Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday: December 1
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Christmas Fair, St Peter and St Paul Junior School, Arundell Street, Rishton, 10am-1pm. Christmas Market, Nazareth Unitarian Chapel, Knight Hill, Padiham, 10.30am-1pm
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Good tonic - but sickness remains
FIRST, it was Spanish nurses, then hospital doctors from Spain who were brought in to help our ailing health service fight a staff crisis. Now, East Lancashire looks like getting Spanish GPs to deal with its shortage of family doctors. But while the fact
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Open House: Nice man, pity about the novel
GORDON Prentice got more than he bargained for when he raised the question of whether Salman Rushdie's controversial novel 'The Satanic Verses' would be banned by the new Anti-Terror Bill going through Parliament. He made the mistake of raising the issue
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Cup gate a big downer
THE question 'does the town of Bury really want a professional soccer club' must be raised again after the dismal crowd for Tuesday night's FA Cup first round replay against Lincoln City writes PHIL THORP. Only 2,194 people turned up for the crucial game
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Stand's lee is four-midable
North west counties league division two: Oldham Town 1, Stand Athletic 6 STAND'S stranglehold at the top of the division tightens as there seems to be no stopping the Ewood Bridge side at the moment. They produced another emphatic result against struggling
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This week in 1976 25 years ago
TIME PLEASE!: A man with "no drive, no motivation, no hope and no job" asked through his solicitor to be sent to prison The 35-year-old, who admitted stealing metal from a house in Bury was remanded to Risley for three weeks for psychiatric and probation
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Family auditions
THE Rossendale Players will be holding a casting night for John Godber's Happy Families on Tuesday, December 11, at 7.30pm. The play will be directed at the Leisure Hall, Bacup, by Carol Anne Connolly and will run from April 13 to 20. There are parts
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It's behind you
IT'S nearly that time of year again . . . oh no, it's not. In fact the panto season really is almost upon us and Burnley Pantomime Society is preparing for its presentation of Aladdin. Performances will be from Friday, January 11 until Saturday, January
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Just Wilde about the Oscars
BLACKBURN Arts Club is busy rehearsing Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest that will take place at the Club Theatre, Gibraltar Street, from December 11 to 15 at 7.30pm. Wilde's famous piece is a comedy of assumed identity involving Jack Worthing
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Bringing murder and mystery to the Valley
THE extravagantly-named Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society is back. The society will present a new murder mystery at the Leisure Hall, Bacup, next week -- courtesy of The Rossendale Players. It's all done for laughs, of
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Why bother with councillors?
REGARDING Councillor Edmund Critchely's comments in 'Fewer people to make all the decisions' (Letters, Novemeber 22), Darwen with Blackburn council are committed to saving money, why do they not just get rid of all the coucillors? Each one, although unpaid
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Put the blame on landlords
THERE has been significant media attention directed towards Burnley Wood's problems recently, especially regarding the housing situation. One pressing and challenging nuisance is the littering of back yards. Why should families who care for their neighbourhood
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Daniel's Christmas wish
A TEENAGER battling leukaemia has a heartfelt wish for Christmas -- to spend it at home with his family. Daniel Berry, aged 17, was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in August. He is currently undergoing his third session of chemotherapy at Hope
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Three arrested
THREE people have been arrested in connection with a burglary at a Radcliffe newsagent's. The men were detained by police on Saturday evening (Nov 24) outside Cross Lane News in Cross Lane. A security bar across the shop's main door had been prised off
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Thieves botch store ram-raid
RAMRAIDERS fled empty-handed after an attempted burglary at a Prestwich computer shop. However, they left £500 damage in their wake when the would-be thieves drove a stolen Ford Granada car into the security shutters at Computer Bargains in Bury Old Road
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New look games room
BURY Deaf Society and Bury Deaf Children's Society had a grand re-opening of its Tenterden Street premises on Saturday (Nov 24). Its new look games room, complete with snooker, darts and PlayStations, now has a colourful new mural courtesy of the children
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Conman hits pensioner in £1,000 theft
A PENSIONER was punched in the face when she tried to stop a thief escaping with £1,000 from her home. The victim screamed as the offender, who got in to the house after claiming he was from the gas board, snatched her handbag and made a run for the front
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Gallery has a lot to show after 100 years
IT'S a work of art in itself. That's Bury Art Gallery and Museum, which is celebrating its 100th birthday. And it's also the title of the latest centenary exhibition, drawing inspiration from the Moss Street building itself. Exhibition curators Richard
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We will recover from Rolls-Royce shock
EAST Lancashire's aerospace industry will recover despite devastating redundancies at BAe Systems and Rolls Royce in East Lancashire this week, an expert said today. Employees at Rolls Royce's Bankfield and Ghyll Brow sites in Barnoldswick were furious
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Message for the future
BURY College's new £2.8 million centre was completed this week and to mark the occasion Mr Mark Sanders, the new chief executive of Bury Council, buried a time capsule. It contains copies of the college prospectus and annual report, together with samples
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More time to have a say on money matters
HOUSEHOLDERS are being given more time to have their say about the how the council spends money on services next year. Last year residents across the borough were asked for their opinion on the council budget immediately after a budget roadshow presentation
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Switched on to Christmas.
