Archive
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Mel wins final
MEL Wallwork furthered his claims for a county call-up with a thrilling win over John Mullen in the final of the Botanical Gardens Open Darts tournament. Wallwork, nearing his 57th birthday, enthralled a large crowd with scores of 180, 160 and 140 on
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Snatch attempt man in court
A 43-year-old man was due to appear in court today charged with attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl on her way home from school. Keith Gerard Worswick, of Snowden Avenue, Blackburn is alleged to have followed the girl before grabbing her by the arm
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Go by bus -- but they're off!
REGARDING the chaos resulting from the new traffic directions in Blackburn and the subsequent lack of gritting, Lisa Brooks (Letters, January 3) said that motorists should travel by bus. What buses? She who lives near Darwen wants to get real, especially
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Kitten let down by the RSPCA
ITOTALLY agree with Shazia Hussain's criticism of the RSPCA (Letters, January 9). Last year, a kitten became trapped up a tree at the back of our house. It was there for three days in winter, crying pitifully. I rang the RSPCA, only to be told to leave
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MP's jobs fear at crisis factory
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham and Hope Carr councillor Kevin Anderson met with management and staff at Volex to discuss the future, after the large-scale redundancies announced last week. Around 220 jobs are to be axed at Volex Powercords, based in Greenfold
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'Leaver at Large' could be much less
THANK you for your comical look at our new 'Lose the Spare Tyre' campaign in your Leaver at Large column (LET, January 2). Many of your facts were correct -- we do have thousands of pounds of sponsors prizes to give away. We do want to encourage people
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Smith thrives on route one
IT wasn't pretty stuff but Alex Smith didn't seem to mind as he help himself to a route one style hat-trick for leaders Ossie Juniors. The powerful front runner strike twice in the first half and completed his treble just after the restart with a real
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Head urged to get tough
ACTING head teacher Joan Hayselden was today urged by government officials to clamp down hard on the troublemakers blighting Moorhead High School. The move came as the Department of Education and Skills revealed the Accrington school was receiving an
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Centurions to take a welcome weekend off
LEIGH Centurions will take the advantage of a free weekend to take a rare break from the extended NFP season, writes David Magilton. The players will train every day this week but have the weekend off. "It will give several of the guys time to recover
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Souey looks to Old Trafford
ROVERS boss Souness now switches his attentions to Saturday's showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford and he admits David Dunn's recent performances could leave him with a difficult selection poser if Garry Flitcroft is considered fit enough to
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Who said what...
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness was pleased to see his unsettled striker Ciccio Grabbi get on the score sheet. He said: "We let ourselves down in the final half an hour. We were 3-0 up and we should have made it an exhibition for our fans. "I was pleased Grabbi
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Please give me a chance
ITALIAN striker Ciccio Grabbi last night begged for the chance to prove he can still be a success in England after helping to fire Rovers into the fourth round of the FA Cup. Graeme Souness's £6.75 million signing from Ternana scored for only the second
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It's a fine place
I HAVE been a regular (should that be hardcore?) customer at the Warehouse for about two and a half years. I don't do drugs, smoke or even drink. The only stimulant I need is good music and at the Warehouse you get a style of dance music that isn't played
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Grabbi-ng the glory
ITALIAN striker Ciccio Grabbi last night ended months of personal torment by scoring the goal which put Rovers on course for a meeting with the Lions. Handed a recall by manager Graeme Souness, Rovers' £6.75 million summer signing responded with his first
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Special team will combat arsonists
BURNLEY'S growing arson problem is to be tackled by a new combined team of fire and police officers. The Arson Reduction Team will look at ways of sharing information and forming strategies to pour cold water on a crime which is on the rise. The team
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Leader of BNP jailed
A BRITISH National Party leader is beginning a three month prison sentence after falsifying nomination papers for last year's county council elections. Stephen Smith, who got more than 4,000 votes when he stood for the party in the General Election, admitted
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Riddle of toddler's cot death
A TEENAGE mum today spoke of her love for the 14-month-old daughter who collapsed in her cot after an inquest was told the mystery of her death may never be solved. Carolyn Jones, 17, was told in return she would never know why her daughter Paige Jade
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Canal plan problems
LORRIES packed with contaminated rubble could be rolling through Lancaster every three minutes unless ambitious plans to float a barge down the Lune become a reality. Planners and the North-West Development Agency have pledged to look into the possible
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TV game show needs contestants
COULD you imagine owning your own home - with no mortgage to pay? A TV production company is looking for Lancaster people willing to take part in a Channel 5 game show which could see them walking away with their own new house. Hot Property, to be filmed
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Prentice joins the rebels
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice last night joined a rebellion of 26 Labour MPs over government plans for the future of patient involvement in the NHS. The rebels supported an amendment to the NHS Reform and Health Care Professions Bill put forward by David
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Town centre revamp
BRIERFIELD residents are being invited to have their say on how half a million pounds could be spent to improve the town centre. A public meeting will be held next week to consider ways to spend £250,000 secured by Pendle Council from Pendle Partnership
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Woman died after falling down stairs
AN inquest opened yesterday at Burnley magistrates' court into the death of a Colne pensioner who died in Burnley General Hospital on January 11. A post-mortem examination showed Kathleen Brown, of Slater Avenue, died after suffering head injuries. Coroner's
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'Asians and whites need to build links'
BOTH sides of the community must get together in a bid to sort out the violence which has left an Accrington school under police guard, a governor has warned. County Councillor Jean Battle told said: "I've been involved with what's going at Moorhead High
