Archive
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Drama and comedy around Preston
NORTHERN comedy Three Steps to Heaven is coming to the Charter Theatre. The gritty musical comedy features songs from the last four decades of the 20th century, including The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. The play comes to Preston on Saturday, October 6,
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Pupils strike a chord with Mayoress
A TALENTED quartet of young musicians from a Lytham school played at a Lady Mayoress of Fylde's "at home" function. The Mayoress, Katie Fieldhouse, was so impressed by the Lytham St Annes High School pupils' performance at a school concert that she asked
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Free maths tuition
FUN will be part of the equation for two Blackpool primary schoolchildren who have won free maths scholarships. Joel Wojkiewicz, aged 8, and Jessica Kearns, aged 10, both pupils at St John Vianney Catholic Primary School on Glastonbury Avenue, have won
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Retirement gift is meeting with the Queen
AN invitation from the Queen was the retirement gift for four long-serving teachers from a Lytham school. David Child, Shelagh Paine, Guy Maslin and David Matthews retired from King Edward VII and Queen Mary school last week after a total of 125 years
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JUST JAMIE: It was my lucky break
THERE was a solemn air hanging over the five-a-side football team as it trudged off the pitch earlier this week. It can get pretty nasty on the battle field, tackles fly in, bodies groan and people tumble. In football there is no such thing as a friendly
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BANIM SPARES BORO BLUSHES
UniBond League Challenge Cup Group Four Radcliffe Borough 1 Marine 1 JODY BANIM rescued ten-man Radcliffe Borough with his ninth goal of the season to salvage a point from this hard-fought, but exciting encounter with Roly Howard's Marine. The Premier
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BURY FALL SHORT OF THE MARK
NORTH LANCS LEAGUE ONE Fleetwood 29 Bury 5 BY MIKE JONES SATURDAY was to provide a benchmark by which to judge whether promotion is a reasonable objective for Bury as the opposition have only recently been relegated after many seasons at higher levels
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SHAKERS DROPS OUT LOOK DOOMED
OLDHAM ATHLETIC 4 BURY 0 PUNCHLESS up front and porous at the back, it's still early days yet but Bury's hopes of avoiding the drop look already doomed to failure if this wretched performance was anything to go by. It was bad enough that Andy Preece's
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This week in 1976 25 years ago
WATER WATER EVERY WHERE: It took workmen ten hours to locate a burst water main which affected 80 homes. The leak was discovered in an eight-inch main at the junction of Wellington Road and Manchester Road. The fractured main was difficult to locate because
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Flats are slowly vanishing
WORK is still continuing to demolish flats which dominated the town's skyline for three decades. Larkhill flats, which have stood in the heart of Blackburn since the 1960s, are having to be pulled down piece by piece after blowing them up was ruled out
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Year's ban for drink driver
A DRIVER was fined £125 with £55 costs and disqualified from driving for 12 months by Blackburn magistrates after pleading guilty to driving with excess alcohol. Andrew Richard Pickup, 21, of East Park Avenue, Blackburn, who had a reading of 57 against
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Flu jabs available to people at risk
PENSIONERS, asthma sufferers and people with heart disease are just some of those being targeted to take up their flu jabs this autumn. Health bosses want to see as many as possible of the 23,000 people at risk from flu in Blackburn with Darwen to claim
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Region ready for chemical warfare threat
HEALTH bosses in the North West have told people to carry on as normal amid the threats of chemical or biological attacks against the UK. As tension mounts following the terrorist strikes on America two weeks ago, fears are growing that chemical warfare
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Pupils learn about words that mean jobs
PUPILS from across Lancashire celebrated European Year of Languages at a special event held in Clayton-le-Moors. All 47 Council of Europe countries took part in events around the continent yesterday, with pupils from Lancashire County Council and Blackburn
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Event a credit to everyone
HAVING just completed my first Rossendale Valley Motorcycle Show, I must say how impressed I was. From the policing perspective the event passed without incident. There were no crimes reported or arrests made in connection with the show. It was a credit
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Pavilions are without appeal
READING (LET, September 20) that one of the Pavilions in Church Street, Blackburn, was likely to collapse if alterations are done to it caused the unkind thought that it is a pity that the other two were not likely to do the same. I cannot think of one
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Preventing smacking, a nightmare
THE Government, having now solved all the problems of the NHS, education and serious crime, have come up with a marvellous idea produced in the fantasy factory of the liberal left elite on their behalf. Under the guise of the Human Rights Act, they are
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Spielberg caught between two spools
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (12) at Blackpool Odeon, reviewed by RICHARD KING WHEN the reins of the late great Stanley Kubrick's 20-year pet project were handed over to Steven Spielberg it looked like the box office was set for a real treat. But after
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Legends Mark2 another winner
IF something works then why not make another one? And that's just what the clever folks at Martin Witts Productions have done with Legends. The new batch of Stars In Their Eyes type entertainers opened recently at Blackpool's Central Pier to work side
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Variety Club honours Johnnie Star-maker
FROM magician's stooge at just nine years old to head of Granada's light entertainment and king of The Comedians. Top television producer Johnnie Hamp is to be honoured in a celebrity packed Variety Club lunch in Blackpool on October 19. The Spanish Hall
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Raising the roof to raise church funds
CHORISTERS hope to hit a high note when they open their lungs and hymn books in aid of church improvements. Members of the choir at Bury United Reformed Church will sing 66 hymns in four hours on Saturday (Sept 29), in a sponsored bid to raise money for
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999 services on alert for river plunge man
EMERGENCY services were mobilised at the weekend after reports a man had plunged into a river in Radcliffe. Police later discovered that after jumping into the River Irwell, behind the town's Asda store, the man had then walked across the shallow water
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Robbie's turfed out of Gigg Lane
SHAKERS mascot Robbie the Bobby got his marching orders on Saturday (Sept 22) after being accused of stoking up visiting fans. Costumed Jonathan Pollard, pictured in his outfit, was escorted from Gigg Lane by stewards after "mooning" at about 2,000 Stoke
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Council may pay kids to cycle to school
PUPILS are to be offered a cash incentive to get fit and reduce congestion by getting on their bikes and cycling to school. Education bosses have decided to revive a scheme first launched during World War Two which paid children a penny a mile for using
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Zak's backing Christies
SOAP star Zak Dingle popped into a Bury pub for a charitable cause. Zak, alias actor Steve Halliwell, from the television series Emmerdale, swapped the Woolpack for the White Horse in Hall Street, Walshaw. Steve, whose brother Clive is a pub regular,
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A jab now will stop flu later
A MAJOR campaign to prevent a flu epidemic sweeping the borough starts next week. And those at risk from the potentially lethal virus are being urged to get themselves immunised before the onset of winter. Last winter, 420 patients were admitted into
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Violence that shames our town
A TEENAGER who refused to hand over money to youths had both cheekbones broken when they punched him repeatedly in the face. Stock controller Lee Firth was approaching the Co-op Late Shop in Ainsworth Road, Bury, at 1.15pm on Saturday (Sept 22) when he
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New man takes over in hot seat
IT'S all change at the top as Bury Council welcomes its new chief executive. Mr Mark Sanders starts his £80,000-plus job on Monday (Oct 1), joining Bury from Oldham Council where he was executive director of policy, performance and regeneration. He succeeds
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Result means nothing
SOUNESS does not think that Aston Villa's disappointment in the UEFA Cup last night will have any bearing on the clash between the two clubs at Villa Park on Sunday. Villa went out on the away goals rule despite winning 1-0 on the night at Croatian side
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Reid set for Macca move
JASON McAteer's rumoured move to Sunderland is not going to happen - yet! But Rovers boss Graeme Souness confirmed this morning: "I know there has been some sort of activity in that department although I have not spoken with Peter Reid at this stage."
