Archive
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Police must make drink ban work
THE problem Blackburn has had for years with town-centre street drinkers -- involving everything from aggressive begging and fights to discarded bottles and people being put off by their appearance and behaviour -- may be a difficult one. But it was supposed
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Rams wait rewarded
IT took longer than expected, but that didn't lessen the pleasure when Ramsbottom retained the Lancashire League's Worsley Cup on Tuesday night. The rain-affected showdown began on Sunday with the Rams winning the toss and electing to bat. The visitors
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Canal cruising is for the rich
REGARDING Ron Freethy's 'Drive and Stroll' article (LET, August 3), the construction of a navigable link between the Lancaster and Leeds and Liverpool canals via a new canal and locks linking the Ribble estuary via Sarick Brook is something I've followed
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Car free plan for town centre
MAJOR improvements to Atherton's main shopping street have got the green light -- and pedestrians will be the first to benefit from the new look. Market Street is to be made more pedestrian-friendly as part of a £400,000 package of improvements that will
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Missing cousins back safe
TEENAGE cousins are home safe and well after a week on the streets, thanks to an emotional appeal by one girl's father. Czechoslovakians Linda and Theresa Tulejova, both aged 14, went missing from Linda's Firs Lane home in Leigh. A call to police, following
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Collision driver unhurt
A FEMALE motorist escaped serious injury when her car was in collision with a van on Friday lunchtime (Aug 9). The 35-year-old from Bury suffered bruising to her chest but declined hospital treatment after the accident in Arthur Lane, Ainsworth, at 1pm
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Gaps on Metrolink
METROLINK services between Timperley and Altrincham will be suspended this Sunday (Aug 18) due to essential engineering work. Replacement low buses will operate between these stops. A normal service will operate between Timperley and Piccadilly, Eccles
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Games injuries were limited
LITTLE more than 2,000 required medical treatment during the recent Manchester Commonwealth Games. Greater Manchester Ambulance Service figures also show that crews took just 55 to hospital for further treatment during the eleven-day event. The majority
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Do you dare to be different?
DO you fancy yourself as the next Julian Clary or Graham Norton? Blackpool's newest gay bar and nightclub, ConnXtions, is targeting those who 'dare to be different' in a search for new talent. The Church Street club is getting ready to launch a comedy
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Accident hotspots claim more victims
THREE people were injured over the weekend at two of Bury's worst accident hotspots. The first incident happened at 8.30am on Friday (Aug 9) at the junction of Rochdale Road and York Street in the town. A 38-year-old woman from Bolton suffered shock and
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Threat couple rob pensioner
A PENSIONER was forced back into her home and threatened after answering the door to a young couple. The 81-year-old woman was pushed by the male caller, who had a female accomplice, after knocking at the house in Tewkesbury Drive, Prestwich at 2.30pm
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Changing Rooms winner Joan to revamp house
NEVER mind changing rooms. For lucky Bury Times Group competition winner, Joan Greenberg, can transform her entire home thanks to £6,000 worth of home improvement vouchers. And Ms Greenberg can't wait to go shopping with the prize fund and invite the
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Kids make clean sweep of their rubbish day out
YOUNGSTERS took to the streets at the weekend and gave them a clean sweep. Around 20 children and their parents gathered as the New Kershaw Centre on Saturday (Aug 10), to take part in a clean-up organised by neighbourhood wardens. Armed with litter picking
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Council deal with a sticky problem
IF there's something sticky in your neighbourhood, who ya gonna call? Gum Busters! Town hall bosses have chewed over the tacky problem of dropped gum and come up with a solution. Staff armed with high-powered steam cleaners, costing £14,000, have hit
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Regulars turn out to raise charity cash
REGULARS at the Derby Hotel in Whitefield are some of the most loyal customers around, according to landlord, Paul "Ossie" Osborne. For at times when it really matters they always turn out to support local good causes. And their latest fund-raising effort
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World Cup star goes back to his roots
WORLD Cup star, Trevor Sinclair, is to return to his roots to launch a new sporting facility for young people in Whitefield. Former Mersey Drive Primary and Castlebrook High School pupil, Trevor has been invited to officially open the new "ball zone"
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Bus operators lay on more bank holiday services
BURY commuters could soon be able to "bank" on more holiday buses. For Greater Manchester transport bosses are to continue encouraging operators to provide more spring and summer bank holiday services. Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's
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Phone theft boy locked up for 18 months
A TEENAGE street robber who beat up a younger boy and stole his £130 mobile phone has been locked up for 18 months. Naheem Mohammed, aged 16, and an unnamed accomplice pounced on the 14-year-old boy in Knowsley Street, Bury. Mohammed, of East Street,
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Dale toasts debut with a double
DALE Cardoza set Hilton Park alight with a try just ninety seconds into his Leigh Centurions debut as Chorley became the latest NFP side to bite the dust at Hilton Park. The former Doncaster Dragons wing produced a piece of wizadry after climbing off
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All eyes on strike rivals
ALL eyes will focus on former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke as he prepares to make his league debut for Blackburn against Sunderland tomorrow. With Matt Jansen out injured for the foreseeable future, the burden for goals rest on the shoulders of