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Ring of steel plan to protect school
COUNCIL bosses have given permission for problem-plagued Moorhead High School to be protected by a metal shield. Less than 24 hours after the playground clashes which resulted in 16 youths being suspended, permission was given for 2.4metre-high fences
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Violence 'driving teachers to quit'
THE sort of behaviour which left pupils injured and police guarding Moorhead High School in Accrington this week was driving teachers out of the job in droves, an East Lancashire teachers' leader warned today. Simon Jones, divisional secretary for the
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Police scheme raises Commons concern
ROWDY gang gatherings are an annoying problem which can not be solved overnight, according to police. In response to MP Andy Burnham's concerns about the problem of unruly youths in the Leigh area, and how best they should be dealt with -- a point raised
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Bailiffs, police in eviction row
POLICE were brought in to forcibly enter a house after the occupants rejected a court eviction notice following a legacy wrangle. Bailiffs arrived at Hillside Avenue in Atherton on Tuesday afternoon with the intention of removing Frank Ormesher, his daughters
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Head urged to get tough
ACTING head teacher Joan Hayselden was today urged by government officials to clamp down hard on the troublemakers blighting Moorhead High School. The move came as the Department of Education and Skills revealed the Accrington school was receiving an
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Arsonist is jailed for four years
A MENTALLY ill man tried to set fire to his neighbour's flat after his wife left him. Bolton Crown Court heard how on two occasions, burning newspapers were pushed through the letter box of a Leigh flat. Prosecutor Mark Rhind said George Smith-Whittle
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Beer bash will help disease sufferers
THE big Bent and Bongs Beer Bash bash starts at Atherton's Formby Hall at 6pm on Thursday, January 31, and runs through to February 2. Since the festival began, Atherton and Tyldesley Round Tablers have raised more than £100,000 for good causes. For the
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Man denies threat to burn police
A MAN at the centre of a police siege in a Golborne terraced street denied sprinkling petrol around his home or threatening to burn police. At Bolton Crown Court, Alun Evans also denied threatening to blow the entire street up by igniting the petrol and
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Flying high down memory lane
AS SPECULATION mounts over the future of Manchester's first airport, a former Atherton aircraft worker visited the site for the first time since the 1940s. When 88-year-old Les Manley took a trip down memory lane by visiting Barton aerodrome, he looked
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It couldn't be simpler
THE thisislancashire site now has a simple contents bar running across the top of each page allowing you to get to your favourite sections easily. You will also see on the frontpage a 'Inside Thisislancashire Today' box that highlights the site's popular
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Bay-ing for an insight
AS US forces move al-Qaida prisoners to America's base in Cuba, the U.S. Naval Station's History of Guantanamo Bay offers an extensive look at how the Americans gained a foothold in the island nation. There is a history section on the site (http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil
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Apple iMac tempting for a taste
HAVE you seen it yet? The new Apple iMac looks great and takes computer design one step ahead of the competition. The new machine is Apple's most adventurous creation yet with a sleek flat-panel screen, heralding what many see as "the death of the cathode
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We're behind you all the way, Andy
At long last we have an MP who knows how to stand up in the House of Commons and put a case for his constituency. Yes, I agree with all that he says about the police reaction to vandalism, but also have some sympathy for the police. I know how I would
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We must object to law reforms
Few people realise that a Government consultation is taking place, with only until January 31 to respond. As someone with years of work in the legal system, I feel obliged to speak out. Our legal tradition is one of fair trial by one's peers. Innocence
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Morecambe could take on Southport
MORECAMBE could face local rivals Southport again after winning through to the fourth round of the FA Trophy. The in-form Shrimps will take on Phil Wilson's side at Christie Park after easing through the third round with a comfortable 2-0 victory over
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Park hosts orienteering championship
LANCASTER'S Williamson Park is to provide a spectacular backdrop for a major sporting event later this year. The UK's leading orienteers in all age categories will take part in the British Sprint Orienteering Championship, which takes place in the park
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Scrappy affair ends in tie
Brian Welch's injury time brace rescued a point for City in a scrappy affair at the Giant Axe on Tuesday night. But City boss Tony Hesketh believes the Blues could and should have claimed all three points. Lancaster City 3 Barrow 3. Welch's first was
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TV experiment with football match
MORECAMBE could find themselves embroiled in one of the most bizarre TV experiments in footballing history if a much-touted link up between Channel 4 and Stevenage Borough goes ahead. Apparently, the Shrimps' Conference rivals have agreed to take part
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Mitch is back
EXPERIENCED defender Mitchell Thomas returned to action for the Clarets after five months out through injury but he was not on the field when the floodgates opened. The former Tottenham and Luton star managed 50 minutes of action in his first outing since
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Clarets close in on £1m Blake
THE Clarets have confirmed that they have agreed a fee with Division One rivals Bradford City for Robbie Blake. Burnley manager Stan Ternent, who has been tracking the player for some time, has reportedly matched the club's record with a £1million fee
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South Africans get jazzy
WIGAN Jazz Club presents South Africans Mike Rossi, on saxophone, and pianist Darious Brubeck, alongside Wigan Jazz Club Big Band. The show starts at 12.30pm on Sunday, January 27, at the Mill at the Pier. Admission is £5 and £4 concession. For more information
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He's behind you
TICKETS are now on sale for Joseph's Players' pantomime production of The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, at St Joseph's Hall in Chapel Street, Leigh, runs from January 30 until February 2, then from February 5-9. Tickets cost £5 adults and £3 children
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Legendary ballet comes to town
TCHAIKOVSKY'S Nutcracker is showing at Manchester's Opera House for one week only. Yuri Grigorovich's production of the legendary Russian ballet will visit the city as part of its five-week UK tour from Monday, January 28, until Saturday, February 2.
