Archive
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Let's show we're up for the Cup
LAST summer the new football season started with the borough on the crest of a wave as Blackburn Rovers roared back where they belong - in the Premiership. Promotion put a smile on thousands of faces and sent ripples of euphoria through a large part of
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Top of the class
A BLACKPOOL high school has been commended for helping its pupils fulfil their potential as part of a national scheme. St Mary's High School, St Walburga's Road, was singled out for praise by the town's director of excellence, Keith Clark, who is in charge
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Preece eyes more composure
SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is hoping more composure in the last third of the field will give his side the edge over relegation rivals AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries are the visitors to Gigg Lane tomorrow in what supporters are hoping won't be the last ever
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David puts heart and Soul into theatre
IT was when I heard the distinctive tones on the other end of the phone that the memories came flooding back. I was speaking to David Soul, wearer of some of the most incredible Seventies fashions ever seen on TV, a man who drove the coolest car in the
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Time for bad run to end says boss
TUESDAY night's watery postponement of Radcliffe Boro's home clash against Kendal Town was a double edged blow for Kevin Glendon. Not only did the Boro manager want his side to get back on a lengthy winning trail after some disappointing results but he
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Phil on track
PHIL Collins continues to ride the Friday and Monday meetings at the Velodrome. At last Friday's meeting he was third in three races -- the 20 lap scratch, 20 lap points and the Devil. His recent good placings and those of Bob Duckworth were not maintained
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Delayed start sees exciting match-up
FOURTH match in the Bury Societies Winter league series took place on Parkins Lodge on Sunday. The start of the match was slightly delayed due to one of the competitors being involved in a car smash caused by diesel spillage on the way to the match. In
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Rascals pledge to go alone
RAMSBOTTOM Rascals have pledged to go it alone - formally abandoning any idea of being part of a borough-wide elite squad. The clubs head coach Rick Wesolowski blamed the town hall for "not wanting to know" about helping create a top team from the borough's
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Stories of success for young writers
AROUND 350 children entered Blackburn Child Care Society's annual short story competition. The winners were presented with their trophies and cash prizes at a presentation evening at the society's head office in Whalley Road, Wilpshire. Prize winners
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Police in firm but friendly form
ALMOST 700 police officers will be on duty in and around the stadium -- but there have been concerns about how the operation is going to be paid for. South Wales Police are planning to adopt a high-profile approach, with officers on most street corners
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Council chief should resign
SOCIAL services chief County Councillor Chris Cheetham should go with Tony Blair to every residential home and tell the old people face to face that, after they have worked all their lives and paid all their dues, they are closing their . I can imagine
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Crime, it seems, pays a tidy sum
WITH Lancashire County Council planning to close 19 old folk's residential homes due to upgrade costs, there is a comparison which I would like to make (which is not exactly like-for-like). Up to last year, the Government was spending in the region of
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Just how many more must die?
REGARDING the proposed closure of homes for the elderly, my much-loved 89-year-old mother, Ivy Booth, died 'unexpectedly' a matter of days after being forced to move out of St Emmanuel's residential home, Blackburn, due to its closure in February, 2000
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Beware, your time will come
IT has been brought to my attention that Lancashire County Council are now proposing to close some 35 out of 40 nursing homes in the area, and six out of seven are in the area which I reside and to which, have been paying over the odds in council tax
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Jury is out in car-jacking case
A JURY in an alleged car-jacking case has been sent out to consider its verdict by a judge. Bolton Crown Court heard that a woman had her car stolen outside Iceland supermarket in Leigh by a man who threatened to shoot her. Patricia Sutton was putting
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Closing homes consequences are too severe
THE proposals to close most of Lancashire County Council's care homes for older people are completely unacceptable. Labour county councillors say that there are no easy options, but that is because the Labour government is bringing in new standards which
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Rock on! Tommy and Bobby are back
BRACE yourself! Daft duo Cannon and Ball are gearing up to top the bill at Blackpool Grand Theatre this summer for Comedy Bonanza 2002. Rock on Tommy! And the local lads will be joined by musical funny men The Barron Knights and cuddly comics The Roly
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Drink-drivers aged 10-16
TWO boys under the age of 17 were prosecuted for drink-driving in Bury last year, according to figures released to the borough's licensing committee. In a report by Chief Suerpintendent Phil Hollowood, head of Bury Police, it listed the young offenders
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Park and ride
HEATON Park has been designated a park and ride site to help ferry sporting enthusiasts to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. There will be capacity for 2,000 cars and this will allow people to park and continue their journey into Manchester city centre
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Pet Ben is back home after ay mishap
LUCKY dog Ben is back in the lap of luxury after a brush with death on the motorway. The long-haired cross German shepherd was found injured last month on the southbound verge of the M66 motorway, just ahead of the Junction 4 slip road at Simister. Police
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Store helps out local charities
IT was cheque out at the Asda Store in Bury to mark the handing over of cash to seven worthwhile causes. Fund-raising by kind-hearted staff, in-store events and money awarded by the Asda Foundation all contributed towards the cash hand-outs by the Spring
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Just the ticket
THE development of integrated transport in Greater Manchester has taken a step forward with the introduction of a new combined train and bus ticket. And the new ticket, from First, will provide rail passengers with convenient access to the company's entire
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Homes flood risk
THE Environment Agency has issued an all-clear notice on the River Ribble, at Ribchester, after assessing the area following the heavy rains over the last 24 hours. Hundreds of homes were at risk after the river burst its banks close to the town, near
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Motors plan revving-up!