SANTA's back in town! And his festive appearance at Bury's popular Mill Gate shopping centre co-incided with an early Christmas party for visitors. The event allowed shoppers and centre bosses to celebrate the switch on of the Christmas lights. There
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Centurions plan new NFP attack
LEIGH Centurions will march into the new season on Sunday looking ahead, not back. Last season's slip-ups in the play-offs and their failure to reach the NFP Grand Final have been quickly forgotten by Paul Terzis' newly-assembled squad on the eve of a
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Kuqi no-go
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has scrapped his plans to sign Stockport striker Shefki Kuqi. Ewood chief Souness had spent the last couple of weeks tracking the Finnish international with a view to a possible £600,000 deal. But, after training with Rovers
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Rameen's food for thought
A CAMBRIDGE University medical student, who won a prestigious award to research cardiology, insists he'd rather own a takeaway! Rameen Shakur, who comes from Hutton, near Preston, was awarded a grant from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust -- an organisation
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PANDA team in big boost
A MEDIATION service for feuding neighbours in Preston has celebrated its fourth anniversary with an increase in helpers and a cash boost. The Preston Area Neighbour Dispute Action group (PANDA) welcomed its latest recruits last week, six new mediators
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Milestone for birthday firm
A CONSTRUCTION company set up by five brothers has celebrated its 40th anniversary. Conlon Construction Ltd, Charnley Fold Lane, Bamber Bridge, was started by brothers Michael, John, Pat, Vincent and Malachy Conlon to deliver stone for Britain's first
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Bid to save wildlife
A PRESTON lecturer is hoping to raise a staggering £25,000 to build a research centre in Kenya to help save the country's population of wild elephants. Dr Chris Southgate, who teaches environmental management at the University of Central Lancashire, wants
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Poppy tins snatched
THIEVES who stole collection tins for this year's poppy appeal in Leyland have been branded the "lowest of the low" by appeal organisers across Preston and South Ribble. The callous looters struck at two businesses in Leyland, stealing vital funds intended
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Hospital offers a helping hand
A NEW service to help epilepsy sufferers is to be launched at the Royal Preston Hospital. The Epilepsy Information Service will provide support for patients attending epilepsy clinics. The new service will be staffed by volunteers who will undergo a comprehensive
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And then they were gone
HUNDREDS of people turned up to watch as three blocks of flats in Preston were razed to the ground by explosives experts. The tower blocks in Moor Lane, Preston, were demolished on Sunday (November 25) after structural problems were found in them. The
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Mobile station boosts police project
POLICE in Nelson have drafted in extra resources in a bid to crack down on local crime in the run up to Christmas -- including a mobile police station. As part of the county-wide campaign Operation Reassure, they have borrowed a mobile police station
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Wilson the Hero
AGAINST a motivated Crewe outfit, who had previously held both Bebington and Bolton on their home patch, Preston snatched victory in the dying minutes with a 3-4 win thanks to 14-year-old Adam Wilson to extend their lead to six points at the top of the
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Hoppers leave it late for win
THINGS balance themselves out over a season. Having lost at Sedgley Park to the last play of the game in the sixth minute of injury time, Hoppers won with the last play of this game in the second minute of injury time. A towering drop goal from the halfway
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MPs worried about future of economy
EAST Lancashire MPs have expressed their concern for the future of the region's aerospace industry. Rossendale and Darwen Labour MP Janet Anderson said:"Aerospace is a vital industry for the area with many small firms dependent on the larger firms. The
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Catch the Kittens
TICKETS go on sale today for Atomic Kitten who will be playing at Preston Guild Hall on Friday February 22. The trio who have had a string of Top 10 hits are sure to prove a massive draw. Tickets are priced at £16.50 and further details are available
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Long live the King
ELVIS Presley is alive and well ... and coming to Blackburn next week! Elvis Aaron Presley Jr will be coming over from the United States to bring his Majestic Millennium World Tour to King George's Hall on Thursday. Presley, who claims to be the illegitimate
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Spirit of the Damned lives on
THE true spirit of punk was alive and spitting in Blackburn on Wednesday. The Damned took to the stage at King George's Hall to a mixed crowd. The originals from '76, perhaps with a little middle aged spread, but still no less enthusiastic mingled with
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Town set for atomic boom
CHART-topping trio Atomic Kitten are coming to Preston. The pop beauties, who had a number one hit with 'Whole Again', are to play at Preston's Guild Hall on February 22. The girls were in Lancashire last week to switch on Blackburn's Christmas lights
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Driver dozed on M6
A PRESTON student, who died in a car crash on the M6 motorway, probably fell asleep at the wheel, an inquest in Lancaster heard. Elizabeth Rose Ellwood, 19, who was a student at the University of Central Lancashire, was returning from a night shift at
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Ryan's war of Roses
RYAN Kidd's testimonial festivities have taken on greater significance since the defender was forced to retire earlier this month. Tickets are now available for a War of the Roses boxing night at Preston Guild Hall on January 22, which will be the first
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Conquering hero
A KITCHEN showroom manager took the plunge and conquered his fear of heights by paragliding down a hill for charity. And when Chris Wright, of Stuart Frazer, Stanley Street, Preston, gripped his parachute in Rochdale earlier this month, he felt serene
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Schools up in league
EDUCATION chiefs are celebrating a steady success in this year's GCSE 'league tables' -- but have warned parents the results may not be an accurate guide to a school. Results in Lancashire, published last week, continued to exceed the national average
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Five years ago
A TEENAGER who suffered a fractured skull after roller blading into the path of a car regained consciousness. Desmond "Dessie" Cassidy, of Blackburn, was taken to Pendelbury Children's Hospital after the accident in Grimshaw Park earlier in the week.
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Troubled company pulls plug on charity funding
THE company which provides three quarters of the funding for a shopmobility scheme has pulled out of the charity after receivers were called in. Ashdale Healthcare Limited's 200 staff have been made redundant after a long history of trading losses. The
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MP hits out at orders to destroy gardens
AN MP today called on councillors to start using common sense as a couple who spent £12,000 building the garden of their dreams revealed they were following council orders and dismantling it. Hyndburn MP Greg Pope believes the tough stance of Hyndburn
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Playtime with a difference
PUPILS at a Leigh school will invite their teachers to come out and play every day in future! Playtime will now mean something much more at Newton Westpark Junior and Infants' School thanks to a revolutionary intitiative. The Leigh Education Action Zone
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MP calls for change in fireworks law
AFTER being inundated with complaints from people about fireworks Leigh MP Andy Burnham is calling for a change in the law on the use and sale of fireworks. Mr Burnham is backing calls from Wigan Council's Environmental Health Department for a fundamental
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Park zoo is axed
LILFORD Park's mini zoo is to close next year after the animals have been rehoused. This weeks decision has devastated long serving keeper, Paul Brown, who built the present animal enclosure from scratch over 20 years ago. The council employee who has
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Need a chemist?