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My child does not deserve this
COULD any of your readers hazard a guess as to what crime has been committed by a child to warrant the following punishment? 1. The child will be forced to leave his familiar surroundings. 2. The child will be expected to be placed in an alien environment
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Detention center madness
"HILTON-style immigration detention centres", where the judge has ruled it is illegal for four Iraqis to be held, and now solicitors are seeking compensation for them. I wonder were the do-gooders, the Human Rights activists, solicitors, magistrates and
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Nepal hike put on hold
A DEAF man from Clayton Brook has been forced to put his plans for a gruelling charity hike through Nepal on hold following the USA terrorist attacks. Jimmy Anderson, 41, of Barn Meadow, was due to take part in the Deafway Himalayan Challenge 2 in October
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Ukraine kids take time out
A GROUP of youngsters visited Lancashire this week from the disaster-struck area of the Ukraine. The trip was arranged by UK charity, Medicine and Chernobyl, which raises money to help victims of the 1986 nuclear power plant explosion. Thirteen children
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Tributes to Derian co-founder
TRIBUTES have been paid to Robert Haydock, one of the co-founders of Derian House Children's Hospice, who died last Wednesday. Robert helped launch the Chorley hospice with his son, Ian, in the Eighties. They came up with the idea after the death of Robert's
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Walking for the terror victims
FIREFIGHTERS and support staff from Preston and South Ribble will join colleagues across the county in a walking tour of all 40 Lancashire fire stations to raise money for families of victims of the terrorist attack on the USA. The Lancashire Fire and
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Worlds apart meet at altar
TALK about one extreme to the other! This match-made-in-heaven is straight from the cradle to the grave -- with the bride a midwife and her new husband an undertaker. But according to groom Neal Buckley, the pair couldn't be better suited, despite their
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What would you do?
SINCE the horrific attacks on America two weeks ago, terrified New Yorkers have been panic-buying gas masks ready for what they believe may be the next step in the terrorist's deadly plan -- biological warfare. The Citizen took to the streets of Preston
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Malik wants police disciplined
A COMMUNITY leader today called for action to be taken against any officers found to have acted incorrectly after he was cleared of violent disorder during the racial disturbances. Shahid Malik, 33, a member of the Commission for Racial Equality and son
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Con pair rob pensioner
POLICE have released the descriptions of a man and a woman who conned their way into a pensioner's house and stole £300 in cash. The 64-year-old woman of Leslie Avenue in Skerton was expecting the hairdresser when a man and a woman knocked on the door
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Pair assault grammar school pupil in unprovoked attack
A 12-year-boy was kicked and beaten in an unprovoked attack in the Moorlands area of Lancaster on Monday. The young grammar school pupil was followed into an alley and verbally abused before being punched in the face and then kicked while on the ground
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Mission accomplished!
A RETIRED Lancaster airman has used his experiences as a gunner on a Lancaster Bomber to write a nerve jangling crime thriller. David Millett counts himself lucky to have survived a tour of 30 operations behind enemy lines and for his new novel The Perpetrator
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Bretheren meet
THE 52nd annual conference of Christian Betheren will be held at Hebron Hall, Walter Street, Brierfield, on Saturday, October 13. A programme of Saturday evening Bible teaching rallies has also been arranged between October and March.
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Annual crafts fair will boost church funds
A FULL house of 40 exhibitors will take part in next week's three-day crafts fair at Higherford Methodist Church. The 15th annual event starts on Thursday with doors open from 11.30am to 7.30pm. It will continue at the same times on Friday and from 10am
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Great effort by brave Hoppers
DIVISION leaders Plymouth made it 34 consecutive league victories with a performance that suggests they must be favourites for a second promotion. Thanks to another excellent display of kicking from full back Chris Glynn, Hoppers stayed in contention
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Privacy fear over extension
COUNCILLORS are being asked to turn down plans for a two-storey extension to a house in Banks Bridge Close, Barnoldswick, on the grounds that it would be oppressive and overbearing. The planning application will come under scrutiny at the West Craven
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Boogie down in a basement
THE annual "barn boogie" charity event organised by Nelson and Colne Round Table goes ahead this weekend despite the foot and mouth crisis. But it has been renamed "basement boogie" after a switch of venue. The show will take place in the basement of
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Organ strikes a chord
A GUIDEBOOK reference, about a Bavarian church's organ, struck a chord which echoes back to the Haydock of Victorian times. And now, reader M. Rigg, who spotted the connection, would like to know more. He explains: "I recently returned from Bavaria, staying
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Romany Society searches for extracts
THE memory of a gipsy preacher and broadcaster, known simply as Romany, who delighted listeners to the BBC's Children's Hour, is still burning brightly. Though it's now more than half a century since his death, a Romany society, based on Merseyside, is
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Mayor's attendant found hanged
PRESTON Council staff are in mourning after one of the mayor's attendants was found hanged. Josef St Jean, 33, was found dead in a house in College Court, Preston, belonging to his estranged wife, Liz, on Monday, September 17. Mr St Jean, a father-of-two
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Gig guide for Preston
THE Harris music club is hosting a classical music recital in the St Peters Arts Centre, St Peters Street, on Wednesday, October 10, from 1-2pm. Natalia Lomeiko will be playing the violin, and Katya Apekisheva the piano, and the pair will perform Beethoven's
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Hospital's two star rating
DELIGHTED health bosses in Preston are celebrating after NHS watchdogs deemed the town's hospital to be performing well overall and awarded two stars in the latest round of ratings. Professor Peter Morgan-Capner, medical director for the Chorley and South
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Possible end to disruption
TWO Preston bridges have been earmarked for special treatment as officials have a bash at tackling a growing problem. Bridges in Marsh Lane Railway Bridge, in Preston, and Lytham Road Railway Bridge, in Fulwood, are to be targeted in the scheme which
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What a whopper!
YOU wouldn't get many of Rose Zimny's tomatoes to the pound! In fact, you wouldn't even get one! For Rose Zimny's giant tomatoes are so big, the largest weighs in at around a pound and a half. That's the the same as three bags of sugar. Prize-winning
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Five years ago
EIGHT-year-old Ashley Slater, who was told her dancing days were over following a road accident which left her seriously injured, was back in training with Darwen Morris Dancers.
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Ten years ago
IT WAS announced that Thomas Mason's textile firm in Colne had lost its battle for survival and was to close with the loss of 81 jobs. The company had been struggling for 12 months.
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Woman 'serious' after assault
A MAN was due to appear in court today following an attack which left a woman in intensive care. David George Britcliffe, 52, of Booth Street, Accrington, was arrested after ambulance crews alerted police on Wednesday night. He was quizzed by detectives
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Tied-up teenager: police probe dropped
POLICE have dropped an investigation into an alleged assault on a teenager after new evidence came to light. Detectives launched an inquiry after teenager Derek Bond, 15, said he had been beaten and tied up by a raider at his home in Warwick Street, Church
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Services for the elderly praised in report
GOVERNMENT inspectors praise Hyndburn Council's services for the elderly, in a report published this week. The inspection was carried out as part of the Government's Best Value for Local Government audit, which checks if services are delivered economically
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Harassment case led to total loss
A POLICE officer at the centre of a controversial employment tribunal has lost her family as well as her job, her husband claimed today. Glenn Macbean, of Baxenden, claimed that Reehaina Saddique, 29, joined the force against her family's wishes 10 years
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Windfall for welfare group
A NEW group aiming to provide recreation activities for older and disabled people in the ethnic community in Accrington has received a boost from the Awards for All programme funded by the National Lottery. The Apna Ghar development service for the elderly
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Outrage over sell-off plans
THOUSANDS of outraged St Annes townsfolk have signed a petition in an attempt to reverse plans to demolish the Ashton Institute and sell off part of Ashton Gardens. Eileen Harvey of Sandhurst Avenue, St Annes, along with other determined members of the
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Food for thought
AS A tribute to those who died in the attack on America, surely it would be better to feed the five million people facing starvation in Afghanistan rather than bomb them? If we support bomb attacks would we be willing to accept reciprocal attacks on us
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Making political capital out of US atrocities
NATIONAL and local politicians have shown collective compassion and respect for the victims of the atrocities in the USA by their restraint in not making political capital out of an appalling situation. Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies is a different
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Oh yes what about the workers?
