Archive
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Suspect package in Preston
PRESTON was plunged into chaos today following an anthrax scare in the town centre. A suspect envelope, leaking powder, was sent to the Armed Forces Careers Office on Fishergate, starting a massive operation by emergency services. Fishergate was closed
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Truck firm jobs boost
LEYLAND Trucks has been invited to bid for a job-boosting order for more than 8,500 vehicles for the British Armed Forces. The company, one of Leyland's biggest employers, is one of five to be short-listed for the contract which will be worth a massive
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Merger gets a cautious welcome
HEALTH watchdogs and MPs have welcomed news that the health trusts for Blackburn and Burnley are to merge but have warned it must not be at the expense of separate casualty units and hospital services. Health Minister Lord Hunt gave the go-ahead to plans
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Tragic death of student
THE parents of a young woman killed in a car crash have spoken for the first time about the tragedy and said: "Nobody is to blame for her death". TV extra Lucy McKeown, 21, of Tinkler's Road, Chorley, was travelling on the A674 Chorley Road at Withnell
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Keeping an eye on opposition
FORMER Clitheroe manager Dave Burgess will watch the Blues' FA Vase opponents Abingdon in action this weekend. The Blues travel to the Oxfordshire side next week in the last 32 of the competition they reached the semi-finals of last season. Burgess will
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Give me more, says Denis
GREAT Harwood boss Denis Underwood enjoyed the first 25 minutes of his side's performance against Kidsgrove - and wants more of the same. The NWCL Division One strugglers faced title chasing Kidsgrove midweek and raced into a two-goal lead in the opening
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Jason tipped by boss
BRENT Peters wants highly-rated striker Jason Lanns to prove his worth at Bacup so he can move back into League football. Lanns, who has been at Leeds United and Rochdale before moving to the NWCL Division Two side in the summer, is one tipped by the
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Giving the youngsters a chance
ROSSENDALE United manager Jim McCluskie gave youth a chance in Tuesday's Lancashire Marsden Trophy game at Leigh by giving youngster Jordan Rispin his debut. Rispin, who is just 17, played the second half of the game against the Conference strugglers,
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Taylor keen to get back
HAVING mixed with the likes of Phil Neville and Eric Cantona, former Rochdale star Jamie Taylor is hoping to get back in the big time with the help of Ramsbottom. The striker came through the ranks at Manchester United with Phil Neville before being released
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Big thankyou to a kind lady
COULD I please say a very big thank you to the kind lady who stopped her car to pick me up after I slipped in Westby Street, Lytham, on Thursday January 3. She took me in her car to the house I was visiting and then picked me up and took me back to my
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Treatment at Vic is second to none
HOW sad the case of Steven Walker, the surgeon I read about in The Citizen (Nov 8). Life being what it is such things happen anywhere, fortunately not too often. Before one gets carried away let's take a look at the "up side of things". My first encounter
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Moyes makes a move
DAVID GINOLA could be on his way to Preston North End. Reports in this morning's newspapers suggest North End boss David Moyes is lining up a bid for the out-of-favour Aston Villa winger. The 34-year-old has made just five substitute appearances this
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Rankine out with broken foot
NORTH END'S Mark Rankine will be out of action for the foreseeable future after breaking his foot. The 32-year-old sustained the injury in a training ground accident and X-rays revealed a slight break. David Moyes is resigned to losing Rankine while the
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Home tie for winners at Brighton
BRIGHTON or Preston are at home against Sheffield United in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The tie will be played on the weekend of January 26/27. The game at Brighton to decide who plays United takes place on Tuesday January 15. The date for a replay
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Yes...
TWO assaults over the festive season have once again raised the issue of violence and the success of the authorities in tackling the problem. Despite police assurances that Blackburn town centre is a safer place to be than it was five years ago, the public
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How to beat that bogus caller
THE CITIZEN, concerned about a series of cowardly attacks on elderly people in the Fylde, has launched a new campaign to protect those most vulnerable in society. In the past few days pensioners have been the victims of muggings and burglaries by callous
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People have been so kind
I WAS recently the victim of a mugging, reported in the Radcliffe Times, and I would like to thank a number of people for their kindness. There was a lady who stayed with me until the police and ambulance arrived and I have also had a lot of care and
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Bin-men pick and choose
MOTORISTS in Radcliffe who had the pleasure of travelling over untreated roads during the recent festive spell of bad weather will have heard the excuse from Bury Metro that they no longer have a legal obligation to grit the public highway, including
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Allies have failed in war's objectives
AFGHANISTAN was a stable and progressive country before the United States funded, armed and trained the Mujahedin and the Taliban. As we legitimately cast judgements on the Taliban, we need to remember that they were our own creation: the products of
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Fed-up of fireworks
SINCE when has it been customary to let off fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve? To answer my own question: it isn't, particularly in this area where I was born and have lived for the best part of 60 years. In my opinion, those who did let off fireworks
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Could you help your hospice?
