Archive
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SWIM TRIO ARE JUST CHAMPION
A BURY & Elton Swimming Club threesome became what is believed to be their club's first ever open water Northern Counties Champions when they made a clean sweep of the medals recently. Lyndsey Tuckerman, Jo-anne Bennett and Gemma Hitchlock, in only
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SEDGLEY NEW BOYS MAKE THEIR BOW
NEW signings Rod Latham (prop) and Carlos Hassan (centre), both of whom played for Rotherham last season in the Premiership, together with another new face, Paul Reece (lock) from Wakefield, will play for Sedgley Park against Rugby Lions in a pre-season
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WALSHAW MARCH ON
WALSHAW beat the weather and the opposition for the second successive week to gain maximum points when they travelled to Golborne. Walshaw won the toss and invited Golborne to bat and, after dodging the showers, the home side had scored 170 for seven
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BURY ARE UP FOR THE CUP
BURY travelled to second-placed Monton and Weaste on Saturday in a dress rehearsal for tomorrow's HC Smith Cup Final. This coming weekend is possibly the biggest of the season as Bury entertain Whalley Range on Saturday and then travel to Wythenshawe
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STAND ARE RARING TO GO!
STAND ATHLETIC set themselves up nicely for their opening game in North West Counties League Division Two as they completed their friendly programme with another victory. They visit Blackpool side Squire's Gate tomorrow and manager Nick Davis will welcome
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Today's the day
1896: A woman from Croydon became the first pedestrian to be killed by a car. 1919: Swimmer Getrude Ederle became the youngest world recorder holder in any sport at the age of 12 years and 298 days when she won in the 880 yards freestyle in Indianapolis
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Watch out for your A-Level results
A-Level results from schools and colleges in the Bolton, Bury and Leigh areas are being continually downloaded on this site all day. Watch this site for all the results as they are released on our Local News, left link
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So, who pays for 'experiment'
REGARDING the £100,000 electronic timetable system in Blackburn that has never worked since it was put in three years ago (LET, August 14), a local authority spokesman states that this was only ever experimental. This is easy to say when you do not have
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Law change for digital evidence?
REGARDING your remarks in your Opinion column about digital images not being allowed as evidence in court (LET, August 7), police services throughout England and Wales are in the process of installing thousands of speed cameras, a great majority of which
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Incinerator plan cause for concern
IAM concerned about Lancashire County Council's plans to burn nearly half of Lancashire's waste in incinerators. National newspapers have reported that airborne pollution from incinerators in the United States has travelled thousands of miles and resulted
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New house estate plan shelved
PLANS to build a controversial new Astley housing estate are to be shelved amid a police appeal to root out vandals and drug users. Concerned residents, who live on the verge of the village conservation area, and their ward representative on Wigan Council's
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Havan a Cuba night
CLUBBERS can enjoy a bank holiday carnival of Latin sounds on Sunday, August 26 at Blackpool's Blue nightclub, Corporation Street. The club is hosting a fund-raising Cuba Night from 9pm-2am, featuring the best of Latin jazz, soulful Brazilian rhythms,
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Irish dance show will Lord stage
THAT Lively Irish extravaganza Lord of the Dance storms into Blackpool next week for a four-week run at Blackpool Opera House. Starting Tuesday (August 21) the show stars more than 40 dancers -- with an average age of 22 -- performing an energetic version
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Woman knocked down as thieves steal car
A WOMAN was knocked to the ground as she unloaded shopping from her car. The 65-year-old suffered bruising in the fall and was unable to prevent her attackers from stealing her Toyota Carina car. The incident happened at 5.30pm on Thursday (Aug 8) in
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Lots of fun in store
A STORE is proving that learning can be fun. For the Early Learning Centre in Bury is staging a series of weekly open days at its premises on The Rock. They allow youngsters to play with a selection of products and to take home the results of their work
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School pals plan reunion
A TRIO of former Prestwich High School pupils are appealing for fellow classmates to come forward for a reunion. If the names Martin Daglish, Richard Kay and Javed Iqbal mean anything to you and you left the Heys Road school in 1981 after being in Set
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Man was attacked by intruders
TWO intruders launched a vicious attack on a 45-year-old man when he confronted them in the kitchen of his home. The man was woken by the intruders as they broke into his house in Bye Road, Shuttleworth. One of them kicked and punched him causing him
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£1million facelift
WATCH out for lane closures! Megabowl in Pilsworth is shutting this weekend for a £1 million refurbishment. The doors shut at 7pm on Sunday (Aug 20) to allow work to begin. And an additional £24,000 will be spent on a grand re-opening ceremony on October
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Former pupils plan reunion
FORMER Coney Green High School classmates are planning a grand reunion later this year. The event will bring together those pupils who left the school in 1981. Four ex-pupils, who met up at the school's silver jubilee celebrations last year, are now anxious
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Foundation stone marks new era
A HISTORIC occasion was shared by members of Radcliffe United Reformed Church on Saturday (Aug 11) when the foundation stone was laid for its new £300,000 church. And performing the official ceremony was Mrs Joyce Barker, the widow of Mr Frank Barker
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Latest park plans
A £50,000 sports area for young people in Whitefield has taken another step nearer to becoming a reality. Full proposals have now been formally submitted to Bury Council's planning department for a multi-use hard court games area in Stanley Road park.
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MP to tackle top cop over missing patient
RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans is to tackle Greater Manchester's police chief over the "bizarre" way officers have handled the case of missing Calderstones patient Andrew Sutcliffe. The pledge came as the force issued a picture of the teenager and an appeal
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Breathe easy: don't drink and drive
ENJOYING that "one for the road" or having the "one you came in for" could leave Bury motorists counting the cost in more ways than one. As part of the annual crackdown on summer drink-driving, Bury Traffic Unit officers are stepping up their offensive
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Shop nominated for national award
A RADCLIFFE-based travel agency has booked itself a potential national award for its service to disabled customers. Now, staff at the Thomas Cook shop in the town's Blackburn Street will be nervously awaiting the finals of a special competition to be
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Health needs of elderly assessed
AN assessment of the health needs of Radcliffe's elderly population will be undertaken in the coming months. The study is being carried out by local health authority's public health department and the department of primary health care at St Martin's College
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Course scores with young fans
YOUNG cricket fans were bowled over by the chance to learn from the experts, in a bid to boost the standard of the game at all levels. A group of 44 youngsters aged 8-14 took to the field at Radcliffe Cricket Club this week, to learn the basics of bowling
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Happy return for village event
RAIN definitely did not stop play at the revamped Ainsworth Village Day. It may have bucketed it down on Saturday (Aug 11) but villagers were determined to enjoy the first event to be held for three years. "It went down a storm, considering the rain,
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Sister Cheryl turns midwife!