PLANS have been unveiled for a new multi-million pound car dealership headquarters in Bury. Dixon Motors is only two months away from laying the foundations for its North Manchester base on land at Crostons Road in Brandlesholme. The two-storey development
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Call for eyesores clean-up
EYESORES in the heart of Ainsworth have driven residents to demand a clean-up. Ainsworth Community Association wants to have two derelict houses demolished and an adjoining tip cleared up, and is calling on local councillors Tim Chamberlain and Denise
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Yordi on show
ROVERS fans will get the chance to see new signing Yordi at some stage during the Worthington Cup final against Tottenham on Sunday. Boss Graeme Souness has confirmed the Spanish striker - signed on loan from Real Zaragoza until the end of the season
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Garner is trying not to back King Cole
ROVERS record hitman Simon Garner is reluctant to tip Andy Cole to get the goals to clinch Rovers the Worthington Cup final - as it could be the kiss of death. "Andy Cole is a big game player but if I tip anyone they usually don't score so I won't do
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Souey's Army revs up for the cup
CARDIFF was today rolling out the red carpet ready to welcome a blue and white army as 30,000 Rovers fans hit the road to glory. Supporters were today preparing to make the trip to the Millennium Stadium for Sunday's Worthington Cup showdown with Spurs
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Dunn aiming to do a Darius!
ENGLAND wannabe David Dunn is aiming to emulate the achievements of Aston Villa's Darius Vassell by turning on the style for Sven Goran Eriksson in Sunday's Worthington Cup final at the Millennium Stadium. Vassell's star performance for England in their
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Souness says to seize the day
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness is calling on his players to seize the moment and write their name in Ewood folklore when they meet Tottenham in Sunday's Worthington Cup final. It's 74 years since Rovers last won a major cup competition and Souness - who has
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IN part two of his exclusive interview, ANDY COLE talks about his move to Rovers and his 'feud' with
I've no regrets! EWOOD hot-shot Andy Cole today insisted he has no regrets at quitting Manchester United for Blackburn Rovers despite the fact he's swapped a title race for a relegation scrap. Rovers might be going great guns in the Worthington Cup but
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Tablets left man in trance-like state'
AN inquest into the death of the son of Burnley FC assistant manager Sam Ellis was told how medication he was taking at the time could have left him in a "zombie-like state." Tim Ellis died in October after colliding with a lorry on the A583 Preston New
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Minister praises community work
HOME Office minister John Denham said he believed Burnley had responded well in trying to bring communities closer together following the disturbances last year. The minister toured the town meeting community groups and leaders and was briefed on the
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Red light clampdown
POLICE in Preston have launched a new operation to clamp down on prostitution. Operation Kerb will try to take prostitutes off the streets, but will also aim to find out why women end up on the game. Officers hope to find ways of helping those who work
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Five years ago
FURIOUS rovers fans turned their wrath on chairman Rob Coar in the wake of Sven Goran Eriksson's refusal to take over management of Blackburn Rovers. The supporters' club, Ewood Blues, blamed Mr Coar for being more interested in business than football
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Thieves with form
CHEEKY thieves have stolen four of the new benches on St Annes Promenade -- just two weeks after they were installed. The bolted-down benches were taken from the same area -- opposite St Annes boating pool and bandstand -- on the same night. The cast
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Decision delay on foot and mouth inquiry
TOP judges have delayed their decision on whether the Government should be forced into holding a full public inquiry into last year's foot and mouth epidemic that devastated the rural economy. After a four-day High Court case brought by a group of farmers
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Big Mac hungers for sign of golden M
BURGER giant McDonald's has submitted plans to erect a unique version of its famous golden M sign at its new restaurant in the Ribble Valley. In August last year, the fast food chain ditched its original plans for its trademark 8ft golden arches in a
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Regeneration 'chief' apppointed by town
REGENERATION project Clitheroe the Future has appointed a new officer to co-ordinate its plans to regenerate the town and surrounding areas. Andrew Swarbrick, 34, from Preston, took up the post this week and one of his first tasks will be to set out an
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Rugby League: Young Scorpions bow out
AN under-strength Blackpool Scorpions Under-14 rugby league side lost 44-0 to Leyland Warriors in the first round of the North West Counties Cup. Their opponents are in a higher division than the Scorpions and it showed in Leyland's quicker all round
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Junior Football
A ROUND-UP of the local junior soccer scene. YMCA: YMCA U10s 'A' 0 Clifton Rangers U10s 'A' 5 YMCA 'B' U10s 1 Clifton Rangers U10s 'B' 0 YMCA's Coulton Cup hopes ended in the first round with this 5-1 aggregate defeat. It was always going to be a stiff
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Firm names Ann among its top two
A LOCAL woman is celebrating after being named runner-up in an employee of the year awards scheme. Ann Swire was selected to the coveted position by jmc.it, one of the North's leading IT specialists. The company, based in Manchester, provides IT solutions
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£100m aim for buy-out Gamma
A WHITEFIELD company which has enjoyed phenomenal growth over 13 years has assured itself of an even brighter future, thanks to a management buy-out. The move underpins Gamma Global's dream of achieving a staggering £100 million turnover in the next three
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Funds whizz Murray keeps up good work
A WELL-known Bury businessman, who combined his engineering expertise with his love of the sporting life, has retired. Although he is no longer at the helm of local firm Peter Brotherhood, 64-year-old Murray Birnie will continue to operate his private
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Trip to Sri Lanka triggers gift
A LYTHAM school has donated hundreds of pounds to a Sri Lankan school. Pupils, parents and staff at King Edward VII and Queen Mary school have collected £700 to buy textbooks for the Kuda Oya school in Sri Lanka's southern plains. The decision to collect
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Striker Dean has big future
THE next top star to come off the Crewe Alexandra production line is expected to be the young striker Dean Ashton. The teenager is sure to prove a handful for Burnley's own bright young star, French defender Arthur Gnohere. It was as a substitute against
