Archive
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Town centre must attract shoppers
THE prosperity of central Blackburn is vital to the general well-being of the town. The town centre is the hub of the community and Blackburn with Darwen Council have recognised this by undertaking projects to make it a more attractive, shopper-friendly
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Returning to the good old days
FOR a town to have a good leading hotel is important not only for the basic purposes of providing travellers with a place to stay and somewhere for functions to be held, but also for it being a measure of the town itself. That is because the main hotel
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Open House...with BILL JACOBS
PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has revealed a dark secret to the House of Commons -- he is a "Trekky." Some at Westminster believe that being a fan of "Star Trek" may explain his Mr Spock-like demeanour. The Labour back bencher was attacking government plans
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Cycle Speedway: Cup double for Bury
IT was "Double Gold" for Bury at Heckmondwyke last Sunday, when both juniors and seniors triumphed in the Northern Alliance Cup Finals. After many years of Northern domination by Tameside and Heckmondwyke, the balance of power has shifted to Bury and
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Angling Torrential rain caused havoc
LAST week saw improved conditions after the flash floods which caused considerable damage. The high levels of Kirklees Brook behind the Island Lodge washed away the bridleway footpath between Tower Farm and Carcass Lodge, exposing Industrial pipework
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Cricket: Central Lancashire League
IT was defeat at the double for Stand at the weekend as they went down to a 126-run defeat to Royton on Saturday and a four-wicket reverse at the hands of Rochdale 24 hours later. Stand travelled to Royton on Saturday looking for their second win of the
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Today's the day
1912: The suffragettes started a window-smashing campaign. 1914: Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian student, assassinated Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne. This set in motion a train of events that eventually led to the outbreak of the
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Buses shakeup not so swinging
REGARDING the shake-up of Blackburn Transport due to start on June 24, the service I use is to be improved and reading the leaflet 'Metro Network 365' produced by them, I note that all the bus routes have track numbers up to number 33. I wonder how many
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Best of luck to kidney patient
GOOD luck to kidney patient Patrick Frain, who wrote in Poet's Corner (Letters, June 12). I understand how he feels as my son went through the same thing. But now he's OK -- he had a transplant which he's had 18 years. I hope Mr Frain hasn't long to wait
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Watching lads becoming men
AFTER watching 'Lads Army' on television showing the rigorous, endurance and developing camaraderie of new recruits in the forces, I think it would be a good idea to send persistent offenders for a spell of military service where discipline and often
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Why has viaduct been vandalised?
RON Freethy (LET, June 15) refers to the stretch between Great Harwood and Read as one of his favourite strolls. It has also been so for hundreds of members of both local communities. That is, until some bright-eyed member of an authoritative organisation
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Vicar loses appeal over loaded gun sentence
A VICAR has lost his appeal against a four month jail sentence for keeping a loaded handgun in his bedroom. The Rev Michael Daggett, aged 54, had been jailed by a district judge at Salford Magistrates Court, despite pleas for mercy by parishioners and
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Thieves wreck post office in raid
BURGLARS smashed their way into a Bury post office and stole a small amount of cash. They also caused £1,000 worth of damage during the break-in at the Huntley Brook post office, in Bell Lane. The incident happened between 5.30pm on Friday (June 21) and
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Fiesta of fun at the Pleasure Beach
ENJOY a fiesta full of Philippine fever this weekend. Blackpool Pleasure Beach will play host to the 21st Century Barrio Fiesta in the Paradise Room this Saturday and Sunday to raise awareness for the Philippine Helping Hands Children's Foundation. Entertainment
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Bridgewater spectacular for choir
THE choirs of East Ward Primary School and St John's CE Primary School have joined forces for a spectacular concert. They will sing on stage at the Bridgewater Hall in a special concert by 600 children from across the region. "Summer Song", which takes
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Damned good party with this punk band
PUNK legends The Damned are heading to Blackpool this August Bank Holiday Weekend. AS part of the annual "Holidays In The Sun" festival in the resort, the gruesome group will appear for one night only at the Spanish Hall in the Winter Gardens on August
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Conmen steal from pensioner
A PENSIONER fell victim to a trickster at the weekend. A man called at the home of an 81-year-old woman in Hollinhurst Road, Radcliffe, at 2pm on Saturday (June 22). While he spoke to the pensioner, a second man entered the house and stole her handbag
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Blackpool debut for the Bluetones
IT'S not a Slight Return but a Blackpool debut for one acclaimed indie band. The Bluetones will appear at the Spanish Hall, Blackpool Winter Gardens on July 5 as part of a summer tour to promote their recently released greatest hits package. Formed in
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Youth knifed eight times
A TEENAGER is recovering in hospital after being stabbed eight times by in a late-night attack. The 19-year-old suffered wounds to his back and arms during the incident which happened on The Rock, Bury, between 10pm and 10.35pm on Wednesday (June 26).
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Veteran arts teacher says farewell
A STALWART of Bury Arts and Crafts Centre has said a fond farewell. Sue Furnival is retiring after a career of almost 40 years as a part-time teacher. Sue, who lives in Hawkshaw, ran very popular and over-subscribed classes in painting, print making and
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Search for Sabre
A BIRTLE farmer is offering a reward for the return of his mother's beloved Alsatian cross dog which has gone missing. Eight-year-old Sabre disappeared from Riddings Farm on June 17 and hasn't been seen since. Although he has been known to roam from the
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Customers "scared off" by clampers
A WHITEFIELD shopowner believes a parking clampdown has scared off some of his customers. When clampers suddenly moved into a car park at the rear of the Brands Centre last month, even though it had closed down, several motorists were landed with £85
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Old soldier fell to his death in nursing home lift
A SECOND World War veteran fell to his death in the lift carriage of a Prestwich nursing home, an inquest heard. A jury returned an accidental death verdict into the death of 81-year-old Harry Hurst following a two-day hearing. Mr Hurst was staying at
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Forget school, my hamster has died!