COULD you imagine David Ginola holding a 'no scabs here' placard while warming his hands over a burner outside Villa Park? Are you ready for the sight of David Beckham yelling 'the worker's united, will never be defeated' through a loudhailer while the
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TEENAGER SHOT IN FACE FROM POINT-BLANK RANGE
THE VICTIM of a terrifying airgun attack has spoken exclusively to the Citizen about his ordeal. The local teenager is still shaken by the violent incident in which a young woman approached him and fired an airgun into his face at point-blank range. Luckily
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Careers and jobs show
BURY employers are being offered the chance to target thousands of jobseekers when Jarvis Exhibitions bring their show to Manchester's G-Mex Centre this weekend. Careers and Jobs Live 2001 is taking place on September 30 and October 1. The organisers
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Great start to season
POOL's bright away form continued on Tuesday evening at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium with new signing Graham Fenton again getting his name on the scoresheet as well as another brace from scoring sensation Brett Ormerod. If only our sparkling recent
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You can count on us
ACCOUNTANCY firms struggling for staff can now count on a Bury-based company. For the town's first recruitment agency for all levels of finance and accounting staff has now opened its doors. PM Accountancy, located at the Businesslodge in Barcroft Street
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Baggies boss sees the bright side
WHEN West Brom lost their first two games of the new season it was tempting to think they were suffering a hangover following play-off disappointment three months earlier. But manager Gary Megson insisted today: "That would be looking for excuses and
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Haydock's workman-like performance
Albert Park (Widnes) 20 Haydock A 29 Haydock's second string provided a workman-like performance to deal with a well organised Reggie Bowden coached Widnes side. Greg Dale was the Haydock hero with a hat-trick. Lee Cooper and Dave Owen were also on the
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Hughes steps down
Eric Hughes is leaving St Helens at the end of the season after three-and-a-half years as football operations manager. Hughes said: "I informed the St Helens board six months ago I would be leaving to pursue other business interests outside the game."
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Skatepark plans hit the target
A COMMUNITY skatepark for Radcliffe is a step closer to reality after reaching its funding target. Now young skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX riders are being asked for suggestions on how to spend £50,000 set aside to buy equipment. The Radcliffe
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Driver attacks man with baseball bat
A MAN suffered a suspected fractured skull when he was repeatedly struck with a baseball bat after an argument with a car driver. The vicious attack took place seconds after the 52-year-old victim had accused the driver of going through a puddle and splashing
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Call for vigilance over bogus officials
PENSIONERS in Radcliffe have been warned to be on their guard against bogus callers. Inspector John Higson of Radcliffe Township issued the caution at the latest meeting of Radcliffe Area Board. He said: "There is concern about several teams of bogus
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Gig guide for Preston
THE Harris music club is hosting a classical music recital in the St Peters Arts Centre, St Peters Street, on Wednesday, October 10, from 1-2pm. Natalia Lomeiko will be playing the violin, and Katya Apekisheva the piano, and the pair will perform Beethoven's
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Schools have made their mark
THREE primary schools are the first in the borough to receive the Government-backed Basic Skills Quality Mark. The successful schools are Heaton Park CP in Whitefield, Sedgley Park CP in Prestwich, and Fishpool Infants in Bury. Staff and pupils were given
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Taking boredom out of the Bard
NOW there's no reason for kids to be bored by the bard. Shakespeare 4 Kidz theatre company -- a theatre group specialising in attracting young audiences to Shakespeare's work -- is staging a sensational production of Twelfth Night at Preston's Charter
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Murder, mayhem and mirth
THE audience could die laughing at Fylde Coast Players' production of Natural Causes this weekend. Eric Chappell's highly original comedy thriller is full of murderous intrigue, mistaken identities, hilarious consequences and great laughs. Celia wants
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Legends Mark2 another winner
IF something works then why not make another one? And that's just what the clever folks at Martin Witts Productions have done with Legends. The new batch of Stars In Their Eyes type entertainers opened recently at Blackpool's Central Pier to work side
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Mullin will not be put under pressure
ANDY Payton may have grabbed the headlines as a two-goal sub on Tuesday night but the arrival of another local favourite was just as crucial. John Mullin started his career at Turf Moor before returning from Sunderland in 1999 and after a season on the
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Oil be there, says Norman
ARTIST Norman Redmayne is staging an exhibition at the Darwen Heritage Centre next month. Norman, 67, who works from a studio on Sarah Street in the town, will be showing his work from October 15 until October 29 and there is the the possibility that
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I remember when Gandhi was in town
THE 70th anniversary of Gandhi's visit to Darwen is this weekend - and a link with the historic trip still remains. Kathleen Jebb, 75, of Garden Village, was five when the Indian leader visited workers at Greenfield Mill. The visit was at the invitation
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Neville's anguish at carnage
THE terrorist outrage in New York last Tuesday sent a shudder down the spine of millions of people all over the world... but witnessing those horrific images sparked special anguish for one local man . When news flashed around the world, that two hijacked
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Safer roads
NEW safety measures are to be implemented on the roads near Todmorden High School, the town's Development Committee was told. The measures include a no waiting at any time restriction in Ewood Lane between the school and Burnley Road. It is also proposed
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Masonic boost for newspaper
A CHEQUE for £250 has been accepted by local workers of Todmorden Talking Newspaper. It was presented by the Masonic Lodge of Prince George, at Eastwood, Todmorden, after members applied for a grant from Yorkshire West Riding Masonic Charity. The money
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MP backs campaign to keep land
ROSSENDALE and Darwen MP Janet Anderson has stepped into the row over an application to buy part of Trickets Memorial Ground in Waterfoot. Mrs Anderson has written to Rossendale Council chief executive Steven Hartley to express her concern that the council
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Himalayas hike held up by US terror war
A DEAF man has been forced to put his plans to complete a gruelling charity hike through the Himalayas on hold following the United States terrorist attacks. Jimmy Anderson, 41, of Barn Meadow, Clayton Brook, was due to take part in the Deafway Himalayan
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Christians should extend friendship
A VICAR has called for Christians to foster relationships with people from other faiths following the terrorist atrocities in America. The Rev John Birbeck, of All Hallows and St John's, Hurst Green, said that friction between faiths was caused by people
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All fired up!
FIREFIGHTERS on the Fylde are to help raise money for the families of their American counterparts killed in the tragic collapse of New York's two World Trade Centre towers. Fire crews and support workers from across the whole of Lancashire will be taking
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In memory of Ashley...
A GRIEF-stricken family from Thornton has helped raise thousands of pounds for a national leukaemia charity -- after tragically losing their 10-year-old son to the disease earlier this year. Paul and Sue Collins organised and took part in a mammoth kayaking
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Children's pictures spell out the message
FOUR Fleetwood children are hoping that motorists will be quick to learn their new Go Slow messages which are currently being erected on road signs in the port. The four pupils won a competition this summer held by Wyre Borough Council to design signs
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The high roller!