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Taylor is the one to watch
CREWE Alexandra boss Dario Gradi has targeted Burnley striker Gareth Taylor as the man to watch as he looks for a morale boosting victory ahead of next week's FA Cup clash with Everton at Gresty Road. And although his side won many plaudits for the way
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We can see it through: Ternent
STAN TERNENT believes experience could be the key to success in the final tense weeks of the season. And he is confident that his battle hardened troops are ready for the struggles that lie ahead, starting with the visit to Crewe Alexandra tomorrow. The
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Home win for fans
BLACKPOOL FC fans have scored at home and won the right for a road sign to be changed to Seasiders Way. The former Seaside Way, which runs along the back of Bloomfield Road football stadium, was renamed after Pool fans kicked up a fuss and demanded local
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Generous Choice
ONE big-hearted hotel chain has made the right Choice and donated a massive £10,000 to Macmillan Windmill Appeal this week. This brings Choice Hotel's contributions towards Blackpool's new cancer unit to £22,600, and Windmill Appeal co-director Elaine
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Cabbie saved my hotel
THE owner of a £1million Cleveleys hotel said a mystery taxi driver saved her business from going up in flames. Jakki Slack, co-owner of the Royal and Club Enigma on North Promenade, said that the cab driver -- who she was trying to trace -- had spotted
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After-care service gets thumbs up
CARDIAC patients across the Fylde can take heart as a hospital after-care service is expanded due to its soaring success. The Cardiac Home Care Service provides health checks, reassurance and a listening ear to patients and their families after discharge
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Campaign to attract new blood
BURY people are being urged to sign up as blood donors to help maintain and increase local supplies. A new year-long campaign, entitled "Get There Any Way You Can," has been launched by the National Blood Service. The campaign has been kicked off during
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Parents are warned over school holidays
EVERY parent of school-age children is being warned not to take them out of class to go on holiday. Education bosses are next week sending a letter to 28,000 parents saying that missed lessons can cost a child dear. They say the problem is getting worse
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£65,993 for extra childcare
BUSY parents and bored youngsters could be in luck, with new National Lottery funding for childcare places in Bury. Four projects in the borough have been successful with a total bid for £65,993 from the New Opportunities Fund. The cash is aimed at allowing
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Police on the move
PRESTWICH is to get its long-awaited new police station right at the heart of the community. After more than three years of searching for a suitable location, Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) has agreed to set up a manned police post in Fairfax
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Beau-tiful for Gigg Lane
AS schoolboy soccer fan Beau stood on the terracing at Bury FC's Gigg Lane ground he never dreamed that one day he would own the club. But now 65 years later the Unsworth-born musician believes he is just days away from sealing a multi-million pound deal
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Town Hall meeting for Bury fans
AFTER extensive talks with Bury Football Club officials and various other interested parties there will be a public meeting for all Bury FC fans on Friday March 1 at 7pm in the Elizabethan Suite, Bury Town Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to inform
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Ramsbottom United preview by Marc Higginson
United look to upset form boys RAMSBOTTOM United go into Saturday's clash with bottom of the league Flixton determined to end their opponent's run of four consecutive victories. Flixton are currently on a high and this culminated in a 2-1 victory over
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Souness says to seize the day
ROVERS boss Graeme Souness is calling on his players to seize the moment and write their name in Ewood folklore when they meet Tottenham in Sunday's Worthington Cup final. It's 74 years since Rovers last won a major cup competition and Souness - who has
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Thank Haven for success
WHAT a difference a bit of confidence makes. Late last year, Manchester's adopted sons Haven promised much. But now they're delivering the goods. With Nat Watson's powerful, floating guitar lines and the magical vocals of Gary Briggs, they've become the
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Football League in Gigg Meeting
BURY FC joint chairmen Fred Mason and John Smith met Football League officials this week regarding the parlous situation the Shakers find themselves in writes PHIL THORP A deputation from League HQ met the directors at Gigg Lane on Wednesday and were
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Future hope for old 'Tech'
THE final phase of the redevelopment of a Darwen landmark has begun with the creation of 150 jobs. A planning application has been submitted by a mystery company to transform the inside of Darwen Technical School, facing on Union Street and Knott Street
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Louis does it His Way
OL' blue eyes is back -- well close your eyes and he could be as Louis Hoover brings the smooth sound of Frank Sinatra to Blackpool Grand Theatre in March. The critically acclaimed Mr Hoover has previously toured as one third of Frank, Sammy and Dean
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Make mind up time for jazz lovers
THIS weekend is shaping up to be a real cracker for jazz lovers in this part of Lancashire with two events of significance taking place tomorrow evening. Sadly, when two dates clash in this way, as they seem to do all too often, aficionados are left with
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Final chance for Suzanne
A BLACKPOOL beauty is taking part in the Miss Great Britain finals this weekend, Suzanne Walker, 26, will travel to London this weekend to take part in the prestigious beauty contest after a sponsor was found for her at the eleventh hour. Anne Singleton
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Oh Grandad, you're magic
A BLACKPOOL magician is hoping locals will get their skates on to help him conjure up cash for his sporty granddaughter. Joe Riding, a member of the Inner Magic Circle Gold Star, wants to perform magic in exchange for donations to help fund Olympic hope
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Council tax is set to soar
PEOPLE across the Fylde face a rise in council tax in the coming financial year -- and some could be paying as much as 17.3 per cent more than last year. In Blackpool, residents will be paying 17.3 per cent more on their council tax for 2002-3. A Band
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Capita profits soar to £77m
A COMPANY which claims to have created more than 400 jobs after taking over the running of a range of council services has announced record profits of more than £77million. And Capita, which won a 15-year contract worth £205million from Blackburn with
