Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Thursday, July 5
Sequence Dancing, Accrington Town Hall, 7.30pm. 'Songs For Moira' -- a concern for Alzheimer's Awareness Week, The Hornby Theatre, Blackburn Central Library, 7.30pm. Royal British Legion, Catholic Club, Wellington Fold, Darwen, 7.30pm. 'Celebration of
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Pavilion plan looks a gem
THOUGH a two-dimensional artist's impression cannot precisely convey the full detail and effect of things to come, the architect's drawing revealing today how the run-down Pavilions in Blackburn's town-centre will look after their transformation into
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The wild cat whose nine lives expired
WE'VE all joked at one time or another about "the good news and the bad news." Our recent photo competition is also a slice of good news and bad news. Among the pictures successfully identified were the avocet and the wild cat. Times have been good for
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All faiths invited to attend tribute service
A SERVICE will take place at the crematorium in Pleasington this Sunday for bereaved people to remember loved ones who have died in the previous year. A marquee will be set up on the grounds to seat several hundred people from all denominations. The service
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In perspective
MR Blair's recent pay rise in reality breaks down to roughly £23 per hour. Just slightly more than some plumbers charge. WINIFRED SMITH, Clarence Street, Colne.
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Calling the 'class' of '51
IAM trying to contact the following members of the class of Royal Navy Aircraft Artificer Apprentices who joined in September 1951 with the objective of a reunion: JR Alan, Vian Curtis, Don Dees, Alan Mason, George Maul, 'Nick' Nichols, Tony Rowlands,
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Afghan problem needs solution
SEEING the pictures and story by Saira Shah, the heroic woman who risked death by giving an account of the horrific execution by the Taliban in Afghanistan in which a woman had a bullet put through her head because she had committed bigamy, it was notable
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What constitutes a racist attack?
REGARDING your report headlined 'Thugs attack boy in street' (LET, June 30), bearing in mind the dreadful scenes of sporadic violence occurring throughout East Lancashire lately, I just wondered if the police (or anybody) could put my mind at rest by
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Support our cancer nurses
MANY readers will know from personal experience how the care and support of a Macmillan nurse can make a real difference to how someone copes with cancer. Our 2,000 nurses do a wonderful job -- as do the many thousands of volunteers who give willingly
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Man bound over after wrecking spree
POLICE were called after Alan Carney, aged 28, begin wrecking the home he shared with his girlfriend in Newchurch Walk, Radcliffe. Bury magistrates were told his girlfriend managed to flee and police were called and Carney was arrested as he tried to
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Mother forgives fatal overdose doctor
A MOTHER today forgave the doctor who prescribed a fatal dose of methadone over the phone to her teenage son - but warned: "I hope you've learned your lesson." But Gillian Edmondson today warned the medical profession also needed to learn from 16-year-old
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Jones signs on for Crewe
STEVE Jones' much-heralded move from Leigh RMI was completed when he signed for First Division Crewe Alexandra. Leigh had agreed a £150,000 fee with Crewe and Tranmere but the Merseysiders wanted to have a look at Jones in training before finalising the
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RMI boss in same boat as Allardyce!
