad raid on a derelict mill in Accrington town centre. Six hundred cannabis plants were found in the upstairs room of the Old Mill during the raid, part of an operation codenamed
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Services firm to create 300 jobs
A MASSIVE jobs boost was unveiled today after a firm announced it was expanding into East Lancashire. Just months after Leoni, in Pickup Street, Accrington, closed with the loss of more than 500 jobs, Halifax based quality control firm Brand Support Services
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Scooters set for egg odyssey to sick youngsters
MASSES of Mods will travel from all over Europe to the world's biggest scooter event in Lowton. Last year a record 1,500 machines, ranging from classic Lambrettas and Vespas of the 1950s and 60s, went on Kevin "Ginger" and Caroline Lawton's mercy mission
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Birthday girl under cancer shadow
A BRAVE schoolgirl was today spending her 10th birthday preparing to start fighting cancer -- less than two years after she thought she had beaten it. While most 10 year-olds would spend their birthday having a party, Becky Baxter will have just one friend
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War memorial yobs will have no place to hide
A 'BIG Brother' TV camera is to watch over Leigh's war memorial in a clampdown on vandalism. The latest in closed circuit televsion is now in operation at the Church Street Memorial Gardens. And yobs are being told to keep clear -- or risk being caught
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Lorry driver meets paramedics who revived him
A LORRY driver who 'died' of a heart attack -- but was then brought back to life came face-to-face with the two paramedics who saved him. Desmond Barlow, a 49-year-old divorced father-of-three, suffered a massive coronary while at work. He fell to the
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Andy named as Labour's man
LABOUR'S new man for Leigh is Government aide 31 year-old Andy Burnham. He was selected on Tuesday night as Labour's candidate for the next General Election as successor to retiring MP Lawrence Cunliffe, who has represented Leigh since 1979, after a protracted
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Pupils build bridges with world of work
YOUNG would-be engineers from Leigh have been building their own bridges to the future. And yesterday 16 of them took another giant step in their quest to win the Young Engineers of Great Britain competition. As part of a Leigh Education Action Zone initiative
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RL fan Brian's final visit to Hilton Park
RUGBY League fanatic Brian Simpson, who died after collapsing in his local pub, this week visited his favourite ground for the last time. Store manager Mr Simpson, 57, from Atherton, had been a Leigh RL supporter since his school days and following his
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Stay-away tourists hit business
THE countryside is in crisis, not in quarantine. That is the message environment bosses are trying to put across to the general public who are staying away from rural towns and villages in droves. The effect of their absence is hitting small businesses
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Bedford residents band together
MAY we use your newspaper to make people aware of the law regarding dog fouling. There is a fixed penalty of £25 for any owners caught not cleaning up after their dogs. We in the Bedford District have formed a residents' association and our first aim
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Banks urged to show restraint
A NORTH West small business organisation has urged banks and Government agencies to go easy with repayment demands due to the foot and mouth outbreak. The Federation of Small Businesses in the region has asked for more tolerance as the cattle virus escalates
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Tops for travel
A HIGH-FLYING travel company with branches in Radcliffe, Bury and Prestwich has booked itself a top national award. PR World Travel lifted the coveted "innovation and technology in travel and tourism" accolade at the Travel Weekly Tourism Awards, the
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Ex-Gills striker set to face Burnley
QUEENS Park Rangers will unleash new signing Andy Thomson on the Clarets tomorrow as they look for the goals to keep them in Division One. The Hoops made a deadline day swoop for the Gillingham striker and he looks certain to face Burnley at Turf Moor
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School staff win bonus for achievements
STAFF at 13 Bury schools have won themselves pay bonuses thanks to their hard work and dedication. Schools Minister Estelle Morris revealed the schools which earned School Achievement Awards. They will each get between £2,000 and £10,000 to fund pay bonuses
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Complementary service to rejuvenate elderly
FACING up to a new initiative at Bury's popular Jinnah Centre! That's Bury North MP David Chaytor who received some "hands on" experience of a newly-launched complementary health initiative now up and running at the centre. Users of the Alfred Street-based
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Tesco's £30,000 homes payout
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco is set to pay out around £30,000 compensation to local residents more than five years after it opened in Prestwich. The handout, which is to be divided between 30 claimants, is for a depreciation in the value of their properties
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BHUTIA HEADS FOR WORLD CUP
SHAKERS' Indian international Bhaichung Bhutia jets off for his homeland late tomorrow evening to get ready for World Cup action. The national skipper will miss the rest of Bury's season as he hopes to lead his side to qualification past the first round
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BURY LAD GORAM JOINS MAN U
BURY-born goalkeeper Andy Goram has joined Manchester United in a £100,000 loan deal from Scottish Premier Division side Motherwell. The 36-year-old former Scotland international has also secured a £100,00 personal contract with United, who have signed
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Freak injury threatens Gillespie return hopes
KEITH Gillespie's hopes of an emotional return to international duty were today in jeopardy after the Rovers winger picked up a freak injury in his sleep. Gillespie returned to the Northern Ireland fold earlier this week after surviving one of the deepest
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Piano concert
ACCOMPLISHED pianist Peter Stirzaker presents a selection of popular encores tomorrow at Bag Lane Methodist Church, Atherton. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Admission is £3 adults, £2 children.