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Disease-hit towns win Euro cash
VILLAGES and market towns which were devastated by foot and mouth have won a share in a £4million European money pot. The East Lancashire Partnership, which is based in Accrington, has successfully made a joint bid for the cash, which will come for the
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University is a step nearer
A £7MILLION European cash windfall could pave the way for East Lancashire's first university. Two councils have worked together to attract the funding, which will be used to create the area's first non-industrial business park. Developers are already
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Rovers will do it says Foggy
FOUR-TIMES World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty reckons the cynics are wrong - this is going to be great season for Rovers. The critics would say Rovers are heading for defeat in their first major cup final for 42 years, and then heading for relegation
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Orders ignored by Blues
NELSON could not stick to boss John Bailey's orders - but luckily it worked out okay. The Blues manager spent 20 minutes telling his side not to concede an early goal at Norton. "We went out and they scored one in the first minute! But I was pleased with
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Stanley snap up gifted teenager
STANLEY are looking to boost their squad with the addition of Great Harwood's promising defender Andrew Proctor. The 19-year-old has caught Reds manager John Coleman's eye after a series of strong performances for the NWCL Division One outfit. Coleman
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Arrrogant suggestion
THE anonymous zoo spokesperson (Letters, Jan 31) who claims to have visited wild animal habitats in four continents is a very odd individual indeed if he/she prefers the zoo rather than what our Almighty creator provided. He/she is also very arrogant
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Bring back corporal punishment
A CHANGE in the law is needed in order to restore corporal punishment in the community to act as a positive deterrent to re-offending. We are most concerned about the current levels of assault and GBH, both in the street and also in the home, particularly
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Family entertainment please
YOUR readers may have seen media coverage of plans to turn Blackpool into a Lancashire Las Vegas. Perhaps they want us to use real chips not plastic ones on the roulette tables. Or to make sure the strippers wear flat caps if nothing else. But seriously
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An erosion of our rights
REPEATEDLY, through the press and by other available means, I have tried to warn about the relentless loss of democracy in our country under New Labour. Since Blair's election in 1997 so many changes have been made in the name of democracy when in actual
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We want facts not hype
A LOCAL newspaper's leader cautions, "There is a serious danger that the casino debate is becoming polarised" and then elsewhere on the same pages launches a poll which asks only two questions. Would resort casinos be good for the town? Would resort casinos
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Yes...
STANDARD Life, owners of Blackburn Shopping Centre, have the potential to hold up the whole redevelopment of Blackburn town centre by not acting and doing something with Lord Square. So says Coun Ashley Whalley, the man tasked with sorting out the town
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More cameras
AS a resident of Bury Road, Radcliffe, I can't wait for speed cameras to be installed here. Most drivers seem to think they are at Brands Hatch, not on Bury Road. The police will be able to purchase many more cameras with the money earned from the fines
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Coffin congestion
THE streets of London are overcowded at the best of times, and during the rush-hour they are virtually gridlocked. So could someone please explain to me why it was decided to move Princess Margaret's coffin at the height of the rush-hour? It only goes
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Come and see for yourself
IN response to David Kemp (Your Letters, Feb 1) may I point out that correspondent "Sharon" is not a parent of any of the young footballers at Lower Gigg, she just enjoys watching them play. And if David Kemp would care to come down to Lower Gigg at 12
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We're cheaper and it's a fact
ONCE again, we have the usual bunch of "irate", "angry" or "very angry" ratepayers writing to the Bury Times but afraid, or ashamed, to reveal their identities. On reflection, I am sure it isn't fear. Could it be that to reveal themselves would destroy
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This tip plan must be halted
I UNDERSTAND from your recent report that on March 7 Bury Council are to consider Biffa Waste's application to turn Fletcher Bank Quarry at Shuttleworth into a landfill site. The closure of a similar site in South Wales, as a consequence of its harmful
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TV's "Len" encouraged me
M. HAGAN'S letter (Feb 1) reminded me of the time Peter Adamson, TV's Len Fairclough, played at the old Bury Hippodrome. Peter gave me my very first professional job of painting scenery for the Fortescue Repertory Company. I found him to be the most charming
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No wonder he is anonymous
I AM never amazed at the allegations made against Bury Council without any evidence produced to substantiate them, especially by people who hide behind pen-names. Such a person is "True Blue" (Your Letters, Feb 5). He/she picked one item as being "waste
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Common sense over Shuttleworth quarry plan
AS "Decision Day" approaches concerning the proposed landfill site at Fletcher Bank quarry in Shuttleworth, I would like to make yet another plea for common sense. My knowledge of waste disposal and environmental matters is almost nil. I understand only
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Just Jamie: Asking too much to quit while ahead
THE football world was shocked when Sir Alex Ferguson announced his intentions to stay on as the boss of Manchester United. After pledging to retire at the end of the season, Sir Alex was preparing to turn his back on the cut and thrust of the Premier
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Doctors in clamp shock
ANGRY doctors and nurses at Fairfield Hospital found their cars clamped after managers suddenly brought in a new get-tough policy. They had to fork-out £50 apiece to free their cars and later accused management of cheating, complaining that clamping was
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, February 23, 2002
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Sequence and Ballroom Dancing with MCs Frank and Denise, Tony's Ballroom, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm-11pm. Turkey Tea and Music, Whalley Methodist Church Hall
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They're on song in cancer battle
A CONCERT by pupils at a Poulton school has raised hundreds of pounds for the fight against cancer. Members of the choir at Hodgson High School, Moorland Road, held an annual "Sing Out Against Cancer" day and raised £300 for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal
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Trip to Sri Lanka triggers gift