I WOULD like to send thanks and best wishes to the generous people of the borough of Bury. It is a great encouragement to everyone associated with Bury Hospice that, as we move into our 11th year, we continue to receive the support of local businesses
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Celebration time
ANYONE lucky enough to have had a tin of 'Celebrations' for the festive season should now be well on their way to New Year fitness. Extracting the choccy delights from the wrappers is like trying to break into Fort Knox. Surely they don't have to be wrapped
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Sobering though for hospitals
VIOLENT, drunken and abusive patients may be refused treatment in hospitals as part of an ongoing campaign to protect NHS staff. There should be no may about it. Hospital workers shouldn't have to put up with such ungrateful, anti-social behaviour, and
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The lapse that cost a little boy his life
A MOMENTARY lack of attention cost a six-year-old boy his life, an inquest heard. Shoaib Aftab, of Benson Street, Bury, died when he ran into the path of a lorry and fell under its rear wheels. The youngster had just finished lessons at Fishpool Infant
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, January 12
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Janet Andersom MP advice surgery, Library Theatre, Darwen, 10-11am. Spring Vale Rambling Class meet Witton Park main gates, Blackburn, 11am. Leader Michael Counter. Latin
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Justice must be equal for all
THE very essence of justice is that is should be the same for all, without discrimination or favour. It is disturbing, then, that in Lancashire this premise may be flawed -- as it is revealed that offenders from ethnic minorities are more likely to receive
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Pupils draw up safety message
ARTY pupils at a Cleveleys school drew up road safety ideas to win luxury art sets. Primary one pupils from Sacred Heart Catholic Primary drew pictures of what drivers should not do while driving, such as talking on mobilie phones, as part of a road safety
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New heads relish fresh challenge
THE NEW year has brought new head teachers to two Fylde Coast high schools. St Bede's RC High School, Talbot Road, Lytham, has welcomed Chris Riding, a former deputy head from Blackburn, as their new head. Mr Riding took up the post at St Bede's on Monday
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Hectic time for Straw
AS Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has faced public accusations of invisibility and inaction, he has privately been extremely busy setting up his boss Tony Blair's overseas jaunts. The Blackburn MP has been ridiculed for disappearing from view while the
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Terriers in town
BURY'S home match against Huddersfield Town, postponed from last Saturday, has been re-arranged for next Tuesday night (January 15, 7.45pm) writes PHIL THORP. The game will be only the Shakers' second at Gigg Lane since the opening day of December and
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Banned pair miss out for Boro
RADCLIFFE BORO will be without Tony Whealing and Lee Kissock when they bid to get back into action at Spennymoor United on Saturday. Both are suspended for one match as Boro look to make up for lost time after playing just once in the last four weeks.
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Tiger Treco hops to it
LEON TRECO will have everything to play for when Sedgley Park get back into action at Preston Grasshoppers on Saturday. The Park players will be champing at the bit after their match against Newbury at Park Lane last Saturday was hit by the weather. Added
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What a song and dance
THERE'S going to be a real song and dance at Todmorden Hippodrome The town's Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's "Musical Revue" is set to be staged at the theatre in April. And last night there was a get-together for everyone who wants to be part
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Festive spirit is still alive
THREE villages are set to Blaize with belated Christmas spirit The festive feeling remains alight in Sabden, Crawshawbooth and Hoghton, which will be hosting theatre company Blaize's production of A Christmas Spirit next week. Four people gather together
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Classic performance may end in tears
AN affectionate adaptation of a classic story is sure to prompt a few tears from the audience at Rossendale Players' next production. Anne of Green Gables by Sylvia Ashby is adapted from LM Montgomery's novel. It is a humorous and bittersweet re-telling
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Can you help in finding couple?
IAM trying to find a Frank and Joan Slater who used to live on Shear Brow, Blackburn. Joan was quite disabled and her husband, Frank, looked after her -- then he was taken ill. I have sent letters and continually tried to phone them, but without success
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Council staff there to help
I DON'T know where Blackburn Chamber of Trade president Ron O'Keeffe jnr had been to when he made the comments (LET, December 18) which basically said that on the introduction of the town's new traffic system, no council representatives were present.
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Right to push for fair deal
REGARDING Councillor Dave Smith's remarks (Letters, December 28) that I have complained about everything under the sun in the last few weeks, considering that he gave a shopping list of my complaints, why did he not also publish a list of problems that
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Talking about town mayhem won't stop it
IT doesn't matter how much the council spends on improving Blackburn town centre, because as long as the weekend violence and drunkenness continues people will not be willing to take a chance on going to town for a night out. A minority of louts only
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Beauticians clean up for charity
LEIGH beauticians were made up after clearing over £2,000 to help the community's cancer sufferers. Now Barbara Gildart and her staff at Corpobello in Leigh want to thank the hundreds who helped. The £2,120 collected from raffles, tombolas, a name the
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A bit of a hair do at the pub
TWO pub regulars were left slightly chilled when they lost their hair for charity. Don Ellison and Andy Carty, both of Central Drive, Walmersley, were scalped in full view of other drinkers at the New Inn, Walmersley. And pictured with their new-look
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Cash boost will free hospital beds
MORE than half a million pounds is to be injected into the local authority in a bid to tackle the problem of bed-blocking. Bury Council will receive £533,000 from a Government allocation of £200 million which is the second phase of a £300 million investment
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Residents take rubbish into their own hands
RESIDENTS have rolled up their sleeves and formed their own environment clean-up team. Members of Topping Fold Residents' Association got stuck into the weeds and overgrown shrubbery at a footpath and motorway embankment. The scheme has been funded by
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Teacher cleared of rape gets job back
A MARRIED teacher who was cleared of raping a 17-year-old schoolgirl he admitted having sex with has been given his job back. Lee Savage (31), of Roseland Drive, Prestwich, was suspended as head of history at Bolton's Sharples School after the girl claimed
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Police cheer over drink-drive results
THE champagne corks are being popped by police chiefs who are celebrating a successful anti-drink drive campaign over the festive period. Latest statistics show that the number of drink-drivers arrested in Greater Manchester fell by more than 20 per cent
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Press pack were unfair
THERE are so many pluses to being a young footballer, I wouldn't swap it for the world. But the events of the last fortnight or so have also brought home to me just how dangerous a world it can sometimes be as well. Chelsea defender John Terry is the
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Move over Kate, Jenna's here
KATE Moss and Naomi Campbell had better watch out because a Preston student is on her way to becoming a supermodel after landing a major fashion contract. But Jenna Fisher from Penwortham has vowed not to let fame come between her education at a local
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Tragic death of kind 'Ted'
A HIGH ranking military officer, who encouraged hundreds of youngsters to join the army, has died. Lieutenant Colonel Edward Ashley, who lived in Chipping, near Preston, died suddenly on Monday, December 31, aged 67. A respected figure across the county
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Talks over merger