HOUSEWIFE Cheryl McGarry turned midwife when her younger sister Natalie went into labour. Cheryl (37), of Cunningham Drive, Unsworth, went into action when Natalie Ridehalgh (21) telephoned her after going into labour on Friday morning (Aug 10). But instead
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Riggott seeks revenge for cup mauling
DERBY defender Chris Riggott is desperate to avenge last season's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Rovers as the two sides prepare to square up again at Pride Park tomorrow. The Rams were mauled 5-2 in a thrilling fourth round replay and Riggott admits the
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Painting a balanced picture
I WRITE in reply to a letter published in the August 2 edition of the St Helens Star, entitled 'breathing life back into the town centre'. In this correspondence the author gives the impression that the Council and its partners are doing little to ensure
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What's on
A LOOK at events around the area. JAZZ lovers are in for a treat at the next Feast of Jazz night, on Sunday, August 19. The Roy Potts Five and a Penny band are playing at the Centenary Room of the Fulwood Bowling Club on Blackpool Road in Preston. The
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Slaughter green light is slammed
TWO Preston councillors have slammed a government inspector's decision to allow the development of a new slaughterhouse in Preston. Gafoor's Poultry Products, of Swan Street, Preston, were given permission to develop the site of the old BFL coal yard
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Have a say on market's future
MEMBERS of the public have just one week to have their say on the redevelopment of the Tithebarn Regeneration Area. The initial five-week consultation period comes to a close on August 22 when all the ideas put forward will be collated and used to build
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Monument-al clean-up call
A PRESTON ex-serviceman is calling for a regular clean-up of the town's cenotaph after seeing it on the front cover of a war veterans' newsletter looking dull and dilapidated. Ron Yates, 79, of Longridge Road, Ribbleton, has also written to Preston Borough
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Case for city Preston and South Ribble city
ONCE more Preston Borough Council is to make a bid for 'city status'. Many of Britain's cities straddle a river, the development of cities along natural waterways occurred for obvious reasons, a ready made transport route, a gateway to the sea, a supply
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Tough tackling Saints hammer out title warning
How they lined up Saints: Stewart; Hoppe, Iro, Stankevitch, Hall; Sculthorpe, Wellens; Matautia, Cunningham, Nickle, Fairleigh, Shiels, Joynt. Subs: McDonald, Jonkers, Cruckshank, McConnell. Wigan Warriors: Radlinski; Dallas, Johnson, Renouf, Carney;
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Chemists on duty
THE following duty chemists will be available for dispensing services on Sunday, August 19, between noon and 1pm (unless stated otherwise): Earlston Pharmacy, 35 Eccleston Street, Prescot; Taylor's Chemist, 191 West End Road, Haydock (10am to 8pm); Lloyds
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Police hunt theft bid pair
POLICE in Colne are appealing for information in relation to an attempted burglary at the house of an elderly woman. Two males were seen acting suspiciously at the junction of Windy Bank and High Street at around 2pm on Tuesday. A short time later they
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Call for meeting over trouble causers
A MEETING will be arranged between residents, councillors and Eaves Brook Housing Association to try to solve the problem of nuisance youths hanging around the Cragg Street play area in Colne. Members of the Colne and District Area Committee decided that
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Farm tragedy turns to triumph!
STUDYING for A-levels can be stressful for most people but 18-year-old Alison Bargh has also had to cope with the devastating effects of foot and mouth disease. Despite having the trauma of seeing her family's livelihood destroyed, the teenager stayed
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Create a postcard
YOUNGSTERS throughout the region are being invited to create their own postcard of Preston in St George's shopping centre this month. The scheme is part of a series of exciting craft workshops taking place in the centre. As well as making the cards, children
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Families on film
A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition about domestic abuse opened in Leyland to mark the anniversary of South Ribble's first women's refuge. Breaking Free at South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre, in Church Road, Leyland, was launched by David Borrow MP on Friday
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They're off to Oz
WE'RE off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz, courtesy of the Little Players Drama School. Hordes of youngsters, aged 8 to 16, from the Preston based independent school, will set off down the yellow brick road tonight (Thursday) and for the
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Preston's own Ponte Vecchio
A DISUSED railway bridge in Preston could become a mecca for shoppers and house-buyers after being bought by a property developer with grand designs. If the South Wales businessman has his way, the Ribble Bridge, connecting Avenham to Penwortham, could
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Accident verdict on road death pensioner
A VERDICT OF accidental death was recorded on an elderly woman killed crossing a main road. At an inquest in Leigh, assistant deputy coroner Alan Walsh ruled Nancy Baxter, aged 71, of Croft Avenue, Atherton, died in the Royal Bolton Hospital as a result
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Council home revamp cash is 'an insult'
COUNCIL tenants fear newly-improved homes will be left in a mess because compensation payments will not cover the cost of redecorating them. Twenty six flats on George Street at Hindley are due to be renovated. But several residents have complained because
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New BMX bike track gets thumbs down
BIKE riders have given the thumbs-down to a purpose-built track which they say doesn't come up to scratch. The BMX track in Golborne's Church Street park was originally requested by the community and the layout was meticulously planned by the youngsters
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Is it a lightning conductor? A mobile phone aerial? No, it's a work of art!
LEIGH'S new Spindle has received a torrent of abuse from shoppers. The £30,000 work of art, unveiled in Bradshawgate last month, has been described as a complete waste of money. It has been likened to a lightning conductor, a dog post and a booster aerial
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Written in memory of Matthew
THE parents of a five-year-old boy who died from a brain tumour have written a book to help spearhead a fundraising campaign for a hospice. Matthew Lodge stayed at Derian House Hospice during his illness, before dying two years ago. David and Sue Lodge
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Be part of a class act
BURYbusinesses are invited to learn how to boost talent on the shop floor. That's the theme of a masterclass at Manchester's Manufacturing Institute to be held on Tuesday, September 11. Siemens, Nichols Foods and David Smith Ltd are among those outlining
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The "3Es" of benefiting from the Euro
THE three "Es" came under the spotlight at a seminar featuring 60 North West businesses. The event, staged at Manchester Airport, focused on how local companies could take advantage of e-commerce and export opportunities created by the introduction of
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Emergency flooring
FLOORING products manufactured by a Whitefield company have been installed in the accident and emergency department at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Around 300 sq metres of Polyflor Kudos wood effect vinyl plank flooring, together with Polyflor 2000 PU and
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New scheme drives down members costs
BOLTON and Bury Chamber's competitive new vehicle options scheme is on the road to success with its first delighted customer. And demonstrating complete faith in the exclusive service for Chamber members is customer number one Kathryn Czaja. She is the
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Climate for new business
A SPECIAL event to help Bury companies take the sting out of the new Climate Change Levy will be staged next week. Bolton and Bury Chamber stress that the levy will "seriously affect" the wealth of many local businesses. Now, at a lunch to be held on
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Stan homes in on Dons
CLARETS manager Stan Ternent is looking for a home start that will set the tone for the season. Burnley kick-off their Turf Moor campaign against Wimbledon tomorrow and Ternent emphasised that home is where his side must stake their claim for a promotion
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LOCAL CRICKET: Raza says Read can still pip Tree
READ professional Akram Raza believes his side can still give Cherry Tree a run for their money in the race for the Jennings Ribblesdale League title as they prepare for a crunch game against fellow challengers Baxenden. The two sides meet at Whalley
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CRICKET: Hussey shines against Lancs
MIKE HUSSEY showed why he is a potential target for Lancashire by leading a Northants rearguard action at Old Trafford. The Australian left-hander, who hit 70 and 82 against Lancashire in Northampton in May, added another 93 after John Crawley's brilliant
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LOCAL CRICKET: Subs could be the answer
SUBSTITUTE professionals could hold the key to the outcome of tomorrow's crunch game at Liverpool Road where title hopefuls East Lancashire are looking to narrow the gap further on defending Transco Lancashire League champions Bacup. East Lancs trail
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Fair play award goes to Jade
A FYLDE youngster has been awarded a special school prize for being a model pupil. Jade Earley (above) of Heaton Road, St Annes, won Clifton Primary School's annual "Fair Play" award recently for being helpful and happy during her seven years at the Clitheroe
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Honouring town's best kept donkeys
BRAY-CE yourself -- donkey 'Oscars' are coming to Blackpool! The town's best kept donkeys are to be honoured with special awards designed to recognise how well the animals are cared for. According to Town Hall chiefs, the award scheme will include the
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Award for PCs who cut crime
