Archive
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Atherton CC AGM
ATHERTON CC's AGM will be held in the clubhouse on Monday, February 4, starting at 7.30pm. All members and players are urged to attend.
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Top performance
INCE Rose Bridge U11s had no answer as Leigh East produced a top team performance to win 24-4. Tries came from James Curry, Ben Hansen, Jason Unsworth, Keiron Williams. Goals came from J,Curry, A.Thomasson, J.Unsworth, K.Williams. The successfull U11s
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Pennington winter bowls
MAIN Semi Finals: Garth Smith (Gardeners) 21-11 Neil Crook (Tamar) & John McCaul (Leigh BC) 21-20 Bill Carr (Leigh Libs). Final: McCaul 21-16 Smith. Consolation Semi Finals: Ken Seddon (Leigh Miners) 21-20 Cliff Berry (Leigh BC) & Bill Rigby (
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Late winner
LEAGUE leaders Golborne Sports had to work hard for a 2-1 victory at Bollington. Golborne took the lead with a Gareth Weigh penalty after 20 minutes but this was cancelled out just before the break. Golborne started brightly at the start of the second
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Is all the secrecy really necessary?
IT is understandable that Labour-run Lancashire County Council has secret cabinet meetings regarding commercially sensitive subjects. However, is buying an incinerator for waste or closing nurseries or nursery schools to be kept secret? Congratulations
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Flattening flats a sight to see
MAY I thank everyone involved in the safe demolition of the tower-block flats at Queen's Park, Blackburn, on January 13, including the local community for their co-operation. The removal of these flats is the first stage in a process which, with consultation
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NHS, bad and could be worse
WHAT a confusing hotch potch of ideas the new reform of the NHS is. Health Secretary Alan Milburn and the Government seem obsessed with ratings for good and bad hospitals. Why are some hospitals better than others, as they are all NHS hospitals? Are some
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Benefits staff strike date
STAFF at Leigh Benefits Agency are planning another strike over Government attitude to office safety screens. Threats and assaults on staff in benefit offices doubled last year to over 5000, and more would have been injured had it not been for protective
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£26m bus scheme will ease congestion
BY 2005 Leigh could have a £26 million guided busway to Salford and Manchester, providing proposals get public and government support. GMPTE will submit an application for powers to implement the project under the Transport and Work Act, on January 31
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School record breakers are in the fast lane
THERE were some turbo charged performances in the annual Blackburn and Darwen Schools swimming gala where four new records were set. Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School dominated the event yet again winning eight of the 15 event to be crowned overall champions
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Owls failings can't be repeated in cup
IF YOU are the kind of person whose pint is always half full, Burnley are on a run of just two defeats in 14 games - good stuff! But if you're pint is always half empty, a haul of just two points and two goals from the last four league games gives little
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Centurions aim to make a strong Challenge
LEIGH Centurions set off on their Challenge Cup campaign on Sunday looking to make an even bigger impact in the competition than they did last season. The Centurions struck a blow for the NFP a year ago when they dumped Super League neighbours Salford
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We have nothing to fear from Spurs: Souness
GRAEME Souness today said Rovers have 'nothing to fear' going into next month's Worthington Cup final against Tottenham at Cardiff. The Rovers boss will face his old club at the Millennium Stadium following Spurs' 5-1 second leg win over Chelsea last
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Has Tory thinking gone to pot
IT WAS very encouraging to read the letter from two senior Conservatives (Citizen Letters, January 17) who have publicly lent their support to Chris Davies, Liberal Democrat MEP, in his efforts to highlight the injustice of the law on cannabis. When a
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Book your coaches now!
"TOP" comedian Frank Sidebottom had a special song for cup finals: "Wemberlee, Wemberlee, it's a great big place in London and they call it Wemberlee!" So "Millennium, Millennium, it's a great big new stadium in Cardiff and they call it the Millennium
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What do our MP's think?