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Win Blackpool Winter Gardens exhibit tickets
AN EXHIBITION featuring the treasures of Tutankhamun and the Egyptian Pharaohs will be on display at Blackpool's Winter Gardens from February 2. The £3.5 million exhibition 'Tutankhanmun and the Treasures of the Pharaohs' features more than 300 exact
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Premiere time
BOLTON'S Octagon presents the premiere of Sebastian Barry's Hinterland Tour. Set in a Dublin mansion, Hinterland is a lyrical and epic portrait of Johnny Silvester, a statesman father, who finds himself revisited by a dubious past. Featuring Patrick Malahide
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Churches bring Puss to town
PANTOMIME is late visiting Boothstown this year, but the wait promises to be worthwhile. Cinbads (churches together) presents its fourth production, Puss in Boots, which tells the story of Harry and his incredible talking cat, Puss. The show, to be performed
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King of the swingers...
ANDY Prior and His Orchestra appear in a must-see show for any 'Big Band Sound' fan at Bolton's Albert Halls on February 1. Leigh's master musician has long been recognised as the finest swing singer Britain has ever produced. Since his early days as
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Digital developments
THE next stage of work on a £265 million digital network programme has begun in Skerton this week. Omne communications has promised it will work to minimise inconvenience to local residents in the area as it fits its new network this week and has pledged
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Lancaster actor stars in Hollywood movie
FORMER Lancaster Royal Grammar School pupil Neil Claxton appears alongside Hollywood stars Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack in the new film Serendipity. The project is the latest in a string of successes for Mint Royale, the band that Neil, 28, and his
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Police need volunteers
LANCASHIRE Police Authority is looking for independent visitors to check on the welfare of people in police custody. Independent custody visitors scrutinise the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are held and should have no direct
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Atherton RU Juniors 83pts, Glossop Juniors 12
Awesome Atherton ATHERTON rugby union juniors made a runaway start to the new year with a 83-12 victory over Glossop. Newcomers Kyle Neal and Nicky Marsh made impressive debuts, Neal bagging three tries and Marsh two. James Harrison proved to be as reliable
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Colls go to Town
ATHERTON Colls clinched a first ever appearance in the semi finals of the NWCL League Cup with a superb 2-1 away win at Newcastle Town. Tom Foster and Dennis Haslam's lads player their hearts out to fully deserved victory in the Worthington Challenge
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Leigh U11s 33pts, Sedgeley Park 7
Juniors enjoy win THE Sedgeley Park under 11s side was much improved on the one Leigh beat 21-0 earlier in the season but they couldn't prevent a 33-7 loss. Sedgeley's defensive kicking was inspired and it was nip and tuck throughout the first half which
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Brave Centurions grab a derby draw
Centurions 14 Hornets 14 by David Magilton: A POINT dropped or a point saved; there are two ways to look at the result of Leigh's energy sapping Lancashire derby draw. The two sides went into the game sporting 100 per cent records and considering Leigh
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Clarets close in on £1m Blake
THE Clarets have confirmed that they have agreed a fee with Division One rivals Bradford City for Robbie Blake. Burnley manager Stan Ternent, who has been tracking the player for some time, has reportedly matched the club's record with a £1million fee
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Please give me a chance
ITALIAN striker Ciccio Grabbi last night begged for the chance to prove he can still be a success in England after helping to fire Rovers into the fourth round of the FA Cup. Graeme Souness's £6.75 million signing from Ternana scored for only the second
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Model students help cancer charities
HAIR and beauty students at the Wigan and Leigh College Image Centre gave make-overs to fellow students and raised cash for breast cancer charities.CL
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Art for novices
BUDDING artists can take their own paints and paper and join painting for beginners classes in the dance hall each Monday at the British Legion Club, Windermere Road between 7pm and 9pm. Further information from Janet on 01942 601132.