CHEMISTS on duty on Sunday, December 2, are: Moss Side Pharmacy, Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, 10am-2pm; Boots, Fishergate, Preston, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Asda, Fulwood, 10.30am-4.30pm; Moss Chemists, Sainsburys, Deepdale, 10.30am-4.30pm; Scholes Chemist
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HOCKEY: Convincing win for school team
KING Edward and Queen Mary School 1st XI turned the heat on Bradford GS in a Roses clash at Ansdell Arena. Lancashire county centre forward Hannah Minto was in irresistible form bagging all five goals as the Lytham girls swept to a convincing 5-0 win.
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Rugby League: Scorpions lose a thriller
THIS top-of-the-table clash produced a thriller which went right down to the wire. The Leigh side started strongly and had the better territorial advantage, and after concerted pressure they took the lead with a converted try. Scorpions hit back when
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A busy day of junior soccer
A ROUND-UP of the junior YMCA football 7-a-side tournament. YMCA U9s 'A' 5 Poulton Youth U9s 'A' 0 YMCA U9s 'B' 2 Poulton Youth U9s 'B' 2 In the 'A' game YMCA had 75% of the play but were held to 0-0 at the break. Then some very impressive teamwork notched
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Mixing breakfast with business
WORDS of wisdom will be on the menu at the final seasonal meeting of the popular Bury Breakfast Club. Guest speaker at the event, to be staged next Wednesday (Dec 5) at the town's Businesslodge, will be Mr John Symes. According to the club, he comes highly
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Awards recognise "green" firms
GREEN-conscious companies will be in the pink when Bury Business Environment Association (BEA) stages its fourth annual awards dinner next week. The glittering occasion, the fourth annual awards event held by the BEA, will take place at the Longfield
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It's the "biz"
IT was just the "biz" when more than 60 captains of industry attended an influential seminar in Bury. The marketing roadshow rolled into town and gave delegates a gilt-edged insight into how they could afford to market their businesses without wasting
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Spend your pennies
IF you're feeling flush with a few thousand pounds spare you can snap up a freehold toilet block, offered with vacant possession, in a popular area of Leyland! Around half a dozen developers have already eyed up a 'bog standard' opportunity in Leyland
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Bowled over!
A TRAINEE teacher from Blackpool was bowled over when her boyfriend proposed to her through a tannoy announcement at a bowling alley. Karen Jones of Forest Gate was surprised to receive the proposal from her teacher boyfriend Peter Hyland after a birthday
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East push leaders to the limit
Oulton Raiders 19, Leigh East 15: EAST came within a few minutes of beating Premier Division leaders Oulton East had stunned the table-toppers with a home victory in their previous meeting and it wasn't until the final whistle that they were sure that
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Early points burst seals Miners win
Leigh Miners Rangers 34, Walney Central 12: AN earlier than anticipated kick-off in order that the teams could head off to see the Third Ashes Test resulted in a game where both teams seemed more preoccupied with their evening's entertainment rather than
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Coaches win top awards
TWO local sports coaches have won major honours from Wigan Sports Council. Annalisa Coop of Howe Bridge Aces Swimming Club has won the prestigious Coach of the Year award while Mavis Bent of Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club receives a Lifetime Achievement
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Pair jump from window of blazing home
A MAN and a teenager jumped for their lives as fire ripped through a Radcliffe house. Six firefighters battled for nearly an hour in the flame-filled home, searching for other occupants they feared could be trapped inside. Les Owen (39) and 17-year-old
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Mum died after birthday drinks
A MOTHER-of-two died hours after celebrating her birthday. Mrs Jayne Currie suffered a severe epileptic fit at a friend's house in Radcliffe on September 22, an inquest was told. Hours earlier she had been out drinking with a group of people to mark her
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The Real thing for East Bury
RESIDENTS have taken advantage of the present to see into the future. And it was courtesy of a major consultation between the public and the town hall which showcased ambitious plans for the ongoing improvement of East Bury. The Jinnah Day Centre in Bury
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Catch the Kittens
TICKETS go on sale today for Atomic Kitten who will be playing at Preston Guild Hall on Friday February 22. The trio who have had a string of Top 10 hits are sure to prove a massive draw. Tickets are priced at £16.50 and further details are available
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Long live the King
ELVIS Presley is alive and well ... and coming to Blackburn next week! Elvis Aaron Presley Jr will be coming over from the United States to bring his Majestic Millennium World Tour to King George's Hall on Thursday. Presley, who claims to be the illegitimate
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Head reveals tales of success
THE headmaster of Radcliffe High School sung the praises of staff and pupils at their annual prize-giving ceremony, as he urged parents to dismiss the myth that there were better schools in Bury. The ceremony took place at the Abden Street school on the
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Watch out, Dannii's back on top
WHEN Dannii Minogue recorded her latest single she made a wish that it would turn into her biggest hit ever and her prayers have been answered. This week her collaboration with dance act Riva -- Who Do You Love Now? has crashed into the charts at No 3
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Kilby happy over future of League
CLARETS chairman Barry Kilby is delighted that his club will no longer be kept in the dark about possible changes to the structure of the Football League. And he is also confident that if and when any change takes place the key factor will be merit and
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No ice a very thaw point!
IT began as an ice idea and ended up as a thaw point. The much-hyped Christmas ice rink at Blackpool's Winter Gardens was a huge let down, according to some disappointed skaters. Irene Olsen, from Huntingdon Road, Cleveleys, took her four-year-old grandson
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Goodbye to 'a little star'
TEARFUL mourners gathered in Lytham last Friday to say goodbye to Emma-Jane Farrar, the four-year-old who died after a tragic incident during a swimming trip. A service of thanksgiving to celebrate Emma-Jane's life was held at St Cuthbert's Church at
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Cabinet gets cracking...