SUCCESSFUL car crime-cutting measures in Blackpool have won two Blackpool police officers a prize in a prestigious national award scheme. PC Andy Smith and PC Wade Dooley won second place in the TILLEY award, run by the Home Office Crime Prevention Unit
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Opportunity knocks
BUDDING young performers are being invited by Blackpool Grand Theatre to audition for its new, enlarged youth theatre. For the first time, the organisation is able to offer 150 places to young people wanting to learn theatre skills. Michael O'Hara, youth
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Victory proves elusive for A&T
BOTTOM club Astley and Tyldesley went so close to achieving only their second victory of the season. They had Daisy Hill reeling with nine wickets gone, no chance of winning and four overs left. But, try as they might, A&T just could not shift Mark
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Atherton rush to easy win
ATHERTON CC maintained the points status quo between themselves and Redmayne Bentley Bolton Association League leaders Walshaw on Saturday when they completed a nine-wicket victory over Edgworth at Higham Park. Winning the toss, Atherton skipper Steve
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Couple in line for award
A BURY couple who have restored a rural dimension to a popular pub could soon be toasting success. David and Gill Heyes, who have run the Garsdale Hotel in Woodhill Road since April, are in the running for a top award. They are in the final six entrants
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Chelsea's fighting fit again
A BIRTHDAY is special at any age, but for little Chelsea Noone and her family her 11th birthday was extra important. Just three years ago her life hung in the balance as she battled against cancer. But today Chelsea, of Alma Street, is just like any other
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Day to remember
A WEDDING is a memorable occasion for every bride, but for Joanne Turner it an extra special event. That was because Joanne (25) of Clyde Road, Radcliffe, is the Bury Times Newspaper Group's Bride of the Year. She and Craig Davenport (24) exchanged vows
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Scuffle mars town hall beano
CELEBRATIONS designed to unite Bury's Asian community descended into acrimony and anger as rival factions confronted each other. And a police officer, who was a guest at the event in Bury's mayoral parlour, was forced to intervene keep them apart. Trouble
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Olympic cousins will carry the torch for Bury
A TRIO of cousins from Bury are hoping for Olympic glory. Andrew Swinton (32) and brothers Dickran Nakashian (21) and Shant Nakashian (19) jet off tomorrow (Sat Aug 18) to compete in the Olympic Games of Armenia. They have qualified for the sporting spectacular
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Company "boots up" new church appeal
A COMPUTER company is helping swell the coffers of a £1.5 million appeal for the building of a new church and parish centre. PC World Business has donated £500 in support of a planned church and community building to be established in the town. When eventually
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Doc's threat to quit over cash crisis
A HOSPITAL consultant in Bury has threatened to resign if his demands for urgent Government action to end a cash crisis in the borough's health service are not met. Speaking exclusively to the Bury Times, Dr Anton Sinniah said he would not only leave
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Rovers are raring to go
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness was today handed a major injury boost ahead of the new season with star trio Matt Jansen, David Dunn and Garry Flitcroft all declaring themselves fit for the big kick-off at Derby tomorrow. Souness's midfield resources were
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Stan homes in on Dons
CLARETS manager Stan Ternent is looking for a home start that will set the tone for the season. Burnley kick-off their Turf Moor campaign against Wimbledon tomorrow and Ternent emphasised that home is where his side must stake their claim for a promotion
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Thanks goes to special angels
A MAN whose wife died of cancer of the liver last year has raised an impressive £850 for Ward C1 at Whiston Hospital where she spent the final days of her life. Dennis Lawrenson from Sutton presented the cheque to grateful ward manager, Janet Dudley and
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Millennium vision for Shaun
ST HELENS South MP, Shaun Woodward has become a vice-president of the Millennium Centre, joining his St Helens North colleague, Dave Watts who holds a similar position. Tony Richards, executive chairman of the centre, said: "I greatly welcome the interest
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Get the point for jobs
JOBSEEKERS in St Helens should find it easier to look for work following the introduction of hi-tech Jobcentre terminals called Jobpoints. The traditional rows of display boards with cards advertising local job vacancies have been replaced with electronic
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Ken takes another plunge
DAREDEVIL pensioner Ken Taylor has gained a high-profile supporter for his latest sponsored sky dive for charity. The 72-year-old from Parr (already familiar to Star readers for his previous exploits) will take off for his third parachute jump from Tilstock
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Andrew gets all clear after panic
A RADIO presenter has been given the all clear to fly again despite suffering a blood clot following a seven-and-half-hour transatlantic flight. Newsreader Andrew Bailey, from Eccleston, a member of 105.4 Century FM's breakfast show team, was struck down
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Artist's dream comes true
A DARWEN artist realises a dream tomorrow when he opens opens his first art exhibition -- but he's not bothered if his pictures sell. Bob Lakey, 70, of Carr Road, has produced 16 pencil drawings -- three of famous figures from Darwen's past -- for the
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Buy-out gives hope for the future
A MANAGEMENT buy-out has secured the future of Darwen wallpaper manufacturer Zen Wallcoverings and safeguarded the jobs of its remaining 72 workers. Former export director Graham Hayhurst has teamed up with company secretary John Clarke to buy the business
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Leaflet warns parents of young trouble-makers
TENANTS on a housing estate which has been subject to juvenile nuisance complaints and vandalism could be threatened with eviction if their children are responsible. In a leaflet distributed door-to-door on the Edgeside and Booth estates in Waterfoot,
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Trust's new services
PATIENTS will benefit from new pathology services. In the past year the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust has appointed a consultant microbiologist and specialist nurse to expand the infection control team. Funding is in place for a fourth consultant
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Young bike ace gets in gear for first title
A SIX-year-old in his first season of moto-cross racing is in third position in his club's championship table. Daniel Brown, who attends St John's School at Hindley Green, has been riding bikes since the age of three and joined Newton-Le-Willows Moto-cross
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Crash was relatively amazing!
A GRANDMOTHER who crashed her car on the way to a wedding couldn't believe it when her SON stepped out of the vehicle she had hit. Rose Shaw was travelling to see her granddaughter, Stephanie, in the role of flower girl at a Tyldesley Parish Church wedding
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Our man Sven rubs shoulders with Becks and Fergie
SOCCER supremo look-a-like and Journal photographer Colin Lyne has teamed up with Sir Alex Ferguson and England captain David Beckham . . . well their doubles, at least. England manager Sven Goran Eriksson double Colin has been in the limelight with TV
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TV camera helps to bust yobs in Golborne
A MOBILE camera which can be moved from place to place to keep an eye on local troublespots has chalked up a string of successes. The high-tech CCTV has been used in Golborne to monitor unruly and anti-social behaviour such as underage drinking. More
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Helping hand for students who don't make the grade
AS EXAM results loom, hope is on hand for any 18 -24 year olds who have not achieved the grades they hoped for. A free 10-day summer school, aimed at helping young people gain access to further and higher education, is being organised by The University
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A n-ice way to spend the day
ASTLEY'S golden days returned on Saturday when the splendour of the village's magnificent hall had garden party visitors spellbound. Poor weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds who thronged to the former hospital site with the revitalised
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Did you learn Chinese in '56?
APRIL 1956 saw the beginning of the second Chinese (Mandarin) Linguists Course run by RAF on RAF premises. Sqdn Ldr John Wright was Officer i/c and Flt Lt Joe Cant his 2i/c. There were about 20 of us, mostly National Service Airmen, on the one-year course
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Send another postcard
MAY I ask readers going on holiday here and abroad to add another postcard to their list and send it to Dr Hadwen Trust Postcard/Stamp Appeal, c/o 18, Fletton Ave, Peterborough, PE2 8AU. These will be auctioned to raise funds for research into cancer,
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Inquiry clears Ivan Taylor
FORMER Blackpool Council Leader Ivan Taylor was cleared of any wrong doing at a standards committee meeting -- but anger over the decision continued to boil this week. The standards committee unanimously agreed to take no further action against Coun Taylor
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Death knell for the Institute?
CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish Ashton Gardens Institute to make way for a four-storey flat development were approved by Fylde Borough Council planning committee. Newfield Jones Homes, the St Annes-based company proposing to build a sheltered housing
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Mother is 'glassed'
THE plight of a young mother of two who was attacked with a glass at a Blackpool nightclub at the weekend has sparked calls for increased safety measures across the town. All licensees are now being urged to introduce less dangerous shatterproof glasses
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What a coup!
