Archive
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Putting criminals in fear of arrest
POLICE are frequently under fire for having a profile that is not high enough to reassure people that they are being protected from crime and criminals. People complain that too often officers are not seen out and about on the streets looking for criminals
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Red Rose champs
WHAT a racquet! Badminton players at Lytham St Annes High School have won the Lancashire Red Rose badminton competition against Westholme Girls School 'A' team of Blackburn. A spokesman praised the under 14s team, adding: "This is a great achievement
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Girls on the ball for football
GIRL pupils are on the ball at one Blackpool school -- thanks to a new sports scheme. A group of 12 Year Seven girls at Montgomery High School, Bispham, have begun an eight-week football programme designed to nurture female football talent and identify
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Financial whizzkids!
BLACKPOOL students were banking on success when they entered a national challenge -- and their interest certainly paid off! For a group of financial whizzkids from Blackpool Sixth Form College, Blackpool Old Road, were declared champions of the Bank of
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Pike's scarf puzzle
BURNLEY MP Peter PIke recently had a run-in with the security services at Westminster. He took a party of church people from the constituency, organised by the parish church where he worships, around Westminster. Having shown them the Houses of Parliament
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Thorpy's our Marathon man
BURY Times sports editor Phil Thorp will be going the extra mile to raise some money for Bury Football Club this weekend. He will competing in the 22nd Flora London Marathon on Sunday and is on the lookout for sponsorship for the Save Our Shakers fund
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Barrow back in charge at Swinton
TONY BARROW slips back into the coaching role he knows so well for Swinton Lions game against Chorley in the National Cup at Gigg Lane on Sunday. Barrow takes over the reins again following the sacking of Tony Humphries earlier in the week. The Lions
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Demo's Rammy dream
MARK DEMPSEY wants to sign off in style as he nears the end of his playing career with Radcliffe Borough. The former Manchester United midfield man intends to take Boro back up into the UniBond Premier Division before he hangs up his boots at the end
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Rams sign off with a cracker
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED...1 FLIXTON...1:RAMSBOTTOM went into their final home game of the season without a number of their regular players. They faced a rejuvenated Flixton who under manager Dalton Steele have lost just once in ten outings. With two minutes
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Bury secure play-off place
Bury...12,Heaton Moor...3:BURY completed the Spring treble on Saturday with a repeat win against Heaton Moor and secured by right a position in the play-off for promotion, writes MIKE JONES. Their promotion opponents will come from the Cumbrian League
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Flying Fourie is scourge of the Dales
RFU National League Two:Wharfedale...3pts,Sedgley Park...33pts WITH the glorious Yorkshire Dales as a fitting backdrop, Sedgley turned on the performance of the season, a six-try demolition of a very competent Wharfedale side -- and with steadier finishing
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Today's the day
1606: The Union Jack was adopted as the official flag of England. 1682: The first pressure cooker was unveiled in London. 1861: The American Civil War began when Confederate troops fired on the federal garrison at Fort Sumter. 1911: Pierre Prier made
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Let's all play happy families
HAPPY Families come to Waterfoot tomorrow for seven nights of laughter, tears, trials and tribulations. John Godber's play is being performed by the Rossendale Players at the New Millennium Theatre, Burnley Road East, up to and including next Saturday
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Shotgun raiders threat to shop staff
TWO armed robbers threatened staff at a shop in Hindley and made off with cash. The raiders entered the Spa store in Borsdane Avenue, Hindley, armed with a sawn-off shotgun and a hand gun. They took cash and mobile phone cards and fled in a dark-coloured
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Meet Elvis, the truck driver!
THERE'S a guy works down North Pier swears he's Elvis... Heath Ashton, 31, may be the latest in a long line up of tribute acts to the King of rock 'n' roll, but he is the first to have been given the official Graceland seal of approval. And hip-swiveller
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Joining forces with other councils
BURY Council is joining forces with counterparts across the North West in a bid to save time, effort and money. Bosses will pool skills and knowledge with the other nine Greater Manchester councils, two others and the police, fire and passenger transport
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The axe killer
AN escort girl hacked her East Lancashire businessman lover to death with an axe in the bedroom of their luxury home. Divorcee Jan Charlton, 36, struck Danny O'Brien 20 times with the large, double-handed weapon and left it embedded in his body after
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Comic reveals tales of gallery and museum
YOUR experience of Bury Art Gallery and Museum could be immortalised in a new comic book. The Moss Street institution is appealing to people to tell their own stories of the gallery and its art and history collections. International comic book artists
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Pay up 3p or go to court!
GOBSMACKED homeowner Janet Raftery was threatened with legal action by council finance chiefs because she owed them 3p. The mother-of-two was astounded to receive a letter from Bolton Council ordering her to pay up within seven days or face court action
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RMI ready for tough test
LEIGH RMI face one of the season's toughest tasks on Saturday when title-chasing Boston United travel to Hilton Park but recent history shows that they are more than up to the test writes Martyn Hindley RMI confounded their critics three weeks ago as
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On the run for hospice
BURY's Woman of the Year is hoping everything comes up roses when she throws down her challenge for Bury Hospice. As part of the Radcliffe-based hospice's fund-raising Red Rose Festival, well-known runner Marie Caldwell is organising the Holcombe Challenge
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Filam or Peelum?
'Tu ne Peelum Dhenki Hai Tum Bin?' - well no not really because I never got the chance. When I go to the cinema I expect to see a fil'am. I don't want to sit in my £5 seat and listen to your crap all evening, understand! I can't do many things. My grandad
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Rovers physio reassures Beckham
BLACKBURN Rovers physio Dave Fevre believes David Beckham will be fit to play for England in this summer's World Cup finals. The prognosis on England skipper Beckham is that he will be out for between six to eight weeks after breaking the second metatarsal
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'We want to secure the points,' says Craig
CRAIG Short believes Rovers are now just one more win from safety following Wednesday night's battling 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Ewood. The veteran defender was magnificent at the heart of the Blackburn defence as he and Henning Berg expertly snuffed out
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Quick goals secure win
TWO goals in as many minutes established Rovers reserves' authority early as they overran a young Bradford City outfit at Christie Park, Morecambe last night. David McNamee and Jimmy Corbett whipped Rovers into the lead and teenage maestro Jerome Watt
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Wards in shake-up
VOTERS are in for a surprise when they tick the box in next month's local elections. As part of a shake-up of the city's political wards, planned two years ago, some old wards will be scrapped and new ones created. A University ward, a recognition by
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Muslims raise hospital cash(AUHTOR: Shuiab Khan)
PRESTON'S Muslim community is aiming to raise as much money as possible for the town's hospital in a bid to build bridges between different communities. The Preston Muslim community Stealth Station Appeal, based in the town, wants to raise £20,000 toward
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Shape up for The Citizen backed
RUN off her feet? Never! Despite wearing out eight pairs of trainers there is no stopping big-hearted Anne Sweeney when it comes to raising cash for charity. The Fulwood runner is planning to take part in the 26-mile Flora London Marathon on Sunday in
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300 years of service to town
A PRESTON family has notched up nearly 300 years service with Preston City Council, and their legacy is continuing. Bill Bailey, of Crossfield, Hutton, has recorded his family tree with the help of his wife Elizabeth Ann. As they compiled it, it struck
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Care homes in £1.3m boost
COUNTY council chiefs have revealed they are to invest more than £1million in care homes that could be closed as part of cost-cutting proposals. County councillor Tony Martin, cabinet member for resources, has agreed to allocate nearly £1.3 million for
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Students' journey helps charity
TRAVEL and tourism students from Burnley College have raised more than £275 in a seven-mile sponsored walk. The group, who are studying intermediate travel and tourism, handed over the cash to the Rainbow Family Trust at Francis House, Manchester. The
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Kids saw robber threaten mum with knife
ONE of two masked men who subjected a young mother to a terror ordeal in front of her children, is awaiting sentence. Burnley Crown Court heard Steven Rickwood, 27, of Tedder Avenue, Padiham, struck with his former girlfriend Nicola Winchester who told
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New visions of the past
VISITORS to Burnley's Towneley Hall will be able to view never seen before areas and brand new exhibitions this summer when work is completed on a new wing. For the first time, servants' quarters in the east of the grand hall will be open including their
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Court set for new role
BURNLEY magistrates is to become a pilot specialist street crime court set up as part of the Government's bid to tackle violent crime. The court, along with Preston Crown Court and Preston and Blackpool magistrates, will give street crime such as robbery
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Partnership aim is better future
A NEW body to improve the economic, social and environmental quality of life for people in Pendle, will be officially launched on Tuesday. The first meeting of Pendle Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) will take place at 4pm in the Lecture Theatre at Northern
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Detention sentence teenager wins his freedom
A TEENAGER sent to detention after getting behind the wheel while banned has won his freedom. Naveed Yaqub, 18, was told the court had decided to give him a chance. Mr Recorder Querelle, sitting with two justices, added Yaqub had the support of his family
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Multi-racial tournament in Oldham
Coppice Community Centre is organising a seven-a-side football tournament to bring together the communities of Oldham. The "Oldham Building Bridges Football Tournament" will take place on Sunday, April 14,2002 at Boundary Park. Teams from Glodwick, Werneth
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Man gave cousin pills to get him off drugs
A SPURNED husband supplied his cousin with some of his anti-depressants to get him off drugs, a court heard. Burnley Magistrates were told how depressed Parvez Akhtar Ali, 29, was ignorant about the seriousness of what he had done. Ali, whose wife left
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Walking - Trundle on to Tulketh
THE SIXTH Tulketh Trundle 24 mile Challenge Walk takes place on Saturday, April 13 from Tulketh High School in Preston. Walkers start at 9.30 am, while runners set off an hour later at 10.30am. The walk takes in the scenic delights of Beacon Fell and
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Owzat for a result?