BLACKPOOL Borough Council's new cabinet is up and running. The executive committee, designed to encourage councillors to work collectively beyond party political wrangling, was introduced on November 21. But it does not contain any Tories. Tory leader
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Just what the nurse ordered
PATIENTS are flooding in to Britain's biggest walk-in health centre based in the heart of Blackpool town centre. The former Natwest Bank building on Talbot Road opened its doors on Tuesday as an appointment-free centre for the public open until 10pm seven
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Grilling over poor exam results
A ROW over Blackpool schools' GCSE results was expected to come to a head at Blackpool Town Hall. Cabinet member for education at Blackpool Borough Council, Eddie Collett, was expected to face a grilling from Tory councillors about why the town's GCSE
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Town centre street paved with 'gold'
BLACKBURN'S rejuvenated Church Street is to be paved with gold! And council chiefs hope the laying of gold-coloured studs on parts of the road will prove to be more than just a practical measure, but a symbolic one representing the town's prosperous future
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Moves to integrate welcomed
A TEACHERS' leader has welcomed moves to integrate Muslim-faith children into the Blackburn state schools community. Education chiefs unveiled plans for East Lancashire's first publicly-funded Islamic schools as part of a multi-faith education revolution
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Need to show same fight, says boss
NELSON play Stone Dominoes at home in North West Couties League Division Two tomorrow. They bounced back from 2-0 down with just minutes to go at Bacup last week to draw 2-2 and manager John Bailey will be hoping for his side to show some of the same
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Keeping an eye on player
PADIHAM are tracking a mystery player from UniBond First Division side Harrogate. The utility player is a Burnley lad and has been in and out of the Harrogate side. Storks boss Graham Howarth is hoping to lure him to the Arbories. Padiham face Leek CSOB
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Rams manager Mike working hard
JASON Jones has turned down a move to Ramsbottom - for now. Rams manager Mike Kelly has until next Thursday to persuade the Clitheroe midfielder to move to the Riverside - to one of the Blues' NWCL First Division rivals. There is a transfer 'window' of
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Wonderful weekend with big bands
I WOULD like to say what a wonderful weekend I had recently at Pontins. It was a big band weekend and the bands were exceptional! With Andy Prior and his Orchestra and Todd Miller and The Joe Loss Orchestra it really was a treat. A special mention must
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How would YOU vote on genetics?
LET me ask a question to the readers of this paper. What would you do if you were an MEP and had to vote on the subject of funding for research on human genetics such as on stem cells? We have been heavily lobbied from both sides; from those who say not
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Zoos fun - unless you're an animal
ALTHOUGH well known for his eccentricities, and believed by many to be living on another planet, Clinton Keeling now appears to have lost the plot altogether. Is he seriously suggesting that the best way to beat crime is to "leave it to the criminals
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Ryan's war of Roses
RYAN Kidd's testimonial festivities have taken on greater significance since the defender was forced to retire earlier this month. Tickets are now available for a War of the Roses boxing night at Preston Guild Hall on January 22, which will be the first
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Why you can be a "dove"
P. KAISERMAN (Your Letters, Nov 16) says he is a "dove of peace". Good for him. But as for settling differences around the table, that is all well and good when one is debating differences of policy. But in the case of September 11, we are dealing with
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Four-hour wait and it was quiet!
I WRITE in response to the letter (Nov 16) regarding the drunks in the A&E department at Fairfield Hospital. We had a similar experience recently. Our two-year old son was having breathing difficulties, so we decided to take him to the BARDOC walk-in
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Lido algae: we don't support this "solution"
BURY Metro Marine Modelling Society members have used the Lido for model boat sailing for many years and are privileged to have one of the best facilities in the country. Over the past four years or so, the water has been increasingly polluted with blue-green
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New faces make debuts
FIVE of Leigh Centurions' new recruits will make their full debuts when the NFP season kicks off on Sunday. Jon Roper, Paul Rowley, Chris Irwin, Andy Isherwood and Gareth Price are all in the 17-man squad for the opener against Barrow. Roper and Rowley
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Cricket club sale
RADCLIFFE Cricket Club is planning to sell its Racecourse ground for housing and relocate to the Cams Lane running track where it hopes to establish a £500,000 multi-sports centre. The revelation of detailed proposals comes just six months after the club
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Watch out Jack's on the way
JACK DEE has come a long way since quitting his job as a waiter -- and now he's on his way to Preston. It was in 1988 that the dour comedian decided to switch from frying pans to deadpan. Three years later the crusty comic notched up the first of many
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Just Jamie: No friends, just Jamie dodgers
I RETURN from a night at the pub feeling dejected. Again I went on a mission to find myself a friend -- someone to talk to, perhaps even go out with. Again I failed. Since upping sticks from Sunny Rochdale in the summer, I have noticed a distinct deficiency
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Sedgley aim to see of Sedgley's high riders
SEDGLEY PARK face their biggest test of the season so far tomorrow when high-riding Plymouth Albion visit Park Lane. The South West coast side have won all ten of their games in National League Two so far this season, including a 34pts-13 win over Sedgley
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Batts to join the Crewe?