THIS is the field where international star Daniel O'Donnell is to appear at a village fete on August 27. Organisers of the small country fair in Much Hoole are over the moon after bagging the celebrity as the main attraction. A far cry from thousand-seater
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Carry on number 7, your time ISN'T up
AN old bus has proved just the ticket to set people on the right road to a better education. For pupils at Lord's House Farm special educational needs centre, in Rishton, have been put well and truly in the driving seat after snapping up Blackburn Transport's
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MP to tackle top cop over missing patient
RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans is to tackle Greater Manchester's police chief over the "bizarre" way officers have handled the case of missing Calderstones patient Andrew Sutcliffe. The pledge came as the force issued a picture of the teenager and an appeal
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You're lucky, judge tells conman
A CONMAN who prompted MPs to call for an inquiry was hauled back before the judge he lied to and misled and told: You won't get away with it again. And Kelvin Clark, who had also lied to his girlfriend about his previous convictions, was told he was lucky
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SOCCER: You need millions reckons Allardyce
PRE-SEASON defeats at the hands of Spanish sides Alaves and Athletic Bilbao combined with a summer of frustration in the transfer market have done little to suggest that Bolton might make the bookies eat their words. Favourites for the drop from the moment
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LOCAL SOCCER: Wright's prayers have still to be answered
CHORLEY boss Ken Wright is praying for an injury-free season -- but it doesn't look like he's going to get one! The UniBond First Division side lost key players last season through injury and illness and some of those problems have carried on into this
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LOCAL SOCCER: Dale are guilty
ROSSENDALE United have been found guilty of poaching Mike Smith from neighbours Ramsbottom. At an LFA hearing last night, which lasted just two minutes, Dale's assistant manager Andy Grimshaw admitted that he had spoken to Smith on May 4 and May 23, when
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Sutton blitzed by Ainsdale batsmen
ON Saturday Sutton's First XI hosted Ainsdale at New Street and ultimately fell to a six wicket defeat. Ainsdale won the toss and invited Sutton to bat. Sutton's opening batsmen Mike Rimmer and Swagat Ray coped well with the extra pace of New Zealander
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Arthritis group is forced to close
FOLLOWING the deaths of a few stalwart committee members, when no replacements came forward, it was with regret that the Blackpool and Wyre Branch of Arthritis Research decided to close. They wish to thank all their loyal members and members of the public
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A recipe for disaster
Mr Moore's letter to The Citizen (August 9), states that the United Kingdom is part of Europe not apart. He obviously believes that a Federal Europe would be good for its people and, make no mistake, this is what is now being constructed. Europe will
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Belles chime up the table
IT is a case of ring in the new as League newcomers Canterbury Belles continued to climb up the table this week, with a win over Pilkington Crusaders. Captain, Kate Belger displayed her leadership qualities and gave an outstanding batting performance,
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Being made poorer by EU
IN reply to M J Turner (Letters, August 2), I wish to ask, where is your common sense regarding the EU? Norway and Switzerland voted to stay out but the two countries still trade with European countries and don't have to pay the billions for membership
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Triumphant return for dragon boaters
SHAUN Woodward, MP for St Helens South, welcomed back all nine victorious young athletes who were selected for Great Britain's Squad in the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. At the beginning of this month, Shaun Woodward, helped 15-year-old Jon
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Council policies forced me into debt
FURTHER to Mr Roscoe's letter "In debt, so they get a handout" (Citizen, August 2), Blackpool Borough Council do recover monies from other sources such as the sick and disabled. I am a 47-year-old lady, now divorced, trying to recover from breast cancer
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Nik's passage to India
NIK Naylor is back in serious training after being selected to represent Great Britain in the World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships in Bangalore, India in December. Nik, who owns Nik Naylor Bodysculpture and Fitness in Lord Street, St Helens, has had
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Christian meeting
I HAVE recently returned from Aston University, Birmingham, where the 35th World Triennial Convention of WWCTU (a Christian organisation) was held. Approximately 150 delegates attended from 23 countries. Concern was expressed over the worldwide problems
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Disgraceful behaviour
I WRITE regarding Councillor Kevin Scarlett's conviction for drink-driving. As a representative of the community, Coun Scarlett is in a high profile position and to have acted in this manner was quite disgraceful. I feel that he has let down the people
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Potential to kill was there
IT was reported that, following his conviction for drink-driving, Councillor Kevin Scarlett had taken the decision to remain in office. Council leader John Byrne is reported as supporting this decision, one of Coun Byrne's comments being that no one was
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Hospice £1 is a better bet than the Lottery
THE board and management of Bury Hospice would like to thank "our army" of members, agents, collectors and staff, for their continued support of the Red Rose Lottery, which has donated the incredible total of £182,287 to the Hospice over the past year
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Choke on 'em
LOWLIFE broke into the Journal office in the early hours of Friday after smashing a panel in the front door. They snatched two charity boxes, staff lottery money and guzzled a box of toffee doughnuts. I hope they choked on them.
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Anne is weakest link
THE BBC is planning to beat ITV's soccer Saturdays with Anne (aren't I scary?) Robinson's The Weakest Link. A reality special with contestants from Survivor and Big Brother will go up against The Premiership footy show first on Saturday. Well, I can't
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Utd fans must be mad to shell out
IT sounds well when Utd star Ryan Giggs has bought his mum a new £800,000 mansion in Worsley -- from the £2m he is expected to have raised from his testimonial year. A tribute year at the age of 27! As though he needs one with the money he earns. It's
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Designs on a new job
WHEN Jackie Howley wanted a job, pop star Mel C helped out with a £2,000 designer outfit. After years of rejection the 32-year-old Liverpudlian heard about a new scheme to get women back to work -- including clothes and a makeover. Jackie chose a grey
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Gail's makeover is hair today, gone tomorrow!
I WAS looking forward to seeing Gail's makeover in Corrie, she has looked the same for donkeys years. I was disappointed. Her hair is just a shorter version of the same old style. If that's all the 'posh hairdressers in Manchester' can come up with you
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Athletics championships were a (Fosbury) flop
WHAT a flop of a World Athletics Championships. Our squad slumped to an all-time low, collecting only one gold and one bronze through triple jumper Jonathan Edwards and decathlete Dean Macey. Our team of crocks were a real disappointment -- hardly worth
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The fight goes on for brave mum Brenda
THREE years ago Brenda Rowley was devastated when her severely handicapped son died after being left alone in a bath at his Salford social services care home. The Astley mum vowed to win justice for the 30-year-old's death. She refused to let the matter
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Man hurt in car blaze
A MAN was taken to Whiston Hospital with minor burns to his body after the engine compartment of his vehicle caught fire. Fire crews were called to the scene in Carr Mill Road, St Helens, at about 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 8.
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Have you seen Fluffy?
THE owner of a tortoiseshell cat missing since Tuesday, August 7 is appealing to Star readers to help find her pet. Six-year-old Fluffy, who went missing from Brookland Lane in Parr last Tuesday morning, is small, long-haired and timid with a distinctive
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No news on job cuts
INDUSTRIAL gas company BOC has said it is too early to say if UK job cuts will affect employees at its plant at Washway Lane. Last week the company announced that 200 jobs would be axed from BOC's UK workforce of 11,000 A spokesperson for BOC said: "Consultation
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Armed raid at post office
POLICE are investigating a robbery at Gillars Green Post Office in Eccleston, on Wednesday, August 1. The incident took place at about 1.50pm when a man threatened staff with a weapon before escaping with a quantity of cash. The offender is described
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Famous effort for local store
FAMOUS Army Stores of Church, Street, St Helens is in the running for the prestigious title of Go Outdoors Retailer of the Year 2001 after being short-listed as one of 26 top stores from across Britain and Ireland. Almost 500 stores were initially nominated
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Sheer Hell of St Trinians
THERE will be a sponsored walk from Wigan to St Helens on Saturday, Sept 1 to raise money for children with leukaemia. So far the walkers - St Trinian's on a Rampage - have already raised £1,100 and are hoping to beat last year's total of £6,500. Proceeds
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Fancy learning to play squash?