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Souey sets target
BLACKBURN Rovers will kick-off the new Premiership campaign against Sunderland tomorrow with just one goal in mind - survival. That's the message coming from manager Graeme Souness as the waiting is almost over for Rovers supporters after a long summer
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Mast facts
I AM afraid that your correspondent Miss E Baxandall has, like many others, confused the very slight unproven risk that over extensive use of a mobile phone might just conceivably present, with that of a mobile phone mast. A typical mast 100 feet high
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Merely asking the right questoins
Open letter to council finance chiefs: I WOULD like to take this opportunity to make it known that I am not attacking you or your colleagues or anybody for that matter. I am simply questioning the logic behind the rules and how they are applied. I believe
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Bus station to extend
PLANNING approval has been given for two separate extensions at the bus station at Todmorden to be used exclusively for staff. The council's development committee was told by Coun Clarence Brown that the staff deserved the extra space, and Coun Frank
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Drugs offered to undercover officer
A EX-CONVICT who tried to sell hard drugs to an undercover police officer is awaiting sentence. Burnley Magistrates heard how Paul James Whitehead, 21, was arrested during the police swoop Operation Monaco in April . Whitehead, of Kinross Street, Burnley
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Homeless flats demo
POLICE were called to disperse more than a hundred angry protesters after controversial plans for flats for homeless youngsters were approved by Burnley Council. Officials were forced to call for help after residents opposed to the development at Spa
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Signing for Bury was a big mistake - Murphy
EX-SHAKERS striker Matt Murphy has admitted he regrets ever joining Bury as he aims to prove a point on his return to Gigg Lane. The 31-year-old front man failed to score in 10 appearances for Bury after signing on a free transfer from Scunthorpe just
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Concert for hospice
A CHARITY concert will be held tonight at the Knights of St Columba, in Nelson, to raise money for Pendleside Hospice. Julie Arkwright, 37, of Nelson, has organised the event with her mother Eve Owen in memory of her father, Dave Owen, who died on June
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Delight as trainee wins two trophies
A PENDLE trainee was delighted and surprised when he was awarded two trophies in the recent Pendle Training Awards. Paul Southworth, 19, a welder and fabricator at Graham Engineering Ltd in Nelson, won the Derek Bennet Memorial Trophy and the John Barrie
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We're driving the drug dealers out
DRUG dealers were today warned to keep out of Pendle after police celebrated the success of a major crackdown on street crime. Officers in Nelson and Brierfield are now appealing to the local community to work with them and single out those causing a
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Girl, eight, impales leg on railing
A GIRL aged eight is recovering in hospital today after impaling her leg on a metal railing as she tried to retrieve a ball. She slipped onto the spike on a three-foot high wall in Wilton Gardens, Radcliffe, at 3pm yesterday. It stuck in her thigh above
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Firebugs terrify sleeping family
A BOY aged ten is being hunted by police after an arson attack on a house in Radcliffe. A barking puppy helped save the lives of the young woman and her three small children who were fast asleep in their Larch Avenue home. Mandy Hopkins (28) has been
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Games boost for regions
REGIONAL assemblies will allow more important decisions to be made at a local level instead of in Whitehall. A survey of businesses in the North West, conducted by the Regional Policy Forum, found that 72 per cent thought that elected assemblies were
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Milky has fellow chart rivals licked
THE songs which have become underground summer anthems for 2002 are beginning to find their way into the regular Top 40. One contender, released this week, is the Mad House cover of Like A Prayer. Cheeky and danced-up, the track has been a huge hit all
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Taking in the music in the Valley
NOT made it to Ibiza this year? Then worry not, because Ibiza is on its way to you -- in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Term-time superclub Feel has come up trumps with its second August bank holiday spectacular at De Tabley in Ribchester, creating a
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Ten years ago
POURING rain failed to dampen the spirits at Darwen Gala, when hundreds flocked to the attractions and to see the Darwen Tower Race. John Rutter, 24, of Great Harwood, beat off stiff competition from dozens of other runners to win in 15 minutes and 21
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Down Under trip hope for whizz potter Barry
A POOL whizz who battled through broken ribs to play during the Commonwealth Games is hoping to pocket a trip to Australia. Barry Allen, of the Arden Inn, Accrington, took part in an exhibition match during the games in Manchester, as fans fight to get
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Patient's death: two in court
THE case of an East Lancashire man charged with the unlawful killing of a nursing home patient has been adjourned until November. Dennis Anthony Latham, 32, of Brook Street, Rishton, is jointly charged with Barbara Jean Campbell, 60, of Glasgow, of killing
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Warning for tenants
By Julia Fisher COUNCIL tenants are being warned not to allow contractors into their homes until they are completely satisfied they are working on behalf of Wigan and Leigh Housing. The warning comes after numerous complaints to area housing offices that
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May's moved to tears
THE kindness of local children brought tears to the eyes of a Leigh pensioner. May Yarsley was devastated when a car being chased by police on Alpine Drive crashed into the back garden of her Wigan Road home. May was gardening when the speeding vehicle
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Gentle touch of powerman Mark ...