AN inspiring and heart-warming Blackpool man has retired from years of charity fund-raising on a very high point indeed. Dave Burns completed his Year 2000 Challenge Appeal this weekend by riding Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Big One -- alongside a very
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Train route a lottery says commuter
ANGRY rail commuters were stranded for the second time this week on a service into Blackpool South that travellers have dubbed a 'Third World' railway. Passengers travelling on the Colne to Blackpool South service, which is run by First North Western,
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Don't panic
COUNCIL chiefs and MPs are calling for calm after rumours Britain could be ambushed with deadly chemicals in the next step in the 'War on Terrorism'. Since terrorists attacked the USA two weeks ago fears have been mounting in this country that biological
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Benefit fraud was 'to pay debts'
A WOMAN who ran up a £30,000 benefits fraud over ten years will have to wait until November before she knows her fate. Lubna Akhtar came under pressure to settle debts after her husband abandoned her, also leaving the country with his loans outstanding
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Rid our park of vandals
A RESIDENTS' group has demanded that a council provides better protection for a park vandalised three times in a week. Martha Henry, the secretary of the Corporation Park Supporters' Group , said events had left residents ''heartbroken". They say a solution
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Trust reveals secret of success
HEALTH chiefs in Blackburn have revealed some of the successes which helped them to achieve three star status for their trust. The Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust, which runs Queens Park Hospital and Blackburn Royal Infirmary, achieved
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Cash boost for health
A £2.5 MILLION project to promote a healthy lifestyle in two of Blackburn's most run-down areas has been unveiled. Blackburn with Darwen Council plans to target children and young people in the Bank Top area and adults in the Brookhouse areas of Blackburn
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Where was Mr Blair?
A STUDENT picked to represent Britain at an international conference today blasted the British Government for not sending a senior minister along as well. Amar Abass, aged 18, from Blackburn, attended the International Conference Against Racism and Xenophobia
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Our prayers are answered!
FATHER Jim McCartney had the biggest smile in East Lancashire today after his fight to help drug addicts and the homeless received a £140,000 boost. Three weeks ago the Blackburn priest feared he would have to lay off staff at his charity when Blackburn
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LOCAL SOCCER: Striker search
BACUP BOROUGH manager Brent Peters is on the look-out for a new striker. Despite hammering Darwen 5-1 at the Anchor Ground last Saturday, Peters is disappointed with the lack of a 'cutting edge' up front which was evident in the 2-0 defeat against Blackpool
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LOCAL SOCCER: Sculpher looks for fifth win
IN-FORM Clitheroe face one of the biggest tests of the season when they welcome St Helens to Shawbridge tomorrow. Under new manager Lee Sculpher the NWCL Division One side have won the last four games - all away from home, but they have won only once
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LOCAL SOCCER: Colne aim to prove doubters wrong
JOHN Lister is ready to prove the doubters wrong this season and cause a few shocks along the way. The Colne boss believes his side have been unfairly tagged as relegation strugglers despite turning in a string of impressive performances. Ahead of tomorrow's
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LOCAL SOCCER: Storks hoping for a 'miracle'
NELSON enjoyed their two games against Padiham in the NWCL Division Two last season - they put 12 goals past them and conceded just one. With current form, the Blues might expect a similar scoreline having scored 36 goals so far in their 12 matches while
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MOTORSPORT: Chase is on as Neil hunts Troy
THE buzzword for Neil Hodgson's final weekend of the World Superbike season is 'catch-up'. The Burnley rider, celebrating a new three-year deal with Ducati to remain in superbikes, is 10 points behind fourth-placed Australian former world champion Troy
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Thatto Heath v Saddleworth
Thatto Heath Crus U18s 26 Saddleworth 8: Crusaders fought bravely with 12 men against a resilient Saddleworth side to start the season with a victory. Both sides contributed to a lively game in horrendous conditions, with Crusaders having too much fire
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Haydock v Royton Tigers
Haydock Warriors U/16s 22, Royton Tigers 20: Haydock produced a fine team display to overturn a physical Oldham side. Haydock conceded an early try, but hit back with a Chris Dyson try in the corner after good work from Craig Tipene, converted by Arrowsmith
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Steve inspires Clock win
Clock Face 46, Adlington A 6: FOUR tries by full-back Steve Rybczynski ensured Clock had a comfortable win. The visitors got off the mark first, with a penalty, before Mark Roberts crashed over for Clock's first points. A high ball to the corner by Mike
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Unlawful action
GROWING public concern expressed in the press is about repression of council housing benefits. Entitlement against the chronic sick and disabled is effected surreptitiously by Blackpool Council. Such repression is unlawful, perverse and contrary to statute
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Bay walk's splendid result
YET again may I thank you for your help in the publishing of details of this year's Bay Walk which took place on a bright and breezy day -- not like last year's wind and rain! We had an excellent response and the walkers and their sponsors have been very
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Five million facing famine in Afghanistan
OXFAM is deeply shocked and saddened by the attacks and the huge loss of life in America on September 11. But, as the USA and its allies decide what action to take in response, Oxfam asks that the humanitarian consequences of any action must be carefully
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Unstoppable Heath roll on
Thatto Heath 62 Featherstone Lions 7: HEATH were in unstoppable form as they ran in 11 tries against the team they beat in last year's BARLA National Cup final. The game itself was dedicated to raising money for the fund set up to assist former Featherstone
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Saints limp into play-offs
Wigan 40 Saints 6: HAVE Saints got enough juice left in the tank or sufficient fit troops to choose from to mount a serious challenge to retain their Super League crown for the third successive year? On this showing the answer would be a resounding no
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Dealers held in Blackpool drugs swoop
SEASIDE drug dealers were given a harsh warning as police swooped on 29 suspects in a series of dawn raids. Some 160 officers from around Lancashire took part in Operation Tarifa on Wednesday, September 26 which saw 22 men and seven women arrested. The
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Defending communities?
NICOLE Ivanoff (Your Letters, Sept 7) writes that the recent race riots in the poorer parts of our region were clearly provoked by fascists outside looking for trouble. As I recall the troubles began after Asian youths in one town reportedly declared
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We must take on terrorism as a world US
I AM concerned and extremely fearful of what the future holds. If caution is not applied with wisdom in this major crisis, the fate of this planet and its inhabitants will be in serious jeopardy. By all means let us combat terrorism but with a level head
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World has not changed
WHAT a relief, amid all the hype and war talk, to read P. Kaiserman's exhortation that bombing is not the answer (Yours Truly, Sept 20). More than two weeks has elapsed since that horrific act, a period of grieving, condolences and understandable cries
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Manhunt for brutal sex fiend
DETECTIVES have released this E-fit image of a man suspected of carrying out a brutal sex attack on a mother who was kidnapped in her car and forced to drive to Birmingham. A manhunt was launched by two police forces following the abduction around 7.25am
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, September 29
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Dog Micro-Chipping Session, BJK Pet Supplies, Towngate, Great Harwood, 10am-noon. £10 per dog. Coffee Morning, St Mark's CHurch, Buncer Lane, Blackburn, 10am-noon. Proceeds
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Pedal to school? On your bike!
NO matter what advantages there may be in the incentive scheme to get Lancashire youngsters cycling to school, it will surely be a non-starter. Parents will veto it simply because it is too dangerous. The very thought of droves of children riding bicycles
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Bohemian Rhapsody of a trip
A DELEGATION of outstanding young scientists from a Lytham school are taking part in a ten-day international seminar in the Czech Republic. The six students from King Edward VII and Queen Mary School travelled to Hradec Kralove, the Bohemian regional
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Awards for students
IT'S hats off to Blackpool and The Fylde College tourism, leisure and hospitality students tonight (Thursday Sep 27) as they celebrate an awards ceremony at the Bispham Campus. This is the first Further Education Student of The Year Achievement Awards
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OPEN HOUSE: Party conference report
FORMER Pendle MP John Lee spent 20 years attending Tory conferences but this week found his natural home at the Liberal Democrats gathering in Bournemouth. Since switching parties just before the last election, it was his first trip to such an occasion
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SUPER SEDGLEY MOVE UP TO THIRD
RFU National League Two Nottingham...8 Sedgley Park...48 DESPITE a delayed start due to heavy motorway traffic, Sedgley remained totally focused and produced a fine performance in dismantling Nottingham. Sedgley took the lead through a Rob Moon penalty
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Play at your peril!