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RL fund raiser
PENNY Black will perform in a North West Counties RL fund raiser on April 6 in the Mick Martyn Bar at Hilton Park. Funds are being raised for the U16s tour of Australia. Tickets priced £3 are available from 01942 671523, or pay on the door.
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Charity plunge plea
LEIGH Journal readers are being asked to take part in a 10,000ft parachute jump to help asthma sufferers. The National Asthma Campaign is offering Tandem Skydives for people who can raise more than £340 in sponsorship for the charity. Telephone 01603
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Full steam ahead for super mums
RAILWAY enthusiasts will have the perfect excuse for Mothers' Day as mums are invited for a day of pampering at the National Railway Museum in York. Free admission, ladies-only engine driving and make-up demonstrations are just some of events on offer
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Dr Barnado history talk
MR Reg Shortle gave an informative talk on Dr Barnado Homes at a meeting of the Atherton Probus Club. He told how Barnado was born in Dublin in 1845, and after missionary work in China, returned to London and qualified as a doctor of Medicine. But due
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Lanky neet!
AN Atherton pub has decided to toast Lancashire. With patriotic people celebrating St Patrick's, St David's and St George's Days, landlords Shirley and Terry Miller of the Rope and Anchor, Bolton Old Road, have decided to organise a Local Lancashire Evening
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US school set to entertain
AN American high school's musicians will perform in Atherton next month. The Needham HS Ensembles from Massachusetts will be at the Formby Hall on April 14 at 7.30pm. The school is participating in a UK tour taking in venues from London to Edinburgh,
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Braille launch at pharmacies
A PIONEERING move to help the blind has been launched at Co-op pharmacies. Braille has been introduced onto packaging to help sightless people differentiate between products. The first product on the shelves at the Manchester Road, Astley, pharmacy is
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Remember the 50s?
A TELEVISION company is asking people of Leigh for fond and funny memories of the 1950s and 60s for a new series looking at the changing lifestyle of society. During the two decades that gave us the arrival of the television and saw the housewife as a
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Fall woman thanks couple
A SHOPPER who fell and banged her head in a supermarket is appealing for an elderly couple to come forward. Doreen Ryder was in Kwik Save, on Bolton Road, Atherton, when she tripped on an empty bread basket and tumbled to the floor. She hurt her ankle
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Scouse day
LIVERPUDLIANS and pie crusts will be missing at International Scouse Day in Golborne. Lob scouse, lobby, lobbies or potato hash -- call it what you will -- but a big meat and potato pie without pastry is probably the best description for the traditional
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Man died in front of wife
A MAN collapsed in front of his wife just hours after returning from a shopping trip. Leslie Smith, aged 58, of Windsor Road, Golborne, had complained of chest pains four days before his death on September 25 last year. It was originally believed some
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Prescription charges to be increased
LEIGH residents face an increase in prescription charges next month. But the Government has claimed the 1.67 per cent increase is the lowest in over 20 years. The charge for a single prescription will rise from the usual price of £6.00 to £6.10, on April
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Missing Jack: Police probe sighting
POLICE are investigating a possible sighting of Jack Hawthornthwaite, the man who has been missing for more than a week. Detectives said they received a report of a man fitting Jack's description on Priory Drive, Darwen, about 15 hours after he was reported
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New clinic for mums-to-be
ESTATE mums-to-be are expecting to benefit from the launch of a new ante-natal clinic. The satellite clinic will be based at Higher Folds Community Centre and cater for women regardless of who or where their GPs are based. It will be open every Thursday
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Go on, be a daredevil
ADVENTUROUS folk from Leigh are being invited to take their pick of daring ways to raise cash for charity. Three national charities are asking folk to get sponsorship to take part, for free, in extreme sports. There is an invitation from The British Lung
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Chairman resigns due to workload
THE Chairman of the Rossendale Primary Care Group, which runs non-hospital health services, is to resign. Dr Peter Williams, who was appointed in 1998 has tendered his resignation as his Bacup practice is busier since the retirement of his partner, Dr
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Pupils get a taste of 'uni'
HIGH school pupils from the Leigh area have been given a taste of higher education by taking part in a year-long special project. The students who previously may not have seen it possible to get a degree have been involved in the project, Access All Areas
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Jail for attack on guard
A THIEF who attacked a store security officer after going on a "bender" was sent to prison for 30 days. Burnley magistrates heard how Kieran John Furlong, 25, punched his victim in the face several times, leaving him with a smashed nose, bruising and