FULWOOD and Broughton CC Under 13s team hit the opposition for six at the Indoor County Cricket Finals at Preston College. They won their age group tournament in fine style, winning every match. The club's under 11s team also won its competition while
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Brookhouse aim for their hat trick
THE question is who will stop the mighty Brookhouse CC when the Byrom Supplies Blackburn and District Amateur Cricket League starts next month. Twenty clubs will again compete for honours in two divisions of ten teams when the league begins on the weekend
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An abiding memory
STUDENTS from Mansfield High School in Brierfield are marking the 90th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic with a history project on the theme. Pupils in Year Nine have been studying the Titanic from its conception through to the building of the
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We're ready for flooding
YORKSHIRE Water has assured a councilor and residents in the Lane Ends area of Earby that it is ready for any flood situation. A spokesman for the company said she believed measures taken would prevent a repeat of previous high risk scenarios. Heavy rainfall
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Five years ago
PUPILS, staff and parents at Bartholomew's School, Bolton Road, Blackburn, were celebrating 25 years' service of nursery nurse Joan Sowerbutts. The anniversary was marked with flowers and a special presentation.
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The whole idea of achieving makes me so homesick
NOTHING fills me with dread more than the annual Asian Women of Achievement awards. Don't get me wrong, I know that the recent awards were devised with the best of intentions, ie to show other Asian women out there that there are role models who can achieve
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What's on around town
PRESTON Opera are performing their latest production at the Charter Theatre, from April 17 to 20. The group will be presenting Mozart's Magic Flute from 7.15pm each night. Tickets are available on 258858. THE next event on the Feast of Jazz calendar is
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County court judgements
It has always been a problem once people have obtained money Judgment in the County Court of enforcement. It is of course always sensible to try and ascertain what the debtor has by way of assets before issuing proceedings, but of course sometimes this
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Green dye leak riddle solved
GREEN liquid oozing out of the drains in Fairfield Street, Accrington caused some concerns for local residents this morning. But the leak was revealed to be green dye used by the council to locate drain leaks and not the feared chemical leak. Much of
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Sex beast pay-back cash cut
THE parents of a schoolboy who molested a little girl have had the compensation they were told to pay cut. The family of the youth, now 15, had been ordered to pay his 10-year-old victim £3,600 at £150 a month, by the youth court at Hyndburn, but it was
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Firebugs get 'bomb' warning
FIREFIGHTERS have renewed a warning to local youngsters after crews discovered 'potential bombs' at the scenes of two fires within five hours of each other. Accrington Fire Brigade were called out at 2.05am today to a derelict garage in Belgarth Road,
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Cash reward to solve horror riddle
AN ANGRY animal lover is doubling her previously offered reward to anyone who comes up with information about the terrible injuries suffered by a neighbour's cat. Mrs Joan Ellis, of Rogerley Close, South Park, Lytham, heard that a black and white male
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Hum Sisise Kum Nahin
WHILE this film is packed with big names, this remake of Hollywood movie Analyze This, looks like it could again fall into director David Dhawan's slapstick territory. Notorious gangster Munnabhai (Sanjay Dutt) falls in love with Komal (Aishwarya Rai)
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Discovering a wicked world
AFTER the much talked about Raaz Vikram Bhatt is back with this romantic piece. Since making their debuts in the same flick, Hrithik Roshan and Amisha Patel haven't appeared on screen together. Bollywood audiences love the poor boy, rich girl scenario
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Film industry mourns lyrical legend
BOLLYWOOD is mourning the death of one its greatest legends. Prolific lyricist Anand Bakshi, who wrote more than 4,000 songs, died unexpectedly aged 72 after a protracted illness last week. In a career that spanned 45 years, the great talent wrote songs
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Mill Gate meeting
FOOT fall at Bury's popular Mill Gate centre will be even greater later this month. For the bustling shopping centre is opening its doors on Thursday, April 25 to host the latest monthly meeting of the Bury Business Club. The accent will be on security
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Castle Awards
BURY companies could be kings of the Castle! For along with their counterparts throughout the region, they are being urged to apply for a Castle Award. This is the new mark of excellence rewarding employers' work in tackling equal pay issue. In the North
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Picture not as bad as it seems
WHILE business start-ups totalled 342,000 in 2001, down 15 per cent on the previous year, the small business picture is not as bad as it might seem. That's the good news according to research just published by Barclays. It discloses that in the final
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Oscar is over the moon
A ST ANNES boy is over the moon with his prize from a Citizen competition. Oscar Marshall was the pick of the pictures in our recent colouring competition to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's ET:The Extra Terrestrial. And eight-year-old
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The flying fishmonger
A FISHMONGER from Lytham is getting ready to take his plaice in the Flora London Marathon this weekend. Graham Lanigan, owner of Lanigans fish shop on Clifton Street, will pound out the gruelling 26-mile course on Sunday and has already raised a massive
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Thumbs up for store
PLANS for the new Booths supermarket in Lytham are being given the thumbs up by town traders and residents who believe it will boost business. But some shopkeepers have voiced strong opposition, fearing loss of trade, shop closures and falling property
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None shall pass!