A SPOTTY nose and a dead hamster were just two of the weird and wonderful excuses used by pupils for not attending school. A national sweep on truancy was held in the first two weeks of May and in Bury alone a total of 456 schoolchildren were stopped
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Fears over morning after pill
THE provision of the controversial morning after pill in schools and supermarkets was the main issue discussed at the latest meeting of the Bury branch of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC). At the meeting, held at the Bury Baptist
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Fair deal for all, please
COMMUNITY groups which have found themselves hard-up after being refused a National Lottery grant are being urged to support a "fair deal" campaign. Organiser of Ramsbottom's Golden Jubilee celebrations, Linda de Ruijter is leading the attack against
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TV's Lisa blows trumpet for field appeal
TELEVISION star Lisa Riley went back to her old school this week to enjoy a little summer fun. The former soap actress and now presenter of ITV's You've Been Framed was the guest of honour at Holly Mount RC Primary School in Greenmount where she was invited
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Council boss retires
ONE of Bury Council's top men has left after nearly 40 years in local government. Mr Stan Monaghan, council solicitor and director of corporate resources, said goodbye to municipal service today on Thursday (June 27). He leaves following the latest restructure
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£30 million leisure plan with 10-screen cinema
PLANS for a £30million leisure complex including a 10-screen cinema in the heart of Blackburn were unveiled today. Bosses at Manchester-based developer Peel Holdings today confirmed they were drawing up new plans for a site in Audley, and expect to sign
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Bravery costs bag snatch pensioner
POLICE are appealing for information after a plucky pensioner suffered a suspected broken wrist in a robbery in Bury. The 75-year-old woman was injured as she attempted to hold on to her handbag during a street robbery. Now, officers are appealing for
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OAPs told road work will have to wait
A REVAMP for two minor roads in Elton is still streets away. Back Bolton Road and Luton Street are used as a short cut onto Bolton Road by elderly pedestrians from the Fusiliers Court sheltered housing development. They have been asking for potholed road
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Argument with police
A TEENAGER stopped by police in a garden in the early hours told officers they should be going out and arresting burglars. Burnley Magistrates heard how Matthew Southern, 19, was with another man when police told them they were going to search them. Southern
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Harmony is band's message on race
BURNLEY'S chart-topping anarchists Chumbawamba returned for a triumphant gig in their home town yesterday in a bid to promote racial equality. The band, who stormed to the top of the charts in 1997 with their anthem Tubthumping, appeared as part of an
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Brothel rumours 'just nonsense'
THE owner of premises earmarked for a Padiham health club today hit out at rumours that a brothel was to open at the site. The man, who would only give his name as Mr Musso, of Burnley Road, Padiham, said fears about a planning application for a private
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Foster care campaign launched
A CAMPAIGN to encourage more people become foster carers and raise public awareness was launched this week. 'Fostering Fortnight' is taking place across the country, from June 24 to July 5, to highlight the tremendous work done by existing foster carers
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Teacher gets top science award
A CATON teacher has been voted the North-West' s best at teaching science to primary school children. Catherine Newstead, of Caton St Paul's Cof E Primary School, collected the award at the BT North-West Teaching Awards in Liverpool last week. And Catherine
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Police search for crime victims as assailants are charged
POLICE are attempting to trace an elderly woman who suffered a brutal attempted robbery in Morecambe on Saturday. The woman was loading a car, parked on Morecambe Road at 11.45am when a man attempted to take the shopping bags from her. She resisted and
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Dark side of the Lune
POLICE were called to calm the increasingly bitter dispute between rowers and anglers on the River Lune, which came to a head on Sunday when a regatta clashed with a fishing match. Tempers flared as members of the John O'Gaunt Rowing Club came face to
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Police search for road rage attacker
A TEENAGER was smacked in the face with a piece of wood in a late-night road rage attack by a fellow motorist who had tried to overtake him. The 19-year-old from Kendal was driving to Lancaster on the A6 and was in the Carnforth area when he noticed a
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New planning chief in place
THERE'S a new planning chief in town - Andrew Dobson, the former Borough Planning Officer of Crewe and Nantwich in Cheshire. With a reputation for fairness, and clear explanations of the complex areas of planning law, Andrew comes with a wealth of experience
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Cleared of charge
AN asylum seeker has been cleared of molesting a young wife who claimed he told her he wanted sex. Kafi Hussain, 31, was found not guilty of two counts of indecent assault, after a trial at Burnley Crown Court. The defendant, of Sackville Street, Brierfield
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Primary schoools compete in Games
YOUNGSTERS from primary schools in Pendle yesterday competed in a swimming gala at Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne as part of the week-long mini Commonwealth Games. Pendle Leisure Trust decided to arrange the event so that youngsters in the borough who
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Fears grow for missing girl, 14
POLICE are concerned for the safety of a 14-year-old girl who has been missing from home for a week. Leona McCarthy, of The Crescent, Colne, was last seen as she left home to go to school at 8am on Thursday, June 20. Leona is described as 5'3" tall, of
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Two-year ban for drink-driver
A BLOCK paver who drove home instead of getting a cab after a party has paid the price with a two-year ban. Burnley Magistrates heard how learner driver Gary Wimbles, 28, was more than twice the limit when police stopped him in the early hours in Colne
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Jailed man was 'violent and a bully'
A BULLY branded a "Jekyll and Hyde" who stamped on a police officer and broke a bone in his hand was jailed for four months. Burnley Crown Court heard how Michael Kash, 31, was agressive and foul-mouthed after officers had been called to a domestic at
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Ten years ago
FLAMING June looked likely to be the hottest since the scorcher of 1976. Day after day of sunshine brought a super start to summer but according to East Lancashire weather expert Tom Suttie, it wasn't going to last.