I would like to ask Hilton Dawson and Geraldine Smith, our respective MPs, if they agree to the invitation offered to Sein Fein, the political wing of the IRA, to have offices in the Houses of Parliament bearing in mind they have been and still are members
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Townley's bond with Lord Tony
PREFECTS will give a positive report of Burnley when they travel to London to take their seats in the House of Lords. The team of 12 students from Towneley High have been invited to join the Upper House in Westminster by Lord Tony Clarke, who chaired
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Swings could go to cut council costs
SWINGS and roundabouts could be removed from ten playgrounds under new cost-cutting proposals unveiled today. The closure of play areas across the town is designed to make saving of £200,000 in the Parks Service Unit of Burnley Council. A report to the
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Schools to enjoy cash fund boost
ELEVEN schools in Pendle will receive a share of £333,000 during the next three years to help them improve their standards of achievement. Four high schools and seven primary schools will benefit from the extra cash, which has been made available from
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Five years ago
RED-FACED leisure centre bosses ordered workmen to lift newly laid tiles on changing room floors because swimmers were turning black and blue after slipping on them. The move at Darwen Leisure Centre followed three accidents in a week following a £228,000
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Bitter experience for angry landlord
A PUB landlord is bitter that a duo he booked for a big night out on Saturday failed to show up. The Rope and Anchor in Bolton Old Road, Atherton, was packed with customers who paid to see the Manchester act Soul 4 2. Fans turned up from Burnley, Padiham
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Stanley get OK for all-weather pitch
ACCRINGTON Stanley Football Club are set to give a boost to sport in the area after being given the nod to build an all-weather soccer pitch at their ground. The proposed pitch, which will be built on a site next to the main playing field on land currently
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Pine in the neck
IT NEVER loses its leaves and doesn't sway in the wind -- the telephone mast that nobody was supposed to see has prompted protesters to claim: "It sticks out like a sore thumb." The Orange Communications "tree" complete with realistic leaves has been
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Paris romance that led to USA, Atherton and Cheshire
AN ATHERTON photographer thought it was a wind-up when a Texan called 'X' telephoned to ask her to cover his wedding! Pauline Holgate who runs PandA Photographic Services, with her husband Alan, got a long distance phone call from Texas, USA, in November
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Explosive stuff
WHILE the Congo contends with the recent volcanic calamity, Volcano Live provides up to the minute news on eruptions around the world. The site (http://www.volcanolive.com/) features webcams, record eruption statistics and a wide range of photographs.
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Pork shop idea saved our bacon
A WOMAN farmer from the Ribble Valley who maintained her pig farm through the foot and mouth crisis has been rewarded for her efforts. Louise Edge, from Clayton-le-Dale, has been voted runner-up in the National Farmers Union president's award for Farming
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Here we go
TO mark Blackburn Rovers' first major cup final in 42 years thisislancashire has set up a Worthington Cup section. Here you can re-live the semi-final action, check-out match day pictures and leave a good luck message on the special messageboard. But
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Wayne's World
Shrimps stand-in striker Wayn Curtis bagged a brace in this key fixture to keep Morecambe in the Conference title race. Curtis won his place after an injury to hot-shot Robbie Talbot and two pieces of top class finishing secured a deserved three points
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Off the Ball with Steve Dunthorne
ONCE in a while, you see a sporting moment of such amazing quality and beauty that you just know you will never forget. It can be a moment of great significance, or it can be a piece of sporting genius you know that you could never repeat in a million
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Blake move a little closer
THE conclusion of the Robbie Blake saga moved a few steps closer after a meeting between his agent Paul Stretford and Clarets chairman Barry Kilby. And Kilby today admitted: "It is now just a case of sorting out the minutiae. "Nowadays you can never say
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Shock return on cards for Little
GLEN LITTLE could be in line for a shock recall to the Clarets starting line-up in the AXA FA Cup fourth round tie at Cheltenham Town on Sunday. The Burnley winger has not played since the previous round when he pulled up with a hamstring injury in the
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Dancing at the club
THE newly re-named Ex-Servicemen's Club, formerly Leigh Royal British Legion Club, is hosting sequence dancing from next week. The classes, run by Lilian and Harry Jantzen, will be held at 7.30pm every Tuesday, from January 29, at the Windermere Road
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'Everything' is going fine...