PUBLIC swimming baths, camping holidays and days out in the woods are trips most children take for granted and enjoy. But for Alex Creamer, 14, and his 11-year-old brother Adam, such innocent adventures are so risky they are avoided at all costs. The
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BARROW BOY ROLLS INTO BURY
BURY have appointed Graham Barrow as first team coach until the end of the season. The vastly-experienced Barrow will stand in for cancer victim Billy Ayre until he is able to resume his coaching duties. The new man will get to work this morning (Friday
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Gilgryst Cup first round
NEW MILLS... 1 ELTON FOLD...2 FOLD progressed to the next stage of the Gilgryst Cup after a 'smash and grab' raid that stunned a team that only suffered two home defeats since the start of last season. After being a goal down at the break from a penalty
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BORO SHOW THEIR QUALITY STREAK
UniBond League Division One Leek Town 0 Radcliffe Boro 3 THE Quality Street gang went on tour to the Staffordshire sticks and came back with three points that should send a shudder through the rest of the division. It wasn't so much the result that should
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HEYS' CUP OF WOE
Atherton Town 3 Prestwich Heys 2 Gilgryst Cup First Round PRESTWICH HEYS' involvement in league and county cup competition came to an end at early pacesetters Atherton Town on Saturday, writes Norman Dearden. After their dismal performance at Wigan a
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JUST REWARD FOR RAMMY
North West Counties League Division One Ramsbottom United...2 Warrington Town...0 AFTER the superb home victory against Maine Road on Saturday, Ramsbottom were hoping to kick-start their season with another victory at home against high-flying Warrington
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STAND'S VASE HOPES SHATTERED
The FA Carlsberg Vase Second Qualifying Round HALL ROAD RANGERS 3 STAND ATHLETIC 2 (after extra time) STAND Athletic crashed out of the FA Vase in a heartbreaking extra-time period, as they were made to pay for missing chance after chance. Northern Counties
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Today's the day
1745: God Save the King was sung for the first time in public at the Dury Lane Theatre in London. 1894: Simon Marks and Tom Spencer opened their Penny Bazaar in Manchester. 1904: A woman was arrested for smoking on New York's Fifth Avenue. 1964: A survey
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Marathon effort
FUNDRAISER Sandra Snape, 37, from Mellor Brook is running a marathon in aid of Derian House children's hospice next month. She has already run seven full marathons in aid of charity and has raised thousands of pounds for causes including Christies and
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Looking for an old comrade
CAN any reader put me in touch with a member of the Wilson family who used to live at 219 Chester Street, Blackburn, in the 1950s? During my National Service days, I served with John Wilson in the RAF in the Middle East and would welcome the chance to
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Meal vouchers pay for calls
JAN Playfer (Letters, August 31) need have no fear of asylum seekers being stigmatised by having to use food vouchers. At a local supermarket, I witnessed two such people using food vouchers to obtain mobile phone cards. As a tax-paying, served-my-country
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Bike show the biggest yet
ON behalf of the committee of Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show, I would like to thank everyone who attended and helped in its organisation. We managed to attract more people than ever before, with police estimating 40,000 visitors. We were highly delighted
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Food situation beyond critical
OXFAM is deeply shocked and saddened by the attacks and the huge loss of life in America on September 11. But, as the USA and its allies decide what action to take in response, Oxfam asks that the humanitarian consequences of any action must be carefully
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Murder, mayhem and mirth
THE audience could die laughing at Fylde Coast Players' production of Natural Causes this weekend. Eric Chappell's highly original comedy thriller is full of murderous intrigue, mistaken identities, hilarious consequences and great laughs. Celia wants
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Kids will wheely love this show
BEEP beep! Beep the Bus is coming to Blackpool and bringing his magical four piece band with him in an exciting new children's show. The Wheels On The Bus, inspired by the traditional children's sing-along song, is making a stop at the Opera House on
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Ruth loves panto
IT'S Be hi-de-hi-nd you! Ruth Madoc is back in Blackpool this December and it's all because she loves panto. Oh yes she does! The Citizen spoke to Ruth at Blackpool Grand Theatre's recent brochure launch about her 38th foray into the world of men in frocks
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Car blaze
A FIREBUG torched a car and a rubbish in a metal skip in Portland Street on Saturday night (Sept 22). The Mitsubishi was badly damaged . Fire officers were at the scene for 20 minutes.
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Double bonus
PEOPLE with learning disabilities and looking for work have received a double bonus. Bury Employment Support and Training (Bury EST) has received £118,000 from the European Social Fund to enable it to grow. And the newly-extended centre at 24 Ribchester
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Teens attacked at Rock fairground
TWO 16-year-old boys were assaulted in a suspected racist attack at the funfair on The Rock on Saturday (Sept 22). Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood, of Bury police, said: "Two white lads were confronted by around 20 Asian males, aged between 12 and 18
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Secrecy surrounds sale price
THE liquidator of the East Lancashire Paper Mill has assured out-of-pocket former employees that they will be treated as fairly as possible. The company Arthur Andersen was officially appointed to wind up the company at a meeting last week. Some of the
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The Beeb is sending the wrong signals
A NORTH West MEP has branded the selection of Gavyn Davies as chairman of the BBC Board of Governors a turn-off. Mr David Sumberg, a former Bury South MP, claimed the appointment jeopardised the BBC's strict impartiality. He said Mr Davies was a former
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Malik wants police disciplined
A COMMUNITY leader today called for action to be taken against any officers found to have acted incorrectly after he was cleared of violent disorder during the racial disturbances. Shahid Malik, 33, a member of the Commission for Racial Equality and son
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Two-star performance for our local hospitals
LOCAL hospitals have achieved a two-star rating in the first NHS performance tables, published this week. The grading, out of a possible three stars, indicates that Fairfield Hospital and Bury General are performing well overall. Bury Health Care Trust
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Three-minute arson spree
POLICE are investigating a series of arson attacks which happened within a three-minute period in the Heywood Road area of Prestwich. And in one of the incidents, the occupants of a house had to be evacuated because a blazing car was in close proximity
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Four injured in racist attack
TWO couples were treated in hospital after being assaulted by three Asian males in a weekend racist attack. Now police are hunting the thugs, one armed with an iron bar, who struck as the two women and two men were walking down the steps towards the Metrolink
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Company boss heads for top
MOUNTAINEERING managing director Dave Chapman is looking forward to a change of scenery, when he scales new heights for a children's charity. Dave, of Victoria Street, Ramsbottom, is setting of for Tanzania today (Fri Sept 28) for an arduous six-day sponsored
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Explanations needed over Ravenhead
CAN Mr Shaun Woodward MP, or anyone else please explain what has happened over Ravenhead Company? Until the other week, Mr Woodward said that although the buyer they found had backed out of the sale, this was not the end for Ravenhead Glass. Now I read
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Remember the bird in the hand
RUKHSANA Nabi's letter (September 6) seems to paint a very rosy picture of the council house transfer. But a rosy hue soon turns a muddy brown. Of course the council can't borrow money to repair our homes. The law forbids it, because this Government,
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Disco lights to save lives
DISCO-style strobe lights are set to be used to help deaf people know when their homes are on fire. Lancashire County Council is working with the county's fire service to get special smoke alarms fitted in around 45,000 homes. Instead of releasing a piercing
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First stage to fame for Matthew
FAME and the silver screen beckons for a young actor after winning a place at one of London's top drama schools. Matthew Landers, of Pope Lane, Penwortham, was bitten by the acting bug as a youngster, and when it came time to apply for university he ditched
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Dean's a mean baseball star!