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Brass brings in the brass
THE Blackburn and Darwen Second Brass Band helped bring a tuneful end to a church's fundraising. The Central United Reformed Church, Duckworth Street, Darwen, was opened last year but elders still needed to pay for some of the work. So they held several
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MP's surgery
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham will be available tomorrow from 6.30pm-7.15pm at Hindley Town Hall, and from 7.30pm-8.15pm at The Sanctuary Church at the Bethel, Hindley Green. On Saturday, he will be at 10 Market Street, Leigh (10am-11am). His Market Street office
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College earns top marks for travel
STAFF and students at Wigan and Leigh College are celebrating a Centre of Excellence award from Ttento -- the Travel, Tourism Services and Events National Training Organisation. It is the only college in the north west to receive the accolade. Head of
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New ambulances take to the streets
A NEW fleet of wheelchair friendly non-emergency ambulances is hitting the streets. Greater Manchester Ambulance Service has bought 41 wheelchair-accessible vehicles to improve its non-emergency patient transport service. The new vehicle -- called the
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Objectors fail to stop vehicle plan
A GOLBORNE business has been given permission to change the use of its premises -- despite a handful of objections for local residents. Wigan Council planners have approved a retrospective application from storage and distribution business Star Services
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Top trio take title
A LEIGH team which won the Passport 2002 Traithlon were presented with their certificates by former Great Britain and Wigan rugby league star Phil Clarke. Sasha McGovern and John Corbett, both aged 19, and 18-year-old Will Sullivan, won the over-18 mixed
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New agency tackles diseases
HEALTH services are set to work closely with a new government agency established to combat infectious diseases. The new National Infection Control and Health Protection Agency will work on preventing and controlling infectious diseases like vCJD and HIV
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MEP wants airlines to pay for delays
NEW proposals from the European Commission will bring an end to passengers waiting helplessly at airports because their flights have been delayed or cancelled. Changes would mean existing cover for scheduled flights will now include non-scheduled flights
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New head for college
THE new principal of Wigan and Leigh College is former engineer and lecturer Jim Crewdson. He lectured at Blackpool and Blackburn colleges, before becoming principal of South Kent College in 1997. He lives in Preston with his wife, Brenda. In his youth
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Earthy fare that you can really dig
A LIGHT dish featuring good, wholesome ingredients from the soil feature in this week's culinary creation from Nigel Smith, of the Feilden's Arms, Mellor Brook. Crushed potato and leek terrine: Ingredients: 1lb new potatoes, peeled 2 medium size leeks
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Radio staff flee generator fire
STAFF from the BBC Radio Lancashire building in Blackburn were evacuated when an electricity generator burst into flames. Fire crews were called to the building in Darwen Street at 3pm yesterday. The generator was being used after a power cut which left
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'Tragic' doctor's fatal drugs dose
A RETIRED doctor killed himself with a massive overdose of medication prescribed for him. Blackburn GP Dr Dibya Jyoti Mukherji had been forced to retire when he became totally blind 16 years earlier, an inquest was told. Despite his disability he administered
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Shipman affair brings rise in GP complaints
PATIENTS have inundated health watchdogs with complaints against their GPs and hospitals following the case of killer doctor Harold Shipman. Watchdogs believe that as a result of the Shipman scandal, people are less trusting of their doctors and health
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Show us true grit, council bosses urged
COUNCIL bosses have been told to get their act together over gritting the roads in a bid to prevent the borough grinding to a halt in cold weather chaos. A council watchdog has called for all roads where it is practically possible to be treated -- even
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What to do on Sunday
Weekly: Modern sequence dancing: Greenmount Old School. Details 724 8225. Bury Group IAM, Mosses Centre, Cecil Street, Bury, Advanced motorist courses. Karate (6 to adult): Elton Centre, David Street, Bury 6pm - 8pm. Details 764 6843. Northern Link for
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What to do on Fridays
Weekly: Mixed dancing 50/50. Bury Polish Club, Back East St, 8pm-11.15pm. Members £2, non-members £2.50. Details 01706 366772. Recorded Music Circle, 7-9.15pm. Arts Crafts Centre, Broad Street, Bury. Tots & Co: Play for kids, chat for parents, refreshments
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What to do on Thursdays
Every Week: Mother toddler group: St Thomas's church, Rochdale Rd, Bury 10am-noon. Details 764 1157. Mother & toddler group: Elton Centre, David Street, Bury 1pm-3.15pm. Rascals Group (5-8 year-olds) 6pm-7.30pm. Youth Club (13+) 7.30pm-10pm. Details
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What to do on Tuesday
Weekly: Sunnybank Community Centre. Over 40s night. 8-10pm. Alternate Sunday walks. Derby Players dramatic soc. 7.30pm Mosses Ctr, Bury. John 797 7464, Jayne 763 3622 or call in. Gingerbread single parents group meet 6-8pm Besses Community Centre, annexe
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What to do on Monday
Every Monday: Age Concern organise sport and dance activities for the over 50s at the Jubilee Centre, Mosley Avenue, Bury, Mondays to Fridays. For full details ring 0161 763 9030. Parent toddler group 1pm-3pm St James' Church Hall, Walshaw Rd, Bury. Details
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Plan of attack
THE Lancashire Marsden Trophy quarter final game between Accrington Stanley and Leigh RMI at the Crown Ground will be played on Wednesday, January 30 at 7.45pm. John Coleman will be keen to test his UniBond Premier side against the Conference outfit.
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Blackburn Harriers new room
BLACKBURN Harriers have acquired their own exclusive facility in Witton Park for the first time. Having moved to their current base just after the Second World War, they had been unable to build a club house in the public park, but now Blackburn with
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A mixed weekend for the Hawks
BLACKBURN Hawks experienced mixed fortunes in a demanding weekend programme. They were delighted after securing an English National Hockey League victory over Bradford Bulldogs. But they then came down to earth 24 hours later with an English Cup thrashing
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Show will go on
THE North West's most prolific race organiser has declared that it will be business as usual this year after initial fears that new regulations could decimate his calendar. Andy O' Sullivan from Rochdale Harriers has been promoting events in the Rochdale
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No cleaning, we're pregnant
MUMS-to-be up the chances of miscarriage every time they use a vacuum cleaner, a US boffin has warned. Electro-magnetic fields they give off can double the risk, according to a study of more than 1,000 women in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. What a
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Enough monkey business
THE PG Tips monkeys are being replaced in adverts by animated birds from the Wallace and Grommit studio. The chimps were first seen on Christmas Day, 1956, and took the brand of tea to the top. All good things come to an end, but at least the ads raised
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School could hit plan for six
THE future of Cams Lane running track and the ambitions of Radcliffe Cricket Club could hinge on Radcliffe High School. The high school is the steward of the Bury Council-owned track and will have a major say in how the site is developed. But headteacher
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10 YEARS AGO: Satellite installation
SATELLITE TV was installed at East Lancashire police stations to help keep convicts entertained. Police bosses at Colne and Bacup beamed into BSkyB after they found the cost of hiring video films for prisoners held in local police cells was rocketing.