POWERLIFTER Mark Woodcock had a weight on his mind. Faced with the dilemma of either representing Great Britain for the first time, or being present at the birth of his son, he decided there was no choice. He didn't want to miss the birth even for his
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Tip emissions to be checked
EMISSIONS from an Astley tip are to be analysed because nearby residents are concerned dangerous gases are being released. Cllr John Lea says he will get Environmental Health and the Environment Agency to carry out an analysis on the emissions being released
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Emma marries on crutches
A BRAVE bride -- lucky to be alive following a freak farm accident -- got married this week, on crutches. Love conquered all for 26-years-old Emma Barlow who refused to cancel Tuesday's wedding ceremony after suffering a double leg fracture three weeks
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Fire chiefs explain why pump must move
FIRE chiefs have responded to the "Save Our Pump" campaign with detailed explanations of how and why the proposals will benefit the area. After recommendations were made last month to move one of Leigh fire station's two pumps to create a new station
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Hendry pays tribute to Denise's doctors
COLIN Hendry paid tribute to the doctors and nurses who brought his wife back from the dead after she was finally discharged from hospital. Mum-of-four Denise, 36, is now back at the Hendry family's £1million seafront house in Lytham after being allowed
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New look for town centre skyline?
A NEW addition could dominate the Prestwich town centre skyline if ambitious plans for the former Sainsburys supermarket are given the go-ahead. Developers are hoping to create a towering five-storey building on the site incorporating more than 100 apartments
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I needed BNP to survive - farmer
THE farmer at the centre of a storm over a controversial British National Party carnival today explained his decision to allow the event on his land. John Barnes spoke as Anti-Nazi League demonstrators were banned by Lancashire Chief Constable Paul Stephenson
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Appalling lack of pace among wingers
During my first 40 years of supporting Leigh, I grew accustomed to watching speedy wingers such as Kindon, Kitchen, Tickle, Drummond and Fox, who between them scored 607 tries for the club. What a contrast to recent years, in which there has been an appalling
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Pump move would be life-threatening
We are very concerned about the article, in the newspaper recently about a possible relocation of a pump from Leigh Fire Station to Wigan. It could be life threatening for the Leigh area, especially at peak times, also very stressful for crews and victims
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Cheers, Gordon, mine's a real ale money-saver
A MONEY-saving scheme has been brewed up by Bury accountant John Turner. It follows the announcement by Gordon Brown that there will be a 14p per pint cut in duty on micro-brewery real ale. Mr Turner, of Bury-based accountants and business advisers DTE
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Web sites can win awards
BUSINESSES in Bury which have joined the Internet revolution are being urged to enter their web site in a bid to win a coveted award. They are being invited to take part in the annual Big Chip Awards for excellence in e-business which will take place
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Pennnine calling for Urbis
BURY-based Pennine Telecom has supplied staff with radio equipment at Manchester's stunning new £30 million Urbis Museum landmark. And the move will help ensure operations run smoothly, so that visitors to the museum have an enjoyable, exciting and inspiring
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Morecambe's title chances slip a litlle further away
MORECAME'S title challenge suffered a blow this week after a narrow defeat against Blackpool saw them slip further back in the table. Enjoying better weather than rivals, Darwen, Phil Thornton's side had an opportunity to claw back part of the 20-point
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Stan sees squad shrink
STAN Ternent is down to just 16 fit players for tomorrow's trip to Molineux as he comes to terms with his shrinking squad. Injuries have ruled out Tony Grant, Gordon Armstrong and Brad Maylett while both Glen Little and Paul Weller are fighting to be
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Welshmen on opposite sides
WALES manager Mark Hughes will be interested to see how two of his strikers fair when they clash at Molineux tomorrow afternoon. Wolves' Nathan Blake and Burnley's Gareth Taylor are both in the Wales squad that will take on Croatia on Wednesday night.