STICKLERS for tradition may think a slip of a lad from Preston trying to make it as a baseball player would be well out of his league. But 13-year-old Dean Goodwin, who attends Fulwood High School, in Black Bull Lane, has just proved we have inherited
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Kenya visit spurs aid appeal
A PRESTON clerical worker, who has just come back from Kenya, is calling on people to dig deep and give cash to help the poor in Third World countries. Joseph Tipping, 62, from Penwortham, is aiming to do all he can to help those less fortunate after
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Devastated mum sickened by grave thefts
THE MUM of little Shannon Peters, who was struck down by meningitis last November, is devastated that heartless ghouls have been stealing from her daughter's grave. Shannon's grieving family and friends have taken toys and wind chimes to the grave but
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Pensioner's purse stolen
A SNEAK thief stole a white leather purse containing £90 cash was stolen from the home of a 78-year-old woman in Sycamore Avenue, Burnley. The incident happened between noon and 1pm on Sunday when she answered a knock on the door . It is thought the thief
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Three jobs Carol is extra Special
AS WELL as being a mum-of-two and full time accounts clerk, Carol Gordon also has another job -- as a Special Constable. And she is promoting a recruitment campaign for Specials in the Pennine police division which includes all the Burnley, Pendle and
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CCTV clue to mugging
POLICE are studying CCTV footage after an elderly lady was robbed after collecting her pension on Monday at 9.15pm. The pensioner had gone into the toilets at Mitre House car park when water was thrown over the cubicle door. When she came out a man and
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Band have brass title in pocket!
A MORECAMBE brass brand has scored an historic victory in the country's premier competition. Members of the Lancashire Life Morecambe Band are absolutely delighted to have secured top honours at the British National Band Championship at Preston Guild
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Couple are on top of the world!
A LANCASTER couple have climbed one of the world's highest mountains to raise funds for an organisation they credit with saving their nephew's life. David and Angela Croxall, of Bowerham, climbed Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African continent
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Stranded at the station
TRAVELLERS wanting to leave Lancaster on a Sunday will have to wait longer than passengers at any other principal station in England when the winter timetable comes into force this weekend, a new survey has revealed. Now members of the local Green Party
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Man escapes jail after throwing his girlfriend in canal
A MAN who threw his girlfriend into a canal and then held her head under water has avoided being sent to jail. Mark Tomlinson's victim managed to scramble to the banking before flagging down a passing motorist in a distressed state. Preston Crown Court
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Burglars target two houses
DETECTIVES are investigating two break-ins in Edward Street, Nelson. Burglars got into one house stole £230 cash and a failed attempt was made to get in through a rear window of another house.
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Young team ready for big test
IT'S NOW or never for Preston this Saturday as their long awaited league season begins. After five weeks of intensive training and practice games, this youthful side are now well prepared to take on the Welsh based team Northop Hall. And they can take
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Hanging 'em high in Liverpool
IT would seem that they used to hang 'em two at a time in Liverpool. A faithful follower of this page, recognising my nose for odd facts from the past, kindly sent in evidence of this macabre fact in the shape of a cutting from a St Helens local paper
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Paddling up memory lane
WE'RE paddling up the golden stream of memories again as two more canoe kids from the late 'forties and early 'fifties launch personal recollections of their home-made craft, created from fuel tanks discarded by wartime American planes. The empty tanks
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Rene's a greatest of grans
A NEW mum is celebrating after having a healthy baby boy six weeks early -- to add a fifth generation to her family. After a difficult birth during which she almost died Victoria Cumming, of Walton Park, Preston, welcomed Harrison into the world four
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It's time for council to lighten up a little
WHEN I first read your piece about Iain Dobson having his trading licence withdrawn because of his reference to "ex-British National Party" jackboots I immediately penned a letter asking you to pass him my sympathy. Had I seen his sales notices I know
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Festival of thanks to aid farmers
A SPECIAL festival of thanksgiving will take place in Clitheroe next weekend in a bid to support the Ribble Valley farming community. An exhibition featuring 30 local companies displaying details of their products, services and employment generated will
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Question of scale
I ASSUME that you will receive numerous letters concerning Ian Dobson and his questionable advertising material which had been displayed on his market stall. I am at a loss to understand the weight of justice applied to a market stall holder who had used
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Breakfast reveals the way ahead
BURY North MP David Chaytor will address representatives of the borough's corporate community on new Government plans for environment and business at a free breakfast-time event, staged by Bury Business Environment Association (BEA) on Friday, October
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More away-day joy
BLACKPOOL made it look easy as they took all three points from the Sixfields Stadium on Tuesday night in what was yet another fantastic away performance, writes Chris Reece. Now Pool need to to repeat these kind of away-day heroics at Bloomfield Road
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Oil change for bus operators
BUS operators First Manchester, which has a depot in Bury, has embarked on an environment-related drive. The company has once again chosen BP Lubricants to help convert a number of its buses to synthetic oils. First Manchester is now involved in phase
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Volunteers needed for budding entrepreneurs
BURY'S Young Enterprise scheme is seeking volunteer business advisers to help young entrepreneurs from local schools run their own companies. The educational charity aims to give young people a unique learning opportunity by helping them set up their
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Storage problem is in the bag
IT'S in the bag! That's Bury-based Vacuum Pouch Company which has solved a document storage problem for The Royal Bank of Scotland. As many businesses know, reducing the space requirement and costs of long-term storage and preservation of legal and financial
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Hi-tech business comes to town
BURY businessmen and women were in "hi-tech heaven" this week when the town staged its largest ever e-commerce exhibition and presentation. The massive IT Means Business for Bury show, which included more than 50 exhibitors, was held at the Bolholt Country
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Life-saving jet-ski is off-ski!
A JET-SKI which was used to save lives in a sea rescue off the Lytham coast was stolen from its owner's home this week. Peter Reid, of East Beach, Lytham, woke on Wednesday morning, September 26 to find that his two-seater Kawasaki TS jet-ski had vanished
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Firestoppers!
FIREFIGHTERS don't just fight fires. Educating people about fire safety and prevention is also part of the job say the men at St Andrews Road North fire station in St Annes. Station Officer Peter Melvin explained: "Our job is not all about putting out
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Mullin will not be put under pressure
ANDY Payton may have grabbed the headlines as a two-goal sub on Tuesday night but the arrival of another local favourite was just as crucial. John Mullin started his career at Turf Moor before returning from Sunderland in 1999 and after a season on the
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Fine tribute to brave Michael
A COMMUNITY saddened by the death of a 23-year-old man, who lost a battle against cancer last month, are raising funds for a cancer care unit. Michael Luvate, of Broadfield Drive, Leyland, was with his parents at home when he died in August after being
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Wigan St Cuthberts v Haydock U14s
Wigan St Cuthberts 10, Haydock U14s 24: Haydock went in at half time 10 - 0 down but were determined to do better in the second half. Two tries from S. Hudson & three tries from MoM Tom Cheetham turned the game Haydock's way. D. Johnson converted
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Lancaster continue rich vein of form
AN exciting four goal haul continued Lancaster City's remarkable record in the UniBond League Cup. The game was only 25 seconds into the match when Kevin Holliday scored for the cup holders, his first for the team. The midfielder managed to find the bottom
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Directors boycott Wigan-Saints game
St Helens directors boycotted the Wigan - Saints game at the JJB Stadium last Friday after conditions were placed on their attendance by Wigan owner Dave Whelan. Whelan rang the club on Friday and informed a senior member of staff that two directors Jim
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Hear'Say Suzanne collapses at airport
RADCLIFFE pop star Suzanne Shaw dramatically collapsed after a weekend in which she performed three shows at the MEN Arena with Hear'Say. But her father, Mr Vinnie Crowshaw, has played down reports that her gruelling work schedule is to blame. "She called
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Euro cash pays for "hit squad"
EXTRA Community Safety Wardens are going on patrol across the borough, thanks to European funding. The £71,500 grant will also pay for a specialist "hit squad" to tackle environmental problems and carry out repairs. The money, awarded under the European
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Raiders climb through hole in wall
DETECTIVES are investigating a daring smash-and-grab raid at a bank in which a van was driven through a side wall at hig speed. As three raiders clambered through the hole at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Bury Old Road, Prestwich, two accomplices armed
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Drama and comedy around Preston
NORTHERN comedy Three Steps to Heaven is coming to the Charter Theatre. The gritty musical comedy features songs from the last four decades of the 20th century, including The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. The play comes to Preston on Saturday, October 6,
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Who is your hero?