STRIKERS may grab the headlines but even they understand the role the goalkeepers have to play. Clarets goal hero David Johnson modestly stated that what mattered as much as his fifth goal in six games that made it 2-0 against Gillingham last weekend
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Clarets seeking ocean eleven
TEN wins on their travels matches the number of Burnley triumphs at home this season. If they can make it number 11 by the ocean, the play-off dream may become a reality. There are a number of reasons for the Clarets to be confident ahead of the trip
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Not plain sailing against Mariners
CLARETS boss Stan Ternent is well aware of the threat that relegation-threatened Grimsby Town pose to his play-off plans. Only last week the Mariners earned a vital point with a 1-1 draw at play-off candidates Norwich City and he knows the trip to the
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Livvo's ready to face Clarets
GRIMSBY are to turn to a former Rover to try and upset Burnley's drive for the play-offs. Mariners manager Paul Groves is to hand ex-Blackburn striker Steve Livingstone his first start of the season for the clash at Blundell Park tomorrow. Now in his
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A cruel blow for Beckham
WHETHER you're a fan of Manchester United or not, news of David Beckham's injury came as a major body-blow to the whole nation this week as the countdown to Japan begins in earnest. I, personally, am a big Beckham fan because as a fellow professional
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Double jubilee delight
JUBILEE Court, a housing complex in Leyland, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and preparing to party for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The building, which provides sheltered accommodation on the ground floor and flats upstairs, was completed
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Straying from the path is easy
I VERY much like your Dear Massi section and I think you deal with many issues. But I would like to draw your attention to the number of our Muslim brothers and sisters who are not following their deen as they should. Many of the problems they have could
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Website war against litter
LITTER in a Leyland street has caused one resident to start a personal crusade to get it cleared up. Despite numerous complaints to South Ribble Borough Council, Martin Heald, of Boundary Street, believes he is being fobbed off. He has also been in touch
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He wants to tell all!
THIS is first time I have written to anyone like yourself and I hope you can help me. I used to know this guy two years ago and we were very close. When we broke up he took it very hard. He was always calling me at first wanting to know if I had changed
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Is online US friend the one for me?
I AM writing to you after reading a letter in Dear Massi (Feb 2002). It is one that is very similar to the kind of problem I have, but in my case it is nearly a year since I have known this man. I have been honest with him and to some extent I think he
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Jubilee is new lady of the lake
FAIRHAVEN Lake's new pleasure launch hit the water this Easter. Jubilee has replaced the much-loved wooden My Fair Lady which was withdrawn from service in 1998 after 44 years of happy cruising across the landmark lake. The £33,000 all-aluminium, electric-powered
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Appeal for witnesses
BLACKPOOL Police are appealing for witnesses to a road accident which left a pedal cyclist seriously injured. Lee Mark Hall, 21, of Pleasant View, Blackpool was seriously injured in a collision with a blue S-reg Jaguar saloon on the eastbound carriageway
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Fight for a first-class service
LIBERAL Democrat councillors have delivered a campaign to protect local post offices. The group do not want residents in Prestwich to receive a second class service from Consignia if the company goes ahead with closures of sub-post offices. Coun Tim Pickstone
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New weapon
ROGUE drivers in the borough will have nowhere to hide following the introduction of a new weapon in the fight against road crime in Greater Manchester. Drivers without a valid licence will be found out on the spot under the new Drivers Database, a new
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Action plan to end area's scrapyard image
ACTION is being taken to trade in the scrapyard image of Pimhole for something cleaner and greener. A draft action plan has been drawn up to tidy the neighbourhood, and make it a centre of good practice in the vehicle breaking business. Residents in the
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Here to stay!
TEARS of joy flowed in a Prestwich family as they learned their two-year deportation fight was finally over. Following a dramatic U-turn by Home Office ministers, mother and daughter Lata and Devesha Shah were told they could stay in the UK indefinitely
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Labour man dies in freak accident
BURY North MP David Chaytor has led the tributes to a staunch Labour supporter who died in a freak accident at his home. Mr Harry Frederick Moxon suffered severe chest injuries when the car he was working under collapsed on him. He was found by his wife
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Candidates head for the polls
A TOTAL of 55 candidates will be after your vote in the May 2 local elections. Nominations closed on April 5 for the first test of Labour's popularity since last year's General Election. One-third of the seats on Bury Council are up for grabs. The Conservatives
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Spend summer with Elkie
ELKIE BROOKS has announced that she will play a summer date in Blackburn. The chart-topping singer, who is widely recognised as being one of the most influential British female vocalists over the last 25 years, will be appearing at King George's Hall
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The Fall head North
A RARE appearance by legendary band The Fall at Blackburn's North Bar next Friday looks like being a sell out. Fans of the band, and its charismatic lead singer Mark E Smith, have been snapping up tickets for the gig -- one of only three UK dates the
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What the Saw Doctors ordered
PEARSE Doherty, bassist and singer with one of Ireland's finest exports The Saw Doctors is getting in a bit of gardening. As I speak to him at his home on the west coast of Ireland before the band embark on a 11-date UK tour, Doherty explains his interest
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Beat the Budget blues
BUDGET Day, April 17, that key date for businesses of all sizes - and individuals, for that matter - is fast approaching. Whether it's to be Golden Brown or plain old Gordon could depend on pre-budget preparations. Businessmen and women are advised to
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Simon is set to Shine
FORMER Verve bassist Simon Jones, still feels the hurt following the demise of the heavyweight indie band but now he's back with a new group - and his passion for making music rejuvenated. Jones said: "It was a painful split and I still need some distance
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It's win or bust for Shakers
VICTORY - nothing more nothing less, that's what's required from the Shakers on Saturday if they are to beat the drop into Division Three. Colchester United are the visitors to Gigg Lane in the final home match of a traumatic campaign and only three points
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Marriages blessed at new church
COUPLES wed in two since-demolished churches are being invited to celebrate the replacement building by getting their marriages blessed there. And elders at the Central United Reformed Church, Duckworth Street, Darwen, hope the offer will boost attendance
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Parents' evening meetings pleas met
A NURSERY initiative in the Bacup and Stacksteads area has responded to parents' calls for evening meetings. A total of 112 questionnaires were sent out by Government-funded Sure Start and 30 were returned. All but one of the respondents said they had
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Candidates don't live on your doorstep
THREE Conservative candidates in Rossendale Council's 'all out' elections next month live in Halifax, Cliviger and Threshfield, near Skipton. All have business interests in the borough, but Labour leader Coun Graham Pearson who is seeking re-election
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Truly a jewel in the crown
IT is very sad, the nation has lost the mother of the people. The Queen Mother was truly a jewel in the crown, a lady who was deeply loved by her people wherever she went. It's good to see so many people lying flowers, in memory -- showing deep respect
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Moyes was at fault
THANK you for highlighting the fact that in so many games we have only played in the second half. I consider this to be solely the fault of David Moyes because it happened throughout this season with monotonous regularity. It seemed as though the team
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Litter problem
I READ John Gregson's letter regarding the decline of Bamber Bridge (March 28) and have similar feelings about the amount of litter strewn about. I don't understand why so many people always seem to be swigging bottled water, tins of pop, etc even in
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Caught live
THE Garbage bubble may have finally burst as far as record sales go but no one seems to have told the band yet. Fronted by the ever-energetic Shirley Manson, their entrance was marked with a string of their early works. And as Manson skipped and cavorted
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Simon is set to Shine
FORMER Verve bassist Simon Jones, still feels the hurt followingthe demise of the heavyweight indie band but now he's back -- with a new group and his passion for making music rejuvenated. Still not on speaking terms with his former singer Richard Ashcroft
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Top of the cops
LANCASHIRE Constabulary is firing on all cylinders, according to a recent top inspection. Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary Dan Crompton said: "There was a dynamism and Duracell energy among staff which was encouraging." The inspection was part
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Jeff's holiday job is a passionate affair
JEFF Hordley is a happy man. His beloved Manchester City will be back in the Premiership next season and he's getting ready to play one of his dream roles. The Oldham-born actor will be known to most people as Emmerdale's Cain Dingle. As the soap's lovable
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Shooting out of trouble
YOUTH offenders could get the boot with a radical football programme aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour in Blackpool. The Shooting for Success Scheme, in association with Blackpool Borough Council, will encourage young people aged between 10-16 who
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Gamblers could get free rooms
CASINO hotels could gamble with the rest of Blackpool's holiday businesses by offering enticing give-aways warns BCAGE this week. The anti-casino pressure group, Blackpool Coalition Against Gambling Expansion, says local hotels, guest houses, restaurants
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Plan to cut teen pregnancy
A POSITIVE approach is being taken by Lancashire County Council to combat teenage pregnancy. The plans follow a Government report -- published in June 1999 -- which revealed Britain had the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe. The report also featured
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Repairs fund 'victory'
A SMALL victory in the on-going battle to lift the threat of closure from Lancashire's care homes was won this week. The County Council is due to decide to switch £1 million of funds into essential maintenance work for homes for older people. Liberal
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Family's Abbey vigil
A BLACKPOOL family spent more than 48 hours camped outside Westminster Abbey to catch a glimpse of the coffin of Britain's favourite grandmother during the Queen Mother's funeral. Retired haulier Roger Kenny, 54, and his 16-year-old daughter Lara had
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Fuming Phil may cut out
A WELL-KNOWN Blackpool barber is considering cutting his losses after 17 years in business, as his takings drop and the area degenerates. Phil Lambert, or "Phil the barber" as he is known locally, believes Blackpool Borough Council has marooned him and
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Conmen still preying on old
BEWARE of bogus officials who are still knocking on the front doors of houses in the Blackpool area, say police. Elderly people are being preyed upon by fraudulent callers who gain entry to homes and steal belongings when the occupants are distracted.