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Hearing for Darwen
DARWEN chairman Pete Lamster fears his Northern Premier League side are about to be hit with disciplinary charges arising from their match against Morecambe a fortnight ago. Lamster said the league executive committee had told him there would be a hearing
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Whitefield company receives quality award
TECHNOLOGY company Gamma Global (UK) Ltd, which is based in Moss Lane, Whitefield, has been awarded the ISO 9001 2000 quality Certificate.
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Long live The King!
THE 'King' might have been dead for 25 years this weekend but for one Elvis fan the singer will live forever! Preston-born Dominic Finley, 26, has been a fan of Elvis since he was knee high to a grasshopper. Despite being just one year old when the rock
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Fighting on the beaches
A MILITARY landing took tourists by surprise on Blackpool Promenade at the weekend. But the 'enemy' hadn't landed, the operation was just part of the town's annual Sky Show, featuring flying machines of all shapes and sizes. The RAF's combat search and
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Gun raider may have struck again
A CUSTOMER in a town centre building society was threatened by a thief armed with a gun, in an attack echoing an earlier raid on a building society in the same street. The robber went into the Britannia Building Society in Clifton Street, Blackpool, at
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Tennis club served a cash coup
POTENTIAL Tim Henmans got a helping hand on the road to Wimbledon after a Fylde tennis club scooped nearly £100,000 to build new facilities. Thornton Lawn Tennis Club, on Lime Grove, received £90,759 from the Lottery for a new clubhouse, changing rooms
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Police pioneer sex pest fight
LANCASHIRE police are leading the nation as they bid to clampdown on sex pests in Blackpool and the Fylde. The campaign is part of a county-wide effort to curb offenders which has seen the constabulary obtain 12 Sex Offender Orders -- five more than any
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Righting the wrongs
HOUSEHOLDERS spend hundreds of millions of pounds on home improvements or repairs each year but when things go wrong the cost both in cash terms and stress to the individual can be devastating. But the damage can be limited if the house owner takes some
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Cadets open day
rAIR cadets will go through their paces at an open day later this month. The 316 (Leigh) Squadron Air Training Corps, which is seeking to recruit new members over the age of 13, has issued an invitation to anyone interested to go along to the Windermere
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Bringing back the punks
MORECAMBE hoteliers are involved in talks with the council over the possible return of the popular punk festival. Attendances were down for last year's festival in Blackpool, which also attracted an unwelcome neo-Nazi element, and the organisers are considering
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Bobbies give advice
BURGLARS face a hard time in the Tyldesley area where police are ensuring the community gets the best advice on home security, crime reduction and home watch schemes. Area officers PCs Andy Wright, Vicky Handley and Damian Noblett will be at various locations
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Fun in the sun!
CHILDREN in Tyldesley are in line for a bumper August of fun. A packed programme of events, including days out, has been organised by the SureStart team. Play sessions will take place between 10am and noon and 1pm to 3pm on August 20, 27 and 29 at the
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Vote for 'zero tolerance'
'ZERO Tolerance policing' is the way forward for Morecambe, according to the city council's Independent group. The group said this week that it wants to see more police on the streets and fewer 'handouts' for those who 'won't help themselves'. Huge sums
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Why the beat must go on
LOCAL musicians are being called upon to support Lancaster's popular Musician's Co-op as the council prepares to sell the building to the highest bidder. The not-for-profit centre for musicians, which offer rehearsal space, equipment hire and sound recording
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Players needed
PLAYERS are needed for Atherton LR under 13s soccer side. Call Malcolm Anderton on 01942 897046 (evenings).