DANCE music duo Rob Grice and Stuart Connor are on their way to the top after their debut single entered the German charts at number 11. The pair, both aged 30, met 18 months ago when Rob, a Leigh barber, had a demo of Paradise 2000 played in Reubens
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University plans unfold
LANCASTER University's multi-million pound plans to build new residences for students have taken a step forward this week. Two preferred private sector partners have been short-listed for the multi-million pound project, which will see 1,600 new rooms
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Angry protests over fare hike
A CARNFORTH man has renewed his calls for a public inquiry into local bus services after the latest price rise by local bus company Stagecoach. John Scaife wants to launch a campaign to examine the firm's strategy, which, he says, undermine local public
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Club decision reconsidered
The council's controversial decision to close the Warehouse Nightclub on North Road is to be reconsidered by the licensing committee. Solicitors representing the club's owner, Mrs Maureen Harding, have written to the council saying its decision was "perverse
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Target man - Blues after star
LANCASTER City have joined the chase for a former premiership midfielder in a bid to boost their promotion campaign. Steve Thompson, a classy playmaker who plied his trade with the likes of Bolton, Luton Town and Leicester City, has had an offer from
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Leigh continue winning streak
LEIGH RU continued their impressive winning run with a decisive 17-7 victory over Ormskirk. Taking first use of a strong wind, Leigh quickly gained the ascendancy but missed their early penalty chances. A teasing kick from scrum-half Anthony Bentham and
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Back on the right track
LEIGH Harriers Under 15s girls team started the cross-country year just where they had left off, dominating the Greater Manchester Championships at Wythenshaw Park. The young Harriers had five athletes in the top 10 with Adele Swanton leading the team
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Profitable long trip
TYLDESLEY RU made the long trip up to North Cumbria to face Cockermouth but they made the journey worthwhile with a comprehensive 22-3 victory. Straight from the kick-off Tyldesley moved forward with Darren Edge splitting the defence with a strong run
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Nothing to fear from Spurs
GRAEME Souness today said Rovers have 'nothing to fear' going into next month's Worthington Cup final against Tottenham at Cardiff. The Rovers boss will face his old club at the Millennium Stadium following Spurs' 5-1 second leg win over Chelsea last
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Collection raises almost £1000
AN Atherton Rotary Club collection in Market Street, Atherton, raised £978.69 which will be presented to the Christie Hospital, McMillan Nurses and Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
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Fuel fear
FIREFIGHTERS arrived just in time when a blaze fire started in a tyre firm's Hindley yard. A fire service spokesman said 200 wooden pallets in the yard of Station Tyres, Ladies Lane, had been deliberately set on fire. He said: "There was a fuel tank near
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Atom bomb talk
SPEAKER Roy Knowles told Atherton Probus Club of the destruction caused by the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima near the end of the Second World War. The next meeting is on Thursday, January 31, at 2pm in Atherton Jubilee Hall when Jack Pendlebury
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Pet dies after blaze
A PET spaniel died after a kitchen fire. Atherton firefighters tried to revive Charlie, an eight-year-old King Charles spaniel, using oxygen after he was knocked out by fumes at a fire at a house in Cumberland Road, Atherton on Sunday. Unfortunately,
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Kit for schools
LEIGH high schools are being offered the chance to win a new football strip. Asda and Walkers have teamed up with Umbro for a new promotion. For the next 12 weeks for every packet of Walkers Footballs sold a percentage of the price will go into a fund
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Train strikes
TRAIN services n Lancaster face severe disruption today (Thursday) and tomorrow as rail unions strike over pay. Arriva trains, which runs services between Morecambe, Lancaster, Carnforth and Yorkshire, has been forced to cancel all services after conductors
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Secrets finally told
SECRETS of a Cheshire parish were revealed to Newchurch WI members at Culcheth branch's first meeting of the year. An insight in to High Legh and an update on the now-completed millennium project were highlights and Mrs O Lee won the cat ornament competition
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Nominate teachers for 'Oscar'
LEIGH teachers could be up for the 'Oscars' of the teaching profession. Parents, colleagues, former pupils and school children are invited to nominate their favourite teacher or teaching assistant for the 2002 Teaching Awards, in partnership with BT.