LEIGH RMI manager Steve Waywell today likened his financial plight with that of Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce. Bolton are set for a £30million cash bonanza from their promotion to the Premiership but Allardyce will only have a small part of that to spend
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Councils learn to work together
RELATIONS between Brierfield Town Council and Pendle Borough Council have been strengthened after representatives from both met at Nelson Town Hall to discuss how they could work together. Advice on preparing and submitting bids for various projects was
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Worker dragged into moving machine
A 44-year-old worker was in hospital today after his overall got caught in a machine. Robert Varey, of Slater Avenue, Colne, had been operating a buffer machine - which removes excess rubber - at Pendle Polymer Engineering yesterday lunchtime when he
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Residents not playing the game
RESIDENTS in Barrowford are hoping plans for a play area on land at Holmefield House will be rejected by councillors tonight due to overwhelming opposition. A short presentation in support of the proposed site will be given by the parish council at the
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Five years ago
BLACKBURN was one of the most deprived towns in Britain with thousands imprisoned in poverty and drowning in debts. This was revealed as help agencies and other groups in the borough gathered to decide how to fight the growing problems of hardship in
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Ten years ago
MILKMEN in East Lancashire were to deliver doorstep pints with a difference. Blackburn brewers Thwaites teamed up with Associated Dairies to launch a pioneering scheme to deliver ale to homes. But the plan brought little cheer to furious landlords who
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Western way for 'cowgirl' Michelle
ALL-Accrington cowgirl Michelle Hurst celebrated American Independence today by donning stetson and authentic costume. Michelle joined her workmates at travel firm Fraser Eagle Ltd, which has branches in Accrington, Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle and Barrowford
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Death of a Desert Rat
Former Engineer helped conjure Second World War victory Engineer Kenneth built 'pretend'' planes and tanks to fool the Huns A SKILLED builder and soldier who helped fool the Germans during World War Two has died, aged 83. Kenneth Manley, who became a
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Head butt broke window
A 22-YEAR-old reveller fled after breaking the window of a Whalley takeaway by head-butting it. Blackburn magistrates heard that Benjamin Carter was chased into a graveyard where he was found hiding in bushes. Carter, of Culcheth, Warrington, pleaded
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TV dates
THE Clarets have been selected for a further live television date by ITV Sport. Ternent's men will now take on Sheffield United in front of the cameras a day later than scheduled on Sunday, November 4 (kick-off 2.15pm). And Burnley's visit to Birmingham
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LOCAL CRICKET: Whalley off mark with win
WHALLEY could finally celebrate after they picked up their first Jennings Ribblesdale League win of the season. The Station Road side were relieved after they defeated Clitheroe -- although the victory didn't move them away from the foot of the table
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Compensation culture costs
COUNCIL chiefs in Hyndburn, I see, are considering action for trespass against the nigh-permanent touts pestering for business in Accrington's major shopping street -- a bunch led by ones working for the no-win, no-fee legal firms seeking to represent
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Clarets to face United
BURNLEY may welcome British record signing Juan Sebastien Veron to Turf Moor after lining up a prestigious friendly with Premiership champions Manchester United. The Clarets, who also face top-flight opposition in Everton and Chelsea during their run-up
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New boy Nick FITs the bill
BURNLEY-BASED FIT 4Business, the national telecommunications and business services provider, has appointed Nick Niziolomski as its new operations director. Nick, 39, has extensive experience in the technology market and joins the company from Colt Telecom
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Tourism acts to protect new jobs
AT least 35,000 jobs will be created in the North West's expanding tourist industry over the next six years. Tourist leaders, however, are warning that there are not enough skilled staff to fill the vacancies. In an effort to ensure suitably-qualified
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Bury blow as Cramb goes Dutch
BURY'S hopes of landing their dream striker partnership have evaporated with the news that Colin Cramb has signed for Dutch club Fortuna Sittard. Cramb, on loan from Crewe Alexandra last season, formed a devastating partnership with Jon Newby and hopes
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Search for key to The Hobbit
A GROUP of talented youngsters are hoping kindhearted folk will come to their rescue as they put the finishing touches to their first open air performance. Actors and actresses at Darwen Library Theatre are due to stage J R R Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' next
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Queue for Spanish lessons as costas beckon