A LYTHAM school has donated hundreds of pounds to a Sri Lankan school. Pupils, parents and staff at King Edward VII and Queen Mary school have collected £700 to buy textbooks for the Kuda Oya school in Sri Lanka's southern plains. The decision to collect
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Fund raising gold rush for hospice cash goal
FUNDRAISING is vital for the future of Derian House children's hospice. Despite caring for children across the North West, only a fraction of its work is paid for with statutory funding. Managers, who have helped make Derian House one of the most cost-effective
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Park deservedly win a thriller
Sedgley Park... 32pts Newbury... 24pts: IN PERFECT conditions for running rugby, Sedgley Park began where they had left off at Harrogate, leading 25 - 7 at the end of an irresistible first half. The second half was less than inspiring as Newbury managed
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Shakers unlucky
For that was the order of the day for Andy Preece's side who fully deserved a point from this clash played out in monsoon conditions. But, on a horrendous night for weather all across the country, never mind the Principality, with a gale force wind and
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Poor Bury fail to inspire
Lancashire Trophy Second Round: Bury ... 0 Halton ... 15 A POOR match, neither entertaining to spectators, enjoyable for players, or getting the right result, unless you come from Halton. The home side having lost the plot two weeks ago at Calder Vale
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Heywood stopped in their tracks
HEYWOOD Reform's bubble finally burst when, after fifteen consecutive victories, they went up into the hills above Bury and came down again with a 3-5 beating from a very good Walmersley Cons A team. Leaders of the B&G Engineering C section Central
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Banned driver knew he would be jailed
DISQUALIFIED driver Karl Creasey was so sure he was going to be sent to prison he brought his toothbrush when he surrendered to a warrant for his arrest. And his predicted outcome came about when Blackburn magistrates jailed him for four months. Creasey
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Jonty to go?
BRISTOL City boss Danny Wilson is believed to be considering whether to make a move to take Rovers' Northern Ireland international midfielder Damien Johnson on loan until the end of the season. Johnson is one of a number of options being looked at by
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Same fiasco
AFTER the fiasco at the immigration centre at Yarl's Wood one has to ask why it is happening to this country. This centre cost the taxpayer £100million and we now hear that there was £35million-worth of damage done. All this money is spent on people who
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Louis does it His Way
OL' blue eyes is back -- well close your eyes and he could be as Louis Hoover brings the smooth sound of Frank Sinatra to Blackpool Grand Theatre in March. The critically acclaimed Mr Hoover has previously toured as one third of Frank, Sammy and Dean
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Man (22) found hanging
A MAN has been found hanging at his home in Unsworth. Graham Doherty's body was discovered by his mother suspended from the stairwell on Friday evening (Feb 15) at his home in Church Meadow. Mr Doherty (22), who is believed to have suffered long-term
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Candidates for the hot seat
FOUR senior police officers have been shortlisted to take over the hot seat from Greater Manchester's Chief Constable David Wilmot, who is retiring. And the force could have its first ever Asian chief constable, Ghaffur Tarique, who served as a beat bobby
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Youngsters wanted to help design waste logo
GREATER Manchester Waste wants young artists in Bury to design a logo which can be applied to promotional materials, vehicles and other equipment. The competition, open to youngsters in three age groups, is to promote recycling and environmental conservation
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Esther dies aged 102
A BURY woman who celebrated her 100th birthday in the first month of the new millennium has died. Esther Deakin passed away peacefully at the Bank House Nursing Home in Brandlesholme Road earlier this month at the age of 102. The home's oldest resident
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Start early, fans urged
BLACKBURN Rovers fans were today urged to set off for Sunday's Worthington Cup final in plenty of time due to roadworks. The Highways Agency is carrying out five bridge repairs between junction one and two of the M50, which supporters will use to head
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Map brings history to life
A FASCINATING insight into bygone Bradley Fold can be gained through the publication of an old Ordnance Survey map. The reprint of the 1908 map reproduces the 25 inch to one mile OS map for the settlement of Bradley Fold, with its pottery, textile machinery
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Local waiting list against national trend
LOCAL patient waiting lists increased in December despite a fall in figures nationally. Figures published this week show there were 91 more people, a rise of 4.6 per cent, waiting for treatment in December under Bury Health Care NHS Trust compared to
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Rail enthusiast's ambitious plans for old line
THE rail enthusiast who wants to restore the old Bolton to Bury line into Radcliffe has announced an even more ambitious proposal. Mr Steve Parker, founder of the Bolton Derelict Railway Preservation Society, wants to include the scheme in part of a much
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Police warn lone women after attack
POLICE have urged lone women to be more vigilant after a pensioner was the victim of an attempted robbery. The 60-year-old woman was walking along Nuttall Old Road in Ramsbottom when she was approached by a thug and pushed to the ground. He attempted
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Dumped fridges warning
DON'T dump your old fridges. We'll take them away for free! That's the warming message from council chiefs, who are quashing rumours that they will no longer accept them. New EU rules mean that old fridges and freezers must have their CFC gases removed
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Start early, fans urged
BLACKBURN Rovers fans were today urged to set off for Sunday's Worthington Cup final in plenty of time due to roadworks. The Highways Agency is carrying out five bridge repairs between junction one and two of the M50, which supporters will use to head
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Mahon has tons of support
FEW players will be better supported than Alan Mahon when Rovers run out for the Worthington Cup final in Cardiff on Sunday. For an avalanche of family and friends will make the pilgrimage from Ireland to cheer the former Tranmere ace on at the impressive
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Rovers will do it says Foggy
FOUR-TIMES World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty reckons the cynics are wrong - this is going to be great season for Rovers. The critics would say Rovers are heading for defeat in their first major cup final for 42 years, and then heading for relegation
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Don't call me 'Sicknote!'