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Five years ago
TEN-year-old Shelley Brown won a peach of a prize in a competition about healthy foods. Shelley, a pupil at Intack Primary School, Blackburn, went "bananas" after winning the Lancashire Evening Telegraph competition on the nutritional values of different
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East Lancs folk will be artistic focus
VOLUNTEERS are being sought for a unique photographic project that aims to capture the people of East Lancashire on film. The project is the brainchild of photographer Reg Whittam who will use state of the art techniques to complete his works. Up to 50
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Judge rejects heroin dealers' appeals
TWO heroin dealers involved in supplying junkies in East Lancashire failed in a bid to have their convictions overturned. Joseph Cromer, 31, and Azizul Wahab, 33, supplied heroin to dealers who ran "shops" for junkies in a "large scale sophisticated operation
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Fire crews battle outbreak at plastics company
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a blaze ripped through a one-storey business unit. The fire which destroyed the rear half of the building broke out on the shop floor of GRP Manufacturing in Lower Barnes Street, Clayton-le-Moors, at 4.45pm yesterday
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Housing plan at former pig farm rejected
COUNCILLORS rejected plans to build a housing development on a former pig farm after receiving almost 100 objections. Members of Hyndburn Council's development control committee rejected the outline application for land at Elton Road, Belthorn. They heard
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Extension at Mills to bring jobs boost
PROPOSALS to expand Oswaldtwistle Mills to include a heritage display and children's play area as well as creating more than 50 new jobs have been welcomed by borough planners. The changes at the site at Moscow Mill, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle, would
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Former teacher weeps as he is cleared
A FORMER religious education teacher cleared of indecently assaulting a pupil who blackmailed him said today: "Hopefully I can start living again." Neil Turpin, 66, formerly a teacher at Hollins High School, Accrington, and of Victoria Avenue, Chatburn
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Teenager fights for life after car crash
A TEENAGER is fighting for his life today after he was thrown from a Land Rover which hit a stray sheep. Daniel Thompson, 19, is said to be in a critical condition after the vehicle went out of control, police said. The Discovery left Whalley Road, Sabden
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No sympathy for landlords
I AM sick to death of reading about poor landlords complaining about rents being late and bad tenants. Well, I don't feel sorry for them. Landlords choose their own tenants, not the council. Though, they like to blame the council. The council have a good
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Get off the fence ad into the cabinet!
I READ in the letter pages the long and rambling diatribe from the pen of Cllr Peter Robinson, re the management of Happy Mount Park. As with the correspondence from most of his group, he has nothing but negative comments to make. Has he not visited the
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Mystery of the monarchy
THERE'S a new planning chief in town - Andrew Dobson, the former Borough Planning Officer of Crewe and Nantwich in Cheshire. With a reputation for fairness, and clear explanations of the complex areas of planning law, Andrew comes with a wealth of experience
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Authority should pay more than lip service to seniors
I AM writing as an individual. I am Professor of Social Care at Lancaster University and have expertise in the areas of residential homes and of support services for people in the community. This note is written not as an attack on Lancashire Social Services
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Focus on Salt Ayre
FORGET Japan and Korea - Lancashire's young sports people will be focused on events at Salt Ayre sports centre this weekend. The centre hosts this year's Lancashire Youth Games, expected to attract 400 volunteers, 2,000 spectators and a further 1,500
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Get your kit on lads!
THERE will be plenty of reminders of England's World Cup summer at Christie Park this season. The Shrimps this week unveiled their new hi-tech home and away shirts and avid watchers of Beckham and co may recognise the new home shirt from Umbro, which
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Off the Ball by Steve Dunthorpe
I DON'T know whether losing because you didn't play nearly well enough is better or worse than going out on penalties after a typically 'brave' performance. What I do know is that England got exactly what they deserved on Friday - nothing. Kieron Dyer
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Still hope for Midland after financial disaster
A BUSINESS empire set up by Jared Brook and Lincoln Fraser - the men who saved Morecambe's Midland Hotel - has collapsed owing up to £200 million. Administrators have been called in at Mayfair-based Imperial Consolidated but local managers overseeing
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Skyline reaching to the top
A FIRM run by Prestwich businessman Mark Greene has completed work on its biggest-ever contract since it was formed at the start of this year. Skyline NorthWest Ltd clinched a deal to install new PVCu windows for a refurbishment of Upcott House at Carrington
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Crime doesn't pay: it could cost you
A SPATE of tax prosecutions with confiscation orders against fraudsters heralds a tough new line by the Inland Revenue, according to a Bury specialist. Inland Revenue will increasingly use its powers to confiscate assets obtained with the proceeds of
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Cash boost for "green" group
GETTING a grounding in Groundwork! That's Euro MP Gary Titley, who has found out first hand how vital EU cash is benefiting Bury. He was the guest of the thriving Bury Business Environment Association (BEA), which operates under the Groundwork Bury banner
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CRICKET: Baxenden pro: 'I blame myself'
CLUB professional Jonathan Harvey is shouldering the blame for Baxenden's poor season. At the half-way stage of the campaign Harvey has scored just 253 runs in eight games - with 146 of those runs coming in in the abandoned game against Oswaldtwistle.
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Race ace says it's all good clean fun
TOM Boardman was one of the stars of the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship show at Mondello Park, Ireland, on Sunday, after fighting his way through the field to finish second in round nine and fourth in round ten. Those results have put
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High-flying success
ONE GREAT Marton school has certainly got the answer when it comes to raising funds -- it's all blowing in the wind! St Nicholas' Primary School, School Road, launched around 800 balloons for a charity race on June 21. And so far the race has raised around
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Spectators enjoy the sun
SUNSHINE smiled on Lytham Club Day revellers on Saturday as the town's favourite family event went ahead despite the worries for its future. Although there had been wet weather warnings, thousands of spectators lined the procession route to watch floats
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Getting stuck into some Light work...