HEALTH bosses have moved to reduce public fears concerning the merger of the Preston and Chorley hospital trusts. Consultation began with a public meeting held on Monday, January 7, at the Woodlands Centre, Chorley, when only 15 members of the public
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Cancer cure for Patrick
THE former boss of a major Preston building firm has been cured of cancer thanks to a pioneering new treatment. Patrick Conlon, 69, who established Conlon Construction Ltd, in Bamber Bridge, with his four brothers, went through a revolutionary painless
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Alcoholic drank for six days
AN alcoholic who celebrated the New Year with a six-day drinking binge was arrested for stealing spirits after spending all her benefits on booze, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates were told that Patricia Dale, 57, had been 'dry' for nine years but helped
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Fletcher set to score again with stadium
EX-CLARET Paul Fletcher has been appointed chief executive of the £120 million project to build a new state-of-the-art stadium for Coventry City. The former Turf Moor star - acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities on stadia development in the
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Clarets fan loses appeal against ban
A CLARETS fan who attacked a rival supporter has lost a fight to watch the team he has supported since he was a boy. Burly Warren Lyons, whose behaviour had reduced his victim's 14-year-old daughter to tears, had been banned from matches for three years
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Anger at decision on houses
PENDLE Council has been accused of earmarking houses for demolition in Nelson before public consultations had even taken place. The allegations were made by barrister for English Heritage, Eian Caws, during the public inquiry in to the council's decision
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Players needed for small sided soccer teams
PRESTON Sports Arena Soccer leagues have places available in the winter leagues. Teams can play five-a-side on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings or six-a-side early on Sunday evenings. All games are played at the Preston Arena with teams having
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Hoping to build on team success
TWO Preston colleges will be hoping to carry on their success on the sports field into the new year. Three of Cardinal Newman College's sports teams scooped major cups last year. The netball team were crowned North West champions, and that feat was emulated
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School's extension plan defended
A HEADTEACHER has defended her school's decision to build a new classroom despite objections. Sherwood County Primary School, Sherwood Way, Fulwood, has applied to Preston Borough Council to build a single-storey classroom extension to house a class who
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Targeting pays off
POLICE in Lancashire have hailed their festive crack down on drink-drivers as a huge success. During the campaign, which ran from December 11 last year to January 2, this year,1,855 breath tests were taken with 159 motorists giving a positive result or
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Ten years ago
A PENSIONER revealed that she was being billed for sunlight and oxygen every year at a cost of 5p. Nellie Haworth had received bills from Blackburn Council since 1960 even though no-one could explain why. She said she always paid though for fear of being
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Town show gets council help offer
COUNCIL bosses have promised financial assistance to help with the 136th Great Harwood Agricultural Show. The event, which attracts competitors and visitors from all over the country, was cancelled last year amid the foot and mouth crisis and show organisers
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'Help us spend £58m' - Council
WIGAN Council is inviting people to help spend millions. Public feedback is sought about the planned £58 million ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation) scheme aimed at vastly improving the condition of existing council properties. The Government backed
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New hotel owners plan revamp
A FAMILY from Crosby have swapped the muddy shores of the Mersey in favour of St Annes' sands and are describing their new life as hoteliers in the Fylde as a "breath of fresh air." Barbara and Colin Godfrey purchased the Elsinghurst Hotel, Derbe Road
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School pays tribute to caring teacher
STAFF and pupils at St Augustine's High School in Billington have been paying tribute to their devoted teacher Margaret Ainsworth, who lost her battle with cancer. Pupils said prayers for 47-year-old Margaret in school this week and will be holding a
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Grant boost for ladies soccer
THERE was an early Christmas present for Thornton Cleveleys FC and ladies football when the club was awarded a £5,000 grant from the National Lottery Awards For All programme. The grant will be used to buy new training equipment, kit and coaching aids
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In this case I agree with Henry Ford!
"DON'T judge a book by its cover" is a well-known maxim, and in this case it is particularly apt. The new offering from the ubiquitous Dean Hayes (who seems to write about clubs from all points west) has a most attractive tangerine cover with portraits
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Boxing clever
A BURY food shop is now cashing in thanks to having a "Moneybox." And it is reaping the rewards of having the cash machine installed. The store manager of the Spar shop in Walmersley Road, Bury, has seen a significant rise in customers since installing
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'Heaven sent' car for Louise
LUCKY teenager Louise Page has described winning a fabulous new £15,000 sports car in a raffle as 'heaven sent'. For Louise, of Mimosa Close, Euxton, believes lady luck was really looking down on her in the shape of her beloved grandma who sadly died
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Sticker book winners
LUCKY first prize winner of the Citizen's recent Lord Of The Rings sticker book competition is Lewis Patter, Meadowcroft, St Annes, who gets a sticker book and a full set of stickers. The ten runners up who scoop a sticker book and ten packets of stickers
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TB checks on elephants
BLACKPOOL'S four Asian elephants could now be safe from the threat of tuberculosis as the zoo carries out pioneering checks for the deadly disease. TB is particularly dangerous to elephants in the wild and captivity, attacking both Asian and African.
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Thanks Del, but we'll manage
ONLY Fools and Horses... and the maintenance department at Blackpool Tower and Circus are willing to take on the annual task of cleaning the grand chandeliers. But the Tower certainly didn't invite Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad to give them a helping hand
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Service may be forced to close
A GROUP providing much-needed furniture to desperate local families says it may be forced to fold through lack of funds. Bury Furniture Service, which distributes donated goods to needy recipients throughout the borough, hopes to secure a new financial
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Campaign aims to save lives
GREATER Manchester's Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has welcomed a new campaign to give people lessons on how to save lives. The LSC is backing a new initiative to bring life-saving first-aid skills to more people than ever before. A new national campaign
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Terrorism warning from Bury College student
A FORMER Bury College student, who has warned of new terrorist attacks in Britain and America, is being investigated by intelligence chiefs. Hassan Butt claims to have recruited more than 200 British Muslims to fight for the Taliban regime with many prepared
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Chase is on for Gudjonsson
THE race was on today to get former Derby midfielder Thordar Gudjonsson ahead of tomorrow's trip to Walsall. With Lee Cartwright and Mark Rankine ruled out and hopes of Sean Gregan returning from injury in time for the away match, manager David Moyes
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Monkeying around in Beatles' land
OLIVER Przybysz had two goals when he joined a band -- to make it big and to play the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool. And while fame and fortune might be a little way off, achieving his other ambition later this month may help pave his band's way
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Preece's midfield puzzler
SHAKERS' boss Andy Preece has a midfield conundrum to contend with ahead of tomorrow's tough encounter at Queens' Park Rangers. The manager is missing no fewer than SIX players from the team's engine room, leaving him virtually no room for maneouvre.