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FIVE YEARS AGO: Pigeons poser
PIGEONS scoffing a daily feast of chappattis and grain infuriated residents of a Blackburn street. Angry locals claimed the number of birds near their Belle Vue Street homes had increased dramatically since neighbours began feeding them by the bucket,
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Pensioner rescued
FIREFIGHTERS rescued an unconscious pensioner from her smoke-filled kitchen. She had collapsed and hit her head after a chip pan fire. They were called to the house in Higher Antley Street, Accrington at 6.15pm yesterday. Winifred Richards, the 81-year-old
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Students put skills to stable-building
CONSTRUCTION students are using their skills to help a charity in need. Brick work apprentices from Accrington and Rossendale College have begun building five new stables for the Only Foals & Horses charity in Oswaldtwistle. The 15 students, along
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Bottom of GCSE league
MOORHEAD High School has the worst GCSE pass rate of all the schools in the Accrington area. Figures from the Government's department for education and skills show just 22 per cent of the 198 pupils taking GCSEs at Moorhead last year gained five or more
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Co-op plan could pay dividends
A DERELICT building will be transformed into an art shop, wine and coffee bar and restaurant, creating more than 20 jobs. Harwood House, Great Harwood, which started life in 1910 as the Jubilee Building and was owned by the Co-op, was a huge operation
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Former head upset, but says things can improve
A FORMER head teacher of Accrington Moorhead High School today spoke of his sadness at the gang violence which has hit the school. Terry Neville, 66, who retired from the Queens Road West school in 1991 after eight years' service, said that he could not
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Police plane will help tackle crime
GREATER Manchester Police have unveiled a fixed-wing plane in addition to the force's state-of-the-art helicopter in the fight against crime. The BN2T-4S Defender 4000 will be bought from Isle of Wight manufacturers Britten Norman, and features state-of-the-art
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Station bid is on track
CAMPAIGNERS for a new train station in Golborne put forward their case to a transport chief this week. Leigh MP Andy Burnham, Wigan Council Leader Lord Peter Smith, and Makerfield MP Ian McCartney, along with other senior Wigan councillors, met with Greater
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From asthma to Olympic dream
AT the age of three, top junior swimmer Richard Hampson was handicapped by asthma. For six years, the 20-year-old Great Britain team member was in and out of hospital -- until his consultant advised him to start swimming. At nine, he joined Howe Bridge
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Family traces actor's footsteps
THE curtain has come down on Leigh-born thespian Philip Taylor's eight-year labour of love. The great, great nephew of the town's illustrious actor, Jonathan Dewhurst, Phil and his wife, Susan, have published a book on the famous Victorian actor. Now
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Flooding defence plan for Ribble
WORK on making sure that parts of the Ribble Valley are better protected from floods is set to start in the summer. The Environment Agency wants to remove banks of pebbles and gravel shoal from stretches of the River Ribble which should mean it has the
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Medieval Clann so sharp...
CAREFUL with that axe! The Clann bill themselves as "Scotland's top medieval fight display team," and after checking out their site, I'm inclined to believe them. The site (http://www.the-clann.co.uk/) features an impressive array of photographs, there
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Let's help spread the best of British!
My 10-year-old daughter likes brown sauce on her chips. Perhaps it's hereditary. At college, I had a reputation for surviving on brown sauce butties and the occasional raw onion. Anyway, her visits to Brussels have left her less than content. Chips were
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No riot act for Ronnie
RONNIE Jepson refused to read the riot act after Burnley's reserve string crashed 7-1 at Wrexham last night. In fact Jepson felt that the younger side will have gained more from the defeat than competing in the Youth Alliance. The Clarets were only trailing
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South African Botha a boost for Padiham
PADIHAM believe they could have a future captain of South Africa at the Arbories after they signed Johan Botha as their professional for next season. The Easter Province all-rounder comes with a lot of promise, his state captain Dave Callaghan - last
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Arran wanted more than world record
BARNOLDSWICK run-maker Arran Thompson holds the new world record for an opening batting partnership after a double century stand in the Test against India this week. But the ambitious 20-year-old was annoyed more than anything for not registering her
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It's a monster show
NEW Garrett Theatre presents Frankenstein The Panto at Atherton Formby Hall. The show opened on Tuesday and runs until Saturday, January 19, with evening performances starting at 7.30pm, and a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets cost £4.50 for adults and
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Mole creator helps maintain tradition
TYLDESLEY Little Theatre celebrates its 250th production this month with comedy drama, Bazaar and Rummage. Written by Sue Townsend -- creator of much-loved character Adrian Mole -- this adult-themed play aims to look at serious issues through realistic
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Councillors get night out with police
CITY councillors have been invited on a ' night out' in Lancaster by the police to see for themselves the problems of policing the city centre at the weekend. Members of the licensing regulatory committee will go out with police officers on patrols of
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Stimpson expected to take team to the top
BARRIE Stimpson will be Lancaster City's answer to Phil Thompson this month - and boss Tony Hesketh believes he can take the team to the top of league. Like Thompson, Stimpson has served his club as a player and coach, and now finds himself in the hot-seat
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Tigers tamed
LEIGH East Tigers tried hard after a four week break and were level 12-12 at the break in their game with Tiatto Heath under 12s with two tries by Daniel Weaving and two goals from Karl Morris. Tigers gained the ball from the kick off through good work
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England dream
A THIRTEEN-years-old girl is one step closer to her dream of playing netball for England after being selected for Lancashire. St Mary's High School pupil, Kate Smith, of Higher Green Lane, Astley, has played netball for Oldham for two years and was a
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RMI hope to transfer cup form to league
LEIGH RMI will be hoping that their recent cup successes have given them a massive boost of confidence as they look for a belated kick-start to their confidence campaign against Telford United this weekend. The Railwaymen will be hoping to settle some
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No leisure centre in plans
IT LOOKS as though Lancaster's crumbling Kingsway site will be transformed into houses, offices or shops. Five big developers have put their multi-million pound plans on the table but none include any leisure facilities for the former swimming baths site
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Happy anniversary!