THERE'LL be high lights a-plenty in Blackpool's Illuminations this year -- the attractions include a spectacular Greek temple tableau featuring real fire and water. The showpiece display, unveiled at a recent open day, includes real fountains and giant
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Fashion recycling
THE world of fashion will meet the world of recycling head on at the 'Recycling On The Runway' fashion show at The Dome in Morecambe on June 28. The event has been organised by the Wildlife Trust's project REthink and Morecambe Youth Cafe and aims to
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Celebrating the Games through art
ARTISTIC pupils from across the borough have come together to celebrate "A Wealth in Common". That's the title of a new exhibition at Bury Art Gallery, designed to celebrate the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Youngsters from six local high schools, Radcliffe
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FA honour for local schools' Mr Soccer
SALUTE local schools' Mr Soccer! For Mr Alan Smith, a stalwart of schools football for the past 40 years, has been rewarded for his long service. Alan (63) has been presented with an FA long service accolade in tribute to his unstinting devotion to schools
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Croquet: Double defeat for Bury
ON Saturday Bury Croquet Club's Souths Golf team had a home match against Pendle. The morning doubles were a poor start, with only one win out of six games. In the afternoon things picked up a little, Malcolm Hardman winning three of his four games and
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It's D-day for West
DECISION day for Clarets full back Dean West is fast approaching as last season's player of the year will be out of contract on Sunday. Like hundreds of footballers across the country his current deal expires on the last day of the month but, unlike many
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New name for Rovers
BLACKBURN Rovers will have a new name on the front of their shirts next season after announcing a new kit sponsorship deal with AMD. Ewood officials today unveiled the processor manufacturers as their shirt sponsors to coincide with the launch of their
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Fast - and furious
MY VITRIOL have always lived life in the fast lane. The band were signed to a record label after just seven gigs and their debut album was produced at breakneck speed. But far from being delighted with their rapid progress, the band's high expectations
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Can you help Jazzmen make local connection?
I AM using this week's column as a sort of 'premises wanted' plea for fellow drummer Colin Mason, of The Pendle Jazzmen. Colin is the heartbeat of the band, and handles their bookings and publicity, so clearly is the man behind the Pendle Jazzmen -- literally
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Golf: Sean's been and won it!
THERE'S a new name on the Vardon Trophy after Breightmet's Sean Owen clinched his first Bury and District Golf Association men's championship. The 19-year-old beat Rossendale's Ashley Siddle four and two in the final at Breightmet on Wednesday night -
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Special moment for tribute firefighter
A DARWEN firefighter was scheduled to hand over his moving tribute to September 11 victims at the New York Fire Department's headquarters today. Kevin Birtwell, a retained firefighter, of Sudell Close, was due to present a woven piece of art to Daniel
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Samuel fits The Bill!
YOUNG actor Samuel Aston is following in his sister and brothers' footsteps after earning a part in the ITVs drama series The Bill. Samuel, nine, of Bankside Close, Bacup, will play the part of a police constable's relative Ryan Best and will appear in
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Fast - and furious
MY VITRIOL have always lived life in the fast lane. The band were signed to a record label after just seven gigs and their debut album was produced at breakneck speed. But far from being delighted with their rapid progress, the band's high expectations
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Can you help Jazzmen make local connection?
I AM using this week's column as a sort of 'premises wanted' plea for fellow drummer Colin Mason, of The Pendle Jazzmen. Colin is the heartbeat of the band, and handles their bookings and publicity, so clearly is the man behind the Pendle Jazzmen -- literally
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Kelly's eye on solo smash
SHE'S too modest to admit it, but a night out in one of East Lancashire's clubs wouldn't be the same without a track with her vocals blasting out across the dancefloor. Since the start of the year, her distinct voice has appeared on two of the most played
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New speed cameras for Lancashire 'hotspots'
MOTORISTS who refuse to cut their speed are warned they WILL be caught out as 48 new speed cameras get ready to go on-line across the county. The cameras have been placed at "hotspots" that have a history of bad crashes and a high number of speeding motorists
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Two die in smashes
POLICE have named the victims of two fatal Fylde Coast road crashes which happened within two hours of each other early on the morning of June 23. Driver David Rumming, of Garrick Grove, Layton, was pronounced dead at the scene after his Volkswagen Golf
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Slow down message to motorists
IN A bid to reduce the number of child road casualties in the area, new advisory 20mph speed limit signs are being displayed outside 17 primary and high schools in Poulton, Carleton, Thornton and Cleveleys. Working in partnership, Lancashire Constabulary
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Peace squad for families at war
ARE relationships becoming difficult and stressful in your home? If so, Blackpool's newly developed Family Mediation Service can lend a helping hand. The scheme was officially launched by Blackpool Social Services this month to help to prevent irreparable
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I'm proof there is always hope
THREE years after Saeedah White was told she was terminally ill with a rare form of cancer, she's bursting with life and gratitude. Saeedah, 39, of Charles Street, Blackpool, is so thankful to be alive that she's organising a five-day charity extravaganza
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French market arrives
A FRENCH market rolled into Blackburn early today as council bosses pushed ahead with a controversial promotion. Seventeen stalls will be sited on the newly pedestrianised Church Street until Sunday. There will also be street entertainers and craftsmen
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House row man knifed in neck
A MAN was critically injured after stabbing himself in the throat with a kitchen knife after an argument with his girlfriend. The man was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where police said he was due to undergo surgery today. His injuries are not thought
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Divided over NHS payouts
EAST Lancashire families who have received millions of pounds in compensation for medical negligence today gave a mixed reaction to plans to shake-up the system in the UK. Plans for change were backed by Ann and John Walsh, of Henry Whalley Street, Mill
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Parking fee rises anger the traders
TRADERS today pleaded with council bosses to abandon a plan to increase car parking charges in Blackburn town centre, claiming it would drive customers to out of town retail sites. But Blackburn with Darwen Council today insisted that the rises overall
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Joseph's killers 'won't be caught'
IT had promised to be a relaxing family holiday and for the first time Joseph and Sheila were accompanied by their daughter Kerry, with her fiance Stephen Maguire and their four-month-old son Jack. But an unforeseen and shocking event which unfolded in
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Stanley man named in Boston scandal
ACCRINGTON Stanley's summer signing Mike Marsh is one of the six Boston players named in the Football Assocation investigation into contractual irregularities at the Nationwide League newboys. The 32-year-old midfielder will not face any charges personally
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Celebrating centenary
MAY I through your newspaper try to contact past members of Lytham Amateur Operatic Society? In the year 2004 we are celebrating our centenary and will be holding many events, including a wonderful Centenary Ball to mark this occasion. We would love anyone
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Family proud of club badge
I HAVE been a Bury fan for seven years and I can't tell you how sad I was when I heard that Bury FC had changed its badge. My great-great-great uncle Leslie Vernon played for the Shakers in the 1930s and although I have never met him my grand-dad and
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We don't cook them, we just deliver them!