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Singer Tracie's TV chance
DARWEN singer Tracie Kane is in a new fly-on-the-wall documentary next week. Tracie, of Greenway Street, will appear in ITV's Strictly Soho on Wednesday at 12.45am. She is featured singing in a London club after she arranged to meet a friend from Blackpool
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Flourish of interest in credit union
DARWEN people made good use of their credit union over the Christmas period, and membership in the New Year is on the increase. The chairman of Darwen Tower Credit Union, Janice Parker, said: "We are still compiling the figures but we certainly had an
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Poetry in motion
A SUPER mum who has fostered 68 children over the past 23 years has had a poem published called 'Just a Housewife'. Janet Hill was picked as Rossendale Woman of the Year in a competition organised by Rossendale Hospice and she was later featured on the
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Thanks
ST JOHN Ambulance in Lancashire would like to express its sincere gratitude to The Citizen for its support last year. Publication of the news releases we submitted has been invaluable in recognising the commitment and achievements of our volunteers and
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Put heart back in the town
IT is really sad to hear people comment on our town. Sad, because they're spot on. The fact is, our once 'Proud Preston' is seen by many as run-down, shabby and unpleasant. Indeed, like a property that is allowed to deteriorate, this town badly needs
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Paying more but getting a lot less
AS a representative for the disabled and the pensioners of South Ribble I wish to know why the roads and footpaths within the borough have been left in such a state. Your article in last week's paper states that were 160 gritting vehicles out in Lancashire
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Just Jamie There's a lot at 'steak'
I'VE just caught up with my old pal Fred the Dread for the first time since Christmas -- and uncovered a terrible secret. Apparently it has been going on a while but, with the time and distance between us, I was completely blinded to it. He has turned
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New office block could create 70 jobs
UP to 70 new jobs could be created as work starts on a £1.7 million office block development in Blackpool. The 16,500 square feet development at Blackpool Business Park, off Squires Gate Lane, will be able to house six new companies that could generate
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Group to spotlight casino fears
A NEW coalition group has been formed in Blackpool to oppose the creation of more casinos in the resort. BCAGE (Blackpool Coalition Against Gambling Expansion) will be officially launched on January 17 at The Firgrove Hotel on Dixon Road, Blackpool. The
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Zoo staff shaken by 'anthrax' hoax
HOAXERS who sent a package containing death threats and white powder to Blackpool Zoo have still not been traced. And the powder, which is thought to be harmless, has still not been identified. The package was sent to the zoo in the week before Christmas
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Sands running out
ONE ENGLISHMAN'S home has become his sand-castle due to heavy sand drifts -- but Gordon Stanley fears the sands of time are running out for his Rossall home. Rossall Prom resident Mr Stanley, 50, says four foot sand-drifts spilling from the beach across
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Who'll pay for spies in cabs?
BADLY behaved passengers in Blackpool cabs could find themselves "starring" on screen very soon if they aren't careful... and not the Hollywood variety. Cabbies in Blackpool can now install CCTV in their taxis after the Public Protection Committee passed
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Town finances in 'weak state'
BLACKPOOL Council is financially "weak" and "under pressure" according to an official report. And a council tax rise could not be ruled out to tackle depleted reserves. According to district auditor Tim Watkinson's report the council's general fund fell
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Just Jamie There's a lot at 'steak'
I'VE just caught up with my old pal Fred the Dread for the first time since Christmas -- and uncovered a terrible secret. Apparently it has been going on a while but, with the time and distance between us, I was completely blinded to it. He has turned
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'Becks' won't bottle it
BURY are running the rule over an American trialist, writes PHIL THORP. Beckett Hollenbach is a 21-year-old College player from Maryland who has paid his own passage in search of a soccer career in the UK. He was recommended to Andy Preece by an associate
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Darren bowls back into the Racecourse
DARREN MICHAELSON will be returning to Radcliffe for the 2001 season. The opening bowler spent last summer playing in the Saddleworth League, but has opted for a return to the Racecourse. Steve Dearden will continue as professional and Graeme Simpson
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Premier Fives launch Ibiza Cup
PREMIER Fives, the Leverhulme Park-based 5-a-side football centre have launched the most prestigious competition in their four-year history, in association with the Bury Times Group and Worthington Creamflow Bitter. The Ibiza Cup takes place in February
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Goals galore as rammy edge it
LFA Marsden Trophy Second round Atherton LR...4 Ramsbottom United...5 BACK in September these two sides couldn't find a goal between them as they played out a 0-0 draw, On Tuesday night, on a pitch that was only just playable, they produced a game that
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Today's the day
1569: England's first state lottery was held. Tickets were obtainable from the West Door of St Paul's Cathedral in London. 1864: Charing Cross station opened in London. 1878: Milk was delivered in glass bottles for the first time. 1949: The first recorded
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This week in 1977 25 years ago
FISHY TALE: Anglers lodged their objections to plans to fill in two lodges in Brandlesholme. Members of the Bury District Angling Society said the lodges at Woodhill were a training grounds for budding fishermen and women and developing the site would
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Murder could cause a riot