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Top bowlers in town
rTOP crown green bowling juniors are coming to town for the finals of a national competition. Lancashire representative Alan Manuel, aged 17, will join 31 under 18s county winners to compete for the title of National Junior Crown Green Bowling Champion
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Shock start for Pennington
PENNINGTON FC had a rude awakening to life in the West Lancs League. Three minutes into the club's debut after their summer transfer from the Manchester League manager Mike Hardman and his young side were up against it after visitors Mill Hill St Peters
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Cycle Speedway
ASTLEY & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare-CTA Direct Cycle Speedway Club were in action on Sunday in Round Five of the Northern Fours and Junior League series. A & T started the day as leaders of the Northern Junior League, but had several riders unavailable
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East hang on for a Super win
LEIGH MINERS RANGERS 24 LEIGH EAST 27: A TREMENDOUS first half display and overall spirited performance saw Leigh East crowned champions in the 22nd Tetley Carlsberg Supercup. That said, as the last minutes ticked away Miners could do easily have stolen
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Asian event brings park to life
THE sights and sounds of a traditional Asian Mela brought Heaton Park to life on Sunday (Aug 11) as thousands of people enjoyed the open-air fun. Not even the constant drizzle could keep the crowds away and delighted organisers reported their "best ever
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Gas leak saga has Rose fuming
TEENAGE mum Rosa Gates and her baby were without gas for six weeks in a rented home she has describes as a "death trap". Miss Gates (17) has lived in the house on Eton Hill Road with her son Connor for 18 months. "I had smelled gas on and off for five
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Father "ecstatic" to have day in court
CAMPAIGNING dad Thomas Killoran has spent £81,000 trying to gain justice against those he accuses of stealing and stripping down his dead son's motorbike. Now he says he is "ecstatic" that he will finally have his day in court. The Royal Courts of Justice
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Davis aims for great day at Wolves
AFTER an opening day to forget, Clarets skipper Steve Davis is determined to make the visit to Wolves one to remember. "We know we have got a poor record record against Wolves and if we can get a result it will be a great day for the fans," he said. Davis
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Souey sets target
BLACKBURN Rovers will kick-off the new Premiership campaign against Sunderland tomorrow with just one goal in mind - survival. That's the message coming from manager Graeme Souness as the waiting is almost over for Rovers supporters after a long summer
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Leeds ahead
IT'S been a turbulent time for fans of the Leeds Festival, with this year's event having only been granted its licence at the eleventh hour. But as preparations get under way for the Bank Holiday weekend at Temple Newsam, one band has a point to prove
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Bury boss in wake up call
ANDY PREECE has issued a wake up call to his under-achieveing squad by bringing in two new faces. The Bury boss has moved quickly following defeats in the Shakers first two games by swooping for former Wigan Athletic midfielder Ian Kilford and Terry Dunfield
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Accident woman dies
A WOMAN aged 77 has died almost a week after being knocked down in Duckworth Street, Darwen. Joan Mary Monks, of Britten Street, Darwen, had a broken leg and serious head injuries after the accident last Friday at 9am. She was taken to Blackburn Royal
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Lunch in the library could become norm
READERS in Haslingden and Padiham could be able to visit their town's library at lunchtime if a change in opening hours is agreed. Lancashire County Council is carrying out a review of library services and one issue under discussion is to open smaller
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MEP to go on 'warts and all' tour
NORTH West MEP Gary Titley will be given a tour of Rossendale next week. The Labour member of the Brussels-Parliament is a guest of the Rossendale Partnership, who are actively working to address the decline of the area. "We are delighted that Mr Titley
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Car wash plan is not cut and dried
A ROW has broken out over a garage owner's plans to install a car wash where his former premises stood. Colin Stothart's Hare and Hounds Garage, on the corner of Newchurch Road and Four Lane Ends, Stacksteads, dramatically collapsed in front of him on
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Watch thanks
A WOMAN who lost her expensive Omega watch while out shopping in Leigh town centre on Monday wants to thank an anonymous young girl who handed it in at Greenhalgh's bakery. She said: "I don't know her name or who she is, but I am so thankful to her for
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Dogs and ferrets steal the show
DOGS and ferrets stole the show at Astley and Tyldesley Whippet and Dog Racing Club's show at Gin Pit village. As usual local charities benefited -- £50 donations going to the Special Care Baby Unit at Hope Hospital, Derian House Children's Hospice, Leukaemia
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Lost drugs search
POLICE have issued a warning following the loss of dangerous drugs in Hindley. The Diazepam and Temazepam tablets were lost on Lowe Mill Lane. Both sets of tablets are prescribed drugs used as sleeping tablets or tranquillisers and can be harmful if taken
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Bobbies give advice
BURGLARS face a hard time in the Tyldesley area where police are ensuring the community gets the best advice on home security, crime reduction and home watch schemes. Area officers PCs Andy Wright, Vicky Handley and Damian Noblett will be at various locations
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Trust's message in a bottle
A FUN day on August 25 is aimed at getting across Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust's message in a bottle. The scheme involves storing vital personal information in bottle containers which will be stored in the fridge as a vital aid to emergency
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Schools on the web
THREE Leigh schools have relaunched their web sites in preparation for the new term. Parents, existing children and new starters can access the sites for information which includes an interactive virtual tour and kids' zone. The schools are : Leigh St
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Family evicted