RICHARD BATTERSBY could be on the point of joining First Division Crewe Alexandra. The Radcliffe Borough right back is just completing a second week on trial with the Nationwide League club and a decision on his long-term future with them will be made
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Kelly's aye but boro miss out
UniBond League Division One: Radcliffe Borough 1, Farsley Celtic 1 RADCLIFFE Borough called the shots, but couldn't produce enough of the ones that counted as they squandered two precious promotion points at Stainton Park last Saturday, writes STEVE BOTT
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Spot-kick sickener for Shakers
Bury 1, Lincoln City 1: (AET - Lincoln win 3-2 on penalties) SHAKERS fans can concentrate on finishing off their Christmas shopping a week tomorrow after the club's interest in the FA Cup ended in misery on Tuesday night. A dramatic penalty shoot-out
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New card is a step back in time
A SCENIC view of the Bury of yesteryear is the subject of Bury Council's new Christmas card. Nearly 30 long-vanished mill chimneys can be counted in the reproduction of the 1914 painting "Cinderhill, Above Gorsey Brow, Bury" by Walter J. Hill. The oil
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Today's the day
1840: Napoleon's remains were returned to Paris from St Helena. 1872: The first international football match was played. Scotland drew 0-0 with England. 1929: The Road Traffic Bill established a fitness test for drivers. 1934: The Flying Scotsman reached
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Discrimination cuts both ways
IN my opinion, private hire drivers should not be forced into carrying guide dogs (LET, November 23), so that people with allergies may request a vehicle that has not carried an animal. Trying to get tough on discrimination against one section of the
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'Short cut' more than a few miles
IN response to the call by Mark Russell for a restriction on heavy goods-vehicles using the Haslingden-Blackburn Grane Road as a 'short cut' (Letters, November 5), I would point out that the speed limit for HGVs is 40mph and not 50mph as he stated. Secondly
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The damage done by the do-gooders
MR Michael Humphreys, head of Our Lady and St John RC High School, Blackburn, rightly condemns the Government's policy of social inclusion, which will force heads to keep disruptive pupils in their schools. Those responsible for this crackpot idea should
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Grand fair
THE curtain goes up on the Friends Of The Grand Christmas Fair and Theatre Open Day on Sunday (Dec 2) from 11am to 4pm. The stage and auditorium of The Grand Theatre is transformed for one day only each year. And this year stalls will include lace goods
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Elvis tribute - by Elvis Jr
THE king is dead. Long live the king. Elvis fans are in for a treat as Elvis Aaron Presley Junior, affirmed by the Nevada State Court to be the true son of Elvis Presley, will appear in concert at Blackpool's Opera House on December 11. Elvis Jr, whose
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Super hoe-down has feelgood factor
SEVEN weddings and one big hoe-down are the perfect antidote for a wet and windy winter night. Sam Kane slipped easily into Howard Keel's famous boots in his first leading role as head brother Adam in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers at Blackpool Grand
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Dina saving the best for Blackpool
SOUL songstress Dina Carroll is Saving the Best For Blackpool as she stops off in the resort next month as part of a sensational new greatest hits tour around the UK. Blackpool fans can see Dina the diva on Dec 9 at Blackpool Opera House performing her
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Fiend's 17-year reign of terror
A PERVERT was today starting a five-year jail term for a 17-year reign of terror in which children were tortured, sexually attacked and humiliated. David Morris, now 46, was responsible for a catalogue of abuse, violence and indecency. He had dished out
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Police deny they will take action against Robbie
ROBBIE the Bobby's collar is not being felt. Bury FC's official website claims the club's mascot has been officially charged by Bury police for abusing the fourth official during the Shakers' match at Bristol City. Robbie, alias Jonathan Pollard, was
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Sewers under new control
THE sewer system in the borough will be flowing under a new management next week. The network will cease to be the responsibility of Bury Council on Monday (Dec 3) when it is transferred to United Utilities in what is expected to be a seamless changeover
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Second-hand tram plans
LONG-suffering Metrolink passengers deserve better than "American knock-offs" to ease congestion. So says Prestwich councillor Tim Pickstone, who is angry that measures to tackle over-crowding will not happen for another year. "The situation is getting
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Call for end to firework misery
"STREET terrorists" are making people's lives a misery by setting off fireworks for weeks on end. That was the claim of Tory councillor Yvonne Wright, who called for a ban on firework sales in Bury outside October 29 and December 31 each year. She also
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Concern over town centre trouble
FIFTEEN pubs in 300 yards are turning Bury's culture quarter into a hair-raising experience. Under-age drinking and violent attacks are rife in the town centre, according to Tory Councillor Roy Walker. He wanted to know if the number of pubs in the area
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McClaren settling in after torrid start
IT'S taken time for Steve McClaren to make his mark at Middlesbrough. The former Derby coach arrived in the north east with an impressive pedigree after spending several seasons under the wing of Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. But four straight defeats
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Tornado's trail of destruction
RESIDENTS were today clearing up debris from collapsed garages, roofs and conservatories after a tornado swept through several streets on the outskirts of Preston. But even though the whirlwind struck on Tuesday, November 27, at around 11am, they were
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Army fuels road safety plan
A ROAD safety campaign has been given a major boost after the military might of Preston gave it their backing. The Headquarters 42 (NW) Brigade, based at Fulwood Barracks in the town, is one of more than 300 organisations to commit to the recently-launched
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Jobs axe at BAE falls
BAE Systems is to axe 140 jobs at its Samlesbury site as the commercial aerospace business suffers from the terrorist assault on America. Bosses are anticipating a fall in demand for airbuses following the September 11 attacks. The job loses at the Samlesbury
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By-election win gives Labour full control
LABOUR secured a convincing election victory in Rosehill last night -- overturning an Independent majority of over 400. Maverick councillor Harry Brooks had held the seat since 1991, before standing down in October to concentrate on other projects. The
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TV theme at Tim's funeral
THE treasured white Dutton autotest car of motor sport champion Tim Sargeant took pride of place in the funeral cortege as the tragic driver made his last journey. And as the curtains closed at the end of the funeral, Tim's favourite theme -- from BBC2
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A positive launch for Youth Council
REPRESENTATIVES from the local and county councils, police, transport, health, leisure and education met at Nelson Town Hall last night for the launch of the Pendle District Youth Council. A working group of youngsters, who organised the event, and other
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Singles guide
A LOOK at the latest singles releases. FEEDER: Just A Day, (Echo) -- Feeder to me epitomise the worst of indie rock. A band devoid of personality, as bland as their manufactured counterparts and musically as inspiring as a drunken karaoke evening down
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Album releases
CASTING an eye over the albumn releases. OCEAN COLOUR SCENE: Songs From The Front Row: (Universal Island) -- To the fans this greatest hits package will mean little as there's only only one new track -- Crazy Lowdown Ways. The only saving grace for me
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We will recover from Rolls shock
EAST Lancashire's aerospace industry will recover despite devastating redundancies at BAe Systems and Rolls Royce in East Lancashire this week, an expert said today. Employees at Rolls Royce's Bankfield and Ghyll Brow sites in Barnoldswick were furious
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Drinks all round
A ROLLICKING rollercoaster of emotion keeps you spellbound while watching Spend, Spend, Spend with its sizzling script, beautiful ballads and marvellous cast. When she won £152,000 on the pools in 1961 - today's equivalent of £3 million - Yorkshire girl
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Art attack at barracks
OFFICERS at a Preston barracks had an art attack after commissioning a special commemorative painting. The oil painting now adorning the walls of the Officers' Mess at Kimberley Barracks, Deepdale Road, Preston, depicts a scene from the famous campaign
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Ten years ago
DAVID Mellor, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, paid a visit to Hyndburn. He called to meet with Geoff Hanson, chairman of Hyndburn Conservative Association, for a get together with party members and local businessmen.