IF you play squash or would like to learn how to play you are in for a treat at a series of open days over the next two weekends. An open day will take place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday at Longridge Sports Centre and at the same hours on Sunday at Scholars
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Donna nets sunny prize
LUCKY Donna Haddock is planning the family holiday of a lifetime after scooping £10,000 in a competition on the Internet. The mother-of-three from Hillside Avenue, Windelhurst, played Jamba's latest on-line game, Quizino solidly for two days before the
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Police hunt robbery duo
POLICE are looking for two men wanted in connection with a robbery at the Shell Garage in Rainhill Stoops at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, August 8. As both men entered the premises one of them jumped over the counter and scared the cashier before stealing
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Moseying back to Wild West
A CHARITY Funday at Morrisons store, Boundary Road raised £1,161 for the supermarket chain's chosen charity of the year, Save the Children. Store General Manager, Jim Toohey, said: "We'd like to say a big thank-you to everyone who came along and joined
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Dave picks up key transport role
ST HELENS North MP Dave Watts, has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Transport Minister, John Spellar. The Minister visited the North West recently to talk to local transport and council chiefs about their problems and plans for future
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On the lookout for arty types
KNOWSLEY Council's Arts Service is currently on the look out for freelance youth art workers to work on an exciting new arts project in the borough from October 2001 to July 2002. The project will be developed in venues and with local groups across Knowsley
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Fancy following nature's way!
THE world's largest independent environmental organisation is planning to set up a new volunteer group in St Helens. WWF, formerly known as the World Wide Fund for Nature, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, currently has more more than
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Whittle's chances with Wolves
DAVE Whittle's temporary move to Super League neighbours Warrington Wolves has gone through with the full blessing of Leigh Centurions' head coach Paul Terzis. The Leigh and Wales prop has gone to Wilderspool on loan until the end of the Super League
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Watch out for your A-Level results
A-Level results from schools and colleges in the Bolton, Bury and Leigh areas are being continually downloaded on this site all day. Watch this site for all the results as they are released on our Local News, left link
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Player search continues, says McMahon
MANAGER Steve McMahon was still angry this week following the Seasiders' defeat. Speaking to the official website, McMahon said: "It's a disappointing start to the season, losing the first game, especially at home. I was upset because we didn't really
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, August 17:
Football Coaching for eight to 16 year-olds, Haslingden Sports Centre, Helmshore Road, Haslingden. Burnley Central Probus Club, Salvation Army Citadel, Richard Street, Burnley, 10.30am. Speaker: Mr N Whalley. Soul Night -- Mecca memories, Colne Municipal
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NEW BOYS FLY IN
THE Manchester League's prestigious new sponsorship deal sees Air Miles flying the flag for football in the area, while the other big news of the summer was the election of three new clubs to the First Division. Unsworth, formerly Kara, join after several
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JON'S A NEW-BY MAN
BEFORE the season kicked off against Tranmere, Bury striker Jon Newby was a worried man. His pre-season performances had not been up to his usual high standard and, even more worryingly, he hadn't hit the back of the net once. Newby himself was beginning
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NELSON RULES THE ROOST
BURY'S Nicky Hill and Danny Swailes must be scratching their heads and wondering what went wrong. Last season the two youngsters looked on the verge of cementing a regular place in the first team. And when Chris Swailes left for Rotherham United during
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KEV'S A STRIKER LIGHT!
KEVIN GLENDON's search for a striker goes on with the new season just a day away. The Radcliffe Borough boss has made it plain he is still not happy with his strike force as he searches for a replacement for Neill Hardy and strives to come up with the
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IT'S THE WONDER OF WALTERS
TEENAGER John Walters put Prestwich back on track for victory after a lightning-fast start from Cheetham Hill put them in pole position for an upset. The 17-year-old, making only his second first team appearance, put the brakes on the visitors' onslaught
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This week in 1976 25 years ago
STAR FUND-RAISERS: Six Bury children, who spent their summer holidays practising and arranging a special Summer Show on behalf of Oxfam, had their efforts rewarded financially. The children, all from Birkdale Drive, held the show in the back garden of
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Chicanes removal cushion the blow
REGARDING the article about the removal of the chicanes in Rockcliffe Street, Blackburn (LET, August 14), this was mainly due to pressure from residents at the bowling green end as cars were getting damaged, ours included -- which cost more £1,000 to
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Experience not to be missed
MY thanks to Blackburn with Darwen Council for allowing my friends and I to attend the 'Study Experience in France' in July. I am a 16-year-old student who regularly attends the Study Support Centre. We thoroughly enjoyed the visit and for many of the
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Jobs saved at threatened factory
A FACTORY threatened with closure has been given a reprieve. Peter Miles Engineering, which was about to shut down its Hindsford engineering works, says more than 20 jobs have been saved there and a further five or six vacancies have been created at the
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Young yobs stop summer play
YOUNG troublemakers have forced a summer scheme for children to be cut short. A three week long programme of activities had been planned to give youngsters something to do over the holidays at St John's Primary School, Mosley Common. But the scheme, organised
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A swinging date with Andy
Review: Big Band Crazy at Blackpool Grand Theatre IF YOU were humming New York, New York on Sunday night and conducting along to your CD player you have probably just gone Big Band Crazy! This laid-back show, premiering at The Grand before whizzing off
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Something to rock, roll and forget
Fabulous 50s and Swinging 60s "ROCK! ROLL! REMEMBER!" shouted the "flyer" for this sassy show. It opened promisingly with a lively medley, including favourites such as Rock Around The Clock, which set the scene for a light-hearted evening's entertainment
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On a different planet!
RICHARD KING reviews the latest at the Odeon. This week: Planet Of The Apes (12) OK, so it doesn't have the social commentary of the 1968 classic. So it doesn't have the famous shock ending. OK, it doesn't really make sense. But what the heck, Tim Burton's
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Waiting lists up
WAITING lists for Bury Health Care NHS Trust were slightly up in June compared to the previous month. Figures rose by 2.9 per cent, an increase of 57 for inpatient and day cases. A total of 2,001 people are now waiting for treatment.