MAYHEM rules at Darwen Library Theatre over the next four weeks thanks to productions from the town's Library Players and Blackburn Drama Club. The theatre is first host to the players' production of The Haunted Through Lounge and Recessed Dining Nook
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Gum in street is disgusting
IRECENTLY crossed Church Street in Blackburn and thought how nice and well laid the new cobbles looked. And then I saw it -- the dreaded chewing gum. These cobbles cost £2.5 million. This time next year, they will properly be covered in the disgusting
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Orbital route is working a treat
IHAVE to express my admiration of Blackburn's new orbital routes. It works a treat. There are as many cars on the road now as there were when the council started the work. But now it is near completion and traffic is directed away from the town centre
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Response would be appropiate
YOU invited readers to vote 'Yes' or 'No' on whether it was drivers who were to blame for all the confusion on Blackburn's recently-opened 'orbital route' (LET, December 21). The result was 26 per cent voting 'Yes' and 74 per cent voting 'No' (LET, December
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£5,000 National Lottery grant joy
MEMBERS of Parents Need Parents are celebrating after receiving a £5,000 National Lottery grant. The money, from the Lottery's Award for All programme, will allow the Leigh and Atherton group to further their work in supporting parents and children with
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Fleetwood Mac tribute band rocks into town
THE rumours are true! A Fleetwood Mac tribute band is coming to Blackpool. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac will appear in a stunning two hour live concert at the Grand Theatre on Feb 16. Critical acclaim followed their first UK tour in 2000. And with Mick Fleetwood
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Having a ball
CHARITIES are set to benefit from the Mayoral Charity Dinner and Ball next month. The event, organised by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Paul Nesbit, will be held at Radcliffe Civic Suite on Saturday, February 23. Tickets are priced £20 and include a five-course
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Crash blocks busy junction
RUSH hour traffic was reduced to a standstill on Monday morning (Jan 7) following a collision between two cars in Bury. The accident happened at the busy Manchester Road, Parkhills Road and Radcliffe Road junction at 8.30am. A blue Peugeot 205, driven
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Mayor delivers thanks to postal staff
POSTAL workers received the stamp of approval for their hard work over Christmas and new year, with a visit from the Mayor of Bury. Councillor Paul Nesbit went to the Wellington Street sorting offices of the Royal Mail to show his appreciation for the
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Young man's death still a puzzle
FURTHER medical investigations are being carried out into the death of a 21-year-old Bury man who collapsed at home on Christmas Eve. At the opening of an inquest, District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams was told that Lee Worsley, of Primrose Drive, had apparently
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Charity offices open
PUPILS and adults can receive extra help with their special educational and training needs. The new premises of Rathbone, a national charity, have opened in Bolton Road, Bury. One of the first visitors was Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, minister for young
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Suspect package in Preston
PRESTON was plunged into chaos today following an anthrax scare in the town centre. A suspect envelope, leaking powder, was sent to the Armed Forces Careers Office on Fishergate, starting a massive operation by emergency services. Fishergate was closed
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Legacy of pool tragedy toddler
A FAMILY today welcomed the safety legacy which followed their daughter's tragic holiday death and insisted: "This must never be allowed to happen again." Kirsty Wright fell into the spa pool while on a family holiday at the Greek resort of Kos, in October
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Authority could miss rubbish targets
COUNCILS like Bury will fail to reach their recycling targets unless the Government acts. So says local Euro MP Chris Davies, who says local authorities are struggling to cope with increased waste, never mind reduce it. By 2010, councils are due to recycle
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Company bosses get six-year ban
TWO bosses of a company which managed pubs in Bury and elsewhere in the North West have been banned from acting as company directors for six years. Joanne Grieves and Jonathan Lye were directors of Hogshead Investments Ltd which was involved in the management
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Residents want action over river road
A RIVERSIDE location may sound appealing to some home owners, but the only problem for a group of Radcliffe residents is that the "river" is supposed to be a road! They have been battling for Bury Council to do something about the state of the unadopted
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"Nuisance neighbour" fears over pub licence
A RADCLIFFE man fears a pub could become a nuisance neighbour and has enlisted the community in an attempt to thwart its plans. James Hennessey lives across the road from the Ainsworth Arms pub on Bury and Bolton Road and is concerned that an application
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Competition creates interest in health
CREATIVE youngsters from around the borough have been rewarded after competition success. They were taking part in this year's essay and poster competition, run locally by the SPD Trust to encourage interest in health education. The pupils have won certificates
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Cheeky land bid does not seal sale deal
WILDLIFE campaigners who lodged a cheeky bid to buy a picturesque nature spot in Elton for just £10 have had their offer turned down. Now, they hope to raise enough money to make a more realistic proposal to receivers, who have received other bids to
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Vila gets his kit on!
THE long wait is over. Vila Matautia will make his Leigh Centurions debut in Sunday's top-of-the-table showdown with Rochdale Hornets at Hilton Park. And the sparks could fly with Samoan hardman Matautia and Hornets' new recruit Paul Davidson likely to
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Can you help Sophie save the rainforests?