PARTY time at St Luke's as part of the Lowton school's 250th anniversary celebrations. CL
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Man attacked ex-wife's friend
DIVORCED dad Philip O'Callaghan thought his ex-wife was being attacked when he heard another man's voice in her bedroom, a court heard. And in the fight that followed the two men crashed against the bedroom window and plunged through it. Christopher Blackburn
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Daughter ran 1 miles to raise alarm
A SEVEN-year-old girl who discovered her mum collapsed on the floor of their Darwen home ran one and a half miles to her grandma's home to raise the alarm, an inquest heard. The hearing was told that by the time Leslie Ewen's mum and brother arrived she
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Council landfill to close
A LANDFILL site in Haslingden is set to close, before new costly regulations are brought in. The development and environmental services committee recommended the Top O'Slate landfill site off Hud Rake be closed, subject to money being available to fund
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Pupils learn it's good to talk
CHILDREN at Leigh's Higher Folds Primary School learnt the value of communication when they were visited by the BT Education Programme this week. The award-winning Craig Rats theatre company staged a colourful performance and interactive workshops to
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Have you spotted The Flaws yet?
AN up-and-coming Haslingden band are hoping that a competition will put them on the road to rock 'n' roll stardom. The Flaws have won through to the semi-finals of a competition which features bands from the UK and Ireland. The next round of heats will
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Banned driver spotted
DISQUALIFIED driver Adrian Lee Palmer only drove for a quarter of a mile, but was spotted by police. Palmer, 23, of New Line, Bacup, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance when he appeared before magistrates at Burnley. Julie Reddish
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Engineers celebrate centenary year
FORMER employees of Sutcliffe Speakman, or relatives of those who worked at the former Leigh engineering firm, could provide interesting material for a booklet being compiled to celebrate the firm's centenary. Sutcliffe's Nicola Partington said: "To help
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Villagers battle for brake on speeders
A NEIGHBOURHOOD campaign to install cameras on a busy road is gathering speed after a police trap revealed some motorists were travelling at more than 80mph. Residents in Dunnockshaw and Clowbridge have stepped up their efforts after the police monitored
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TV firm seeks Army memories
STAND by your beds! A TV company is seeking national service memories from Leigh area lads who served in the Army between 1947 and 1963. Twenty Twenty Television is making a major series and is keen to talk to anyone with vivid recollections of basic
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Cashier denies stealing £90,000
A CASHIER alledgedly helped herself to £90,000 from the bank accounts of a Rossendale solictors firm. Burnley Crown Court heard claims Elaine Astley, 49, of Philips Road, Weir, made out signed blank cheques, cashed them and pocketed the proceeds while
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Club hears about historic hall
THE successful fight to save, refurbish and preserve historic Astley Hall was related when Elaine Hurst and Christine Jones addressed Tyldesley Probus Club members. They explained how Adam Mort acquired the original hall in 1595. In 1650, his grandson
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Petition fails for restrictions near restaurant
PEOPLE living in the shadow of one of Rossendale's most popular restaurants have failed in their bid to have residents-only parking introduced in the neighbourhood. Members of Rossendale Borough Council received a petition of more than 75 names from people
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Carol could be changing your rooms
NEIGHBOURS who want to liven-up their living rooms or brighten a boring bedroom can apply to appear in the next TV home makeover series, Changing Rooms. To be in with a chance of a visit from Carol Smillie and Handy Andy when the show starts filming in
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Feel the reggae beat!
THE sounds of the Caribbean will brighten-up Leigh with the arrival of the Steel Pan band -- just up the road from Nel Pan Lane! Last week's launch of a scheme at Westleigh High School, chosen by Wigan Council to be the centre for the bands, involved
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MP's jobs fears
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham and Hope Carr councillor Kevin Anderson met with management and staff at Volex to discuss the future, after the large-scale redundancies announced last week. About 220 jobs are to be axed at Volex Powercords, based in Greenfold Way
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Councillors' surgeries
COUNCILLORS on Wigan MBC will hold advice surgeries at the following times and venues: THURSDAY, January 17: Golborne Library, Queen Street (10am-11am) D Kelly, T Sherratt, B Strett; Abram Library, Vicarage Road (10.30am-noon) Mrs A Bennett. FRIDAY, January
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Dedicated nurse helps keep school safe
WHEN nursery nurse Daphne Eastburn retired three years ago, she still felt totally committed to helping her little school. She had started an environment project at the beacon school, St Lewis' Croft, nine years ago, and decided to carry on voluntarily
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Old Pals Corner
CABLE workers might be able to help put to friends back in touch. E-mail correspondent MARGARET writes: "Anyone know the whereabouts of my old pal, Carol Monks? She used to live in Clark St, Leigh. She emigrated to Australia along with her daughter, Wendy
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THE JOURNAL SAYS: Cops in plane clothes
THIS week's story highlighting how our region's police force has put in a firm order for a sky patrol aeroplane will no doubt be reassuring news to everyone. We have become quite used to the drone of the force helicopter on searchlight patrol above our
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Just like granny used to make...