A LEIGH family whose behaviour blighted a council estate and made vacant properties difficult to let, have finally been evicted. Court bailiffs and officers from Wigan & Leigh Housing Company arrived at 18 Larch Road, Westleigh, to carry out the eviction
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Jacqui solves ethical problems
A LECTURER from Leigh is to be at the forefront of ensuring that health professionals can cope with ethical dilemmas they face in their work. Jacqui Hitchen has been given the role of Learning and Teaching Consultant in Ethics and Legal aspects of Healthcare
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100 up for baths
ATHERTON baths opened in September 1902 to the sounds of brass. Plans are now underway to recreate the scene when the pool celebrates its 100th birthday next month. It is hoped the Mayor, Cllr Geoff Roberts, will tour the building and a brass band will
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Park plaque in memory of Benny
FISHERMEN are planning a park memorial to late, great angler Benny Ashurst. Leigh and District Anglers hope to erect a plaque at the Firs Lake edge where, in June, Benny spent his last days with friends. Father of ex-world champion, Kevin, the former
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Buster's here for holidays
IT promises to be a Bank Holiday Monday full of fun when Bad Manners play Blackburn's North Bar. Buster Bloodvessel and Co will be playing all their hits including Lip Up Fatty and Lorraine at the gig a week on Monday, August 26. Tickets are available
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Leeds ahead
IT'S been a turbulent time for fans of the Leeds Festival, with this year's event having only been granted its licence at the eleventh hour. But as preparations get under way for the Bank Holiday weekend at Temple Newsam, one band has a point to prove
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Roll on holidays 2003!
THERE is more than a strong sense of anti-climax when one returns from holiday. By the time the hotel unceremoniously dumps you from your room at the obligatory noon mark, getting back home is something to look forward to. The acceptance has already set
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Trust 'danger' HQ opens after probe
STAFF at Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Primary Care Trusts have returned to work following a two-day closure of their Wesham headquarters. Around 200 administrative staff returned to their Derby Road workplace on Thursday (August 8) after extensive tests
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Variety for chairman of board
AS someone who has been making audiences laugh for over 30 years you would expect Stan Boardman to be in a pretty good position to judge the current state of comedy, particularly on TV. The Liverpool funnyman who will be bringing what he describes as
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Going for a very long walk!
IT WAS an endurance test most of us would fail -- walking round Stanley Park athletics track non-stop for 24 hours! But 35 brave souls from all over Europe travelled to the Blackpool venue at the weekend to do exactly that. Many of the walkers had two
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Helping medical helpers
BLACKPOOL ambulance staff have been kitted out with a hi-tech panic button to summon help in an emergency. The move was called for by Blackpool Primary Care Trust, in April, when they approached the Lancashire ambulance service for help. Now in its fourth
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Alleyway sex pest
A MAN standing in an alleyway performing an indecent act told a passer-by that he was waiting for children to come along. At around 10.20am on Thursday (August 8) the man stood in the alleyway off All Hallows Road in Bispham. As he was performing an indecent
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Touch here for a baby
DON'T touch unless you're serious! The famous African fertility statues are in Blackpool again. And since their last visit to the Fylde Coast five years ago, the patter of tiny feet and lots of little paws have followed in their footsteps. Thirty-one-year-old
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Casino licence charge pay-off
AN anti-casino group has praised proposals that high licence fees should pay for problems caused by gambling. The idea came from an all-party committee of MPs who studied the Government's plans for changing gambling laws. The were looked into the proposed
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Councillor on child porn charge steps down
A CITY councillor, facing a child porn charge, has stepped down as leader of the Liberal Democrat group, but says he is looking forward to coming back and serving the people. Bill Chadwick, who is also a county councillor, was remanded in custody by magistrates
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Flower days
A FLOWER festival is being held at Leigh Parish Church on August 23, 24 and 25. The festival is open from 10am to 7pm on Friday and Saturday, and from midday to 6pm on Sunday. Admission is £2.50, with children free.
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Ewood pays tribute to Jack
BOSSES at Blackburn Rovers paid tribute to Jack Walker, days before the second anniversary of his death. Walker brought the club back from the depths of the lower divisions with massive injections of his own money in the 1990s, leading to the pinnacle
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Mobile phone 'threat' to plane
AN airline passenger endangered the lives of travellers and crew after switching on his mobile phone in mid flight, a court heard. Fiaz Chopdat, 23, was seen pressing buttons on his Eriksson T28 mobile as the Boeing 747 holiday jet made its way from Luxor
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Rovers' success saves town cash
BLACKBURN Rovers' success in the Worthington Cup has saved the borough millions of pounds in advertising costs, according to the council's chief executive. Phil Watson, of Blackburn with Darwen Council, made his comments before a civic reception for the
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Man in Black - the final mission
REFEREES are the men everyone loves to hate. Managers slag them off, players swear at them, the fans boo them. But as he prepares for his last season as a professional referee, Blackburn's Eddie Wolstenholme knows how he wants to be remembered when he
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Calcutt signs up to help Reds title push
ACCRINGTON Stanley have snapped up winger Dean Calcutt from Bradford Park Avenue. Boss John Coleman has paid £5,000 for the 27-year-old who he has been a long term admirer of and Calcutt will got straight into the squad for tomorrow's UniBond Premier
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Save our open space
THE article in the Citizen July 11 regarding the redevelopment plans for Jubilee Gardens announced by Wyre Borough Council. Can they be serious about multiplex cinemas, ice rinks, hotel and bars? -- they have recently demolished one of the finest bars
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Forcing hard up to bank benefits?