STUDENT Sophie Lawrenson is hoping for the adventure of a lifetime in Indonesia this summer. Sophie (20) has been given the opportunity to carry out conservation work in the rainforests and corals in South East Sulawesi, Indonesia. She is pictured pinpointing
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Midfield head to head clash
TOMORROW'S clash between Rovers and Charlton at Ewood will pitch together two of the most respected midfield maestros in the Premiership. Turkish ace Tugay already has a thriving fan club on the Blackburn End following some classy displays for Rovers
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Andy rarin' to go
HOT-SHOT striker Andy Cole today called on his team-mates to share the burden in the quest for goals as Rovers go in search of a vital Premiership victory against Charlton tomorrow. Graeme Souness's new club record signing has been charged with the task
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Library plan could transform town
PRESTON town centre could soon become home to a new multi-million-pound high tech library and museum. The proposal is part of the Tithebarn development project which could see the centre, near the bus station, transformed. Lancashire County Council chiefs
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Jubilee bash for nursery
IN THE year of the Queen's Golden Jubilee a Preston nursery school has its own reason to celebrate. Stoneygate Nursery School, in Stoneygate Walk, is toasting its 70th anniversary with a grand ceremony next month which will include the Mayor of Preston
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Diana award joy for brave pupil
A PRESTON schoolgirl with severe disabilities has shown unbelievable courage to scoop a prestigious national award. Munirah Bangee, 11, who attends Penwortham Girls' High School, Cop Lane, Preston, will receive the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award
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Michael's site set on netting pals
A NEW website giving graduates the chance to meet up with their old university pals has been launched by a Preston-born computer buff. Since going 'live' on Thursday, January 3, the free website -- www.graduamates.co.uk -- has had more than 100 hits from
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New bus for circus show
A PRESTON circus school is set to branch out thanks to a new bus. The Preston Community Circus School used to be confined to their regular meeting place, at the West View Leisure Centre, West View, Preston. But now, thanks to a grant, the group will be
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Fury over lap dance licence
SHOCKED business leaders have spoken out after a Preston town centre bar applied for permission to hold lap dancing. The licensee of Number 10 cafe bar, in Lune Street, contacted Preston Borough Council shortly after Christmas seeking permission to hold
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Reward offered to catch masked raiders
A £5,000 reward has been offered for the capture and conviction of the armed robbers who held up a security van in East Lancashire. Masked robbers forced Securicor van drivers to hand over boxes of cash as they were filling a cash machine outside the
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Court told of burglary victim's terror
A PENSIONER traumatised by a night-time raid on her home told a court she had to take medication afterwards and feared going to bed. Burnley Crown Court heard how Lee Watts, 31, was on the run from an open jail when he broke into the 73-year-old woman's
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Protest over drug counselling plan
TRADERS are planning to lodge formal objections against a proposal to open an alcohol and drug counselling service in the middle of a row of shops. The row surrounds a planning application to transform the former Dawson's Music Centre in Standish Street
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Psychologist to decide if animal is a danger
A COURT case to decide the fate of a dog accused of biting two people has been adjourned so he can be assessed by a psychologist. The fate of three-year-old Duke is now in the hands of a judge and it is up to a dog psychologist to decide if the animal
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'Play your part' plea to the people
THE people of Burnley must play a part in implementing the recommendations of the Task Force report, says its chairman Lord Clarke. Hundreds of people from voluntary and statutory organisations and members of the public packed into the James Hargreaves
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Public invited to have say
MEMBERS of the public are invited to attend the third meeting of the 'Friends of Walverden Park' and have their say on how the area is developed. It will be held at 1.30pm, on Sunday, January 13, at the United Reformed Church, at the junction of Brunswick
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Tough return to action for Hoppers
PRESTON Grasshoppers face a tough return to action on Saturday when they play host to high flying Sedgley Park. The visitors currently lie in second place in the National League Two, six points behind leaders Plymouth. Points are vital for Hoppers if
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Boys ready to pack a punch
YOUNG boxing stars from around the region will be stepping into the ring in a prestigious boxing tournament to be held in Preston. The Schoolboy Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) regional finals -- one of the amateur boxing world's best-loved events,
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CD sounds
A LOOK at the latest singles releases. GARBAGE: Cherry Lips (Mushroom) Shirley Manson, Butch Vig and the gang seem to have fallen from grace without ever really doing much wrong. It's a lifetime -- in chart terms -- since the power driven chords of Stupid
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Tonnes of grit used on roads
A STAGGERING 4,500 tonnes of grit were used on Lancashire's roads between December 28 and January 3. Much of this went on areas outside the urban core, which is the responsibility of the county council. A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said:
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Challenge on offer is hot!
LANCASHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is giving people in Preston and South Ribble a chance to take up their hot offer -- and gain a qualification in the process. In a joint effort with the Prince's Trust Volunteers, an organisation founded by Prince Charles
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Council tax set to rise
HOMEOWNERS in Preston and South Ribble could soon be hit by a massive council tax rise. Lancashire County Council chiefs have been hit by financial trouble after they received less money than expected from the Government for the coming year. But council
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Aussies back for baptisms
A PRESTON church was the holiday destination for an Australian couple who flew half way round the world to fulfil a family tradition. For Australian Damian Straede, 36, and his wife Sandra, 37, who was born in Preston, the church of St John Baptist in
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Five years ago
ONE OF Britain's best known public schools was host to one of the country's best known radio programmes when Any Questions came to the Ribble Valley. Several hundred people packed into the Centenaries Theatre at Stoneyhurst College for the long running
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Prince charmings...
A TEAM of Prince's Trust volunteers devised a wizard wheeze to help an Atherton school for the disabled. The magnificent seven conceived an Harry Potter adventure to row, run and cycle to the tallest tower in France in a bid to release DVDs captured and
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220 jobs axed at factory
A COMPANY which was once the area's biggest employer is axing 220 jobs and moving production to Asia. Factory workers are reeling from the news that they will lose their jobs at Volex Powercords -- less than five years after its new factory opened in
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Seminar on law
BURY businessmen and women are invited to attend a special one-day seminar in Manchester next month. An Introduction to Employment Law will be the topic to come under the spotlight at the event on February 20. It is being held at the Radisson SAS Hotel
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Now we need points -- and new signing
SATURDAY'S performance against the Premiership's Charlton showed just how much of a motivator Steve McMahon really is. This committed, passionate display by Pool must have given any neutral spectator difficulty in identifying which team was from the Premiership
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NW firms against new family policies
SMALL firms in the North West have come out strongly against Government plans to extend family-friendly work policies which could potentially cost UK businesses at least £130 annually. A new survey from Yell has disclosed that more than a third of small
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Work for all
A CARE agency run by two local businessmen is embracing a strict "work for all" policy to benefit those with physical and learning disabilities. And Alex Percival and Mark Bradley are appealing for people to provide a valuable input into a focus group
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Wired for success
AT the age when most boys read comics, Chris O'Donnell liked nothing more than to pore over wiring and electronic catalogues. And when he fitted an alarm system at his parent's home at the age of 14, his career path was never in doubt. Now, at the tender
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Crumbs! Cake 'mountain' raises £120 for charity
"LET them eat cake!" was the cry of fund-raising sixth formers at a Lytham school. The King Edward VII and Queen Mary School students sold more than 600 cakes and buns to their class mates, raising more than £120 for the BBC's Children In Need appeal.