AS a WRVS volunteer, I must reply to "Service Seeking Ratepayer" (Yours Truly, June 13). The WRVS does not cook the Meals on Wheels, they only deliver them. In the past, it has not been possible for them to give this service on national holidays as the
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Will it be Bury Metro FC next?
I MUST agree with the views of Salford Shaker (Your Letters, June 14) regarding the changing of the club badge. I am bewildered and disgusted that a century of history can be discarded as easily as one would throw out the weekly rubbish. Having not missed
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Work is still not completed
WE were the organisers for Christian Aid Week in Radcliffe and wish to express heartfelt thanks to local church-goers and the public for their support. We raised just short of £3,600 which will be used to provide hope, health and the chance of a decent
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What's happened to "Forever Bury"?
AM I the only Bury FC supporter to have any concerns about the "Forever Bury" group and its intentions? When this group was formed with the help of Supporters Direct after the Shakers went into administration some four months ago, its stated intention
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Rock that's losing its role
TONIGHT, and indeed the whole of this weekend, my life will be dull. There are no plans for any jollities and no friends will be called on. But as I don't have any, that is no surprise. A bottle of wine and a fuzzy television will be the order of the
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What's on...
Sunday Shows at the Grand and Opera House. Blackpool Grand Theatre (01253 290190) Reelin and a rockin -- non stop sixties hits from Gerry Marsden of Gerry & The Pacemakers, Mike D'Abo from Manfred Mann, Dave Berry from The Cruisers, Brian Poole from
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What's On...
Shows at the Winter Gardens, the Tower and more. Winter Gardens (01253 292029) The Good Olde Days -- traditional entertainment with Duggie Clark, Mike Terry and Tony Del Ray. Venue: Pavilion Theatre every Tues, Wed and Thurs until July 18 at 7.30pm with
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What's On...
Pubs, clubs and bars THE ROYAL OAK, Lytham Road, South Shore, Blackpool. Live music: Fri -- Richard III. Sat -- Shady. THE ROYAL HOTEL, North Promenade, Cleveleys. Live music: Thurs -- Forbidden (Abba tribute band). Fri -- Shooter. Sat -- High Tide. Sun
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Schoolgirl dies after hit-and-run accident
A POPULAR Prestwich schoolgirl has died days after being injured in a hit-and-run accident. Staff and fellow pupils of Prestwich Community High School are in mourning for 16-year-old Sarah Kobak who lost her fight for life at Hope Hospital on Monday evening
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Bury FC: Boss frustrated at Borley 'relapse'
BURY Young Player of the Year David Borley needs a hernia operation. The talented 19-year-old midfielder who received rave notices after breaking into the first team last season will go under the knife on Monday. But Borley will receive little sympathy
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What's happening at Bury Clarion
RADCLIFFE domiciled Philip Albiez joined us this year from the Horwich CC and is finding our club to his liking. He started cycling at 28 years of age with the intention of losing weight and found that he had a natural ability for speed. Now 35, he is
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Cricket: Classy Clarke fires Rams into final
MICHAEL Clarke's burgeoning reputation as a young international cricketer of massive potential continues apace. The immensely talented young batsman almost singlehandedly guided the Rams to their second Worsley Cup final with an awesome batting display
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Swimming: Young competitors continue to shine
BURY & Elton swimmers continue to show that they can overcome strong competition from across the country with national qualifying times and medal winning positions in both indoor and open water competitions. This year's Inter Association Competition
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This week in 1977 25 years ago
4,000 GREETED KING OF AINTREE: Thousands came to see Grand National Triple winner Red Rum at Tottington and District horse show. Red Rum was accompanied by his trainer, Ginger McCain, who was kept busy signing souvenir programmes. The famous horse was
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Hospitals care was superb
I WOULD like to thank Mr Shah and his team and all the nursing staff of ward 19 at Blackburn Infirmary after my recent hip replacement and bone graft operation. They were great. I later spent some time in G2 ward at Accrington Victoria Hospital and, there
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Motives in question
AT a time when Tony Blair is trying a new openness with American presidential-style press conferences, the leader of Hyndburn Council, Ian Ormerod, is about to scrap leader's questions at full council meetings. There may be two reasons for this change
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Contributions could be made in own countries
CONCERNING the comments by supporters of Amnesty International on the contribution made to this country by refugees (Letters, June 19), I am an Englishman. I have worked in my own country for the whole of my productive life to date and have always paid
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Firebugs target truck
A TRUCK was badly damaged after being targeted by firebugs at the weekend. Flames destroyed the cab and box of the vehicle which was parked at a breakers yard in Unsworth Street, Radcliffe. Fire crews from Whitefield and Bury tackled Sunday's (June 23
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Arson attack cost £10,000
DETECTIVES are hunting a firebug who caused more than £10,000 worth of damage in an arson attack on a Bury company. A vehicle, steel container and a quantity of wood were engulfed by flames at the premises of North Manchester Joinery in Hulme Street.