FROM April 03, many thousands of pensioners, chronic sick and disabled across Blackpool and Fylde are to lose their social security allowance payments books with four weeks arrears substitute payments made instead into bank accounts -- while subjecting
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Against argument...
TRAFFIC experts at the RAC Foundation are in no doubt about the question of parking in Church Street - short-stay or otherwise. The group believes there should be clear distinctions between areas where cars may go and areas when they may not. "You cannot
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For argument...
IN simple terms Blackburn with Darwen Council chiefs have stated that parking will remain on the new-look £6.5million Church Street because that is what traders in the town centre asked for. Back in 2000, when the plans for revamping were originally put
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Special winner's new look
A LEYLAND lass turned heads when she received star treatment at the town's new Tesco Extra supermarket. Hilary Blockley, 25, of Haydock Avenue, won the makeover with television's This Morning Lee Stafford as part of The Citizen's exclusive competition
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I'm proud of hero son
THE father of the Blackpool 'hero' who drowned trying to rescue a young couple from the sea, says "I'm so proud of him." And Mark Smithurst, 32, will "almost certainly" receive a posthumous bravery certificate from The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society
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My peace was shattered
NOT long ago, I was wakened in the early hours by the sound and flashing of a burglar alarm in the avenue back to back with my own. I was not in a position to take any steps to help and am not aware of the outcome. But it is sad that people are in danger
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Drugs fiction laid to rest
"ANNOYED Mother" (Yours Truly, July 25), who objects to the change of government policy in regard to cannabis, is right to point to the problems its use engenders. However, she is wrong to say that the Government have effectively legalised it. What they
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Bureaucracy grows and grows
THERE has been much fuss about Tony Blair using private school teachers to coach his sons. Why? Socialists, and Tony Blair is a Socialist, no matter what impression he contrives to give, have always justified to themselves what is best in our society,
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Good councillors come at a price
I NOTED with interest the editor's comments beneath my letter (August 2) on the subject of councillors' allowances. They contained even more inaccuracies than those about which I originally complained. The Bury Times did know of the meetings. You did
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Your branch needs you!
THE Leigh branch of the Royal British Legion is under threat after only two members attended the last monthly meeting. The president has appealed for as many as possible to attend a special gathering at Leigh Conservative Club next month to discuss the
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Hard to believe
IT'S hard to believe that it is 25 years on Friday since Elvis left the earthly building. There are programmes and concerts galore scheduled this week to celebrate the life of the first great superstar. As a big fan my video will be red hot recording
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Mother's warning
AN angry mum is on the warpath after her 15-year-old son was given an unprovoked beating while playing in Millers Lane, Atherton, last week. She has asked me, and I'm delighted to do so, to warn mothers not to let their children play in the area after
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Preece upbeat again for Gigg Lane opener
BURY FC enter the second semester of their Oxbridge examination tonight with manager Andy Preece hoping they have learned some harsh lessons. Preece was fuming after slack defence gifted Oxford United an opening day 2-1 victory over the Shakers. But the
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Roll on holidays 2003!
THERE is more than a strong sense of anti-climax when one returns from holiday. By the time the hotel unceremoniously dumps you from your room at the obligatory noon mark, getting back home is something to look forward to. The acceptance has already set
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Homes closure 'abuse of rights'
A DECISION to shut a small but much-loved Bury care home was "fatally flawed" and violated the vulnerable residents' basic human rights, a judge was told. Mr Justice Richards is being asked to overturn the decision by Bury Council to close two care homes
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, August 17, 2002
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Sabden Horticultural Society show, St Mary's Church Hall, Sabden, 2pm. Darwen Gale parade starts from Anchor Road, Darwen, 12.30pm, arriving at Borough Road field, Bold
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Variety for chairman of board
AS someone who has been making audiences laugh for over 30 years you would expect Stan Boardman to be in a pretty good position to judge the current state of comedy, particularly on TV. The Liverpool funnyman who will be bringing what he describes as
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Radcliffe fall short in battle with the Boro
IN the CENTRAL LANCASHIRE LEAGUE Radcliffe slumped to defeat at Littleborough as they fell 14 runs short of the target set by their hosts. In a match reduced to 35 overs, Littleborough batted first at Hare Hill and reached a total of 122, thanks to a
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Murphy makes a rapid return
EX-SHAKERS striker Matt Murphy has admitted he regrets ever joining Bury as he aims to prove a point on his return to Gigg Lane. The 31-year-old front man failed to score in 10 appearances for Bury after signing on a free transfer from Scunthorpe just
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Can Bev make it a Harwood treble?