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MP drums up support for RMI bike ride
MP Andy Burnham is trying to drum up parliamentary support for a fund-raising bike ride in aid of Leigh RMI. The Leigh MP was inspired to ask the parliamentary all party football group, which has about 150 members, to sponsor the event after one of the
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Alex is a treble champ
ELEVEN-years-old chess whiz Alex Blower has completed a title treble. At the Leigh and District Scouts' Chess Championship at St Catherine's School, Lowton, Alex, of Winchcombe Close, Leigh, was undefeated to take the individual title. And he helped the
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MP Andy hits £100 jackpot
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has hit the jackpot with the area's social clubs. He has urged the Government to reject plans to ban £100 payout machines after officials slammed a gambling review proposal in response to concerns about underage gambling. At a meeting
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Vandals force 24 hour protection
ROUND-the-clock surveillance could be introduced at a war memorial after councillors heard how juveniles had vandalised the tribute and set Remembrance Day wreaths on fire. Vandalism in the Memorial Gardens, off Manchester Road, Haslingden, has forced
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Council surgeries
COUNCILLORS serving on Wigan Council will hold the following advice surgeries: THURSDAY, January 24: Golborne Library, Queen Street (10am-11am) D Kelly, T Sherratt, B Strett; Abram Library, Vicarage Road, (10.30am-12noon) B Hampson. FRIDAY, January 25
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New head is a familiar face
AN ATHERTON primary school is set to welcome back a familiar face when the new head teacher arrives. Gill Burrow has been appointed to take charge at beacon school St Philip's in the spring, taking over from acting headteacher Linda Owen. She previously
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Local roadworks delays
ROADWORKS at the following locations could cause disruption to traffic flow: LEIGH: King Street, Market Street, Market Place, Leigh Road in connection with Leigh and Bolton Quality Bus Corridor and Leigh Town Centre enhancement; St Helens Road -- footway
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Holocaust remembered
LEIGH and Wigan will remember the six million victims of the Holocaust at memorial services on Friday. Ceremonies to commemorate the mass killing of Jews and others by the Nazi regime during World War ll will take place at 11am in Wigan and at 2.30pm
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New Trust chairman
NEW chairman of Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust is Cllr Brian Strett. He has been a non-executive director for three years and became Acting Chairman when Andrew Foster left in May 2001 to take up the post of Director of Human Resources for the Department of
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Violent thieves find cigs an easy target
Det.Sgt Bill Nelson's CrimeFile: DURING the previous month or so, there has been an escalation in the amount of robberies that have taken place in Leigh and the surrounding area. A large proportion of the property stolen are cigarettes. The main method
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Violence on Rovers' big day
A DOZEN Sheffield Wednesday supporters were arrested during the Worthington Cup semi-final - while police have praised Blackburn Rovers fans for their impeccable behaviour. The Wednesday supporters were arrested for a variety of drunkenness and public
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Vodka thief had lengthy record
A 26-YEAR-OLD man with a "horrendous" record for theft offences was seen stealing two bottles of vodka from the Co-operative store in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. Blackburn magistrates heard that although Michael James Aspin made good his escape he was
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Passco fifth
LEE PASSCO maintained his recent sparkling form with fifth place at the Ashurst Beacon Fell Race on Saturday. Clayton Harrier Lee completed the 5.9 mile route in 37mins 59secs in a race won by Pudsey and Bramley's Rob Hope. Newly crowned under 20 Lancashire
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Stanley ready to sign top defender
ACCRINGTON Stanley could have a new defender by the weekend as injuries and suspensions play havoc with John Coleman's side. Central defender Jonathan Smith is suspended - he misses his first game of the season - while Steve Hollis is injured and Robbie
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Smith sets new personal best
MORE than 40 East Lancashire athletes toed the line on Sunday for one of the most popular road races in the North West. Eighteen Darwen Dashers and 11 Blackburn Road Runners were among the field of nearly 1,700 for the Four Villages Half Marathon organised
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Thanks Santa!
I BOUGHT a full-length cherry red wool coat at the weekend. It was a bargain and I was dead chuffed until he indoors told me I looked like Father Christmas. He doesn't mince words. Still it's better to be told the truth!
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Cameras to catch terrorists
A NEW supersensitive camera which can detect barefaced liars could be used at airports to winkle out terrorists. Apparently blood flow to the face increases as people fib and extra heat around the eyes gives them away. I wouldn't like one to be watching
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He never missed a corner
THE world of football has lost a great character. Former West Brom hero and England star, Jeff Astle, died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 59. After retiring in 1977 he became a window cleaner with the slogan "Jeff Astle - he never misses corners".
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Welcome return for the' Legion'
IT'S good to see the former Leigh Royal British Legion Club back in action as the Ex-Servicemen's Club. However, neighbours in the Windermere Road area, who have been used to less activity on site over the years, might not be so chuffed by the increased
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Roy will bring some smiles to Corrie
I'M glad to see a real funny man is coming to return some much needed humour to Corrie next month. Roy Hudd will take the part of undertaker Archie Shuttleworth who actually fancies Dierdre's mighty mouth mother, Blanche. How long will it be before his
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Samba beat - in Atherton
FANS flocked to watch the televised Samba FC match in Atherton last month - all five of them, with two peering over a wall at Crilly Park. The game played at the beginning of December was at last shown on Soccer Sunday this week. No wonder I didn't see
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Inquest on Israel death
THE inquest has opened into the death in Israel of a former Bury man. Bury District Coroner Mr Barrie Williams, was opening the hearing in the case of 35-years-old Andrew Lionel Bowers, who was found dead in his flat in Haifa on January 17 by friends
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Bradbury banned
DAVE Bradbury must sit out Leigh Centurions' Challenge Cup tie against Halton Simms Cross on Sunday after being handed a one-match ban. Prop Bradbury made a personal appearance before RL disciplinary chiefs in Leeds on Tuesday after being sent off against
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Latics beaten
A STEVE O'Hare goal well into added time gave Wythenshawe Amateurs the leadership of the Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division as they edged past Leigh Athletic 1-0. East Manchester climb into second spot thanks to their deadly duo Martyn Stewart
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Waywell stays - but for how long?