LANCASHIRE Evening Telegraph reader Mrs Ruth O'Donnell shares with us a recipe passed down from her grandmother. Mrs O'Donnell's grandma was still making overnight loaves at the age of 86 -- and Mrs O'Donnell, 67, continues the family tradition of baking
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Special attempt to bolster police
LANCASHIRE Police are appealing for more people to join the special constabulary in a bid to keep the force on line to meet Home Office recruitment targets. The recruitment process for special constables in Lancashire has been streamlined so potential
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Residents group fears it's the end of the line
COUNCIL chiefs will tonight decide the fate of a residents' association, temporarily suspended over alleged financial irregularities. But its members are already resigned to defeat, fearing the meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council executive committee
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Road rage attacker spared jail by judge
A FATHER-of-three who attacked an accountant in a "road rage" incident has escaped a jail sentence. Burnley Crown Court heard Ian Dewar ended up with two loose teeth and had to have dental treatment costing hundreds of pounds after being struck by Mohammed
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County to pioneer high-tech system
LANCASHIRE'S firefighters will be the first in the country to adopt high-tech in-cab methods to help them battle blazes. All 60 of the county's engines are being fitted with on-board computers -- equipped with touch-screen control and printers -- which
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Who knew of Jason's death?
A CORONER has asked police to take a second look at the death of a man after members of his family claimed that "drinkers and drug addicts" knew of his death before the authorities were informed. The inquest into the death of Jason Lee, 29, heard that
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Shares sell-off economy boost
MORE than £8.5million is set to be pumped into local economic regeneration after a council-owned company cashed in more than three million shares. Lancashire County Enterprises Ltd, a company owned by Lancashire County Council, sold its shares in Enterprise
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What to do on Wednesdays
Weekly: Bury Machine Knitting Group, meet every Wednesday at Mosses Centre, Bury, 2pm. Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Grp, meets Mosses Centre, Cecil Steet, Bury, 2.15pm. Details: John Vidler 766 9988. Adult beginners tap: 7pm Rammy Liberal Club.
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Stanley on hunt
ACCRINGTON Stanley are chasing a former League player - and hope to have him at the Crown Ground soon. John Coleman is hoping to tempt a defensive midfielder, currently playing in the Nationwide Conference, to join his side's push in the UniBond Premier
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Race Calendar
WHAT'S on and where you can run over the coming weeks. Fri January 18th: Red Rose Cross Country League Presentation Evening (Horwich) Sat January 19th: Northern Night Orienteering Championships (Witton Park), Ashurst Beacon Race 5.9M/950ft (Upholland)
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Round Up
CALLUM Fitzpatrick's hopes of winning the Reebok Cross Country Challenge are still alive after the Hyndburn ace took second place in the latest round in Cardiff. The new under 13 Lancashire Champion will be looking to win the final round at Nottingham
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Cutting off the escape route
DAVE Thornley is aiming to bring the next Paul Mullins and Gary Williams to Accrington Stanley with no cost to the club. The two strikers were at the Crown Ground as youngsters but were released and the Reds have had to pay £15,000 for Mullin and £25,000
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Anyone for tennis?
THERE will be a British tennis player in the fourth round of the Australian Open -- so what? Does anyone actually care that Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski will come head to head in Melbourne in the early hours, because I don't believe that anyone does.
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Empty vessels make the most noise
AFTER the diddy scooter fad last year, kids seem to have been bitten by the mini bike bug. I watched them being snapped up in a Railway Road store, nearly got knocked down by one rider, his legs going like the clappers, in Bradshawgate, then encountered
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Say cheese
CLOSED-circuit TV captured 600 incidents around the borough, and led to 69 arrests in eight months last year. These welcome figures were reported to the council's community safety panel this week. It heard that camera evidence helped convict one man of
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How in-convenient!