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Doddy lights up Leigh
KEN Dodd praised the friendliness of the people of Leigh when he was made an honorary Leyther at this year's Christmas light ceremony. The legendary comic entertained the crowds from the Town Hall balcony for the fourth successive year, with renditions
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Slaughter on the farm
A FARMER is patrolling his land after dogs savaged £2,000 worth of sheep in one night. Mark Lancaster discovered the bodies of 15 animals at Lodge Lane Farm, Atherton, on Sunday. Another 18 of the flock were so badly injured they had to be destroyed the
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School scores top marks
A LEIGH high school gained above average GCSE results -- even though nearly half the students had special educational needs. School performance league tables showed at Westleigh High School 91 per cent of students gained five or more A* to G passes in
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Chamber welcomes Chancellor's measures
BOLTON and Bury Chamber has reacted positively to many of the measures announced in Tuesday's (Nov 27) Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report. In particular, the business support organisation has welcomed the lowering of the Capital Gains Tax, payroll support
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Mum's story of success
HELPING businesses to help themselves! That's enterprising Tottington businesswoman Alison Hornsby, who has overcome adversity to "go it alone" and forge a new career. She has bounced back after a separate company of which she was a director was forced
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Grant a fans favourite
IT has not taken Tony Grant long to become a firm favourite with the Turf Moor fans. Cool, composed and confident, he has made a real impact in the Clarets midfield since his move from Manchester City last month. He first tasted success in the claret
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Kember's time has been eventful
FOR caretaker manager Steve Kember tomorrow's clash with the Clarets will be Crystal Palace's last under his charge. Kember has been in the hotseat since Steve Bruce walked out of Selhurst Park and straight into a legal battle preventing him from taking
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Kilby happy over future of League
CLARETS chairman Barry Kilby is delighted that his club will no longer be kept in the dark about possible changes to the structure of the Football League. And he is also confident that if and when any change takes place the key factor will be merit and
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Taylor out is blow to Clarets
THREE points at Crystal Palace will send Burnley back to the top of the first division - but they will have to do it without top scorer Gareth Taylor. The former Palace player is suspended for the return to one of his old clubs and that leaves manager
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Never a dull moment
WHAT a hectic week in the transfer market with first, Robbie Fowler making the move from Liverpool to Leeds in a deal which shocked the world of football. And now my good friend Brett Ormerod appears to be on the verge of a £1.5 million move to Southampton
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Santa arrives by husky
IT was jungle bells all the way for Santa last week as he flew into Blackpool Zoo to officially open his magic toy shop. Four fluffy Arctic huskies pulled Father Christmas into the animal park on November 19 and it even snowed -- with a little human intervention
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Lights fantastic!
NOVEMBER night skies across Blackpool and the Fylde were lit-up last week as the annual Christmas lights were switched on. Giant coloured baubles, stars and fairy lights were illuminated across Blackpool's town centre as hundreds of on-lookers braved
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Skateboard threat to parish mourners
ROLLER bladers and skateboarders have been accused of "desecrating" the Peel monument and Bury Parish Church. A funeral mourner suffered an accident because the church steps were so slippy due to youngsters riding on them, says Tory councillor Roy Walker
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Town needs more police
BURY'S police force is woefully short-staffed compared to neighbouring districts, according to MP Ivan Lewis. He is calling on the Chief Constable to put more officers on the streets across the borough. Mr Lewis said it is "unfair and unacceptable" that
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Peel Brow: MP to raise case in the Commons
THE Peel Brow school controversy is going all the way to Parliament in an attempt to get some answers. Governors at the Ramsbottom primary school have once more refused to reveal the results of an inquiry into head teacher Mr Mike Duce, who had been suspended
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Sold!