THE search is on to find Bury's "local heroes" who have made an outstanding contribution to the community. Residents are being urged to nominate people for the annual Voluntary Service in the Community Awards. The awards intend to recognise the efforts
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Posthumous award for firefighter
A RAMSBOTTOM firefighter, who died while trying to rescue a teenager from a local lodge, has been honoured with an award for his bravery. Sub-officer Paul Metcalf was decorated with the Chief Constable's Commendation and the Royal Humane Society in Memorium
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Kids will wheely love this show
BEEP beep! Beep the Bus is coming to Blackpool and bringing his magical four piece band with him in an exciting new children's show. The Wheels On The Bus, inspired by the traditional children's sing-along song, is making a stop at the Opera House on
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Delight as donor is found for brave Beth
LITTLE Elizabeth Morris, the plucky five-year-old Radcliffe girl who has leukaemia, has been thrown a lifeline thanks to an anonymous donor. After a year-long search for a compatible donor, Elizabeth will finally be able to undergo the bone marrow transplant
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Ruth loves panto
IT'S Be hi-de-hi-nd you! Ruth Madoc is back in Blackpool this December and it's all because she loves panto. Oh yes she does! The Citizen spoke to Ruth at Blackpool Grand Theatre's recent brochure launch about her 38th foray into the world of men in frocks
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Variety Club honours Johnnie Star-maker
FROM magician's stooge at just nine years old to head of Granada's light entertainment and king of The Comedians. Top television producer Johnnie Hamp is to be honoured in a celebrity packed Variety Club lunch in Blackpool on October 19. The Spanish Hall
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SUPER SABINA SCOOPS THE POOL
SABINA CARR, chairperson of Radcliffe Swimming Club, collected 11 gold medals and one silver in Masters swimming over the last two weekends. In the Northern Counties meet on September 15 in Macclesfield, Sabina took a silver medal in the 100m freestyle
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PREECE STANDS FIRM
BURY'S under-fire boss Andy Preece is not about to throw in the towel despite the club's ninth consecutive defeat. Shakers fans were calling for the manager's head after Tuesday night's 4-0 routing at Oldham Athletic. The backlash arose after star striker
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HICKMAN INSIGHT FOR RASCALS
OLYMPIC swimmer James Hickman stunned admiring Ramsbottom Rascals when he revealed the training regime that's taken him to the top. The Burnage-born fly specialist addressed the ambirious club's elite swimmers ahead of next month's return to the Premier
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Reid set for Macca move
JASON McAteer's rumoured move to Sunderland is not going to happen - yet! But Rovers boss Graeme Souness confirmed this morning: "I know there has been some sort of activity in that department although I have not spoken with Peter Reid at this stage."
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Tarsus backs Bury bosses
THE man behind the consortium waiting to take control of Bury FC has broken his silence in the wake of the club's dismal start to the season. Yorkshire-based Turkish businessman Alex Tarsus is urging ALL fans and townsfolk alike to get behind chairman
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It's a woman's intuition
AUTHOR Sylvia Clare is coming to Darwen tomorrow to conduct a workshop on "intuition". Sylvia writes columns for women's magazines and has appeared as a guest speaker on the Kilroy programme and local radio. Her workshop is aimed at helping people explore
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Police step up security
MERSEYSIDE Police have raised security levels across the county following the terrorist attacks in the United States. Superintendent Paul Forrester, Force Operations Manager, said: "We adhere to a national plan along with other police forces nationwide
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Brasserie's good for your health
PETER Tracey, owner of Samuel's Inn and Brasserie, Bolton Road, Darwen, received a Gold Platter healthy catering award from Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen John Williams. It is the first time the brasserie, which has been open for 18 months, has received
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Woodward condemns agents of evil
SHAUN Woodward, who was in New York at the time of the terrorist attacks on the city's World Trade Centre, has condemned what he called the "agents of evil" behind them. In a statement to the Star the St Helens South MP (seen below) said: "The events
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Leader extends deepest sympathy
AS the flag atop the town hall flies at half-mast, Council Leader Marie Rimmer has condemned the "unspeakable atrocity" in New York last week, extending deepest sympathies to those affected by the attack. She said: "It is difficult to comprehend such
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Ex-cabbie drove bizarrely
FORMER taxi driver Naeem Akhtar was brutally honest with police who arrested him after witnessing a bizarre pattern of driving. Blackburn magistrates heard that Akhtar said to the officer who stopped him: "I'm out of my head, please prosecute me." The
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Pupils given emergency drill
MORE than 800 pupils from St Helens primary schools will be put through their paces in ten emergency situations to raise their awareness of what to do when in a life-threatening situation. Crucial Crew, an inter-active experience run by St Helens Council
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Alcohol and heroin fatal combination
STEPHEN Michael Walsh lost his job and his partner of 14 years because of alcohol. And an inquest heard that a combination of alcohol and heroin finally cost the heating engineer his life. Mr Walsh, 41, was found dead at his home in Thompson Street, Darwen
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Tragic Aaron may have lit killer fire
TRAGIC youngster Aaron Reynolds is likely to have use used a cigarette lighter to start the blaze which killed him, fire officers have revealed. The three-year-old was found dead by firefighters in his bedroom in Lime Tree Grove, Rawtenstall, on August
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Taliban regime is odious says Prentice
THE terrorists responsible for planning the attacks on New York and Washington must be tracked down and brought to justice, Pendle MP Gordon Prentice will tell a meeting of his constituency party in Nelson tonight. But he will say there must be evidence
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Tory leader has US ties
THE election of Iain Duncan Smith as leader of the Conservative party shows that our members throughout the North West have recognised his strength of character, his energy, his determination and his fighting spirit. Iain has developed over the last few
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Beware of bogus doorstep callers
ON Friday, September 7, a tall man over 6ft tall came to my door. He wore a navy pullover and black trousers. He carried a folder under his left arm and a big torch in his right hand. On opening my door the man said, "electric", so I let him in. My brother
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Let's putprisoners to work
PONDERING on Preston's city bid and looking at the criteria that appear to be considered, that is, whether a town has a cathedral, a university, a prison and so, I ask myself what advantage is there in a town having a prison? Has Preston been missing
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You CAN re-cycle
IF BLACKPOOL Zoo can -- you can! That's the green message this week from Blackpool Borough Council's animal park as Mayor Sue Wright joined Keep Britain Tidy boss and keen pupils from two Blackpool schools to officially launch Environment Week. The zoo
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Are they quackers?