DARRENERS heading for sunny Spain can take advantage of free Spanish classes at the town's Access Point. Sessions have proved so successful that staff are putting on extra classes. Run in conjunction with Blackburn College and Blackburn with Darwen Borough
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School closure plan rocks village
A COMMUNITY was in shock today after bosses announced plans to close an historic children's school. Officials at Crowthorn School, Broadhead Road, Edgworth, have started consultations with staff, parents and children about the possibility of relocating
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Andy's classic Cresta
Classic car beats off stiff competition to claim top prize MOTOR mechanic Andy Brown scooped the prestigious Best Car in Show award with his stunning 42-year-old Vauxhall at a classic car gathering. Andy, from Atherton, beat-off stiff competition from
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Blooms brighten streets
BEAUTIFUL blooms in 30 hanging baskets are brightening up the main street in Stacksteads. The Stacksteads Riverside Park Group has paid for the baskets to be placed on brackets on the street lights along Newchurch Road. SRPG secretary Christine Lamb said
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Grants on offer to students
STUDENTS from the Ramsbottom area are invited to apply for small grants towards their school, university or college courses. The British Cotton Growers' Association Ramsbottom Local Fund offers small amounts of money to students who are under 25 and anyone
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A touch
of rustic charm in town lRURAL crafts were all the rage when experts in the arts showed their skills down Astley Green. Charcoal burning, bird box making and basket weaving were some of the features which the event one to remember at Whitehead Hall Meadow
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Cost of being taken for a song
A RAWTENSTALL woman who allowed herself to be carried along with a plot to cheat a store three years ago was finally brought before magistrates on a warrant. Sarah Jayne Ann Williams, 21, of Bury Road, Rawtenstall, was before the bench at Rochdale admitting
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Ex-teacher instituted as priest
A FOURTH generation priest the Rev Stephen Brown has been instituted at St Peter's Church, Laneside, Haslingden. Mr Brown, 40, has moved to Rossendale after six years as Rector of the 10,000 population parish of Stanningly in Pudsey near Leeds. He grew
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Garden centre party
brings fun in the sun FUN in the sun was the name of the game last weekend at Bents Garden Centre's third annual garden party. The event was a huge success, attracting hundreds of visitors to the Warrington Road nursery in Glazebury. Hanging basket demonstrations
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Super slimmer Sheila
does it her own way SUPER slimmer Sheila Harbridge is half the woman she was two years ago. She decided enough was enough when, just months after the event, she outgrew a size 24 suit bought for her 50th birthday. She signed up for an Atherton Slimming
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Snooker champ is potting the green
HE may be king of the big breaks but when it comes to plants former world champ Dennis Taylor admits he is completely snookered. Now, however, Blackburn's star player is aiming to create his own Cue Gardens after taking part in a green-fingered crash
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Dancers' steps to possible stardom
TWINKLE-toed youngsters Samantha Allen and Katie Moss have danced their way into a prestigious production with the English Youth Ballet. And organisers revealed today that Lancashire is full of budding Billy Elliots, the fictional boy who became an unlikely
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Robbery alert over high-powered cars
OWNERS of high powered vehicles were today warned to be on the look out after masked men attacked a man and stole his turbo-charged car. Detectives investigating the robbery at Daisyfield Business Park, Blackburn, say people who own powerful cars need
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Bill's a council leader at your service
A COUNCIL leader is going on-line in a bid to find out what the public think of his borough's services. Blackburn with Darwen leader Bill Taylor has launched his own email address for people to contact him with their gripes and groans. And he pledged
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'Delicate' bloom became an unruly menace
WITH the foot and mouth outbreak showing no signs of ending in the Ribble Valley, it makes no sense to roam the countryside in search of records. There are some areas, however, which are safe to explore. The dominant plant at the moment is Himalayan balsam
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Sharon lens a hand!
CUSTOMERS at the Crown Optical Centre had to look twice when they saw Brian Leybourne collecting 200 pairs of spectacles. Brian, international chairman of Blackburn West Rotary, collected the glasses on behalf of Vision Aid Overseas, the charity which
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Cannabis found in crash car
SALIM Patel, 22, of Cowper Street, Blackburn, was given a conditional discharge for 12 months by Blackburn magistrates after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis. He was ordered to pay £65 costs. The court heard that police attended a report that a
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It's a mad, mad world
HAS the world gone mad? Do people really believe that a soap star is worth more in wages than a Prime Minister in charge of running the country? I RIMINGTON (Mrs), Queens Road, Accrington.