STEVE Waywell has got the green light to continue as Leigh RMI manager. But the question on everybody's lips is 'for how long?' His position was subject to rumour and counter-rumour as a meeting of the club's ruling committee was called to discuss Waywell's
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Survival boost for RMI
Leigh RMI 3 Telford United 1 IT had been noted in midweek that manager Steve Waywell was like a batsman waiting for a third umpire's decision. Before getting the thumbs up to continue as Leigh manager, he was already half way back to the pavilion - convinced
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, Date: January 25
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. East Lancs ME/CFS Support Group, Wilpshire Methodist Church, Blackburn, 7.30pm. All newcomers welcome. PTA Quiz Night, Sabden Primary School, 7.30pm. Race Night, Village
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Late blow for U11s
A LAST-GASP disputed try sent Leigh East U11s crashing to a 12-6 defeat at Hindley. East's points came from a try and goal by man of the match Keiron Williams. Top tackler was Ben Hansen.
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Atherton beaten
AFTER hammering Glossop the previous week, Atherton RU U15s found Trafford a tougher nut to crack, going down 25-17. Trafford's early dominance brought two tries for a 10-0 lead before Atherton responded with a try from Nicky Marsh and another effort
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Massey Transport
Bedford D&D DARTS Daten 107pts; Boundry 96, Leigh Miners 89, Eastleigh 88, Fir Tree 86, Bulls Head 77, Bedford Libs 76, Courts Hotel 72, Royal Oak 71, British Legion 69, Vart & Horses 68, Foundry 68, Rugby Union 57, Three Crowns 51, Grey Horse
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Country being run by dunderheads
THIS country is in a sorry state. We have an all-time high crime rate, the NHS on the verge of collapse, a chaotic and unreliable transport system, a failing education system and a country awash with asylum seekers. Also, pensioners are expected to live
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Just a phone call will clear land
HAVING once again had to contact the council about dumping in our area of Blackburn, I am convinced that owners of land get planning permission far too easily. If, when applying, they had to give statements on when they would build and how the development
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Criticism of the RSPCA is quite correct
MISS Shazia Hussain (Letters, January 9), is quite correct to criticise the RSPCA for failing to deal with the stray cats. I have taken in stray, abandoned and neglected animals, which the RSPCA would not do anything about because they were not cruelty
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Tales from the Touchline with Michael Black
AFTER just two games in eight weeks it would appear that someone has introduced a mid-season break without making it official. Quad bikes and cars have spent more time at Pleasington than we have. Typically during the weeks of inactivity we have had squad
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Whistle Blower with Neil Yates
TWENTY minutes had elapsed when the bone shuddering tackle went in close to the halfway line. My instinctive reaction was to play the advantage before returning to issue a yellow card to the offender. However, my colleague in the other half promptly blew
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Saints stay on track
ST Edwards have earned the right to pull on the Blackburn Rovers shirt after winning one of the closest area finals in recent years. The Darwen school pipped arch rivals St Cuthberts to top spot in a tournament where just three points separated the top
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What a Great fight back!
GREAT Harwood Rovers produced one of the best come backs of the season to book their place in the next round of the cup in this thrilling eight goal epic. Rovers stunning second half fight back brought them four goals after they went in at the break 3
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Town team appeals for sponsors
EAST Lancashire's only primary school town team are appealing for sponsors to help them get kitted out. Darwen Primary Schools Town Team have reformed after a three year absence but do not have enough kit for the whole squad. And the team are prepared
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Victory is Dew!