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Can she kick it?
WRITER-DIRECTOR Gurinder Chadha turns the tables with this comedy about a young Asian girl trying to emulate her sporting hero. The parents of teenager Jess (Parminder Nagra) want her to dress differently, to learn how to cook traditional Indian food,
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Playground must come down
A PUB landlord could be put out of business over a ruling that will force him to pull down a crowd-pulling adventure playground. Roy Heaney, licensee of the Red Lion, in Longton, took over the pub a year ago and built a £15,000 kiddies' playground to
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New delay in baby Jake death probe
POLICE investigating the death of an 18-month baby have been instructed to gather further information before prosecutors decide on any criminal charges. The move was revealed as the inquest into the death of Jake McGeough, of Leicester Road, Blackburn
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Crime fight cash boost
CRIME fighting initiatives in East Lancashire will benefit from a share of more than £20 million of Government cash. High crime areas in the region will be given a total of £233,392 over the coming year as part of the Safer Communities Initiative. A similar
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Snooker star books golf day
CLITHEROE golf club are hosting the 2002 Willie Thorne Celebrity Golf Day on June 25. Thorne, who holds the world record for the highest number of maximum 147 breaks, is the first ever snooker player to be holding a testimonial year after 26 years in
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Wilkes knows how to praise
STEVE Wilkes knows he has 'slagged off' his Darwen side in recent weeks but he also knows when to give out praise. "I had been disappointed with us in recent weeks and I have made no secret of that fact, slagging them off in the papers," said the Darwen
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Dale lads read riot act
JIM McCLUSKIE has read his Rossendale players the riot act. McCluskie has been bitterly disappointed with his UniBond first division side who have won just two league games in 14 since New Year. They looked strong candidates for the play-offs at Christmas
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Howarth has a new pro dream
NELSON'S Carl Howarth is keen to work at a professional football club - but has given up his dream of being a player and now would love to be a physio. The 21-year-old is going to Manchester University in September to study physiotherapy and has put his
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Blackpool will revert back to bog
CONCERNING the casinos and Tessa Jowell's toady announcement that Blackpool will be transformed into the gambling capital of Europe. Really? Has she never heard of Monte Carlo or does she live in cloud cuckoo land? Can it be said that the entrepreneurial
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Please help save our home...
I WRITE to you from Longview Animal Centre, Division Lane, Blackpool. It is my home. Some of us are old, and some of us are just starting out in life. The staff here are wonderful and we are fed regularly and walked and made to feel really special --
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Blair could have saved steel jobs
INSTEAD of condemning President George Bush's efforts to protect the livelihoods of US steel workers by introducing import levies on heavily subsidised steel from outside the United States, Mr Blair may well have done better for the UK by taking a similar
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Business dinner success for the UK's newest City
OVER 100 representatives from the Asian business community attended Preston's first ever Asian business dinner recently. Co-hosted by the Employment Service and Preston City Council at the city's Guild Hall, the event introduced Asian businesses to the
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Secret is in the crossing
WELL what a day last Saturday turned out to be! With Etuhu reinstated in the side and Ainsworth in from the start we tore Coventry to shreds. Why oh why didn't we play this way at Barnsley in the previous game? If we had the play-offs would be there for
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Bring killers to justice
The situation in India has deteriorated but I feel we here in Britain can learn a valuable lesson about happenings elsewhere in the world. I like many Indian people have family abroad and was horrified to see my country descend into chaos. India has had
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Thought of the month
Assalamo Alaykum I wonder if readers would find this interesting. YOUR PASSPORT IDENTITY Name: Descendant of Adam and Eve Nationality: From Clay Address: Planet Earth Payment method: C.O.D (conditions of deeds) FLIGHT INFORMATION Departing terminal:This
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Obsessed with annihilation
After seeing evidence of the Nazi regime's obscene and grotesque persecution of the Jews and ethnic minorities in World War Two and the appalling atrocities inflicted on innocent blacks by America's Ku Klux Klan, aiming at arbitrary regulation of life
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Nursery hit by vandals
TODDLERS at a Leyland nursery are having to tread carefully after vandals put the building's windows through during the Easter holidays. Staff at the nursery in Moss Side Community Centre, near the village shops in Dunkirk Lane, believe the culprits are
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The long wait
A BLACKPOOL woman who has suffered 50 blackouts in six months is chalking up a black mark for Blackpool Victoria Hospital's appointment system. Following a series of tests last September, Elizabeth Dinsdale, of Bispham, was promised a follow-up appointment
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Hard-up?
WE constantly read how cash-strapped Bury Council is. I was therefore amazed to see an advertisement for a replacement pest control manager at a salary increased by almost £60 per week! CURIOUS
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Can we help?
CAN I suggest that "Unsworth Resident" (March 15) contacts either myself, or Councillor Stella Smith, or Councillor Gordon Sharkey via the Town Hall regarding the problem with noisy neighbours. COUN SYLVIA MASON
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Labour's gesture appreciated
I FOUND it hard to understand why Councillor F. Chaudhry was, unusually, writing to the Bury Times (March 22), and then I saw his early election leaflet had been distributed announcing his Labour candidacy in this year's local election. Next, I found
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"Bully boy" tactics forced a re-think
THE article "Council re-think on crematorium" (March 29) must have left quite a few people feeling smug. The people of Bury, and the majority of councillors on the planning control committee, are quite happy to see Bury's crematorium built at Radcliffe
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School bids farewell to headteacher
A HEAD teacher reached the end of 12 'wonderful' years in her post. Lila Towers, who retires from Walshaw High School, Burnley, said: "Walshaw is a successful flourishing school and I'm proud to have been here. "I've got a great staff team and I'm going
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New centre in the heart of community
A NEW Learndirect centre has been opened at the Gujarat Hindu Centre Centre in Preston. It is second to be opened within a year by Preston College and comprises of 15 state-of-the-art computers with Internet access. Tutor support is also available to
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Award donated for local kids
A SCHOOL pupil who donated money from a bravery award to help pay for a new play park watched as it was unveiled and said: "I just hope people enjoy it." Faizan Awan, 15, was guest of honour at the official opening of the new play area in Corporation
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Go-ahead for raising education standards
EDUCATION chiefs have got the go-ahead to raise standards in Radcliffe schools. Minister for schools standards Stephen Timms has approved Bury's Education Development Plan (EDP). This sets out the aims for improving standards by 2007 and plans for reaching
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It's never too late too learn
THERE is a misconception that University is only for school and college leavers, whereas many students are in their twenties, thirties, forties and some even older. Many of the barriers that mature students see to returning to study can be overcome. It
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I'm just a lonesome stranger in the city
TO the left of me is a man, perhaps in his early 50s, wearing a blue woolly hat splattered with paint and chain smoking roll-ups. On my right is a bearded man of a similar age. He is smoking roll-ups too. Between them they produce a heavy cloud of dense
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What's on...