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Community group well established
REGARDING Sam Spence's call for the setting up of a residents' committee in the Bank Top area of Blackburn (Letters, June 22) with a view to gaining funding for amenities such as play areas and football grounds and the maintenance of already-established
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Clubs find out what is in a name
GIVEN the flood of foreign players into British football in recent years, someone was bound to get their fingers burned. And it appears that Sunderland are the latest to suffer from the 'it's not like it said in the brochure' syndrome. According to one
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Cabinet enforcer Prescott to visit
Following a meeting between Burnley's MP Peter Pike and Tony Blair, John Prescott is set to visit the town to discuss the way forward after the race riots. The Prime Minister agreed to try and arrange a visit for his deputy to the trouble-torn town to
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Irish star relishing Rovers' return
ROVERS winger Damien Duff has set his sights on a dream double as he prepares to rub shoulders with the game's elite. Duff is gearing up for another crack at the Premiership after helping Blackburn to promotion last season. And the inspirational wideman
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A chorus of praise for visit
A RETIRED Leyland priest's friendship with a Romanian family has led to a visit by a 42-strong choir from Moldavia next week. The Reverend Thomas Finch, of Royal Avenue, Leyland, has worked with an ecumenical support group to bring The Friends of Music
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Vicar's in-spired rooftop protest
A PRESTON vicar who is terrified of heights is planning to camp out on a leaky church roof until his parishioners come up with £3,000 to repair it. Father Graham Piper, of St Aidan's Church, Longworth Street, Bamber Bridge, who describes himself as "getting
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Former head in books for Africa appeal
RETIRED Burnley head teacher Bob Pilborough has launched an appeal for unwanted old Bibles, hymn books or other Christian material to be forwarded to Third World countries. Mr Pilborough who is a member of the organisation Book Aid said: "Mostly they
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Cabinet enforcer Prescott to visit
Following a meeting between Burnley's MP Peter Pike and Tony Blair, John Prescott is set to visit the town to discuss the way forward after the race riots. The Prime Minister agreed to try and arrange a visit for his deputy to the trouble-torn town to
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Top place for SOS team
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has congratulated the Lancashire Ambulance Service for being one of only two rural services in England to meet the emergency response targets. He welcomed figures that showed that 77 per cent of life threatening calls were reached
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Carving knife threat
A 33-year-old man had a nine-inch carving knife held to his throat by burglars who stole £300 from his home. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident at Beaufort Street, Nelson, at 3.05pm yesterday. Two men entered the house through an unlocked
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Stars get chance to shine
SINGER Stacey De-Looze took another step on her road to stardom when she won the Pendle Starquest talent competition. Town centre shoppers were provided with a full day of free entertainment by would-be stars. The 17-year-old Burnley girl was last year's
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Fairleigh contract talks dilemma
THE future of St Helens' Aussie prop David Fairleigh remained in doubt after further contract talks yesterday. Coach Ian Millward said: "David will either retire or play another season at our club. I cannot say which route he will take." Fairleigh returns
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Ben Nevis climbed halfway through cycle ride
AFTER pedalling 1,000 miles across the country during the past two weeks, Colne teacher Malcolm Redford is back home. Malcolm, 48, of Woolpack, cycled from Land's End to John O' Groats to raise money for the National Autistic Society and hopes to have
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Clarets to face United
BURNLEY may welcome British record signing Juan Sebastien Veron to Turf Moor after lining up a prestigious friendly with Premiership champions Manchester United. The Clarets, who also face top-flight opposition in Everton and Chelsea during their run-up
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LOCAL CRICKET: Ribblesdale League Scorecards
ROUNDING-UP the local cricket scene. EARBY 141-8 BLACKBURN NORTHERN 142-7 Earby 0 pts Blackburn Northern 5 pts EARBY Craig Walton c Chariwala b Rehman ... 113 S Pickles c Chariwala b Rehman ... 2 Scholefield lbw Weaver ... 11 I Clarkson c Knight b Pratt
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Irish star relishing Rovers' return
ROVERS winger Damien Duff has set his sights on a dream double as he prepares to rub shoulders with the game's elite. Duff is gearing up for another crack at the Premiership after helping Blackburn to promotion last season. And the inspirational wideman