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Bungee plungee for baby care unit
DAREDEVILS are being urged to "jump" to it and help raise funds for a Bury hospital. For the Wellington pub in Bolton Road, Bury, is staging a charity bungee jump in its car park on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27. Those who take the plunge will drop 190ft
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Police booklet to reduce gay crimes
GREATER Manchester Police has published a booklet tackling homophobic hate crime. The booklets give details of specially trained local officers to whom hate crime can be reported and reassurance that GMP will treat every report seriously, confidentially
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You're lucky, judge tells conman
A CONMAN who prompted MPs to call for an inquiry was hauled back before the judge he lied to and misled and told: You won't get away with it again. And Kelvin Clark, who had also lied to his girlfriend about his previous convictions, was told he was lucky
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£170,000 will help to get borough reading
LOCAL libraries are helping to pioneer a project to make reading easier for visually impaired people. More than £170,000 has been secured from the DCMS Wolfson Library Challenge Fund to get the scheme up and running. The service is a partnership between
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Cameras bid set for success
THE Home Office is set to announce that Prestwich has been successful in its bid for closed circuit television cameras (CCTV). After a nine-month wait, the decision is expected to be made public on Tuesday (21). And Prestwich's success is set to be shared
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RMI boss facing selection dilemma
LEIGH RMI manager Steve Waywell has been left with a selection headache ahead of Saturday's Conference curtain-raiser with Hayes as both Dino Maamria and Marcus Hallows scored in the 4-2 defeat of Chorley. Maamria netted his third goal in RMI colours
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No more 9 till 5 for Dez after castaway life
AFTER spending a year castaway on a windswept Scottish island it's no surprise that former Radcliffe man Dez Monks wanted to spread his wings. But instead of recuperating from the BBC's reality show Castaway with a fortnight in the sun, Dez set off for
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New imports set to strike
FELLOW managers Graeme Souness and Jim Smith have both been busy beefing up their fire-power over the summer, drafting in former Juventus team-mates Ciccio Grabbi and Fabrizio Ravanelli. So all eyes will be on the two Italians at Pride Park tomorrow to
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Rovers are raring to go
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness was today handed a major injury boost ahead of the new season with star trio Matt Jansen, David Dunn and Garry Flitcroft all declaring themselves fit for the big kick-off at Derby tomorrow. Souness's midfield resources were
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Italian is a feather in the Rams' cap
FORGET Manchester United's multi-million pound capture of Juan Veron or Arsenal's stunning swoop for England centre-back Sol Campbell. One of the biggest transfer scoops of the summer saw Derby boss Jim Smith tempt fiery Italian Fabrizio Ravanelli into
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Secret deal between constabulary and WPC
LANCASHIRE Constabulary has drawn a veil of secrecy over the settlement between a woman PC and the man she accused of harassment, who later committed suicide. This week police announced that a compromise has been agreed with PC Reehaina Saddique, who
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Yobs will not stop march
ANGRY Liverpool Road residents are going ahead with a planned march despite recent sabotage attempts Members of the Penwortham Action Group (PAG) who are campaigning to have the proposed Penwortham bypass finished after a 30-year delay, awoke over the
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Jobs axe falls on BAE workers
BAE Systems in Preston has shocked workers by announcing surprise job cuts. The move will see 260 jobs axed from the company's plants in Samlesbury and Warton, near Preston. And company bosses have not ruled out the possibility of making the first compulsory
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Preston in picture
A SNAP-HAPPY Preston amateur photographer is displaying some of her soccer-inspired work at an exhibition at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery. Marjorie Amriding, of Ribbleton, has been capturing local history on film for more than 30 years and her current
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Super 8 create works of art!
WHAT'S the difference between an art gallery and the workplace? Nothing, according to a group of talented fine art graduates from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), who have set up their own company with the aim of bringing art into the office
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Life is sweet for Selina
WHEN little Selina Chantel Houghton came into the world three months early and weighing less than a bag of sugar, doctors gave her only a 50-50 chance of survival. But ten months later she has beaten the odds to become a picture of health who tips the
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Plant a tree invite to new parents
PROUD parents are invited to go back to their roots to help celebrate the birth of their new off-spring. Green-fingered families are being offered a unique opportunity to mark the momentus arrival by planting a tree to help launch the creation of a new
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Girl,15, shot in the neck by 'toy' gun
A FIFTEEN-year-old girl required emergency surgery after being shot with a ball bearing gun in Burnley Wood. It i the latest of several incidents which police have been called to involving ball bearing and air guns. Leanne Fergusson, from the Burnley
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Task force chief happy with first day
THE man heading the task force set up to examine the causes of the Burnley riots today said he was satisfied and heartened by its first day's work. Independent chairman Lord Tony Clarke and the other 15 members of the group spent yesterday at Burnley
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Main employer will shut up shop for move
ONE of Briefield's main employers, Trojan Products Ltd, is shutting up shop and moving to new premises in Clayton-le-Moors. The company, which makes glass reinforced plastic products, is currently based at Lob Lane Mill, in Clitheroe Road, but as from
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Teams wanted
A NEW Preston Junior five-a-side league, sponsored by Hallis Hudson, will kick off soon. New teams are required for the under 7s, under 9s, under11s and under13s league. People interested should call Kevin 250113 or Jim 862569.
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Rain puts break on Preston CC's revival
BAD weather halted Preston's recent resurgence as their match against Lancaster on Saturday had to be abandoned due to rain after the West Cliff side had reached 31 for 0. The resulting four points will be seen as a blow as they would have hoped for maximum
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North End five are up for the cup
A PRESTON five-a-side team has earned the right to a national shoot out after winning through the qualifying stages. The Preston North End five have won the right to represent their club in a new national 5-a-side tournament. The Worthington Fives is
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Hoppers have high hopes
PRESTON Grasshoppers are in confident mood as they prepare for the new season in the National League Two. This will be their third season in the division and after finishing eighth and seventh in the previous years they are hopeful of reaching a promotion
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Preston Hockey Club review
AMIDST the success of Preston's football team and more recently the cricket club one team which is often overlooked in this prosperous town is Preston Hockey Club. The hockey club is based at West Cliff, South Meadow Lane and play their fixtures on the
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Keiron slams Welsh ancestry sour grapes
KEIRON Cunningham has hit back at accusations he doesn't qualify for Wales and has even produced his grandfather's birth certificate which clearly states he was born in Holywell. Great Britain star Cunningham turned down a move to Swansea last week to
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Show is cancelled
THE Langdale Country Fair, which was due to take place on Sunday August 19 at Great Langdale, near Ambleside, has been cancelled due to ongoing outbreaks of foot and mouth. Show secretary Alison Bolt said: "The Committee very much regret the cancellation
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Bridge reveals a grave secret to all!
A BRIDGE supporting the M6 near Preston has been hiding a secret for almost 40 years, it was revealed this week. Contract engineers working on the bridge carrying the M6 over the A49 at Cuerden were removing stone facing when they discovered it was actually
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Driver killed after train crash horror
A MOTORIST from Poulton died when his car plunged 20ft down a steep roadside embankment and was hit by a passing Blackpool-bound train. Businessman Frank Kelly, 64, of Riverside Drive, Hambleton, was killed on Wednesday, August 15, when his limited edition
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Derisory offer
AFTER years of striving for justice tragic mum Brenda Rowley has finally got a written apology from the authority responsible for her disabled son being left alone to drown in his bath. We think many people will view with disdain the size of the settlement
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Still no aid for love tug mum
THE Legal Services Commission has refused to grant legal aid to the couple at the centre of an international love-tug battle, despite a judge calling on the organisation to help them fight their case. Family judge David Gee, called on the commission to
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Frank's delight at kerb scheme
BLIND campaigner Frank Parkinson is "over the moon" after being promised Atherton town centre is to be made more user-friendly. Access for the disabled champion Frank, 61, of Birch Street, Tyldesley, is totally blind and has for years been battling for
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Top cop Ken retires after 35 years
ONE of Leigh's top policemen is retiring from the beat after a 35-year career. Chief Inspector Ken Dickson, (left) second-in-command of the Leigh sub-division of Greater Manchester Police, leaves the force today. Ch Insp Dickson took up his post at Leigh
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Grieving parents launch help group
A COUPLE whose son took his own life have launched a support group to help other grieving families. Noel and Janet Taylor, of Warwick Street, Leigh, were devastated when their 23-year-old son, Malcolm, killed himself more than a year ago. Although Malcolm
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This market is disaster, say traders