MARTIN Dewhurst turned chasing lost causes in to an art form as his goal settled this scrappy affair for championship chasing West End. Dewhurst chased a long punt up field more in hope rather than anticipation but ended up on the scoresheet. The wideman
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Police deny using excessive force
POLICE have defended their actions during Blackburn Rovers' Worthington Cup semi-final victory and denied they had used excessive force. Sheffield Wednesday fans have lodged complaints with the police and claim they were beaten as officers in full riot
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Pine in the neck
IT NEVER loses its leaves and doesn't sway in the wind -- the telephone mast that nobody was supposed to see has prompted protesters to claim: "It sticks out like a sore thumb." The Orange Communications "tree" complete with realistic leaves has been
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Rovers will appeal
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness has confirmed that Rovers will be appealing against Garry Flitcroft's sending off. The Rovers captain was dismissed after a challenge on Sheffield Wednesday captain Trond Soltvedt in Rovers' 6-3 aggregate Worthington Cup semi-final
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Johnson plays to impress
ROVERS midfielder Damien Johnson last night staked a claim for a first team recall with a star performance in the reserves' 4-3 win over Liverpool at Morecambe's Christie Park. The Northern Ireland international scored a cracking goal in front of a posse
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Ticket announcement next week
TRAVEL and ticket details will be announced early next week following discussions with the owners of the Millennium Stadium and the Football League. It is anticipated that tickets will be on sale to season ticket holders as from next weekend. Ewood officials
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Goal feast for Rovers
BLACKBURN fans were treated to their second goal feast in as many days as Alan Murray's men triumphed in this seven goal thriller at Morecambe's Christie Park. Hot on the heels of the first team's 4-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday the previous night, the
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Flitcroft: I'm going to appeal
EWOOD enforcer Garry Flitcroft today pleaded his innocence after seeing red against Sheffield Wednesday last night. Flitcroft is in danger of missing Rovers' big day at Cardiff following his sending off in last night's semi-final second leg and today
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Police boss misguided
WHILST I recognise and support the tough job the police have to do the targeting of the Warehouse appalls me. Resorting to unsubstantiated claims is a worrying development. I have visited the Warehouse regularly and no doubt, due to draconian security
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Better road to democracy
I THANK Lancaster's Chief Executive for responding to my New Year letter. However, my comments on the proceedings of the Internal Affairs Review Board were based entirely on what councillors said before I was excluded, and what was published in the minutes
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Councillor makes mark
I READ with interest the comment of Cllr Shirley Burns and her petty attack on Cllr Mark Turner. Surely this is a case of mistaken identity? The Mark Turner I know is the most kind and compassionate guy you would ever want to meet. The Mark I know does
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Call for helpers to clear waste hazard
WORRIED residents who spotted gas cylinders perched at the top of a railway embankment have called on neighbours to help spring clean the area before people are hurt. Councillor Liz Monk said rubbish accumulating in the Trinity area of Burnley was becoming
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A night of many women
THE female characters in the plays of Steven Berkoff never have it easy, but their lives are brought to life in the latest Library Theatre production. Berkoff's Women sees acclaimed actress Linda Marlowe tackle a collection of some of the most exciting
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Ten years ago
IT WAS announced that Lord Taylor of Blackburn was to be given the highest honour the town could bestow. Lord Taylor was to be the tenth honorary freeman since the creation of the borough.
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Net is closing in on rapist
DETECTIVES were today stepping up efforts to trace a man seen following a teenage rape victim just minutes before she was attacked. Police said a couple walking home had seen a man walking just behind the victim. They believe he may be a key witness who
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Deprived ward's glimmer of hop
RESIDENTS in one of Hyndburn's most deprived wards were given a glimmer of hope for the future during a day trip to see how their area could be rejuvenated. If funding is secured, an ambitious regeneration scheme for the Lower Antley area of Accrington
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Councillors welcome 'townships'
ATHERTON and Hindsford councillors have welcomed new "township" arrangements which they say will support their work in the community. A new strategy, to bring more community involvement and more say to local people, has been welcomed by Labour Councillors
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Centre of excellence opens for business!