A LOOK at what's on at the Blackpool Grand Theatre and Opera House. Blackpool Grand Theatre (01253 290190) Cinderella -- the enchanting fairytale brought to life by The Russian Classical Ballet. April 14 at 7.30pm. Tickets from £9 to £17.50. The Magic
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Double textile jobs blow
BURY has been dealt a double jobs blow. A local textile company is closing with the loss of around 15 jobs while another firm involved in the same sector is set to lay off ten staff. Shutting down is Donisthorpe, which is involved in the manufacturing
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Council's £50,000 deal with Shakers
BURY Council has stepped in to sponsor Bury FC's shirts after Birthdays pulled out. The one-year deal will see the council pay £50,000 to have its name and logo on the Shakers' kit next season, assuming the club survives. The local authority has moved
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Councillor set to make history
PRESTON'S first Asian councillor is set to make history for the second time -- by becoming the first Asian mayor. When the next elections take place, in May this year, long-serving councillor Jonathan Saksena will be installed in the historic position
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Community appeal to help a hospital
IN a bid to build bridges between different communties, Preston's Muslim community are hoping to raise as much money as possible for the town's hospital. The Preston Muslim community Stealth Station Appeal wants to raise at least £20,000 towards the Royal
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European countries should develop consciences of their own
By Mohammed Nowaz LLB LLM CANTAB Now that the business in Afghanistan is well under way George "Dubya" is further needing to flex U.S. muscle. Hence his "Axis of Evil" speech in his State of the Union address. He highlighted Iran, Iraq and North Korea
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Fears go on for taxi drivers
THE safety of taxi drivers was again in the spotlight after a Blackburn cabbie had a large stone thrown at his windscreen. The incident happened after Zahoor Ahmed, 38, a driver for DMC Taxis, Higher Barn Street, Blackburn, picked up a customer from the
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Sunday, April 14 and Monday, April 15
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. SUNDAY "To Me -- To You," King George's Hall, Blackburn, 2.30pm. Plant Sale, Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, 10.30am-4pm. Farm Open Day, Cronkshaw Fold Farm, off Alden Road,
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Olympic dream rests on Brian
A BLACKPOOL schoolgirl could see her Olympic dreams come true this weekend -- thanks to a marathon run by a college lecturer. Talented wheelchair athlete Rochelle Woods, 15, of Highfield School hopes to make it to the 2004 Paralympics, and Blackpool and
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Totty Aussie odyssey
HERE'S a football question for you. . . Liverpool, Chelsea, Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday which club comes next? It's a fair bet that any would-be Brain of Sport may need more than three guesses because the answer is Tottington United! The local West Lancashire
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Two away from a title treat
Stand Athletic...2 Colne...1 STAND's injury-ravaged side overcame a determined Colne outfit on Tuesday night and now need just two more wins to clinch the North West Counties Division Two title. On a hard Ewood Bridge pitch which made it difficult to
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This week in 1977 25 years ago
HERO WELCOMED: Tottington Horse Show committee announced that record-breaking Grand National hero Red Rum would be the star attraction at their June show. COW-JACKING: Cattle rustlers may have carried out a Wild West style cownap on a Bury farm. Police
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Rehearsals are under way
FINAL rehearsals are now under way for the Bolton by Bowland Drama Group's production of the Mike Harding comedy Fur Coat and No Knickers. The group takes to the stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday next week at 7.30pm in Bolton by Bowland Village Hall
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It all adds up to fun
THE comedy Two and Two make Sex is being presented by Blackburn Arts Club at the club theatre in Gibraltar Street, Blackburn, from Tuesday to Saturday. The play, written by Richard Harris and Leslie Darbon, is produced by Andrew F Bell and revolves around
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Bravo Margo
WHAT a wonderful idea of Margo Grimshaw's to bring more trade into Blackburn by restoring the old cloth hall and converting it into quality shops overlooking Fleming Square in the new Exchange Arcade. With the Cathedral area now taking shape it will be
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Flexibility call for homes
ABOUT 18 years ago, I sold a house in Colne, which had been made into two flats for my wife and I and my parents, but was still too large. It was made into a retirement home and considerable work was done. It is now up for sale, I see -- probably because
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Are government priorities right?
THE proposed closures of homes for the elderly, makes one weep. The government bailed out the white elephant Millennium Dome for years with taxpayers' money, it also gave handouts to the railways and other industries. Yet they seem to stand by while the
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Check the facts, councillor
IT would appear Councillor D Smith (Letters, April 4) has either not been reading the paper or his colleagues have kept him in the dark. I, for one, am under the impression that the council's housing stock has been transferred to a housing association
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Moves on 'Gib' are a disgrace
MATTERS concerning Gibraltar have recently moved on rapidly and in a most disgraceful fashion. A package of European Union aid of £35 million was announced for Gibraltar, conditional on the territory renouncing its current sovereignty rights. This is
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Is Chancellor cashing in on vulnerable?
WHEN we are beset by the consequences of addiction-driven crime, debt and indulgence, the Government's action to throw open the floodgates on gambling takes some understanding. It's hardly surprising that churches, psychiatrists and gamblers' support
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Search on for talented grans
FORGET Will Young -- this star search is for the slighty older generation. The Silver Stars Talent Contest is back and it's time for glitzy grans and gyrating grandads to dust off their dancing shoes, warm up their vocals and take centre stage. Blackpool
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A Towering bill of entertainment
FANCY 518ft of family fun this summer? Blackpool Tower is billing this summer season as the best yet with an award-winning circus, big bands, ballroom and sequence dancing, the aquarium, a dinosaur ride and a new party band. The non-animal circus has
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Petrol bomb attacks
A TEENAGE boy was seen running away after throwing three petrol bombs in a Whitefield street. Firefighters were alerted to the incident at 10pm on Friday (April 5) when neighbours saw three bursts of flames in Ross Avenue. It was initially feared parked
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Baby day plan
A BABY Day to woo prospective and new parents is to take place at Fairfield Hospital later this month. The event has been organised by the National Childbirth Trust for the third successive year. It is aimed at providing information and advice to anyone
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Thug robs teenager
A TEENAGE boy was threatened with being "slapped about the face" when he was confronted by a mobile phone thief. The 15-year-old boy was walking along Bury Old Road in Prestwich at 2.15pm on Saturday (April 6). He struck up a conversation about mobile
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Week of events to launch church
THE official opening of Radcliffe United Reformed Church takes place tomorrow (Sat April 13). The ceremony will take place at 3pm and will be performed by the Rev Peter Brain, moderator of the North Western Synod, who will lead the congregation into the
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Hospital waiting lists are down
HOSPITAL waiting lists in Bury fell during February, latest figures have revealed. Bury Health Care NHS Trust recorded a 3.1 per cent reduction, a fall of 67 patients, bringing the total number waiting for treatment to 2,084 in February. There was also
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Cash promise for the east
FULL of eastern promise! That's Bury District CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) which has received funding to establish outreach advice sessions in the town's east area. Tanya Cathcart, advice development officer, and colleague and support worker Jayne Kelly
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Cash boost for Speakeasy group
A CHARITY which helps improve the lives of stroke victims has received a £400 cash boost from Bury Lions. The club has presented the money to Ramsbottom-based Speakeasy to allow it to purchase new equipment. This local project relies mainly on donations
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Court set for new role
BURNLEY magistrates is to become a pilot specialist street crime court set up as part of the Government's bid to tackle violent crime. The court, along with Preston Crown Court and Preston and Blackpool magistrates, will give street crime such as robbery
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Two Games gateways for community events
SCHOOLS and community groups can have their own gateway to the Commonwealth Games this summer. To mark July's games in Manchester, Bury is taking delivery of two gateways which local events organisers can use as impressive feature points. The decorative
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Go-ahead for raising education standards
EDUCATION chiefs have got the go-ahead to raise standards in Radcliffe schools. Minister for schools standards Stephen Timms has approved Bury's Education Development Plan (EDP). This sets out the aims for improving standards by 2007 and plans for reaching
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Call for new laws on firework sales
A BURY pet lover is supporting a growing nationwide campaign to control the sale and use of fireworks. Mrs Pamela Pearson, who runs her own Prevent Unwanted Pets animal welfare charity, has collected more than 300 signatures to back her campaign. And
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Libraries will help to find the right job
BURY's libraries are turning over a new leaf to give residents the chance of a finding their ideal job. Adult careers sections will be created in the borough's libraries and staff are to be trained to provide advice to jobhunters or individuals looking
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Cellulite uncovered!