LEIGH'S new outdoor market has been declared a disaster by traders -- after just two months at the Albion Street site. They claim that business has been so bad since they were moved to make way for an extension to the Spinning Gate centre that no one
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Death on line
A MOTORIST from Poulton died when his car plunged 20ft down a steep roadside embankment and was hit by a passing Blackpool-bound train. Businessman Frank Kelly, 64, of Riverside Drive, Hambleton, was killed on Wednesday, August 15, when his limited edition
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Umpires put damper on St Annes
ST ANNES needed just one run for victory off five and a half overs in their Northern Premier League Division One game at Fleetwood on Saturday. But then the umpires headed for the pavilion and the game ended as a rain affected draw! Stunned St Annes batsmen
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Player search continues, says McMahon
MANAGER Steve McMahon was still angry this week following the Seasiders' defeat. Speaking to the official website, McMahon said: "It's a disappointing start to the season, losing the first game, especially at home. I was upset because we didn't really
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Phil goes by the book
ORGANISATIONAL values assessment and culture transformation is not a phrase that rolls easily off the tongue. But thanks to a Bury businessman, these are services which could ultimately become the language of captains of industry. For they will play a
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Art show in the open air
LYTHAM'S annual open air art exhibition takes place at Hastings Place, Lytham, this weekend. It is expected around 300 paintings by up to 30 local artists will be on display on August 18 and 19. For 31 years the Lytham St Annes Art Society has delighted
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Clarets can match Dons team spirit
WHEN it comes to team spirit Burnley's first foes at Turf Moor this term have it in abundance. Wimbledon built up their reputation as the "Crazy Gang" as they made a stunning rise from non-League status to FA Cup winners back in 1988 before then consolidating
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Eager for a cup final success
GREAT Harwood captain Paul Houldsworth looks ahead to Sunday's Jennings Ramsbottom Cup final against Earby at Clitheroe, hoping to bow out on a high note. I definitely won't be doing the captain's job next year so it would be nice to have one year and
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Joe Le Taxi play in park
INTERNATIONAL band Joe Le Taxi are set to impress audiences at Leyland's Music in the Park this Sunday. The blues band, heavily influenced by the traditional sounds of America's deep south, have packed the dance halls of England, Holland, France and Belgium
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Gemma's winner
SCHOOLGIRL Gemma Debar's careful colouring paid off when she won a new giant teddy bear to cuddle. The nine-year-old came first in a competition organised by insurance providers Hill House Hammond at the Royal Lancashire Show. The youngster from Thornton
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Driver killed in train horror
A MOTORIST died when a car came off the road and collided with a Blackpool-bound train. The vehicle left the B560 at Great Plumpton, on Wednesday, August 15, between Weeton and Kirkham and was found on the railway track at 6.40am, close to the M55 overbridge
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Family stranded by tide
A FATHER and his three children had to wade to shore through waist-deep water after being cut off by the tide at Blackpool. The family, from Carlisle, became trapped on a sand bank just north of North Pier after the tide came in from behind them on August
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Fylde quartet for Oxford
A QUARTET of students from an independent Fylde school were popping champagne corks after winning places at Oxford University. The four students are in the first year group of the recently amalgamated King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, Lytham, to
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Big drive to save lives
BLACKPOOL is to share in a £10 million cash bonanza to fund a major new drive designed to save lives and prevent serious injury on Lancashire's roads. A partnership - made up of public organisations with an interest in saving lives and improving drivers
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Power to the people
A CONFERENCE in Blackpool gave the thumbs up to plans to "give power to the people" by providing them with a greater say in the town's decision-making process. The gathering of community and voluntary sector representatives welcomed the development of
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Party for tramline's grand old ladies
TWO tram-endous "old ladies" celebrated their centenary last week with a run along Blackpool Prom carrying VIP passengers. The trams -- Stockport 5 and Bolton 66 -- took a return trip from North Pier to Starr Gate to commemorate the occasion, carrying
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Arch-rivals meet in Champions' final
STAND by for the sparks to fly tomorrow when arch-rivals Leigh East and Leigh Miners go head-to-head in the final of the 21st Champions Challenge Final at Twist Lane. Both progressed through tough tests with flying colours in the semi-finals to set up
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Iqbal has 'em in a spin
IQBAL Sikander was Leigh CC's star turn as they crushed derby rivals Wigan by five wickets at Bech Walk. The former Pakistan leg spinner was just one wicket away from an all-ten return as he claimed 9-65 - his second nine-wicket haul of a productive season
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Goal star Dino could give RMI a flying start
NEW signing Dino Maamria and old hand Tony Black are likely to get first chance to shoot Leigh RMI to an opening day Nationwide Conference win. The 27-year-old former Tunisia Under 21 international has joined on a two-year contract from Southport after
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Pond people
YOUNGSTERS taking part in an environmental play scheme had a "wild" time in Philips Park, Whitefield. Inspecting insects, monitoring mammals and probing ponds in the park were all part of the activities featured on the summer scheme organised by the British
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Store bosses to quit "rubble" precinct
WHITEFIELD'S only leading supermarket, Kwik Save, is to quit the town. And store bosses have blamed the state of the blighted Elms Precinct for their decision. Staff were told of the planned closure, to take place next month, and posters went up to inform
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KEEP YOUR SHIRTS ON!
DUE to the delay in the arrival of this season's replica kits fans are being urged to turn up to tomorrow's QPR game in their shirts of yesteryear. The "Old Shirt Day" is the idea of the Bury FC Supporters Association and is the second such event after
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Umpires put damper on St Annes
ST ANNES needed just one run for victory off five and a half overs in their Northern Premier League Division One game at Fleetwood on Saturday. But then the umpires headed for the pavilion and the game ended as a rain affected draw! Stunned St Annes batsmen
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Gallacher in to boost North End
PRESTON boss David Moyes has signed striker Kevin Gallacher on a one-month contract -- but he may give the players who were hammered by Gillingham another chance to prove themselves. North End suffered the worst possible start to their First Division
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Shakers aim to be quids in
IT'S quid-a-kid day at Gigg Lane tomorrow and Bury boss Andy Preece wants his side to make it a day to remember. Newly-relegated Queens Park Rangers are the attractive opposition and it's hoped they go the way of another relegated side, Tranmere Rovers
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Fight against child poverty
LOCAL Families are reaping the rewards of Labour's Working Families Tax Credit, claims Labour MP for St Helens North, Dave Watts. Dave said: "The latest Government figures show that around 2080 families in St Helens North are benefiting from Labour's
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Gran's fury over stolen bikes
AN ANGRY grandmother wants to see some action over the 'epidemic' of bike thefts which has hit town in recent weeks, after her grandson was attacked and had his bike stolen. The 13-year-old was in Lord Street, St Helens, at around 7pm on Monday July 30
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Top table goes under hammer
A DELIGHTFUL piece of quality Irish furniture from a seller in St Helens is set to star at the next sale at a leading Chester antiques and fine art saleroom later this month. Despite its diminutive size the Irish mahogany silver table made in 1740 is
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Church expands, all the way to Serbia
A RAMSBOTTOM church is expanding its premises in Ramsbottom and its gospel to Serbia! Oliviet Pentecostal Church, in Carr Street, is building a £40,000 extension on vacant land at the front of its building -- in the footprint of the original church. It
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Graves restored
VICTORIAN graves hidden beneath undergrowth in a Hindley parkland have been restored to pristine condition. The forgotten graves on land off Bridge Street were part of the Bridgecroft Methodist Chapel which closed in the 1950s. They were rediscovered
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'Mr Sidroy' dies after long illness
FORMER restaurateur and club owner Roy Bennett has died, aged 61, after a long battle against illness. Mr Bennett will be best remembered as proprietor of Sidroys restaurant and the Keg o' Kee club in Atherton. He bought the nightclub and casino in 1964
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Churches join to spread the news
CHURCHES are getting together to spread good news in Leigh. A series of marquee events is being staged under the Searchlight banner with an open invitation to meetings being held on local authority land next to Kings Park Christian Centre in Leigh Road
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Coroner departs after year in office
LEIGH'S coroner is leaving after less than a year in office to take over the second largest district in the country. Aidan Cotter, the current Manchester West Coroner -- whose duties involve conducting inquests in Leigh, Bolton and Salford -- will depart
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Just the ticket!
BLACKPOOL and The Fylde College is helping to ease financial stress on its students with a new transport scheme. From September the college will introduce a free bus service operating from three different areas across the Fylde coast. The transport service
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Christian clean-up
YOUNG people from two Blackpool churches are to clean up their image -- by smartening up the area where they live. Litter, graffiti and dog dirt will be prime targets as the community crusaders sweep through the Layton area, transforming their surroundings
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Going ape at the zoo!