READERS by now should know I'm not a fan of poetry, but I sometimes allow the odd verse to creep in. The lack of public loos in Leigh prompted this gem from a pensioner who wishes to remain anonymous, for obvious reasons. If the doctor gives you diuretics
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, January 18
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Jack Straw MP, Blackburn advice surgeries: Ivy Street Community Centre, 3.30-4.30pm; Audley Community Centre, 5-6pm. Burnley Pantomime Society presents Aladdin, Mechanics
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Slipping service must improve
SNOW and ice arrive almost every year and with today's technology it does seem surprising that each winter our roads become impassable. Traffic grinds to a halt and hospitals report a big increase in people with sprains and fractures after falling on
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Arson rise has to be doused
THE disclosure today that in Burnley last year more than 1,064 fires were started deliberately is both staggering and frightening. Just as disturbing is the fact that this arson scourge is seriously on the increase -- with nuisance fires in skips, wheelie
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County on road in new tourism drive
THE Red Rose County is being promoted across the country this month in a bid to attract more home-grown tourism. Lancashire County Council is once again taking its award-winning tourism exhibitions to the annual holiday and travel shows at Manchester's
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Parents ignore school crossings
PICKING my daughter up from school, I was surprised at the number of parents who walked their children away from the official crossing patrol and crossed the road further up in more dangerous positions. One woman, who saw me indicating to pull out from
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Labour claim is purely fantasy
IN reply to Councillor Ian Ormerod (Letters, December 19), I agree that the Globe Centre in Accrington was built during Labour's term in office and that it has been a success, but to claim that Labour foresaw it being used as collateral for the cinema
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Your country needs you, Tony
I FIND it totally ridiculous that our Prime Minister feels it necessary to get inolved with every problem or conflict that may arise elsewhere in the world, instead of concentrating on very real problems here at home. It is absurd for Mr Blair to travel
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Village yobs 'running out of control"
A VILLAGE is being destroyed by a gang of yobs running out of control in the centre. They have vandalised Golborne Library, set fire to shops and last weekend trashed Peter Kane Square - the town's tribute to the village's late world champion boxer. It
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Tales from the Touchline with Ian Fraser
HELLO again, we haven't played very much recently with Christmas and the New Year so there is not much to report on the local front. We did play over the weekend though, and got back to winning ways. We played against Prairie Rangers who are a good set
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Whistle Blower with Neil Yates
LISTEN. I sympathise with you. I fully accept your need to chuck stuff at me. Let's face it you work your socks off through the week to stump up enough cash to follow your team. Each week you slag off your useless number eight, bitterly complain about
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Aaron misses out on national glory
AARON Smith's hopes of winning the UK Supercross Championship ended in confusion after having points deducted in the final rounds of the competition. The 11-year-old thought he had an 11 point lead going in to the penultimate round of the event but judges
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Charity euro zones at council offices
THE arrival of the euro is giving Bury's Mayor a chance to make some extra cash for his charity causes. Staff at Bury Council's cash offices at Bury Town Hall, Whittaker Street in Radcliffe and Prestwich are helping out the first citizen, Cllr Paul Nesbit
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Niall nails B team as Jordan enjoys Darwen A run feast
A FINE all-round performance from Niall Burke and a match winning batting display by Jordan Clarke guided Darwen A to a 26-run victory against the B team in the under 11s final. It was the first final of the Red Rose Drylining six-a-side cricket competition
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Blackburn Community 7-a-side league
A ROUND-UP of the football action from the local leagues. RESULTS --DIvision One: West End 1 BI Group 4, Poshaak 0 Khan Food 5, Moorings 0 Galligreaves 1, FJM Pawnbrokers 7 Sapphire Windows 1, Lenehan Scaff 7 Welding Eng 1 Division Two: Darwen Vic 1 Princess
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Kiko KO'd by Roberts rarity
BURNLEY United's revival under Kiko Rodriguez suffered a blow as Barnoldswick United booked their place in the next round of the cup. But it wasn't 27 goal leading scorer Paul Corrigan who undid Burnley but rather a rare strike from Liam Roberts who made
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Show us true grit, council bosses urged
COUNCIL bosses have been told to get their act together over gritting the roads in a bid to prevent the borough grinding to a halt in cold weather chaos. A council watchdog has called for all roads where it is practically possible to be treated -- even
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No more price rises
CAR parking charges were increased in last year's city budget and it is time to say 'enough is enough'. Conservatives successfully introduced a move in cabinet this week for on-street car parking charges to stay the same. But a similar resolution to prevent
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Problem handled wrongly
I TOTALLY agree with the Citizen Smith article on January 10 under the headline 'Bar Room Justice.' Without going into all the details of the Warehouse Nightclub, it would appear that the police have handled the situation wrongly from the start to where
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Form guide
A LOOK at the key players and performances from the FA Cup replay against Barnsley at Ewood Park. ROVERS KELLY: First start of the season and reminded everyone what he can do with a cracking first half save from Mike Sheron...7 CURTIS: Starting to look
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Special team will combat arsonists
BURNLEY'S growing arson problem is to be tackled by a new combined team of fire and police officers. The Arson Reduction Team will look at ways of sharing information and forming strategies to pour cold water on a crime which is on the rise. The team
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Student accommodation gets go-ahead
A FORMER Lancaster pub looks set to get the go ahead to become student accommodation - despite concerns from elderly residents of a nearby sheltered housing scheme. Council planners have recommended that plans to turn the former White Lion Hotel, St Leonardsgate
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New regulations for equipment disposal
CONFUSION over how best to dispose of fridges and freezers has been addressed by the county council. Changes to EC regulations mean retailers no longer take away old applia ces and Cabinet member Brian Johnson said: "Whatever way people decide to dispose
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Shops bar for bail man
DAVID Thorpe, 36, of Albion Street, Brierfield, appeared before magistrates at Burnley on three separate assault charges. He has previously pleaded guilty to assaults causing actual bodily harm on March 3, April 1 and on June 16. He has also admitted
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Boy, 13, mugged for his mobine phone
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 13-year-old boy was attacked and mugged for his Nokia mobile phone. The teenager was walking along Clegg Street, Brierfield, at about 5.30pm on Tuesday when he was approached by an Asian man. The schoolboy was
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'Raw deal' claim over homes inquiry
PENDLE Council's consultation of residents in the Whitefield area of Nelson on the future of their homes was described as 'inadequate', 'misleading' and 'unsustained' during the public inquiry into the compulsory purchasing of the houses. Stephen Glebe
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Gang hell bent on causing trouble
NUISANCE children who were 'hell bent' on causing trouble helped bring about the death of a Nelson pensioner who collapsed following a burglary at her home, a coroner has revealed. An inquest was told that Sheila Bridge, 62, died in Lansbury Place on