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Police chief vows to keep the beat
THE new head of Todmorden police force has pledged that there will be no reductions of "bobbies on the beat" and says that Calderdale is in the middle of a recruitment drive. Chief Inspector David Booth will be the first officer to have particular responsibility
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"Dornd miss id"
LOWFIN' Leyther John Eatock will summon up his broadest dialect on Saturday at a rip roaring Lancashire night of music and mirth at the Rope and Anchor pub in Atherton. Tock, who ticks away merrily whether performing solo or as a member of the celebrated
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Pupils help to change a child's life
LOOSE change doesn't make holes in pupils' pockets at a Hindley high school any more. Small coins are put to good use these days at Mornington High where cash is collected to sponsor an adopted Third World child. For the past 10 years the school has been
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Council dog clean-up campaign 'is working'
DOG owners are heeding advice to clean up after their pets, according to the council. New legislation to keep the dog dirt off the streets, was introduced last year in October. The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 was presented to the public in order to
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Motorist's fury as car wrecked at 'pinch point'
EX-PITMAN Nick Aaron is driving around in a £50 banger after tangling with a controversial kerb which sidelined his £11,000 car. Nick, from Wareing Street, Tyldesley is back to basics after an accident in Astley Street, Tyldesley -- which he says happened
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Mary's out in the cold
A PENSIONER was left in the cold for three weeks after a blunder by British Gas. Mary Mills, of Edna Road, Leigh, had to do without gas for more than eight hours a week despite plunging temperatures outside. The problem arose after British Gas changed
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Thugs attack and rob OAP
A PENSIONER was robbed by two knife-wielding attackers in a raid on his home. Edwin Pendlebury was threatened and then beaten by the balaclava-clad thugs in the living room of his house in Leigh. The 75-year-old was slapped across the face on a number
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A chef with stars in his eyes returns 'home' to Lowton
A CHEF to the stars is rattling his pots and pans at a Lowton restaurant. Anthony O'Garra, who has served up specialities to Prince Andrew and Fergie, Terry Wogan and golf greats, has moved to the Travellers Rest, Newton Road. Anthony, 34, of Winscombe
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Asylum cash to provide more housing
ASYLUM seekers in Atherton are set to benefit from close to a quarter of a million pounds. A budget of £218,000 has been set aside by council finance chiefs to provide accommodation for destitute asylum seekers flooding into the area. The sum -- equivalent
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More Bobbies joining Lancs Force
A SHARP rise in the number of Lancashire police officers has brought the force almost back to the level of staff it had when Labour won the general election. Between September 2000 and January this year, the number of officers in the county rose by 30
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Kebab gaffe led to violent row
ANDREW Lonsdale was given two days of the silent treatment by his girlfriend because he failed to order her a kebab. Blackburn magistrates heard that eventually Lonsdale could take no more and kicked out at a table, damaging the television and video at
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I told ET director to 'Go home'
FEW people get the chance to be involved in a top Hollywood film -- and even fewer turn it down. But when Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg came knocking, Janet Conroy had to tell the maker of ET: "Go home." Janet, owner of vintage clothes shop
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Stay-away tourists hit business
BUSINESSES hit by the foot and mouth crisis have urged visitors to return to the countryside -- before their livelihoods suffer lasting damage. Rural shops, pubs, holiday cottages and other attractions are all losing custom and jobs are on the line as
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Barnes on move to Borough
SOCCER: Former Burnley striker Paul Barnes has joined non-League Nuneaton Borough from Bury on a free transfer and midfielder Darren Bullock has followed former manager Neil Warnock to Sheffield United in a loan deal to the end of the season. Meanwhile
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SOCCER: Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman has signed for NWCL Division One side Prescot Cables
And players Russell Payne, Steve Carragher and assistant manager Jimmy Bell have signed for the Merseyside club too. But Stanley fans need not worry, the four have only signed up to provide cover for manager Tommy Lawson's side, who are hoping for promotion
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Big-hitter Lloyd helps Lancs win
LANCASHIRE'S batsmen continued their fine form to cruise to a 62 run win over The South Western Districts on their pre-season tour of South Africa at Oudtshoorn. Batting first, Lancashire lost Mark Chilton -- run out for the second time in three innings
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Hit the car tax dodgers