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Car yobs beat and rob teenager
A TEENAGER was attacked and robbed after being confronted by four thugs in a car. The incident happened near the Wagon and Horses pub in Walmersley Road, Bury, at around 9.15pm on Saturday (June 22). Police said the 18-year-old was summoned over to a
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Students you can count on!
A NATIONWIDE maths challenge has added up to success for pupils at Bury C of E High School. The United Kingdom Junior Mathematical Challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in basic maths techniques to solve non-standard
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Teachers take centre stage
TEACHERS will be asked to practise what they preach at a special literary seminar on Saturday. They will be urged to delve into their imaginations to create their own poetry, prose and drama, under the expert guidance of three professional writers. The
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Michelin's £1 million thank-you
BOSSES of the former Michelin tyre plant said thank-you to Burnley for 40 years of hard work by announcing a £1million fund to boost local business. The 'Michelin Development - Burnley' fund has been set-up to counteract the loss of 452 jobs when Michelin
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Defector to Labour gets out of the red
A RADCLIFFE politician has finally settled his paper bill to his newsagent which he had not paid for 18 months. Mr Bryn Hackley, who stood in last year's General Election and last week announced he had quit the Liberal Democrat party and defected to Labour
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Overdose was eight times the lethal level
A PUB licensee took her own life by overdosing on medication prescribed to her partner after a night out with friends. Miss Kirsty Wells (25), was found lying in bed the next morning by Miss Gillian Bain, with whom she ran the The Brandlesholme in Brandlesholme
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Pupils soak up French learning in school "bath"
ALMOST 30 primary school pupils with an aptitude for languages have certainly forged a French connection. And they were given a real flavour of France when they took part in a special "French Bath" event held at Broad Oak High School, Bury. Bath was the
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Sportsman Nat collapses and dies in match
A FIT and active sportsman and well-known amateur soccer referee has died after collapsing during a competitive tennis match. Fellow members of Elton Vale Sports Club rushed to the aid of 60-year-old Mr Graham Wilcock after he suffered a suspected heart
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It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Now it is time to select the best of teams and the worst of teams from the galaxy of stars and misfits who have entertained us for the past month. For each side I am going to go with a 4-4-2 formation and to make it a bit more interesting there can only
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New name for Rovers
BLACKBURN Rovers will have a new name on the front of their shirts next season after announcing a new kit sponsorship deal with AMD. Ewood officials today unveiled the processor manufacturers as their shirt sponsors to coincide with the launch of their
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Comments sought on race plan
COMMENTS will be sought from members of Burnley Council on its draft race equality scheme prepared as a key response to recommendations in the town's task report. The council has undertaken a wide-ranging consultation exercise following the disturbances
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Michelin's £1 million thank-you
BOSSES of the former Michelin tyre plant said thank-you to Burnley for 40 years of hard work by announcing a £1million fund to boost local business. The 'Michelin Development - Burnley' fund has been set-up to counteract the loss of 452 jobs when Michelin
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Police launch new anti-mobile theft campaign
MALCOLM the Mobile is Lancaster police's latest weapon in the battle against telephone theft. Malcolm will be promoting a police campaign informing people how to keep their property - especially mobile phones - safe. Crime prevention officers will be
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Council launches new magazine
A new colour magazine will be dropping through the letterbox of each and every home in the district over the next few weeks, courtesy of Lancaster City Council. Your District Council MATTERS, the city council's new community magazine, is full of facts
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Police seek urgent help finding perverts
TWO students were indecently assaulted in separate daylight attacks in Lancaster last week. The attacks are not being linked, but have been described by police as 'disgusting and degrading.' On Thursday night, a 21-year-old woman was walking down Moor
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CD reviews
A LOOK at the latest single and album releases. Album PETER GABRIEL: Long Walk Home (Virgin) THIS album is the soundtrack to the film The Rabbit Proof Fence and if the film is as turgid and full of as much over-the-top emotion as the album, the name is
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Packaging wraps were cut too short
A PACKAGING company which supplies goods to LBS Horticulture in Colne has received a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay costs of £520 after it was discovered a batch of polythene stretch wrap they produced had been cut too short. It
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Arsonists blamed for blaze
FIREFIGHTERS had a lucky escape when a roof collapsed as they tackled a blaze in a pickle factory. Arsonists are being blamed for the fire, at McCormick's -- formerly Noel's -- in Stanhill Road, Knuzden. The blaze broke out in a ground-floor office and
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Freedom of town, then potato pie!