DISABLED shoppers can enjoy facilities to match Britain's best with the opening of a state-of-the-art Shopmobility Centre in Leigh. And after 18 years of championing the cause of disabled shoppers throughout the area, Wigan Councillor Brian Strett was
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Health Authority is 'millions' in red
THE rising cost of medicines means Wigan and Bolton Health Authority could be overspent by millions of pounds come spring. Finance chiefs predict a massive overspend by the end of the financial year but the amount is only a small proportion of the overall
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Town joins new internet ring
LEIGH town centre will join a successful national web site network when its new internet site goes on line. On February 1 Leigh joins nearly 100 other British town and city centres which have developed web sites as part of the national Town Talk project
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School gets classroom facelift
A BOOTHSTOWN headteacher is looking forward to ridding his school of "inadequate" classrooms when £240,000 improvement work begins in March. This week the go-ahead was given by Salford Council planners for the facelift to St Andrew's C of E Primary School
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House seige man cleared of assault
A MAN alleged to have attacked a pub manager who barred him has been cleared of assault by a jury. But Alun Evans, who was arrested following a siege at his Golborne home, was convicted of threatening to destroy property by a majority verdict. The jury
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Win tickets to Beer Bash
READERS have a last chance to win FREE tickets for the Bent and Bongs Beer Bash which is being staged next Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Jan 31, Feb 1 & 2) at the Formby Hall in Atherton. As well as great drinks, the Beer Bash is renowned for a friendly
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Such a loveable little Imp
A GREAT little car, a great big web site, the Hillman Imp club's website should be your first stopping point for all things Impish. There is clever use of Flash which means that all the navigation for the site (http:/www.theimpclub.co.uk) is done from
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On ths trail of Tolkien
THE release of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter just weeks apart has dramatically boosted attendance figures at cinemas nationwide to a 30 year high. Escapism, it seems, is high on the national agenda in the light of current world events but the
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Slog on the Tyne for the Blues
Lancaster City completed a heroic come from behind victory at Gateshead to claim three vital league points. City's record at Gateshead is poor - the side from south of the River Tyne have been one of the Unibond league's most consistent performers in
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Of Mice and Men
JOHN Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men is being staged at Bolton's Octagon. Set in the Californian agricultural belt in the depression of the late 30s, this fictional tale follows the hopes and desires of fast-talking George and his giant companion,
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Bridge yobs risk drivers' lives
YOUNGSTERS who pelt passing cars with bricks and stones are putting people's lives at risk, claims an accident expert. Last week two vehicles were 'bombarded' with stones as they passed under Carlisle Bridge in Lancaster, shattering the windscreen of
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Leisure station
COMMUNITY leaders in Heysham and the West End are to press ahead with ambitious plans to create a community facility at the former bus and illuminations depot. The scheme will not go forward as part of the West End Partnership's funding bid, but Heysham
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Champions on the slide
Leigh Soccer League: THE woes for defending Division One champions Higher Folds continued as they were held to a 3-3 home draw by next to bottom of the table Fir Tree Rangers. Warren Knowles, Steve Ashbrook and Steve Burns scored for Fold with Neil Rushworth
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East warm up for cup tie with tries spree
Leigh East 52 Walney Central 6: ANY spies from Sheffield Eagles lurking around Grasmere Street on Saturday would have learned little ahead of this weekend's Challenge Cup clash. With Central only able to field 12 men, East never had to get out of first
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Boylan's double sinks Miners
Wigan St Pat's 12 Leigh Miners 8: TWO tries in as many minutes from BARLA Under 21 international stand-off Shaun Boylan made sure it was St Pat's who came up smiling in this gripping local derby. Boylan's double strike came in the first quarter and provided
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Shock return on cards for Little
GLEN LITTLE could be in line for a shock recall to the Clarets starting line-up in the AXA FA Cup fourth round tie at Cheltenham Town on Sunday. The Burnley winger has not played since the previous round when he pulled up with a hamstring injury in the
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Exhibition comes to life
AN ARTIST aims to transform banal objects of everyday life in an exhibition coming soon to Leigh. Dean Hughes works with familiar objects such as paper and bus tickets in such a way as to make people reconsider the ordinary, the systematised and daily
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Works blaze
FORTY firemen spent three hours fighting a blaze at the Total Bitumen works in Golborne. The fire destroyed the incineration plant and caused damage to about a quarter of the former Kelbit factory on Edge Green Road. Fire engines were present at the scene
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Gunman robs off-licence
A GUNMAN threatened a shop assistant and a customer before stealing cigarettes and phone cards from a Bickershaw off-licence. Police are appealing for information about the breakfast time armed robbery. Two men -- one carrying a small, black handgun entered
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Priest punched in face
A PRIEST was punched in the face when he confronted drunken yobs trying to damage his church. Father Anthony Barrett, of Sacred Heart and St Edward's RC Church, Darwen, received cuts to the face in the attack -- which police described as "beyond belief
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Pay-outs for retired Miners
RETIRED miners will receive a one off payment of between £200 and £2000 each as part of a new Government backed scheme. The £90 million scheme, in conjunction with the Trustees of the Mineworker's Pension Scheme, will provide additional benefits for up
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The shame of 'trusted' cashier
A FORMER solicitor's cashier at the centre of a £90,000 theft probe has admitted three counts of false accounting. Elaine Astley, 49, pleaded guilty to the new allegations a week into a trial at Burnley Crown Court, where she had originally been charged
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Fund cash for Westleigh
WESTLEIGH residents will benefit from Government funding earmarked for improving traffic. A scheme aiming to improve residents quality of life in an area covering of 160 houses around Browning Street has been allocated a slice of the Home Zone Challenge
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Singing for Daniel
WHEN singer Lisa Mannion heard about the plight of leukaemia sufferer Daniel Berry she decided to pitch in and help. The Atherton soprano has organised a charity concert featuring 'songs from the shows' on Saturday, January 26, at Chowbent Chapel. Money
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Tribute to actor
A LASTING tribute to Leigh's greatest actor may follow biographer Phil Taylor's trip to his home town. Pennington-born Phil and his wife, Sue, were at Leigh Library on Thursday to promote the newly-published life story of his great, great uncle, "Jonathan
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Depressed golf pro killed himself after being beaten up
A GOLF professional took his own life following a long battle with depression. Leigh Golf Club's pro Michael Smith, 28, was found dead in his car on July 31 last year, from carbon monoxide poisoning, a month after being beaten-up outside a nightclub.