A TWO-storey leisure and shopping complex is to be built on the old Sainsbury's site in Prestwich. The former Longfield Centre supermarket has been sold seven months after it closed for an undisclosed sum to the company behind the popular Printworks leisure
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Mike's raising the Alarm
TWENTY years after the birth of The Alarm, frontman and founder member Mike Peters retains the enthusiasm and energy of a man on a mission. During a 10 year period, between 1981-91, his band notched up 14 top 50 singles, toured the world and sold over
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Take a trip to see two of Europe's finest
I'M starting the column this week with an unusual but urgent request from The Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall. DON'T go there next Tuesday. The place will be closed for refurbishment ahead of the anticipated Christmas rush. This means that the eagerly-awaited
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Kuqi no-go
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has scrapped his plans to sign Stockport striker Shefki Kuqi. Ewood chief Souness had spent the last couple of weeks tracking the Finnish international with a view to a possible £600,000 deal. But, after training with Rovers
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Lytham happy with win
AFTER the goalscoring free-for-all by LSA's opponents over the past three weeks, a reorganised defence -- including their North West Under-15 player Stuart Waby -- resulted in a very satisfactory victory. In a rather scrappy first half LSA captain Richard
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Captain calls for early finish
CAPTAIN confident Sean Gregan believes Preston North End have what it takes to be in the promotion frame come May next year. But the midfielder says the team has more important things on its mind at the moment - like making sure they don't concede an
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Leave Your Home Town
IT'S hats off to Darwen skate punksters, The Reserved, because this is among the best debut demos ever to land on the PULSE desk. Even though it may not be sharp enough to secure a deal, I like everything about their creative, new wave approach to the
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Watch out, Dannii's back on top
WHEN Dannii Minogue recorded her latest single she made a wish that it would turn into her biggest hit ever and her prayers have been answered. This week her collaboration with dance act Riva -- Who Do You Love Now? has crashed into the charts at No 3
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Mike's raising the Alarm
TWENTY years after the birth of The Alarm, frontman and founder member Mike Peters retains the enthusiasm and energy of a man on a mission. During a 10 year period, between 1981-91, his band notched up 14 top 50 singles, toured the world and sold over
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Take a trip to see two of Europe's finest
I'M starting the column this week with an unusual but urgent request from The Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall. DON'T go there next Tuesday. The place will be closed for refurbishment ahead of the anticipated Christmas rush. This means that the eagerly-awaited
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Seagulls to be shot at
WITH a surname that sounds like a household detergent it's no wonder Bobby Zamora has been driving defenders round the bend all season. But the Shakers back line are determined to halt the Brighton striker's impressive goalscoring exploits. Zamora is
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Robinson warning
SHAKERS chairman Terry Robinson has fired a stark warning to football's top brass: "Introduce a second Premiership division and we'll die". Robinson attended a meeting of Football League chairman yesterday with the proposed 'Premiership Two' division
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Knifepoint robbery
A MAN was threatened with a knife outside the Black Dog Inn in Belmont. He was in a gold Citroen Saxo car and setting up camera equipment when a man came up behind him holding a knife and demanded he hand over a Fuji camera, a flash gun, camera bag and
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No all-clear for Nadia yet
NADIA BUTLER has been told not to think about going back to school until doctors are sure about the long-term effects on her eye after she was struck with a brick. The 10-year-old Bacup's St Mary's RC pupil was hoping to be given the all-clear to return
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Tenants ask MP to back fight
A TENANTS association which has campaigned for seven years to be allowed to develop a redundant building on its estate into a community centre is turning to its MP for help. Peel Brow Tenants' Association represents the householders in the 243 homes on
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Fiend's 17-year reign of terror
A PERVERT was today starting a five-year jail term for a 17-year reign of terror in which children were tortured, sexually attacked and humiliated. David Morris, now 46, was responsible for a catalogue of abuse, violence and indecency. He had dished out
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'George was my baby brother' says Paul
SIR Paul McCartney said the death of George Harrison, from cancer at the age of 58, was like losing his baby brother. Speaking this morning Paul McCartney said: "I am devastated and very, very sad. We knew he'd been ill for a long time. "He was a lovely
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What a tonic!
WHAT'S up Doc? The Citizen Care For Kids Christmas Appeal needs your help this Christmas, that's what. Your community-minded Citizen is backing the campaign which provides support and donates gifts to Fylde children in special circumstances in medical
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Crimestoppers: Slashed in robbery bid
A ST ANNES man had his face slashed after trying to stop two men stealing money from his pockets. The 20-year-old victim was walking along Wood Street on Nov 13 at 5.30pm when two men approached and asked him for money and the time. When he replied he
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RSPCA home closure dismay
ANIMAL lovers on the Fylde have reacted with sadness and dismay to the news that the RSPCA's animal home in Blackpool is to close. The Longview Kennels on Division Lane, Marton, announced this week it was to shut down after a recent appeal failed to raise
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Did barmaid fall asleep?
A BLACKPOOL barmaid who died in a car crash on the M6 motorway probably fell asleep at the wheel, an inquest in Lancaster was told. Elizabeth Rose Ellwood of Redmayne Drive, Carnforth, was returning from a night shift at the Auctioneer pub in Lytham Road
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Down Your Street...
A LOOK at what's on around the area. LYTHAM ARTIST Ron Parkinson is staging an exhibition of watercolours and drawings, including some local scenes, at Lytham Library from December 1 to 29. ENJOY St John's Church Christmas Fair at Lytham Assembly Rooms
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Apathy over plans causes dismay
A MINOR accident blocked one of the main routes into Preston causing thousands of people to be late for work, everyone was talking about it -- they still are. But ask people if they want 2,000 new parking spaces in the town centre, ask them if they want
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Pile on the pounds after Christmas
IF you're looking to work off the Christmas and New Year excesses while also raising money for charity, the Garstang 10K Race could be for you. Starting at Garstang High School on Sunday, January 13, the run will raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy
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Royal encounter for volunteers
YOUNGSTERS from the Blackburn Prince's Trust received a royal seal of approval this week when they met the Prince of Wales. The Prince visited the Groundwork Centre for Rochdale and Oldham to meet members of the Prince's Trust and Groundwork volunteers
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Praise as EU takes bull bars issue by horns
A EUROPEAN Union decision to ban bull bars from the front of all new cars has been welcomed by a local campaigner. Chris Davies, the area's MEP and Liberal Democrat transport spokesman in the European Parliament, said the ban would help save lives and