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Boom year for top property provider
MENTMORE Abbey, one of East Lancashire's largest property management companies, has reported a massive 57 per cent increase in operating profits to £31.8 million. The company provides over 500,000 sq ft of office and industrial accommodation for more
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£100,000 bearings mouldings stolen
DETECTIVES are appealing for information after property worth more than £100,000 and weighing nearly three tonnes was stolen from a bearings company. Thieves entered the RHP Bearings building at Davyfield Road, Darwen sometime between last Saturday and
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Rider carried to safety off the moors
AN unconscious mountain bike rider was stretchered to safety off the moors above Cowpe by Rossendale Search and Rescue Team. Brian Trickett, 36, from Rawtenstall was with his son Lee, 15, when he collapsed and is believed to have suffered an epileptic
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Budding bard reaches finals
Matthew's inspirational poem A BUDDING poet fought off 2,000 rivals to reach the final of a writing competition. Matthew Finch, ten, of Bickershaw CE School, was in line for the Top Poet title in a borough competition with the theme 'Beginnings and Endings
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New unit will fight fraud on the internet
A SPECIALIST crime squad has been set up to target bogus traders in Lancashire who deal over the internet. The £150,000 unit was given the go-ahead by the new Minister for Consumer Affairs Melanie Johnson and will target dishonest traders on the internet
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Juror still haunted by horror images of Jamie trial
HE was a key figure in one of the highest profile criminal trials of recent times, but for eight years Blackburn jury foreman Alan Barry has remained silent about the James Bulger murder. A lifetime, let alone eight short years, will never be long enough
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Mother forgives fatal overdose doctor
A MOTHER today forgave the doctor who prescribed a fatal dose of methadone over the phone to her teenage son - but warned: "I hope you've learned your lesson." But Gillian Edmondson today warned the medical profession also needed to learn from 16-year-old
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GOLF: Eaton hopes
SIMON Eaton is hoping to achieve a personal best at this year's Open. The Burnley-attached professional, who goes to regional qualifying at Wilmslow on Monday, has never been past the final qualifying stage. But the 25-year-old is hoping 2001 will be
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Triple joy for heart swap man
TRANSPLANT patient Gerry Bourne is celebrating a hearty treble ten years after a life-saving operation. Not only is Gerry (62), of Rollesby Close, Brandlesholme, Bury, celebrating the anniversary of his heart transplant at Wythenshawe Hospital's North
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Inquiry needed into the riots
THE news that John Prestcott may be heading for Burnley in the wake of the riots is very welcome, and credit must go to Peter Pike for helping to bring it about. Of course, it would have been even more welcome if Tony Blair had decided to visit the town
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Hospital trip was behind store theft
DAVID Andrew Park stole a track-suit from T J Hughes, planning to sell it so he could afford the train fare to visit his girlfriend in hospital in Manchester. Park, 30, of North Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at Blackburn magistrates to shoplifting and
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Pat on the back for the volunteers
FIFTY local voluntary and community sector organisations got together to stage a free fun day in Colne. The event was held at Pendle Leisure Centre to celebrate the work and diversity of some of the 300-plus voluntary and community groups active in Pendle
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Arcade planned for area that's run-down
COUNCILLORS have backed a plan for a new amusement arcade in a run-down area of Accrington. An old shop near to the junction of King Street and Blackburn Road is set to be the venue for the new facility after it was given permission by Hyndburn's development
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Youths beat and kicked victim
A HEALTH and safety manager's jaw was smashed in three places after he went to catch youths he believed had been vandalising cars, a jury was told. Burnley Crown Court heard how Ian Ashton, 29, was punched in the face, knocked to the ground and kicked
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Mum's second tragedy as victim dies in hospital
A MOTHER who watched her son die in hospital a fortnight after he was hit by a bus today spoke of her anguish of losing two children in seven years. Father-of-one David Mellelieu, 31, died at the Royal Preston Hospital yesterday afternoon. He had suffered
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Barman drunk in street