WHEN Darren Anderton arrived at Tottenham almost a decade ago he was asked if he had a nickname. The answer he gave was "Shaggy" after the character from the cartoon series Scooby Doo, because he had a similar look and loping stride. Unfortunately for
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Leader will not accept huge pay rise
BURNLEY's Council leader will not be accepting a huge rise in his allowances despite an independent panel's recommendation. The panel had recommended Coun Stuart Caddy's pay be increased from £2,400 per annum to £8,000 per annum and the basic allowance
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Park 'n' write-off for cabbie Abid
A GOBSMACKED taxi driver today described how he was lucky to be alive after a concrete slab fell 100ft from a viaduct on to his car. Father-of-four Abid Shah, 47, had been in the vehicle just moments before it was wiped out in the incident in Arch Street
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CD reviews
A LOOK at the latest releases including R Kelly, Ozzy Osbourne and the Lighthouse Family. R KELLY: The World's Greatest GET those tissues at the ready because R Kelly's back with another upsettingly awful ballad. This is an emotional tribute to Muhammad
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Hitman Pilky
PADIHAM welcome fellow NWCL Division Two mid-table side Bootle to the Arbories tomorrow. The Storks have drawn their last two games with Holker and Alsager 1-1 with top scorer Ian Pilkington getting the goals in both to take his tally to 17 for the season
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Knife raider hunted
POLICE in Colne are appealing for information about a thief they believe was armed with a kitchen knife when he burgled a house in Fothergill Street. A back window was smashed between 1pm and 4.45pm on Tuesday and property worth £2,000 was stolen from
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Ten years ago
CHILDREN in Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, were treated to a birthday cake even though it was no-one's birthday. The cake was originally destined for a celebration at the Peppermint Place nightclub, Blackburn, but was donated to the children instead
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Gales forecast delays bridge repair
BRIDGE repairs on a major road have been delayed, because it is too dangerous to move a 500-tonne crane in gale force winds. Motorists face five days of traffic jams from next Thursday while work is carried out on a stretch of the A59 in Samlesbury which
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Businesslodge venue
A THRIVING haven for local companies will open its doors to host the latest meeting of the Bury Business Club. Businesslodge in the town's Barcroft Street is the venue for the get-together next Thursday, February 28 between 6pm and 8pm. The focus of this
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No change to euro opposition
A NEW ICM poll reveals that 62 per cent of people in the North West are opposed to the adoption of the euro. The research was carried out on behalf of the anti-euro "no" campaign. It shows just 28 per cent of people in the region are in favour of signing
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Staff spread good news
TRADITION and new technology are coming together to underline the services and vacancies open to Bury jobseekers. Advisers were out in the town on Tuesday (Feb 19) and will do so again today (Fri Feb 22) to spread the word. The good news for Bury people
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Clarets are ready and raring to go
BURNLEY'S players are ready to take out their frustrations following another postponed fixture by putting in a match winning display at Crewe Alexandra tomorrow. But manager Stan Ternent has been quick to dismiss any notion that they may be in for an
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Man dies after fall
A MAN died after he was found lying on the ground with serious injuries outside a shop in Blackpool on Wednesday morning (February 20). Police were not treating the death as suspicious but it is believed he may have fallen or jumped from the roof of the
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Warning of delays as M6 resurfaced
MOTORISTS travelling in and out of Blackpool via the M6 can expect delays due to £5.2 million resurfacing works this month, the Highways Agency has warned. The third phase of the multi-million pound resurfacing scheme between junction 28 at Leyland and
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Open all hours on Thursdays
SHOP 'til you drop in Blackpool this summer as permanent late night Thursday shopping is in the bag from April 4. Virtually all the major town centre stores have agreed to participate in the Blackpool Town Centre Forum initiative, alongside a growing
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Hospice lottery is a big draw
THE people of Bury are £400,000 richer thanks to Bury Hospice! That's the amazing amount handed out to its £1,000 winners by the Hospice's Red Rose Lottery since it started in 1994. The milestone was marked on Friday (Feb 15) with an event at Bury Town
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£160,000 skatepark underway
WORK has begun on a £160,000 community skatepark in Radcliffe. In-line skaters, BMX riders and skateboarders could be perfecting their wheel-spins and bunny-hops by summer as the park is due to be completed by June. It marks the end of a five-year campaign
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Advice service marks first anniversary
A TEAM service which has helped hundreds of needy residents has celebrated its first birthday. In 12 months, the Housing Advice Service has helped people obtain more than £43,000 in welfare benefits they might otherwise have missed out on. It has also
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New health role for ex-teacher
A FORMER deputy headteacher is to head the new Bury Primary Care Trust (PCT). Hilda Harvey, who lives in Holcombe Brook, will be the chairman of the new Trust when it is established this April. The PCT will take over many of the functions of the present
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Borough plans for jubilee sports weekend
BURY Sports Advisory Council are looking to encourage local sports clubs and organisations to mount special events over the Queen's Golden Jubilee weekend, June 1 to 4. The aim is to raise awareness of the wide range of sporting activities available in