A LOCAL doctor has just had his first book published -- and it's set to go down a storm with women across the country. James Fleming, a junior doctor in the casualty ward at Royal Preston Hospital, has used his knowledge to find a cure for cellulite that
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End of road for group
A GROUP which has campaigned for environmental issues in South Ribble looks set to be wound up. Hutton Residents' Association could soon cease to exist soon if new volunteers can't be found to take the reins. Key members have had to step down recently
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Post workers head to Westminster
ANGRY postal workers from across the North West headed down to Westminster on Wednesday to lobby MPs over proposed job losses. Eight workers from Preston and South Ribble joined around 100 from the region in the protest, aimed at forcing a re-think over
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Carnival cash and TV boost
NOW summer is nearly here, organisers of Preston's spectacular and long-running Caribbean Carnival are expecting this year's event to be the best yet. And the popular carnival, held every year since 1974, could get an extra boost this year, as Granada
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Safety first says Reece
A PRESTON lad launched a major road safety campaign at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital to keep young car passengers safe. Six-year-old Reece Dugdale starred in a video, made by Lancashire Police, called 'Teddy Takes a Tumble' which aims to highlight
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Police on the move
POLICE in Burnley are to tour the town in a caravan as part of a bid to get closer to the community. The mobile police surgeries will run from April 22 to 26 and April 29 to May 3. The venues are have yet to be decided. Sgt Nick Hodgeson from Burnley
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Vandals' school rampage
A PRIMARY school earmarked as temporary accomodation while two £5million super schools are built has been attacked by vandals who caused more than £2,500 worth of damage. Staff at Rosehill County Infants School in Creswick Close, Burnley, arrived at work
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Rosegrove Bulletin
GOOD news for St Augustine's RC Primary School in Lowerhouse Lane. The school has received government funding of £27,299 to improve facilities for pupils with disabilities. The money should be used for improvements such as ramps, lifts and easy to open
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Time call on drinks ban
COUNCILLORS have asked for more time to consider proposals to ban alcohol from the streets of Burnley town centre and the roads leading up to Turf Moor in a bid to crack down on violent assaults. According to a council report, there is a "significant
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Task group set up to tackle drug addiction
NEW measures are to be introduced in Burnley after new figures revealed the true extent of drug addiction in the town. Figures released following a major audit show the number of female addicts seeking support in Burnley compared to men topped the national
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Ex-farm labourer died after falling
A RETIRED farm labourer died after falling at his home and developing pneumonia, an inquest heard. James Boorman, 75, of Hammerton Avenue, Higham, was found by neighbours collapsed next to his bed on Christmas Eve, last year. He had a broken shoulder
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Up for the Cups
A GOLDEN goal handed Teenage Gang Stars FC the annual Spotlight on Sport Greater Deepdale under 12s cup. The competition was held at Westview Leisure Centre in Preston where 10 teams in the under 12s and under 16s sections turned out. In the under 16s
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Fab four feature in Lancashire Inter league cup final
In a pulsating final at the County Ground in Leyland, Blackburn Youth League went down 6-4 to the Bolton Boys Federation. This was truly an awesome game which saw Blackburn come back from 3-0 down. Blackburn keeper Richard Riding had the worst possible
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Paak are kings of Pendle five-a-side
A FIVE-A-SIDE football tournament in Nelson attracted over 70 youngsters from around the region. The day proved to be a great success and was eventually won by Paak United who beat East Coast 4-3 after extra-time. Both teams received a trophy and all
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Netball - Ladies are champions
PRESTON Ladies are the overall champions of Preston Sports Arena's inaugral netball league. The league, developed in association with the Preston Netball Development Forum involved ten local teams competing every Tuesday evening. League co-ordinator Rob
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Cash fund for health
A NEW initiative promoting mental health can't give money away quick enough. The Promoting Mental Health Community Grants campaign aims to provide much needed funds to improve the mental health of Preston people. It is one of the first initiatives by
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Three love to Preston
THREE Preston-based tennis players have been crowned champions at the Bowker North of England Junior Tennis Championships. Nine-year-old Michael Nott won the under 10s tournament, 12-year-old Michael Meagan won the under 12s and 14-year-old Chris Llewellyn
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Assault trial halted by judge
A JUDGE discharged a jury in the case of two Earby men said to have been involved in trouble at a workingmen's club. Judge Raymond Bennett made his decision at Burnley Crown Court on the second day of the trial of Glyn Sedman, 39 and Gary Hooper, 22.
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Full throttle ahead
ROARING engines and gleaming chrome were on display at the Hoghton Tower Motorcycle Sprint at the weekend. The 23rd annual meeting gave hundreds of spectators the chance to see some of the fastest classic bikes as they sped down the one-eighth of a mile
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Ten years ago
HEADS turned when Coronation Street star Ken Morley - supermarket boss Reg Holdsworth - pulled up in Blackburn. The exclusive limo arrived for the launch of bingo at the town centre arcade in Railway Road.
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What's on in Preston
A SERIES of historical walks are being held across the area, exploring Penwortham, Walton-le-Dale, Preston Dock, Longton Moss and Hoghton Tower. The walks are Wednesday from 7pm throughout May at a cost of £29. For information call 01524 592624. PRESTON
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Patient inquest adjourned
AN inquest into a mental health patient whose body was found with multiple knife wounds has been opened and adjourned. Mark Smale was found lying in a pool of blood with a large knife nearby, at his sheltered flat, in Richmond Avenue, Accrington, in March
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Can she kick it?