POLICE called to a disturbance in Clitheroe town centre found a large crowd gathered and saw Gary Bolton shouting at someone to come out of a house in Wellgate and "have a go." Blackburn magistrates heard that when someone came to the door of the house
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Boys celebrate safety poster victory
TWO Ribble Valley pupils are regional winners in a national poster campaign run by the Health and Safety Executive to highlight farm safety. Rural schools across the country were asked to design posters illustrating the theme of child safety on farms
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Pooping pooches are in the frame
DOG-owners letting their prized pooches poop in an East Lancashire borough were today warned: You've been framed! Ribble Valley Borough Council has bought a mobile CCTV camera which will be used to catch dirty dogs being allowed to foul the streets of
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Looking for reinforcements
STAN Ternent is pursuing other targets to bolster his squad after Portsmouth last night clinched the signing of QPR striker Peter Crouch. The Clarets boss was among those keen to take the big front man from Loftus Road in a club record deal. But Crouch
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CRICKET: Over and out for Lancs star Murali
MUTTIAH Muralitharan today started his bid to sign off from his second season with Lancashire with the win needed to maintain their Championship challenge. The Sri Lankan spin wizard was making his sixth and last appearance of the season against Kent
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LOCAL CRICKET: Ashes clash will be close
AUSSIE run-maker Matthew Mott is backing Steve Waugh's men to retain the Ashes this summer -- but not by a landslide margin. The tourists start the defence of an unbeaten series record against England dating back to 1987 when the long-awaited first Test
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Fight for centre isn't kids' play
A COMMUNITY-spirited Leyland shop owner is leading the fight to get local children off the streets and into a planned activity centre. Karen Cairns, who runs TK's General stores in Church Road, Leyland, realised that many local children had nothing to
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Sign of the times
WEEKS of road closure and temporary traffic lights got in drivers' way on Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, while work proceeded at its junction with Sett End Road to create the splendid new roundabout that now graces the spot. Before, it was just a humdrum
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It's web weft!
HOW splendid that Blackburn with Darwen Council has won a grant of more than £200,000 of National Lottery money from the New Opportunities Fund to fund a website that will chart the rise and decline of the cotton industry which shaped the development
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Get low-down on THAT bridge
YET again, traffic chaos ensued when yet another too-tall truck tried to get under the low railway bridge in Darwen Street, Blackburn. The latest happened in the Friday evening rush hour, creating long tailbacks of traffic driving into the town centre
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IT skills shortage starting to hit profits
UP to 1,500 East Lancashire businesses could be suffering from a shortage of staff with the right IT and internet skills. According to a survey from internet service provider Netscalibur, the skills shortage is starting to hit bottom line profits. The
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Weekend break brings lottery luck
LUCKY couple Peter and Kathleen Cunliffe enjoyed a champagne end to a weekend in London when they scooped more than £186,000 on the National Lottery. Peter and Kathleen, from Lower Darwen, were in a hotel on a mini-break and packing up their clothes last
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Man 'asked boy to fondle him'
A SCHOOLBOY was allegedly molested by a middle-aged man who then asked the child to fondle him, a jury heard. Burnley Crown Court was told how Eric Gray, 57, was dressed in just his underpants when he was said to have struck, after the youngster had been
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Lottery cash puts show on the road
A TRAVELLING theatre company's future in Rossendale is secure thanks to a lottery grant. The Horse and Bamboo Theatre has been in Rossendale for 23 years and five years ago developed an arts centre in the former Liberal Club, Bacup Road, Waterfoot. But
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Attempted rapist's jail term 'not a day too long'
A BLACKBURN taxi driver who tried to rape a young woman he was supposed to be taking home after a night out clubbing failed in an Appeal Court bid to cut his five-year prison sentence. Gulnawaz Hussain, 24, of Malham Gardens, who put his victim through
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GOLF: Michael and Ben win Stag prize
BURNLEY pair Michael Hunt and Ben Scott won the prize for the best gross score at the Pleasington Stag Open. Hunt, the current Harold Ryden champion, and former winner Scott finished on 151, just three strokes off the best nett score of 148. The nett