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Safety first as council chases cash
COMMUNITY groups are heading for a safety cash bonanza as council chiefs put up cash to make parts of Blackburn safer. Blackburn with Darwen Council's regeneration department is urging groups to apply for Community Safety Small Grants, funded by the council's
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Couple's joy over their special baby
CHRISTMAS is special for most families with children but for Jane Dewhurst and Mark Duxbury, this year it will be the one for which they hoped and dreamed. The East Lancashire couple endured five years of heartache trying for a baby before turning to
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Pushing for quarter final
DENIS UNDERWOOD wants to see his Great Harwood side reach the last eight of the Worthington Challenge Trophy. They meet Curzon Ashton at home in the Third Round tomorrow. "It is always nice to be in a cup competition and this is the last one we are involved
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Micky far from happy on the bench
MICKY BARTHOLOMEW is fast becoming the Robbie Fowler of non-League football! The striker has been relegated to third choice up front at NWCL Second Division leaders Stand. The forward is not happy about warming the bench and Bacup and another local side
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Burgess helps in talent hunt
FORMER Clitheroe manager Dave Burgess has been on a scouting mission for the Blues. Burgess, who stepped down in September after 15 months in charge at Shawbridge, has been to watch the Blues' FA Vase third round opponents Cogenhoe. New boss Lee Sculpher
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Bacup looking at Micky
MICKY BARTHOLOMEW is mulling over a move to Bacup. The Stand Athletic striker, who lives in Milnrow, near Rochdale, spoke with Bacup boss Brent Peters yesterday about a possible move to the NWCL Second Division side. Peters said: "He has told Stand he
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Transfer talk not helping
COLNE boss John Lister has issued a 'hands off' warning to clubs after Squires Gate put seven days on winger Ben Callon. The Holt House boss reacted swiftly to the interest from their NWCL Division Two rivals by saying Colne were looking to build a decent
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Stanley ready to face Robins
ACCRINGTON STANLEY boss John Coleman is hoping to see top scorer Paul Mullin back in the side for tomorrow's FA Umbro Trophy game at home to Altrincham. But the Reds' hitman - who has scored 17 goals in just 20 starts this season - reckons he may have
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Scott puts pen to paper
FORMER Burnley defender Chris Scott has joined Rossendale United. The 21-year-old has been the victim of a cost-cutting exercise at Conference side Leigh RMI and it is a major coup for the UniBond First Division club. Former Burnley player Dave Miller
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Thanks for highlighting problems
WE would like to thank The Citizen for highlighting the problems that residents have with night clubbers in Poulton. We have been plagued with cars being vandalised, people using the gardens and hedges as lavatories and general drunken rowdiness and fighting
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Thanks for support
NOW that our season of Summer Specials is over -- the last one on October 17 featured the North Fylde Brass Band -- I felt I should write and thank you for all the valuable support you have given our concerts in the Neighbourhood News column. The last
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Attack on Lib-Dems was wrong
FOR some years Peter Roscoe was a Liberal Democrat member. We continue to appreciate the investigative work he does to expose sub-standard local politicians. However, his recent attack on us is wrong in every sentence. Our critical comments of local Labour
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Poulton 'a great place to live'
I AM writing to say how disappointed I was to read the article "Village that's living in fear" in last week's Citizen. In my opinion, the article was both sensationalistic and an irresponsible piece of journalism. Like many of our towns and villages Poulton-le-Fylde
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Preston seek deal
PRESTON North End have confirmed that sponsors BAXI will not renew their shirt deal which is due to expire at end of this season. The first division club, who face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tomorrow, will be looking for a new deal and North End's
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Poppy appeal thieves 'lowest of low'
THIEVES who stole collection tins for this year's poppy appeal in Leyland have been branded the "lowest of the low" by appeal organisers across Preston and South Ribble. The callous looters struck at two businesses in Leyland, stealing vital funds intended
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Man charged following death
A ST ANNES man has been charged in connection with the death of a man in the town. Lee Joseph Paul Parkinson, 19, of Richmond Road, St Annes, was due to appear before Blackpool Magistrates today (Friday) charged with the murder of 28-year-old John Michael
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Re-think this hospital layout
I WAS appalled to read (Your Letters, Nov 16) about the closure of the children's medical emergency department at Fairfield Hospital, and the fact that there are only cubicles for children in the main A&E department. Why do we have to put our children
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Pupils leave a trail of rubbish
I AM writing about the alarming amount of rubbish deposited on the pavements of Walshaw Road by pupils attending Elton High School, Bury. If the school allows sweets, crisps and chocolate to be brought into the school, and allows the use of the ice cream
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All life except for Afghan life!
MR B. Lansdale (Your Letters, Nov 2) condemns us "doves of peace" because he wants retaliation for the deaths of innocent Americans. He goes to great lengths to show that he believes that all life is equal. But obviously innocent Afghans don't count in
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Atom bomb saved lives
I TAKE exception to Mr Kaiserman's recent scathing criticism of the atomic bombing of the Japanese cities in 1945. What, I wonder, would his reaction have been had he or a son of his been at Pearl Harbour, subjected to a murderous and devastating attack
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Has cricket club been "caught out"?
IN June, I publicly asked Radcliffe Cricket Club officials if rumours were true about them selling-off their existing ground for housing and then re-locating to the running track on Cams Lane. Readers may remember the denials from the club chairman a
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Enemies got a bloody nose
I WOULD like to have my final say on the episode of the Israeli-Arab (Palestinian) problem in reply to George Abendstern (Postbag, Nov 9). I am taken to task for my ignorance and the utter contempt I am supposed to have for the Palestinians. Firstly,
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Weather can't stop the Warriors
A LOOK at the latest Rugby League action. LEYLAND WARRIORS U14s 16 WATERHEAD 6 THE Warriors defied the awful wet and windy conditions to put on an impressive performance and get their season back on track. Both sides attacked the game aggressively from
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Doctor's drugs admission
A DOCTOR has admitted over-prescribing the painkiller diamorphine to five patients when he was working at Bury General Hospital. The admission came on the third day of a hearing before the General Medical Council (GMC) in London, where Dr Sumit Mukherjee
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Champs' crown slips
HIGHER Folds' hopes of a third consecutive Division One title slipped further from their grasp with a 3-2 home defeat by second in the table Rope & Anchor. Paul Donlan, Andrew Pearcy and Mick Wilde goals put Rope six points clear of the defending
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Rough justice
Boston United 2 Leigh RMI 1: LEIGH RMI crashed to their 11th defeat of the season at York Street, despite outplaying Boston for the better part of the game. Leigh welcomed Dave Ridings back to the fold after a 10-week injury absence, and last years Players