GUESTS at tomorrow's Freedom of the Borough ceremony for the Queen's Lancashire Regiment will tuck into good old-fashioned potato pie after the event, at the special request of the soldiers involved. Hyndburn Council is awarding the Freedom of the Borough
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Christine was like a ray of sunshine
A MOTHER who could be like the "sunshine" despite her turbulent life has been laid to rest -- four weeks after she was the victim of a street attack. Christine Moore's body was found at her home in Emma Street, Accrington, by a neighbour looking through
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Evans in Manx IT probe
EAST Lancashire MP Nigel Evans has been visiting the Isle of Man to look at he future of mobile phones. The Ribble Valley Tory wanted to view and hear first hand the next generation of all singing all dancing handsets in the only area of the British Isles
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Skateboard site is a ridiculous suggestion
THE MBI's suggestions for a skateboarding park site border on the ridiculous. The town hall site (which was suggested as a joke by an hotelier some months ago) is chosen because of its topography, size and location. The West Promenade site on the other
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Visitors invited to villages' garden weekend
GARDENS enthusiasts are invited to an open gardens event in Bolton-by-Bowland and Grindleton on Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7. The event will feature 25 gardens of all shapes and sizes, and take in some magnificent views of the Ribble Valley. It
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Work starts to rebuild road bridge
WORK has started on a £400,000 scheme to reconstruct a bridge over the A59 at Billington, near Clitheroe. The bridge carrying Elker Lane in Billington over the A59 had to be demolished last year after being struck by a hydraulic excavator carried on a
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Best of both worlds
THE area's two Northern League cricket teams both had reason to celebrate this weekend, with impressive victories. Lancaster took the honours with their first win this season against Leyland, a result which saw them skip up the table by two places. Morecambe
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Bombers benefit from new technology
Advanced online technologies have allowed Lancaster University's American football team, the Lancaster Bombers, to benefit from a 21st century fundraising scheme. The unique buy.at/ system enables small organisations with little or no technical expertise
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Another satisfied customer
A MAJOR seminar aimed at outlining how Bury businesses can keep their customers satisfied will be staged in the town next week. Hollins-based accountants and business advisers DTE are holding the second in a series of BizVision events at the Bolholt Country
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Medical specialists join solicitors
THE outlook certainly looks healthy for local solicitors Butcher & Barlow. For the company, which has offices in Bury and elsewhere in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, has gained a clinical negligence practice. Medical litigation specialists James
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New skills at your fingertips
A BUSINESSWOMAN is bringing technology to the forefront to equip people with key new skills. And Julie Edmondson's Learndirect company has just celebrated recruiting its 100th learner, less than a year after launching her business in Bolton. The Bury
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It's D-day for West
DECISION day for Clarets full back Dean West is fast approaching as last season's player of the year will be out of contract on Sunday. Like hundreds of footballers across the country his current deal expires on the last day of the month but, unlike many
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CRICKET: Lancs aim to end their losing streak
LANCASHIRE were locked in a tense battle to end their losing streak in Liverpool today despite season's best performances from Peter Martin and Alec Swann. Martin took 5-54 in Kent's first innings, including the last three wickets in the space of five
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'Have-a-go' men take on thief
A THIEF who snatched a bundle of notes from a Blackpool post office counter was chased down the street and brought down by two "have-a-go" men who had been queuing at the counter. The raider then threw some of the cash on to the ground and got away. As
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Bike week goes down a storm
TRICYCLES, bicycles and unicycles - just about every conceivable type of bike - were on show for the first ever Wheelie Big Bazaar at the weekend. This cycling showcase was the final event of this year's National Bike Week celebrations. Following a Summer
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Last-ditch bid to halt residential homes closure
CAMPAIGNERS are gearing up for one last attempt to save council old folks' homes. Despite their protests, councillors went ahead last week with plans to close four homes including Whittaker House in Radcliffe. Town hall bosses say the changes, the most
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Doctor's fears over precinct facelift
A DOCTOR'S surgery could be isolated from many of its patients because of the redevelopment of a shopping centre. Dr Adrian O'Hare, who work at Elms Medical Centre in Whitefield, claimed one of its main access routes along George Street could be cut off
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Swimming: Trophy won but coach not happy!
RAMSBOTTOM Rascals have landed their first trophy of the season - and are already well on target for their second! They are the North East Lancashire Friendly League champions again after beating Accrington-based Pioneer 66-51. And on Sunday in the Intermediate
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Cricket: Gary glitters!
A MAGNIFICENT match-winning knock of 137 not out from opener Gary Chadwick was the highlight of a great weekend for Greenmount. Chadwick's career best total gave his side victory over Astley Bridge on Sunday at the end of a fine day's cricket. On a wicket
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Athletics: Seaside trip is big success
RADCLIFFE Athletic Club were at the Blackpool half marathon last Sunday, enjoying another successful day out. A total of 747 runners finished the 13.1 mile course and there was Adrian Harris, fifth overall, first over 45, just one over-40s runner in front
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Award honour all sealed up
CHAPMAN Envelopes, of Darwen, have won a prestigious Environment Award, given by National Quality Assurance who carry out third-party assessment and registration of various management systems. In Chapman Envelope's case, their environmental system was
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Village bus users celebrate victory
VILLAGE bus passengers are celebrating after a last-minute replacement was found for an axed evening service. Residents in Hoddlesden were facing an early curfew when buses were stopped after 6pm. But Blackburn with Darwen Council has negotiated for one
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Centre will be 'open to all ideas'
A COMMUNITY group's dream will come true tomorrow when a drop in centre opens its doors in Stacksteads. Stacksteads Riverside Park Group (SRPG) was set up ten years ago to improve the lives to people in the town by improving recreation facilities and
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Footpath safety probe launched
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into a footpath which runs close to the 35 foot ravine which almost claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy. Schoolboy Daniel Bennett, of Kirk View, Waterfoot, is being treated at Royal Preston Hospital after he slipped
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Tapping into a Rich vein of comedy
RICH Hall's crumpled face has been seen on numerous TV shows -- Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Room 101 and Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. The grouchy comic quit his job as a hurricane namer for the United States Meteorological Service
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Have YOU got ticket worth £193,385?
THE sands of time are running out for one lucky Lotto winner to get their hooks into almost £200,000 of unclaimed cash. Believe it or not someone in the Blackpool or West Lancashire area is sitting on a massive windfall of £193,385 and they don't know
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It's Bootleg mania!