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BURY CTC
IT was almost springlike for the start of the A group's ride to Rathmell near Settle in North Yorkshire. But the forecast was for rain later and as usual they were correct. It was the usual ride out through Accrington, Whalley and Sawley. Then in the
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Running really well
ON SATURDAY 3rd February, young athletes from Bury Athletic Club competed in the Greater Manchester Sports Hall Athletics County Championships. The under 11 girls were represented by Alix McDermott, Rachael Moran, Holly Chapman and Elicia Beech. All four
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Lions still looking for first victory
SWINTON Lions go into Sunday's crunch clash with Dewsbury hoping it will be the start of a winning run that will help haul them away from the bottom reaches of the Northern Ford Premiership writes Marc Higginson The Lions have so far been unable to register
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We can see it through: Ternent
STAN TERNENT believes experience could be the key to success in the final tense weeks of the season. And he is confident that his battle hardened troops are ready for the struggles that lie ahead, starting with the visit to Crewe Alexandra tomorrow. The
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Hockey: Lytham clinch final appearances
THIS was a very solid performance by both teams showing true Lishman Cup semi-final determination. Morecambe went ahead after about ten minutes before Anne Preston equalised with the first of another hat-trick. Morecambe fought back and scored, Preston
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Murder charge remand
A 19-YEAR-old man accused of murdering a 22-year-old woman from Darwen, made another brief appearance at the Old Bailey yesterday. Gareth Richard Horton, of Walmsley Street, Darwen, was remanded in custody until April 8 for a plea and directions hearing
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Tower to reopen in April
REPAIRS to Darwen Tower are about to begin and the landmark is expected to re-open in April after being sealed-off since October 2000 when it was found to be unsafe. Builders are to remove the stone floor slabs from the 104 year-old tower, after which
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Farmer finds driver dead in car
A YOUNG driver was found dead in his vehicle after a passing farmer spotted a car parked with a hosepipe pushed through the window and attached to the exhaust. Police said the man, who has not yet been formally identified, was discovered at 9.40am yesterday
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Thank Haven for success
WHAT a difference a bit of confidence makes. Late last year, Manchester's adopted sons Haven promised much. But now they're delivering the goods. With Nat Watson's powerful, floating guitar lines and the magical vocals of Gary Briggs, they've become the
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CD reviews
A LOOK at the latest releases including R Kelly, Ozzy Osbourne and the Lighthouse Family. R KELLY: The World's Greatest GET those tissues at the ready because R Kelly's back with another upsettingly awful ballad. This is an emotional tribute to Muhammad
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New victim of front door conmen
BOGUS callers were still preying on elderly Fylde people this week. An 93-year-old woman was the victim of two thieves at her home in sheltered accommodation on Threlfall Road in South Shore, Blackpool this week. The two men knocked on her door and struck
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David puts heart and Soul into theatre
IT was when I heard the distinctive tones on the other end of the phone that the memories came flooding back. I was speaking to David Soul, wearer of some of the most incredible Seventies fashions ever seen on TV, a man who drove the coolest car in the
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Don't forget to belt up!
"BELT up!" say Lancashire Police and Blackpool Borough Council in a bid to make drivers and passengers buckle down and wear seatbelts. And police announce they will be cracking down on non-wearers across the Fylde this month. It has been illegal not to
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CRIMESTOPPERS: Toilet scam strikes gold
JEWELLERY valued at £950 was stolen by a callous thief who entered the home of an 83-year-old lady. The thief knocked on the door of the house in Ramsey Avenue, Blackpool, and asked if she could use the toilet. The lady invited her and a teenage girl
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Red Cross centre for Blackpool
BLACKPOOL is to be put on the medical map -- with a big red cross. The Red Cross is to open a new centre in the town, thanks to a £180,000 cash boost from Blackpool Challenge Partnership. The money will be used to transform a derelict former warehouse
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Down Your Street...
A LOOK at what's happening in the local community. ST ANNES GET crafty at a craft sale and coffee morning on March 9 at Fylde Christian Service Church, 108a St Andrews Road North, from 11am to 1pm. Admission is 50p which will include refreshments. HELP
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Art or monstrosity?
CONTROVERSY is already raging even before the arrival of three new works of art for Blackpool Promenade costing in the region of £220,000. High Tide Organ, This Is The Way The Wind Looks and a giant glitter ball entitled They Shoot Horses Don't They?
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Hotel splendid!
BLACKPOOL'S hotels need to be more accessible than ever, says the town's tourism department following another successful Tourism Awards ceremony. And The Citizen was at the resort's Hilton Hotel last Friday to sponsor and present the first ever Accessibility
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Decor company gives charity a revamp
VOLUNTEER decorators today launched a special challenge and were planning to work through the day to give a local charity a face-lift. Nightsafe, in Bridge Street, Blackburn, offers shelter for homeless youngsters. But after more than a decade of looking
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I don't feel safe on my own streets!