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Stan could make loan move
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has not ruled out bringing in a loan star -- but only if the deal is right. The Clarets manager is currently denied six members of his first team squad through injury, but has said he will not act in haste. Skipper Steve Davis
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Branch could be back
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent is hoping to continue a happy run of results against Wimbledon. The last four meetings between the clubs have seen Burnley win three and draw one game, and the Clarets' last trip to Selhurst Park -- the Dons adopted home -- also
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Neighbours to the rescue
A FAULTY electric blanket caused a Lytham pensioner to flee her blazing bedroom. Helen Speake, 84, woke to find herself covered by a burning electric blanket at her bungalow in Southfold Place, on January 9, and was saved by neighbours rushing to her
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Snatched from Jaws of death
ONE Blackpool pigeon was in a flap until it was rescued from a very fishy situation! The avian antics began when an eagle-eyed passer-by saw the hapless bird stuck to the tail of a replica giant shark above the back of Blackpool's promenade Sea-Life Centre
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Warriors fans urged to act
WIGAN Warriors fans with season tickets for last year's Tetley's Super League season have until Friday to renew their seat for next season. The club reports very healthy season ticket sales with less than two months to go before Grand Final winners Bradford
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Band finds missing treasure with BT help
THE Bury Times has been praised for helping to reunite Besses O' th' Barn Senior Band with a stolen boar's head. The prized possession, which was presented to the world-famous band during a tour of New Zealand in 1906, was taken during a raid at its base
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Car stolen hours after failed hijack
THIEVES stole a £35,000 Mercedes Benz eight hours after the owner's wife fought off two masked raiders who tried to hijack the vehicle. And attempts to secure the card behind two other cars in the driveway of the owner's Park Road home in Prestwich later
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Internet free for all offer from libraries
FREE and cut-price Internet sessions are starting as Bury Council tries to bring the world wide web to everyone. The New Year brings the first projects in a plan to provide free access to the Internet and computers by 2003. Some £550,000, from the council
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Refuse service gets new green machines
WHEN it comes to cleaning up, Bury's refuse collection team are anything but rubbish. For not only is the service one of the council's most efficient when it comes to collecting waste from the borough's homes and businesses, but, thanks to the purchase
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Burst pipe floods school
THE big winter freeze hit hard at two Whitefield schools, forcing them to open a day later than expected after the festive break. Staff at St Bernadette's RC Primary School, in Abingdon Avenue, faced a major clean-up operation over the weekend after a
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Twinning secretary retires
ONE of the founders of Bury's Twinning Association, who helped fuse links with foreign towns, has retired. Mr Ronald Schwarz had held the post of secretary and publicity officer for the past 18 years. He stepped down at the Association's annual general
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Popular nature project hopes to continue
A SUCCESSFUL two-year project to show children the wonders of the woodland has certainly equipped pupils with strict "green" credentials. And they hope further cash will be secured to allow the initiative to continue when its present funding runs out
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Happy to go it alone
CLARETS striker Ian Moore has no fears about flying solo at Wimbledon tomorrow. Moore looks set to be employed as a lone striker as Burnley travel to Selhurst Park seeking their second success at the London venue in six weeks. Moore struck twice as the
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Andy rarin' to go
HOT-SHOT striker Andy Cole today called on his team-mates to share the burden in the quest for goals as Rovers go in search of a vital Premiership victory against Charlton tomorrow. Graeme Souness's new club record signing has been charged with the task
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Rhythmical first class acts
THE Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall has become established over the past couple of years as one of the major jazz venues in the north and any number of major internationally-known musicians have appeared there. One of the main reasons that established players
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Still thumping after all these years
CHUMBAWAMBA have always been mavericks, always politically outspoken and often controversial, but against all odds they are about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first live show. Featuring Danbert Nobacon, Alice Nutter, Boff and Lou Watts from
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Barmaid murder case: Custody remand
A MAN charged with murdering a Darwen woman who hoped to become a nurse has appeared in court. Gareth Richard Horton, 29, of Walmsley Street, Darwen, was remanded in custody until February 21 by an Old Bailey court. He was charged on New Year's Day with
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Prison for sex taunt attack
A MAN who carried out a knife attack, taunting his victim about a conviction for sexual abuse, has been jailed for three years. But a court heard that attacker Bernard Edwards had also carried out indecent assaults himself in the past. Preston Crown Court
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Licence to stage weddings again
THE owners of a popular hotel have applied to county council bosses for permission to renew their licence to hold marriage ceremonies. If you have objections to marriages being held at Foxfields, Whalley Road, should write to Graham Harding, Environment
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Jan's sporting first
SKATERS, bladers and BMX-ers have welcomed the country's first extreme sports development worker in to their midst. Jan Johnson has taken up the post created in Wigan in response to a huge demand from youngsters for extreme sports facilities in the area
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Rebecca on track for National
A YOUNG horse racing enthusiast is on track to be only the second female jockey to ride in the Grand National. Rebecca Davies, aged 17, graduated this week from The British Racing School in Newmarket, after completing a nine-week foundation course. The
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Park and ride like an ice rink
WHERE have the gritters been on Preston's park and ride? The place has been a deathtrap during this cold weather. In fact it has been more of an ice rink than a safe place to park. The park and ride must earn Preston Bus thousands each year. I recently
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Monkeying around in Beatles' land
OLIVER Przybysz had two goals when he joined a band -- to make it big and to play the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool. And while fame and fortune might be a little way off, achieving his other ambition later this month may help pave his band's way
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Nothing to hide
PATRICK Malahide is a familiar face on our TV screens, perhaps best known as long-suffering Detective Sergeant Chisholm in Minder, in which he starred for five series. But now he is taking to the stage for the first time in four years, on our own doorstep
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Rhythmical first class acts
THE Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall has become established over the past couple of years as one of the major jazz venues in the north and any number of major internationally-known musicians have appeared there. One of the main reasons that established players
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Date
Still thumping after all these years
CHUMBAWAMBA have always been mavericks, always politically outspoken and often controversial, but against all odds they are about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first live show. Featuring Danbert Nobacon, Alice Nutter, Boff and Lou Watts from
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Bid for a world-class future
BLACKPOOL is gambling on £15m of European funding to help to turn the resort into a world-class tourist destination. A 200-page bid -- entitled Sea Change in Blackpool -- has been submitted by Blackpool Challenge Partnership, and the town could find out
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They go like the wind!