WRITER-DIRECTOR Gurinder Chadha turns the tables with this comedy about a young Asian girl trying to emulate her sporting hero. The parents of teenager Jess (Parminder Nagra) want her to dress differently, to learn how to cook traditional Indian food,
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Live and let love
WHEN you're young and in love there are very few things that make you realise life has so much more to offer. Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai stars the up and coming Amisha Patel and the vastly improving Aftab Shivdasani. Aftab plays an all too familiar college boy
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Nightclub drinker's 'surprise' at breath test result
NIGHTCLUBBER David Jones had not expected to fail a breath test after he drove away from Whalley. Blackburn magistrates heard he had driven past police cars as he left without giving them a thought. And he was shocked when he failed a spot check in Whalley
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Tragic accident at contest
A WOMAN who died after being kicked in the head by her horse was a competent rider who regularly took part in competitions, an inquest heard. Shop assistant Christine Dewhurst, 24, was described as an accomplished rider by her mother, Jennifer. Mrs Dewhurst
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County is a loser in aid stakes
LANCASHIRE has missed out on a £3million pot of cash designed to help businesses recover from the effects of foot and mouth. A farmers' leader blasted the Department of Trade and Industry's decision to bypass the county. But the boss of a Government-backed
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Wesham to tackle London Marathon
WESHAM Road Runners are settling into new premises at Carr Hill High School, Kirkham, where they meet at 6.45pm on Monday nights for a 7pm run. Afterwards they get together for a pint and sandwiches at the Stanley Arms, Kirkham. "We also organise frequent
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Innovation and investment please, Mr Brown
THE Chancellor has been urged to deliver a blueprint for innovation and investment in next Wednesday's (April 17) Budget and Spending Review. That's the call being supported by Bolton and Bury Chamber. The BCC recommends: raising the first year capital
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Keeping business success in the dark!
"FILM" stars. That's a Bury company which is helping worried motorists increase security amid an alarming rise in car-jackings. Bury Motor-Glass supplies and fits special plastic film to effectively black out vehicle windows to enable drivers and passengers
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In focus!
BUSINESSMAN Don Sinclair is feeling distinctly above Parr! After being made redundant from his previous job in the motor trade, he's enjoying life in the fast lane again. The sales manager turned photographer runs the thriving Parr Lane Studio in Unsworth
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Get fruity - it's healthy!
A BUNCH of fives is good for you, says Fylde Primary Care Trust. And to prove it is holding an open day at Lowther Gardens, Lytham, next Wednesday (April 17) to encourage local people in the Fylde area to eat five pieces of fruit or vegetable a day. People
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Ready for action
A LOCAL theatre company is hitting the road to take its popular plays to audiences across the North West. C'est Tous, based at Worden Park, Leyland, has teamed up with Manchester-based promotion company Encore, to help them take their unique brand of
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Jack woos the judges
A LEYLAND singer is on his way to the finals of a national talent competition. Jack Thompson, of Downham Road, entered the Silver Stars Talent Contest, run by YOURS magazine, last week. Talented Jack, 60, went on to win the South Ribble heat of the contest
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Nursery vandals cause hazard for toddlers
TODDLERS at a Leyland nursery are having to tread carefully after vandals put the building's windows through. Staff at the nursery in Moss Side Community Centre, near the village shops in Dunkirk Lane, believe the culprits are gangs of youths who hang
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Can I look?
I HAVE been going out with this girl for two months now. I enjoy her company but whenever I am out and about she always makes a point of telling me that I am looking at other women. I always tell her she is imagining things and she needs to stop being
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Warning on short cuts
POLICE are urging Blackpool residents to keep to main streets and avoid taking short cuts via alleyways, particularly when walking alone. A police spokesman said there had been a number of recent incidents in which lone walkers had been attacked. A 47
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Arson attacks probe
FIRE crews were called out twice last week to arson attacks on garages in Blackpool. A call was made to a garage at 4 Bennett Avenue at just before 12.30am and then one at 21 Leeds Road at 12.55am on April 5. Both fires caused considerable damage. After
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Two wards could become one
FINAL plans for new electoral arrangements in Blackpool have now been submitted. And they include changes to ward boundaries, with plans for Foxhall and Alexandra wards to merge and become the new Bloomfield Ward. This would reduce the number of Blackpool
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Just champion!
A FIGHTING FIT Blackpool family made history last month when each member became a British Martial Arts Champion on the same day. And former world champion, Rob Campbell, 41, of Westmorland Avenue, Blackpool, believes this sporting achievement could qualify
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Collages show pupils' identity
PUPILS at a Bury school have been harnessing their artistic talents to reflect their own identity. Around 26 Year 10 GCSE art group teenagers at Derby High School are helping produce a series of collages which will go on public display in May. The school
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In the frame
CRIME suspects will be put "in the frame" by a ground -breaking identity system to be used by Bury Police. Under new powers and as part of a major national crackdown on robberies, the town's police are to make use of video footage of a suspect mingling
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Decade of the tram
TEN years of the tram! That's the Metrolink system which has notched up its first decade of operation and proved to be a runaway success. Since the supertram began its first journey from Bury on April 6, 1992, it has emerged as one of the most successful
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'We want to secure the points,' says Craig
CRAIG Short believes Rovers are now just one more win from safety following Wednesday night's battling 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Ewood. The veteran defender was magnificent at the heart of the Blackburn defence as he and Henning Berg expertly snuffed out
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Livvo's ready to face Clarets
GRIMSBY are to turn to a former Rover to try and upset Burnley's drive for the play-offs. Mariners manager Paul Groves is to hand ex-Blackburn striker Steve Livingstone his first start of the season for the clash at Blundell Park tomorrow. Now in his
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Making themselves at home
THE Burn will end their first major tour in their home town by playing at the Windsor Suite at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on June 5. Having supported both Oasis and Paul Weller recently, The Burn are creating a name for themselves in the music industry
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Caught live
THE Garbage bubble may have finally burst as far as record sales go but no one seems to have told the band yet. Fronted by the ever-energetic Shirley Manson, their entrance was marked with a string of their early works. And as Manson skipped and cavorted
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New chapter in Sir Tom's story
LANCASHIRE journalist is making news of his own - including an appearance on national television - following the publication of a new book on one of England's greatest ever sporting stars. Paul Agnew is the man behind "Football Legend", an up-dated paperback
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Cream whipped up a storming all-nighter
IT WAS loud, it was overwhelming, it was an utterly storming gig. Liverpool superclub Cream kicked off its "X10" tour in Blackpool with an (almost) all-nighter until 4am at the Winter Gardens' Empress Ballroom on March 30. It wasn't hard to see why Cream
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Simon is set to Shine
FORMER Verve bassist Simon Jones, still feels the hurt followingthe demise of the heavyweight indie band but now he's back -- with a new group and his passion for making music rejuvenated. Still not on speaking terms with his former singer Richard Ashcroft
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Board ACTIVates a teaching revolution
BLACKBURN company is at the forefront of a classroom revolution that is changing the face of teaching in thousands of schools throughout the country. Promethean has pioneered the development of interactive white-boards which are quickly replacing traditional
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Give your business a ghost of a chance
MARY-LOU DUGGAN, from Pierce Chartered Accountants, tells a modern-day story about credit control ONCE upon a time there was a businessman who worked very hard indeed. His family rarely saw him and when they did eventually see him, he was distracted,
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We can tell you what's in store
WE all know about buying from a shop, but what about buying the shop itself, or any other business premises for that matter? How easy is that? Well, leasing premises is littered with potential pitfalls and, without specialist advice or care, there could
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Looking back
THE Friends of Sunnyhurst Woods ar throwing a cheese and wine evening tonight which includes a slide show of bygone days. The event starts at 7.30pm at the Old England Kiosk, Sunnyhurst Woods. Tickets cost £3.