YEARS ago, if your tax was a day late on your car you got a ticket slapped on it. Well, there are at least seven cars without tax on my road alone. Three of them belong to one house and one of them was last taxed 12 months ago and they have the cheek
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It's cheaper in Spain
I AM looking to buy a property in Spain, and I have been amazed how low local taxes are there. A similar property to my present one here is (including water) £75 per year. A studio apartment is £28. At present I am paying nearly £700 per year in this
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Supermarkets have spoilt it
READING the recent headline "Prestwich traders back the Tesco plans" I could not believe it! Look at what the Trafford Centre has done to Manchester. The demise of Lewis's is only one example. Tesco is on the borders of Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe
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Our system is the best
"FRUSTRATED First-Time Voter" (Your Letters, Mar 13) seems unusually cynical for one so young. One would have thought that someone of that age would get something done, instead of adopting such a negative attitude. He/she accuses councillors of publicity-seeking
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Boycott greedy supermarkets
NO longer are we a nation of shopkeepers, but a nation held to ransom by the Supermarket Syndrome. Even Tony Blair admitted that supermarkets have the farmers in an arm-lock. We cannot blame the farmers for the foot and mouth crisis and it would be equally
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Gun control? You must be kidding
AFTER the latest shooting in an American school, we again have people jumping on the bandwagon regarding gun control. They conveniently forget that we have had supposed gun control in this country for 80 years. I would therefore like to ask these people
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Rail yobs
WORDS can't describe the mindless thugs who tried to derail a train at Hag Fold, Atherton, on Friday. What were they trying to prove? Thankfully only one passenger needed treatment for whiplash injuries after the early morning service, travelling at 60mph
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Fly the flag
THE footpaths in Bag Lane, Atherton, are being resurfaced -- with horrible, boring, black asphalt. Not a patch on the flags we're used to. One advantage of the new surface, however, is that the sidewalks won't look like jigsaw puzzles after they have
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So heartless
I WAS browsing, as usual, when I heard an old lady ask the assistant if she could leave something inside the shop door -- at the time I didn't know what it was. She told the volunteer that last week she had had it stolen while on a trip out of town --
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Goodbye to scooters...
ANOTHER fad is set to bite the dust. Fold away those teeny weeny scooters you splashed out on at Christmas, they're now out of date. Something miles better has rolled along. The new must-have is 'Street Flyers' and I love 'em. They are high tech trainer-type
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Amazing Ali
I READ an interview with the amazing Muhammad Ali, probably the best loved and respected sportsman of all time. What an amazing guy he is to cope with such a debilitating disease as Parkinsons, and yet be so serene and content with his lot, despite being
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Don't turn our Blackpool into a Vegas resort
BLACKPOOL -- that favourite holiday haunt of Leythers throughout the century -- is a sad, outdated seaside resort. Who says so, apart from me? Leisure Parks, who are planning a Las Vegas style makeover for the Golden Mile, that's who. There's no doubt
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Fear drives us on
Leigh Centurions...52 Gateshead Thunder...4 THE fear factor is driving the Centurions on towards a record-breaking season. Unbeaten in the Northern Ford Premiership since losing at Doncaster last June, Leigh made it 12 from 12 this season as Gateshead
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Men held in 'unfit meat' case
TWO Bury men have been arrested following a nationwide operation to stop meat allegedly unfit for human consumption re-entering the food chain. The pair, believed to be a father and son from the Walmersley area, were among 16 people who were detained
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Colls anger as opponents refuse early start
ATHERTON Colls officials were left in dismay this week by the attitude of tomorrow's opponents Mossley. Repeated requests by the Alder House outfit to have the kick off time brought forward to 1pm in order to be finished in time for players and supporters
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England send for Jones
RMI's free-scoring winger Steve Jones got his England call-up papers this week. In-form Jones was drafted into the England Non-League squad that faced Holland in Weert last night. England boss John Owens has chosen the 23-year-old Failsworth flyer to
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Derby clash at the double
A QUIRK in the fixtures planning sees Pennington and Atherton Town clash again tomorrow in the Manchester League Premier Division just seven days after Town took the honours on the home turf by a 4-1 scoreline. The victory extended the victors unbeaten
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Cup scare for Oak
THE game was an absolute thriller but Division Two leaders Atherton C&N were agonisingly denied a place in the last four of the Redwaters Cup in a 3-2 extra time defeat by Division One top side Royal Oak. Twice Jonathan Wood gave C&N the lead