LYTHAM beach is set to get really racy this September as the venue for the Parakarting World Championships Parakarting is one of the latest wind-powered adrenaline sports, combining the power and manoeuvrability of a four-line parafoil (similar to a paraglider
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Cool £1.2m for road hot-spot
ACCIDENT hot-spots in Blackpool are being targeted as part of a £1.2 million plan to make roads safer. Phase one of Blackpool Borough Council's Plymouth Road Integrated Transport Scheme got under way this week -- as work began to install traffic lights
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Heading for the stars!PIC:Katey11)
STARDOM could be in the script for three aspiring actresses from Ansdell after they beat thousands of hopefuls to scoop TV contracts with the BBC. Katey Siddall from Hilton Avenue and 17-year-old twins Laura and Rebekah Mansfield from Rossall Road are
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Money scheme pays off
A REVOLUTIONARY money lending scheme aimed at tackling debt problems and thwarting loan sharks has seen a "phenomenal" response since its launch, said its manager. East Lancs Moneyline -- which offers loans to people refused by banks -- is booked up until
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'Massive' DIY store for town
PLANS have been unveiled for a massive new DIY superstore to be built in the heart of Blackburn. But the identity of the new shop remains a mystery, even though a planning application for the site has been submitted to councillors. Blackburn with Darwen
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'Massive' DIY store for town
PLANS have been unveiled for a massive new DIY superstore to be built in the heart of Blackburn. But the identity of the new shop remains a mystery, even though a planning application for the site has been submitted to councillors. Blackburn with Darwen
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Legacy of pool tragedy toddler
A FAMILY today welcomed the safety legacy which followed their daughter's tragic holiday death and insisted: "This must never be allowed to happen again." Kirsty Wright fell into the spa pool while on a family holiday at the Greek resort of Kos, in October
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Ban avoided
SALE'S England flanker Alex Sanderson, who grew up in Rossendale, was yesterday found guilty of misconduct by the Rugby Football Union after spitting during Sale's Premiership defeat at Leicester last month. But the RFU admitted that Sanderson hadn't
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Welcome back Shaun
PADIHAM manager Graham Howarth is hoping to welcome back Shaun Kendal to the side to face Chadderton at home tomorrow. Kendal broke his ankle in the NWCL Second Division game against Colne late last year but has played in the reserves and could get a
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Bailey looking to charge
NELSON are hoping to do what tomorrow's opponents Blackpool Mechanics did earlier in the season - and charge up the NWCL Division Two table. Mechanics had a slow start but are up in contention and the Blues are desperate to get back among the chasing
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Keep up good work
DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes wants his side to carry on the good work at Oldham Town tomorrow after their superb 4-2 win over Morecambe on Tuesday. Wilkes saw his side twice come from behind to beat the Conference promotion hopefuls - who this week went
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Giving an helping hand
FORMER Rover Glen Keeley is back at Colne to help boss John Lister's charge for a top six spot in NWCL Division Two. Keeley, 47, came last season but injury and work commitments had forced him to take a backseat at Holt House. "He will bring an added
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Cannabis gives relief from pain
WE work in the North West for a well-established charity as part of their community support project. Much of our time is spent with individuals who have multiple sclerosis and who take cannabis in various forms. Without doubt the drug has a very positive
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Please support shopworkers
I AM sure that your readers, like me, had had enough of shopping by the time the shops shut on Christmas Eve and they looked forward to a day at home with friends and family on December 25th. That is the kind of Christmas Day that we want for Britain's
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Ashton Gardens 'is not a fait accompli'
I AM in agreement with some of the sentiments expressed by the writer of the letter regarding the Fylde Borough Council meeting of December 3. Attending this meeting against medical advice, as I had bronchitis and was walking with the aid of crutches
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World must listen to mothers
IN a world of turmoil at the time when we think of Peace on Earth, can I bring to your readers some of the most moving words ever spoken in the European Parliament. The Sakharov Prize is awarded by the European Parliament to those who work for freedom
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No...
BOTH police and the council admit Blackburn town centre can be a dangerous and violent place to be. But they also stress that it is much safer than in the past due to a member of schemes to tackle violence. Coun Maureen Bateson said: "There are many areas
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Ambulances were skidding
I LIVE on the main access route from the motorway to Fairfield Hospital, and from I witnessed during the recent winter weather I can positively say that Bury Metro do not give two hoots about people's safety. On the day it snowed, I watched helplessly
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Bus maps give a better service
I COULDN'T agree more with your headline on Mrs B. Briggs' letter: "Buses: still a lot to do" (Yours Truly, Dec 13). Greater Manchester Passenger Authority is aiming to achieve a fully integrated, accessible, reliable and comfortable public transport
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Is money being spent wisely?
I WONDER whether Bury Metropolitan Borough Council has got its priorities right? Some time ago, they spent a great deal of money altering the road layout in the centre of Bury. We were told that it would be safer for everyone, especially pedestrians.
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Council gritters were out at 4am
I WOULD Iike to clarify the position with regard to winter gritting operations. The council's emergency control room does receive regular reports from the Meteorological Office regarding the weather and, despite the fact that there is no legal responsibility
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Whining town hall staff have it too easy
THE real reason why motorists dislike and distrust speed cameras which have sprung up all over the UK, is not because they bring honest motorists onto the fringes of criminality, but because they bring us into contact with "council persons". The police
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Lottery 'winner' that wasn't
I DIDN'T put my usual lottery numbers on for the first time on Saturday and three came up. Ain't that just typical. Sod's Law strikes again!
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Woman, 74, in mugging ordeal
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 74-year-old woman was mugged in Prestwich. The victim was at the Metrolink Station in Prestwich at 3.15pm on Wednesday, when she was approached by a man from behind and hit on the head with an unknown object.