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Jubilee souvenir for kids
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Edgworth, Chapeltown and Belmont are to receive a lasting souvenir of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. North Turton Parish Council is ordering 500 silhouette pattern commemorative china mugs ready for the celebrations which will take place
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Millennium banner on display
THE Mid Lancs Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers is looking for new members. The group is holding a coffee morning at The New Methodist Church, in Blackburn Road, on Saturday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The members' work will be on display, including an
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Drunken thief dropped bottle of booze
A THIEF held his hands up when approached by shop security staff and the bottle of Jack Daniels he had hidden up his jacket fell to the floor and smashed. Keith David Sharret 34, of Bridge Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to theft and Blackburn magistrates
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School gets a class new look
ST JOSEPH'S Primary School received a free makeover this week thanks to Darwen-based companies Ineos Acrylics and Akzo Nobel. Every five weeks, Ineos, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, the former ICI Perspex, takes up a challenge to improve a community facility
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The axe killer
AN escort girl hacked her East Lancashire businessman lover to death with an axe in the bedroom of their luxury home. Divorcee Jan Charlton, 36, struck Danny O'Brien 20 times with the large, double-handed weapon and left it embedded in his body after
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Take a shot at the marathon
WITH reference to A Shot At The Record in The Citizen, February 28, I wonder if students ever get involved in events that are not fuelled by tobacco, drugs or alcohol? Why do they not become involved in events that require physical effort? I would suggest
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Spend summer with Elkie
ELKIE BROOKS has announced that she will play a summer date in Blackburn. The chart-topping singer, who is widely recognised as being one of the most influential British female vocalists over the last 25 years, will be appearing at King George's Hall
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Making themselves at home
THE Burn will end their first major tour in their home town by playing at the Windsor Suite at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on June 5. Having supported both Oasis and Paul Weller recently, The Burn are creating a name for themselves in the music industry
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The Fall head North
A RARE appearance by legendary band The Fall at Blackburn's North Bar next Friday looks like being a sell out. Fans of the band, and its charismatic lead singer Mark E Smith, have been snapping up tickets for the gig -- one of only three UK dates the
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What the Saw Doctors ordered
PEARSE Doherty, bassist and singer with one of Ireland's finest exports The Saw Doctors is getting in a bit of gardening. As I speak to him at his home on the west coast of Ireland before the band embark on a 11-date UK tour, Doherty explains his interest
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Please keep on pledging
BLACKPOOL'S Longview Animal Centre may still get a reprieve from closure -- thanks to the generosity of Fylde folk. Pledges of more than £2,000 every month have already been made to the RSPCA branch. And since The Citizen took up the fight and printed
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Coaching award for swimming duo
TARIQ Hussain and Asif Khan both from Blackburn attended the last National Pool Lifeguard course held at Daislyfield swimming pools. Both men worked extremely hard and attended pre-course instruction to meet the standard required to be successful and
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Ju Jitsu instructor awarded fourth dan
AFTER training for over 20 years Ju Jitsu instructor Mumtaz Ellahi was recently graded a fourth dan blackbelt. The 40-year old of Whalley Range said he was very proud of the achievement, "It's taken a lot of hard work and 24 years to get this far and
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It's the late-night limit say residents
POULTON residents believe that the town's nightlife has reached saturation point and the level of late night anti-social behaviour has increased as a direct result. Poulton Historical and Civic Society posted hundreds of questionnaires to residents living
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Cool hand Kheratker takes championship
ABDUL Kheratker was crowned champion of the Blackburn Badminton League after a exciting climax to the season. The championship changed hands three times within a couple of hours and three different people had a chance to win the title. In the end Kheratker
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Manchester store to go Bolly crazy
A major department store is hosting a glittering celebration of Bollywood. Selfridges based at the Trafford Centre are transforming their store to give the public access to the very best of Bollywood film stars, film screenings, fashion shows, costumes
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Drug buyer had police chase shock
A MAN who bought a small quantity of cannabis found himself involved in a high-speed police car chase. Blackburn magistrates heard that Kris James Bretana was a passenger in a car which sped off when police indicated to the driver to stop. And when the
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Water pair make the grade
TWO wastewater workers who help maintain rivers and sewers across East Lancashire have gained masters degrees in the field. Joanne Startin, 34, of Preston, and Clair Pearson, 26, of Poulton-le-Fylde, who are both based at Blackburn wastewater treatment
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Man short of cash fled through taxi window
A MAN climbed through a taxi window and did a runner when he and the driver realised he did not have enough money to pay his fare. Blackburn magistrates heard that Paul George Brown panicked because he thought the driver was calling his friends and feared
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Police hail crackdown
POLICE stopped 237 vehicles and searched 100 people during a week-long initiative aimed at preventing travelling criminals coming into East Lancashire. Officers from across Lancashire Constabulary's Eastern Division were involved in the four-day blitz
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Warning to election candidate
THE Liberal Democrats have been warned by officials after an election candidate distributed leaflets containing the wrong information. About 3,000 leaflets were printed, at a cost of £200 and posted in the Higher Croft area by Fred Gollop, who hopes to
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Cycle ride for the Chernobyl kids
THREE cyclists have set off for Belarus on an epic 1,500 mile bike ride to raise money for the children of Chernobyl. Brian Davies, aged 55, John Smith, 63, Eddie Adams, 56, and their van driver John Diggles left Salesbury Church in Blackburn, bound for
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Author's story of mill life has entranced world
AN author born into abject poverty in 1920s Blackburn has seen his account of life among the looms hit the top of the bestsellers chart. It is nine years since William Woodruff's poignant tale of what it was like to be a boy growing up in East Lancashire
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Storks on the road
PADIHAM travel to Norton United in NWCL Division Two tomorrow. The Storks have nothing to play for for the remainder of the season - they lie 14th in the league. They will be looking to bounce back from two consecutive 4-0 defeats - one at home to leaders
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Aussies set to
face Tottington TODMORDEN BOROUGH are hosting an "international" match on Sunday. The touring Australian Under 17s team will play Tottington United at Todmorden (kick-off 11am). Bury-based Tottington recently had their ground and changing rooms vandalised
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Kelly is enjoying the job - at last
RAMSBOTTOM manager Mike Kelly says he is enjoying being in charge at the Riverside - for the first time since taking over! The boss, who has been in charge for just over a year, said Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Flixton was the first game he'd watched without
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Stand are one point away from title
STAND are one point away from clinching the NWCL second division title after their last-gasp victory over Bacup at West View last night. Teen sensation Chris Denham scored the winner, his 25th of the season, in the dying seconds. Stand have now played
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Taking the gloves took some Hart
BARRIE HART went in goals for the first time in his career at Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday - and it is not an experience he wants to repeat! The 23-year-old full-back deputised for red carded keeper Jamie Speare but then was himself sent off for
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Hughes: Give me the Harwood job
JOHN Hughes has laid down the gauntlet to Great Harwood chairman Bill Holden - if you want me to take the manager's job, ask me! Hughes was former boss Denis Underwood's assistant until last week when Underwood resigned as Harwood languish at the bottom
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Euros on way
OLD Maggie's been muzzled, fox hunting banned and in 12 months we'll be using euros. God's in his Heaven and all is well. Edwin M. Rimmer, Lawsons Road, Thornton.
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Longview needs more friends
SINCE my last letter which thankfully you printed entitled "Only 42 days to save Longview" together with the publication of the standing order form, Longview has received 600 friends -- 600 they did not have before. But they need more. I beg you to carry
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Animals should come first
I REFER to the article "Zoo's future is still uncertain" (March 21). As a fellow animal lover I can fully understand Coun Maxine Callow's concerns for the welfare of the animals in Blackpool Zoo now that its future is in question and in particular the
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Memories of Gang Show 50 years ago...
EVERYONE is recalling his or her memories of 50 years ago for the Queen's golden Jubilee so here are mine. Fifty years ago as a new bride I sat in the audience of the famous Ralph Reader's Gang Show. I watched my husband Bill Evans take a leading role