A HOUSING developer has ruffled a few feathers in Thornton by drawing up plans to fill in a popular duck pond. Worried Thornton resident Gail Moss, of Roedean Close, contacted The Citizen after getting a letter from Barratt homebuilder saying they were
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Top marks for Victoria hospital
EXTRA cash has been prescribed for Blackpool Victoria Hospital after scooping top marks in the new NHS star rating system. The Vic was one of just four Trusts in the North West to achieve three star status which is only awarded to hospitals with the highest
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The Tsar of Tourism
"CHANGE or die" is just one of the strong statements coming this week from the man Blackpool Challenge Partnership has brought in to develop a £220,000 visitor vision for the town. Peter Moore OBE has been engaged by Blackpool Challenge Partnership on
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Police moans down again
COMPLAINTS against police officers have fallen by more than a quarter over the last 12 months. Official statistics for the past year show a decrease in the number of people unhappy with the force with the number of complaints falling to around 700. The
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Home Zones bid for safer roads
A PACKAGE of improvements is being drawn up in a bid to make East Lancashire's roads safer. Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council are to introduce more 20mph zones in built-up areas. And the Blackburn authority is also introducing
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'Doctors rebuilt my jaw and saved my life'
A CANCER sufferer who says hospital staff saved his life aims to raise thousands of pounds for the unit where he was treated. Over two and a half years, Norman Harris, 60, who has mouth cancer, has had his jaw painstakingly reconstructed. The first time
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Council may pay kids to cycle to school
PUPILS are to be offered a cash incentive to get fit and reduce congestion by getting on their bikes and cycling to school. Education bosses have decided to revive a scheme first launched during World War Two which paid children a penny a mile for using
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LOCAL SOCCER: Fitness luxury
GREAT Harwood boss Denis Underwood has the luxury of a fully fit squad for the visit of Atherton LR in NWCL Division One. Underwood was disappointed with his side's 4-0 defeat by Shildon in the FA Vase last weekend and has promised changes now he has
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LOCAL SOCCER: No friends here!
STAND manager Nick Davies is taking nothing for granted as his side prepare to meet bottom-of-the-table Castleton Gabriels in NWCL Division Two. "I don't comment on teams we haven't played," said the 32-year-old. "I did that last season, saying we were
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LOCAL SOCCER: Wilkes gets punished!
DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes finds it hard to sit on the sidelines - but not as hard as playing two games a week! The 34-year-old spent the majority of last season on the injury list and, after moving into a managerial role at the post office rather than
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LOCAL SOCCER: Spying mission for Rams
RAMSBOTTOM'S spies have given them the lowdown on tomorrow's FA Cup opponents - and they aren't too worried. Despite Whitby Town playing two leagues above the Rams in the UniBond Premier Division, Ramsbottom are out to shock when they make the trip to
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LOCAL SOCCER: FA Cup memories for Stanley
THE FA Cup conjures up magic memories for Accrington Stanley from by-gone years, and John Coleman wants to bring them back. In 1992/3 season, Stanley beat Gateshead with a certain Paul Burns - still a Reds regular - setting up two goals for Paul Beck
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In brief
David Fairleigh and Sean Long will be the special guests of the Independent Saints Supporters' Association meeting on Monday, September 24 at the Police Club in Bishop Road. The evening starts at 7.30. Contact Linda Edwards on 07754 868 533 for details
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Finch pay price for composure loss
Leigh Harriers 32, Haresfinch 27: FINCH should have won this game, but they lost their composure at the latter end of the first half, when they should have been using the advantage of the wind and the slope. Leigh opened their account with a try, but
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Putting the record straight
JUST to put your records straight, you have twice published details of Jaguar cars stating they began in Bloomfield Road -- they didn't. They started in a building on the corner of Exchange and Cocker Street which was demolished a few months ago. My mother
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Saints put their title on the line
IT is do-or-die for Saints on Saturday night when they put their Super League trophy on the line in the sudden death Elimination play-off against the Leeds Rhinos at Knowsley Road (6.00pm). Injuries have cast a long shadow over Saints' preparations for
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Slick Yickers storm home
Haydock 30 Pilkingtons 6: HAYDOCK had this match won by half time. Against a strong wind Haydock played some brilliant rugby to run up a 20-0 half time lead. It took Haydock only eight minutes to get their first try after some good work by P Ireland who
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Ashton Pavilion must be saved
WE write to express our objection in the strongest possible terms to the demolition of Ashton Gardens Pavilion in St Annes that sits as a picturesque backdrop to the park, the children's playground and bowling green. We ask that Fylde Borough Council
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Five star show from Town
Flixton 0 St Helens Town 3: WITH five wins from five league outings under their belt, St Helens Town take a break this weekend as hundreds of clubs embark upon the road to Villa Park in the Carlsberg FA Vase. Town's exploits in reaching the last 16 of
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Zoos are 'a waste of animal life'
IT is not every day that one is presented with an opportunity to respond to a letter of such banality as that from Vivian Banks (Citizen, Sept 6). Not only is she ill-informed about the aims of the Captive Animals Protection Society, she also has little
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A battling display
EVERY credit to PNE for a battling display at Birmingham last Sunday. This was undoubtetly the best performance or the season so far and a big improvement on the previous game. Maybe we can start climbing up the league table now and go from strength to
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Hearsay will top the charts and show Liberty no mercy
THEIR rise to fame was phenomenal. Millions of people watched them form on television, as they were out through their paces and shown the highs and heatbreaks of the music industry. And in a few short weeks they were turned into bona fide pop stars before
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Liberty will lead Hearsay a merry dance
KEVIN Simm was understandably devastated when he was told he had not made into the final five on the hit TV show Popstars. Along with his four fellow losers, who were dubbed the Flopstars, 20-year-old Kevin, of Abbey Village, near Blackburn, picked himself
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Red carpet for the Reverand
WORSHIPERS at a Leyland Church are rolling out the red carpet to welcome their first ever female minister. After two years without a minister, the wait is over for Leyland United Reformed Church in Hough Lane. Rev Georgina Brotherton has moved to the
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Toilets are always dirty
THE writer of the letter headed "Toilets are the worst I have seen" (Sept 7) is right to be concerned and outraged. We all should be. The Interchange toilets in Bury have always been dirty, both before and after the horrendous murder there of grandmother
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Who planted "Hornby gardens"?
I VERY much agree with "Ex-council Gardener" (Your Letters, August 31) regarding the state of the gardens on The Rock in Bury. The two beds which originally contained pansies, now boast a rockery and weary-looking heathers. But what about the "gardens
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What future for wildlife?
DOES anyone know what is going to happen to the land that Bury General Hospital stands on now that it is finally closing? Who owns it? Who is responsible for the trees, bushes, plants and hedges? There are beech hedges and different types of trees and
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We are not anti-United
STEVE Killarney (Letters, Sept 18) has completely missed the point of the campaign regarding the sale of Manchester United souvenirs in the Bury FC club shop. This is not an anti-United campaign and we have no objection to the club shop selling their
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Medals mean nothing
SO, some servicemen are not getting the Jubilee Medal. So what! I and many others did our National Service and were not considered worthy of a medal to commemorate our service to this country. My demob group was 198 and, had it been three weeks later,
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Let's show restraint
THE Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament condemns the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. We also convey our condolences to the families. But talk of retaliation and revenge is both counter-productive and
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Tolerance is seen as a weakness
P. KAISERMAN'S ideals (Yours Truly, Sept 20), recognising the needs of suffering people of all countries, are shared by all decent humans except by the Taliban, Saddam Hussein and their like. The suffering of the Iraqi community is the result of its leader's
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Mixed fortunes for Warriors youth
A LOOK at the junior rugby scene. Leyland Warriors U12's 10 Culceth 36 Weak defence by Leyland allowed Culcheth to a four try lead before Leyland Man of the Match Ryan Jackson managed to break into the visitors half resulting in Jamie Baxter scoring under