THE Fab Four are heading for Blackburn as one of the main attractions of the Arts in the Park Festival next weekend. The Bootleg Beatles, widely recognised as the finest Beatles' tribute band of them all, will headline the free festival for all the family
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Drug Arrests in Blackpool
A NUMBER of suspected drug dealers were arrested earlier today (June 27) as police carried out a series of co-ordinated dawn raids in Blackpool. Officers from the Constabulary's six divisions and Headquarters took part in the operation in support of the
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Phone sex pest jailed four years
A THORNTON phone pest who terrorised women across the country was jailed for four years this week. Alan Snell, a 40-year-old cleaner from Harrison Avenue, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on June 25 and described as a "pathetic and inadequate" man
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Surf-the-net-on-sea
SURF the net right by the seaside as a new internet kiosk goes on line in Blackpool town centre. The hi-tech kiosk on the corner of Corporation Street and West Street heralds a new era in the availability of internet access. Access to the available sites
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Old folk live in fear
A BLACKPOOL pensioner says residents on his street are terrified to go out because of the "drug addicts and alcoholics" in their neighbourhood. Maurice Weighman, of Molyneux Drive, South Shore, told The Citizen that older people in sheltered accommodation
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'Flute' just magic
PUPILS of Westholme School, Blackburn, swapped their uniforms for costumes to stage Mozart's The Magic Flute. Students and musicians at the girls' upper school joined forces to put on the performance, despite the composer taking "a pretty dim view of
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Four fired up for papal trip)THUMBNAIL:tpope2806)
FOUR students from East Lancashire are looking forward to meeting the Pope on a trip of a lifetime. They will be taking part in the world's biggest Catholic youth event, World Youth Day, in Toronto, Canada. Two million young people from 135 countries
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Police warning of crime clampdown
POLICE today warned criminals who move around in a bid to avoid detection: "There is no place to hide." Almost 200 motorists were stopped during four days of roadside checks across the Eastern Division covering Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn. Ten people
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RUBGY: Lynx duo in the dock
TWO Chorley Lynx players could face up to four games on the sidelines after their part in a major brawl at Victory Park on Sunday. Lance Hamilton and Dale Cardoza could both face lengthy bans after a stormy Roses league clash with Doncaster Dragons. The
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Magpies manager Molyneaux closes in on targets
CHORLEY boss Mark Molyneaux is closing in on a couple of transfer targets as he attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season. The former Trafford chief, who took charge of the Magpies at the back end of last season, has already
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GOLF: Nick wants to be the best
NICK Dougherty claims he will do everything in his power to become "the best player in Europe". The 20-year-old from Chorley's Shaw Hill club - a protege of Nick Faldo - showed how far he has come in his short career at the Murphy's Irish Open yesterday
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O'Leary falls foul of the money men
SO THE "naive young manager" has finally fallen foul of the hard-headed plc and suddenly Leeds United are in the market for a new manager. Four years ago when George Graham snuck off to Spurs leaving Leeds in the lurch I was a reporter on the Yorkshire
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Pet dangers
WITH summer upon us, may I appeal to pet owners with conservatories to please make sure your pet is never locked inside it. The heat will build up in much the same way as in a car and the consequences can be just as fatal. J Harwood, Moor Park Ave, Bispham
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A nice little earner
THE speed cameras are a nice little earner for the police and government. It's got nothing to do with safety -- that comes down the list. Any motorist can go on a course. It costs £90 and it will save you getting three penalty points and the £60. The
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More council cuts in services
WHEN I first read the press release from Wyre Borough Council headed "Council streamlining services to provide better value for money", I thought good -- long overdue. But, after reading fully, what it is really saying is CUTS, CUTS, CUTS. Why, after
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Immigrants are costing us dear
IN an excellent letter (Citizen June13) headed "Keep them out altogether" an opinion poll is quoted as saying that 88% think that Britain has too many immigrants. This is interesting because during the general election campaign last year any Conservative
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Where is the conference centre?
MAY I endorse and add my support to Mr Alan Duxbury-Campbell for his letter regarding the SRB6 funding (Citizen, June 13). I was under the impression that the Single Regeneration Budget grants were for the specific purpose of encouraging and providing
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Hendry in legal action
SOCCER star Colin Hendry is preparing to sue following the operation which left his wife battling for her life. The player revealed the move as the boss of the private hospital at the centre of the case claimed that Dr Gustaf Aniansson, who had performed
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£1,028 for worthy causes
CASH collections, handing-out Bury Times carnival gala programmes in Bury town centre, at Asda stores in Bury and Pilsworth and on the carnival field itself, raised a grand total of £1,028, all of which will be re-distributed to worthy causes. Thank you
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Unjust to target asylum-seekers
"CONCERNED Mature Citizen" (Your Letters, May 31) is so "mature" that he/she hides behind a nom de plume and tries to use the natural support for our country's elders to attack those who have fled from persecution and poverty. Speaking as a third generation
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Shakers facing biggest threat
AS Bury Football Club emerges from administration I fear that it is in its most precarious position ever. Some fans are under the impression that for the Shakers this is a fresh start with all the debts having been wiped out. Nothing could be further
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Fresh start not materialised
AFTER being a supporter for more than 40 years, I drifted away from Bury FC after our relegation from Division One. Frankly, I had had enough of the rhetoric and depressing news repeatedly delivered by Mr Robinson and Mr Neville. When the club went into
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Some advice to Shakers bosses
SOME advice to joint chairman John Smith and Fred Mason, and the people with a say in the future of Bury Football Club. Think positive: we are very lucky to still have a football club. Get a business plan together and ensure expenditure does not exceed
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Satchell murder: Man in court
A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of Bury man Rupert Satchell . Gary Kelly, aged 30, of David Lewis Close, Rochdale, made a brief appearance in the dock at Bury Magistrates Court, accused of killing the father-of-three. Mr Satchell,