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Vincent warns of scrap scam
A LEIGH man is warning the elderly to be on their guard for two men working a scrap scam. Pensioner Vincent Sims claims the duo, who patrol the backs of homes in an old, open backed wagon, picked on him as a target for theft. But their plot to enter his
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Suite nothings for cutody clients
THE cells at Morecambe Police Station looks certain to close forcing some local offenders to be detained as far away as Blackpool. The police say the custody suite at Morecambe may have to close down so that they can put more police officers on the streets
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Clean-up gang who do make a difference
YOUNG people who spent hours cleaning up the Plank Lane area of Leigh have been entered into a Police Make a Difference campaign. Volunteers from the Plank Lane estate took to the streets as part of a major clean-up and refurbishment project to give the
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Fears of epidemic as bug hits region
HUNDREDS of children across East Lancashire are being hit by a stomach bug - leaving education bosses facing the prospect of an epidemic. The area's worst-affected schools are in Blackburn with Darwen and Ribble Valley, with pupils suffering from serious
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Two high
TWO of Chorley AC's over 65 athletes Jim Munn and John Payn gained high placings in the Ellicot 10K Trophy Handicap Race Walk. Jim finished sixth in 65mins 03secs with John seventh in 65mins 09secs. On handicap John took third spot to start the walking
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Jones captains Lancs to victory
SARAH JONES of Hyndburn AC captained Lancashire's Under 11 girls to victory in the Regional Sports Hall Athletics Final on Saturday. Also in the side were Hyndburn team mate Charlotte Edmundson, Emma Murray of Pendle AC and Jessica Graham from Burnley
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Family affair
BEN RUSIUS was the winning junior boy in the North Yorkshire Schools Cross Country Championship on Saturday. The Rusius family run for Pendle Athletic Club, but are eligible because they go to school over the border. At Airedale Park in Skipton, Jamie
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Annual presentation evening
HYNDBURN Athletic Club are holding their Annual Presentation Evening at the Platt Social Club, Accrington on Saturday at 7pm. Club members can get their tickets from the Clubhouse at Wilson's, or from Norman Mitchell. The second Sports Hall Athletics
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Comeback King George
FELL runner George Ehrhardt is 'a prodigious talent who could be become the best in the country when he gets serious', according to his Todmorden Harrier team mate Keith Parkinson. A recent purple patch had given George three victories in four races before
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NY brawling could have delivered fatal blow
THE fight that was supposed to save boxing is already set to kill the game off as a serious spectacle. The ever diminishing standing of the fight game had a big chance to regain some of the lost ground with the classic heavyweight clash between Lennox
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Eating for fun
I BOUGHT some Shredded Wheat for the first time in years to assist in my new health drive. On each packet is the challenge that you can't eat three. Wanna bet!
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Not so Swinging Sixties!
A RECENT TV programme on game shows revealed that the Swinging Sixties were not really as rocking as some of us like to remember. The with-it Top of the Form contestants of 1965 revealed their hobbies as visiting historic buildings, brass rubbing and
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Elderly 'too scared to go out'
A TOWN where old people are too scared to go out at night, feel isolated by poor public transport and abandoned by society. These were just some of the grim findings in a survey of Radcliffe's elderly population carried out by Bury and Rochdale Health