CHAMPAGNE corks are popping at Blackpool Zoo as staff celebrate winning one of Europe's most prestigious animal welfare awards for their Gorilla Mountain feature. The award has been made by UFAW (The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare) which was
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Down your steet...
A LOOK at what's happening around the area. ST ANNES ST ANNES Pensioners' Association is holding bingo sessions starting at 2.30pm on August 21 and August 28 in the Pensioners' Hall, St Albans Road. A whist drive is held every Friday at 2pm. New members
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Displeasure at new hotel
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a four-storey budget hotel at Blackpool Pleasure Beach were given the go-ahead by Blackpool Council this week. Members of the council's development control committee met on Monday to discuss the plans for the 117 bedroom hotel
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Ten-year-old's taxi terror
A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl was grabbed and assaulted by a taxi driver as she was running home from Blackpool town centre with her brother. A taxi pulled up alongside the girl at the junction of Lytham Road and Lonsdale Road, Blackpool, at 8.35pm on Thursday,
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Row as meeting held in secret
ANGER erupted over secrecy at Blackpool town hall when the public were excluded from a meeting to discuss the chief executive's retirement deal. The public were made to leave the executive committee meeting when chief executive Graham Essex-Crosby's severance
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Two more go on the run
TWO more patients went on the run from Calderstones Hospital this week, it was revealed today. The pair were returned to the West Drive medium-secure unit, which houses sex offenders and arsonists as well as other patients, at the Whalley hospital within
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Sex beast strikes a 12th time
A SEX pervert on a bike has struck for the 12th time -- indecently exposing himself to a woman in Towneley Park. The man has exposed himself to young boys, teenage girls and women in the last two weeks and officers are linking the offences to a spate
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LOCAL SOCCER: Matches for the weekend
TOMORROW'S Unibond and NWCL fixtures UNBOND LEAGUE Fixtures for Saturday -- Premier Division: Altrincham v Whitby Town; Barrow v Hucknall Town; Blyth Sprtans v Bamber Bridge; Bradford Park Avenue v Burton Albion; Burscough v Frickley Ath; Colwyn Bay v
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LOCAL SOCCER: Patterson jewel in McCluskie's crown
ROSSENDALE manager Jim McCluskie believes he has signed a gem in snapping up former Rovers, Bolton and Preston midfielder Mark Patterson. The 36-year-old, who was at Accrington Stanley last season, looks likely to play his final season at Dark Lane before
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Gallacher in to
boost North End PRESTON boss David Moyes has signed striker Kevin Gallacher on a one-month contract -- but he may give the players who were hammered by Gillingham another chance to prove themselves. North End suffered the worst possible start to their
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Stanley set their sights on top spot
ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman hopes a combination of the old and new will take the Reds into the Nationwide Conference at the end of the season. Stanley have made five summer signings and the boss believes these coupled with the players which took
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LOCAL SOCCER: An exciting season ahead for clubs
THE North West Counties League gets under way tomorrow and Dany Robson and Nina Haigh have run the rule over the chances of the area's teams CONFIDENCE is high at Clitheroe following the nine-goal mauling of amateur side Old Blacks in their last pre-season
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Kath bowled over
LOCAL bowler Kath Kelly has been celebrating pulling off a unique double at the recent Conway Rose Bowl Tournament at Eirias Park. Not only did she win the prestigious singles competition, beating Brenda Wherrett from Leeds 21-12 in the final. But she
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Thanks for bible appeal support
A VERY special thank you to everyone who supported the "Bibles for Zambia" appeal. Although only 40 copies were requested, amazingly, over 200 copies have been donated. Due to the extra copies, bibles have been sent, not only to the original little church
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Earlestown's win keeps them top
EARLESTOWN entertained Mossley Hill at Earle Street and with a good performance took the victory to stay top of the West Lancs League. The visitors were asked to bat and lost an early wicket, then R Hughes (42) held the innings together as the batsmen
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How much more urban vandalism?
IN your issue of August 9, Tina Smith, a representative of a firm of builders, refers to "the pretty Victorian town of St Annes." This might well be seen as adding insult to injury since, with the connivance of Fylde Borough Council, she and her ilk have
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Haydock slump to four wicket loss
HAYDOCK First XI paid a visit to Litherland last Saturday in the Southport and District League and suffered a four wicket defeat. Haydock lost the toss and were inserted on a lively pitch. The visitors were soon in trouble on 42 for 5 with all the premier
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Clarke the man to lead party
AS the ballot papers for the Conservative Party leadership are posted this weekend, (August 18) we write as Conservatives who want to win again. We believe that Ken Clarke is the candidate best qualified to do that. His ability, wide experience, loyalty
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Ticket sales rocket
SEASON ticket sales for Deepdale look set to reach an all-time high this year with fans eager to see the team repeat last season's success. Last season Preston sold 7,925 season tickets - a record for the club. But they are set to smash last season's
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Gallacher in to boost North End
PRESTON boss David Moyes has signed striker Kevin Gallacher on a one-month contract -- but he may give the players who were hammered by Gillingham another chance to prove themselves. North End suffered the worst possible start to their First Division
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Families on film
A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition about domestic abuse opened in Leyland to mark the anniversary of South Ribble's first women's refuge. Breaking Free at South Ribble Museum and Exhibition Centre, in Church Road, Leyland, was launched by David Borrow MP on Friday
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Death on line
A MOTORIST from Poulton died when his car plunged 20ft down a steep roadside embankment and was hit by a passing Blackpool-bound train. Businessman Frank Kelly, 64, of Riverside Drive, Hambleton, was killed on Wednesday, August 15, when his limited edition
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The place to complain
THOSE readers who might have been stuck in exceptionally long queues at the post office, only to be told that there is no complaint form, may be interested to know that the address for Post Office Counters is 86 Lional Street, Birmingham B3 1HQ. C. TURNER
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Israel needs discipline
IN 1945, our unit was stationed in an olive grove next to the town of Haifa. We were engaged as a peaceful "buffer" between the warring factions and part of our duty was a dawn patrol on the railway line which ran alongside the coast. One night, our men
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Country is a shambles
IT took the Tories 18 years to ruin our coal industry, our iron and steel industry, textile mills and heavy manufacturing. Along comes New Labour, under Tony Blair, and within five years the NHS and railways are a shambles, the fishing and farming industries
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Insurers will never pay out
AN oft-repeated argument, regarding Foot and Mouth disease compensation payments, is that the farmers should have insurance. Try telling that to the farmer who paid his premiums for 30 years, only to have his renewal refused by the insurance company at
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Clarke is the man
AS the ballot papers for the Conservative Party leadership election are posted this weekend we write as Conservatives who want to win again. Along with a number of colleagues we believe that Ken Clarke is the candidate best qualified to do that. His ability
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Number plate cost a halfpenny
S.K's letter (August 9), insults your readers' intelligence on the question of payment for the number plate on the mayoral car and my comments. The statement I made to the council's executive committee was of the trends in council spending as a consequence
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Adler tributes flood in
lTHE world recently said goodbye to the greatest harmonica player of all time, Larry Adler. In a career spanning 70 years he delighted millions with his own special brand of genius -- or so say the ads which have appeared in the Saturday disaster columns
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See you there folks
ST HELENS Coalition of Disabled People will be holding an afternoon social on Thursday August 23 at St Helens Parish Hall in Church Square in the town centre between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Refreshments will be available and the DASH (Disability Advice St
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Anyone found my photo?
THE owner of an old photograph stolen from a house in Regent Street, Newton-le-Willows is appealing for information leading to its return. The photo, which is about 70 years old, was within a framed mirror and depicts several hunting horses jumping a