AN 80-year-old great-grandmother robbed in broad daylight for just £5 says she no longer feels safe in the town she has lived in all her life. Bessie Crook, of Jackson Street, Chorley, was callously mugged on Railway Street in the town as she walked her
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Fire chiefs back home demolition
FIRE chiefs today welcomed news that up to 500 empty ex-council houses are to be demolished as an official planning application was made to bulldoze them. Twin Valley Homes has earmarked houses across five estates in Blackburn with Darwen for destruction
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'Celebrate Eid in safety' plea
A COUNCILLOR has urged young Muslims celebrating the religious festival Eid starting today to put safety first during the festivities. Coun Salim Mulla, who represents the Queen's Park ward in Blackburn, has warned young Muslims, to think about road safety
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Mine's a pint - and a stint on the laptop
AN East Lancashire education authority is celebrating after winning two regional awards for promoting adult learning -- one of which involved taking laptops into pubs. Two unique projects run by Blackburn with Darwen Council beat off stiff competition
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I want to feel buzz in town's life, says JAck
THE steady transformation of Blackburn town centre is a sight which excites Blackburn MP Jack Straw. T he Foreign Secretary has been MP for the area since 1979, and worked for his predecessor, Barbara Castle, for many years before that. After a week which
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Souey's Army revs up for the cup
CARDIFF was today rolling out the red carpet ready to welcome a blue and white army as 30,000 Rovers fans hit the road to glory. Supporters were today preparing to make the trip to the Millennium Stadium for Sunday's Worthington Cup showdown with Spurs
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Rams ready for Flixton
RAMSBOTTOM have signed Congleton forward Carl Lomax and the 21-year-old could go straight into the side for tomorrow's game at bottom club Flixton in NWCL Division One. Carl Lewis has also signed from Colwyn Bay. Ramsbottom hope to continue a run of four
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Jon returns to Motors
ROSSENDALE travel to Ashton United in the UniBond first division without Jon Stanhope, who has returned to Vauxhall Motors. Stanhope had been on a month's loan at Dark Lane but injuries and a fixture build-up at Vauxhall has prompted his return. "He only
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Stand manager wants game off!
STAND take on Colne at home in NWCL Division Two - and manager Nick Davis would be happy if the game was called off. The first team haven't played at home since December 15 but the reserves played on it last Saturday with no problems. But this week's
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Spencer signs up
CLITHEROE skipper Neil Spencer has signed a contract at the club ahead of their trip to Glossop tomorrow. "Neil is our top scorer, he is out captain and he has done really well this season so we are pleased," said player/manager Lee Sculpher. The Blues
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Selection poser
DENIS Underwood has a selection headache ahead of tomorrow's trip to NWCL Division One high-fliers Salford City. Ryan Staniland is in plaster and out for month after dislocating a knee against Congelton while Dave Sharples and Graham Lightbown are also
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Walsh refuses Kendal
DARWEN defender Andy Walsh has turned down a move to UniBond First Division side Kendal Town. The Kendal manager, former Great Harwood boss Pete Smith, made an approach and Darwen boss Steve Wilkes told Walsh he was free to go. "I would never stand in
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Where do we play?
BACUP manager Brent Peters is despairing of one of his players - but will forgive him if he scores a winning goal at Leek CSOB in the NWCL Division Two clash tomorrow. Peters sent a text message to all his players last week saying "Meet 1.45pm at West
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Host of injuries
COLNE travel to NWCL Division Two leaders Stand with a host of injuries. 14-goal hitman Paul Fildes has a swollen foot, Gavin Cooper has a twisted knee, goalkeeper Ross Baxter has flu, and Chris Ingham and Gordon Dugdale are short of match fitness. On
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Hardly representative
IF, as we are led to believe, the referendum for the much publicised casinos was held in one of the prominent bingo halls in the town, this is hardly representative of the population as a whole. It should not be accepted as proper and final figures in
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Seeking an old friend
I HOPE that your readers can provide information to help me to contact an old friend Angela Hardwick. She attended Beach Road Junior School with me from 1964-68 and was an exam adversary but a good friend. We went to different grammar schools after the
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Labour done a lot for Blackpool
WHY are we not seeing more of our elected councillors standing up for Blackpool, asks local Arthur Scargill party spokesman Royston Jones (Citizen January 24)? He also suggested that Blackpool has not benefited from our Labour government and asks what
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No...
STANDARD Life does think it is important that Lord Square catches up with the rest of the shopping centre - but they won't say when. Just over a year ago, they impressed council bosses by showing two plans, believed to cost about £18million each to implement
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Vandals on rampage
A SPATE of mindless acts of vandalism and crime hit St Annes at the weekend leaving shop owners and residents upset and angry. Most of the trouble centred around St David's Road South and St Alban's Road and included two shop windows and a church window
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Do more for the disabled
I HAVE been on the housing waiting list for 16 years and have had only one offer in all that time. That was last year when, because I am in a wheelchair, I was offered a bungalow. Now I am told the bungalows are not suitable for a wheelchair. This simply
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Dogs should not be there
COULD I inform David Kemp of Hampshire Close, Bury (Your Letters, Feb 1) that I am also a resident of this area and that I take more than two bags with me when I walk my two dogs. Also, may I point out that if Mr Kemp does exercise his dogs on Lower Gigg
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Gun gang terror raid for pub drinkers
A GANG armed with guns forced drinkers in a pub to hand over cash. The three raiders, wearing balaclavas, struck at the Park Hotel on Lowther Road, Prestwich, shortly after 9.45pm last night It is believed that three offenders entered the pub armed with