BEVERLEY Scholes flies the local flag in the final of the Bury and District Golf Association women's championship at Harwood Golf Club this evening. Bury member Bev carded the top qualifying score with an 80 to reach the last eight and knocked out Sylvia
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Today's the day
1743: The earliest prize-ring code of boxing rules was formulated by Jack Broughton. The rules, which have been forgotten by Mike Tyson, outlawed head-butting, gouging and kicking. 1898: The roller coaster was patented by Edwin Prescott. 1930: The first
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This week in 1977 25 years ago
LOAD OF BULLOCKS: A runaway bullock caused havoc in Holcombe Brook when it trampled through gardens, broke down fences and frightened residents. The beast, which was scheduled for slaughter, made a dash for freedom from Fowl Coates Farm in the village
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Decisions are already made
AT present, we have both a public inquiry and a public consultation exercise 'supposedly' being carried out in England. The public inquiry is examining certain councils for refusing to grant planning permission for asylum seeker accommodation centres.
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Web stories were a site for sore eyes
WHILE surfing the net the other day, I chanced upon your web site, 'This is Lancashire' and the 'Looking Back' archive. What memories it brought back. Born in Lancashire in 1942, I lived in the now-vanished Mount Street in Blackburn until I moved to London
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Computers stolen in ramraid
POLICE are hunting thieves who ramraided Computer World in The Millgate Shopping Centre, Bury, early today. Three men drove to the shopping centre at 1.25am yesterday in a white Rover Maestro, reg no K499 WNA. They smashed the entrance door to the centre
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Teenager robbed
A TEENAGER was robbed by a gang of four in Bury Interchange. The 17-year-old boy was waiting for a bus at 7.45pm on Sunday (Aug 11) when he was approached and threatened by three teenage boys and a girl. The victim was forced to hand over money from his
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Young stars in the making
PINT-SIZED pop stars are taking Blackpool's Central Pier by storm -- stand aside Legends because here come the Copycat Kids! Youngsters across the country may well be following the fate of these future stars on a Children's ITV fly-on-the-wall documentary
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Hair style tips and fashion link for fund raiser
TIPS on next year's hair and fashion trends will be showcased in a charity evening at the Village Hotel next month. The Tithebarn Street salon Antony For Hair is teaming up with ladies boutique 91 Clothing, based on The Rock, for a hair and fashion show
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Rise to task of kitting out soccer team
VILLAGE volunteers "saved" the day for Ainsworth Football Club. The Ainsworth Village Task Force was happy to help when the team needed a new kit. Thanks to the £2,000 raised from last year's Village Day, the Force, which is made up of community volunteers
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D-Day today over OAP homes
TODAY (Friday) is D-Day for campaigners who have been fighting to save old folk's homes. They will be asking a High Court judge to halt the closure of Warthfield in Bury and Whittaker House in Radcliffe. An urgently-called judicial review started yesterday
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Down Under Danny has summer in winter
THE cricket season may be nearing an end in England, but not for amateur player Danny Hornby. The 18-year-old from Walshaw Cricket Club will be flying south for the winter to take advantage of the new season in New Zealand. Danny, of Kingston Close, Elton
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Mountainous task ahead of William
FINANCIAL consultant William Aspinall will be watching his balance in preparation for a gruelling trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. William, of Keld Close, Woolfold, is planning to scale the 19,340 ft summit to raise money for the cerebral palsy charity Scope
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Councillor on child porn charge steps down
A PRESTON councillor, facing a child porn charge, has stepped down as leader of the Liberal Democrat group, but says he is looking forward to coming back and serving the people. Bill Chadwick, who is also a county councillor, was remanded in custody by
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Blitz urged on street drinkers
A LOUD call went out to police today to end the ugly nuisance of Blackburn's Boulevard drinkers. The move came after mayhem broke out yesterday afternoon, prompting one pub landlord to claim the culprits saw local police as a soft touch. Motorists were
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Don't be next to be evicted
A HARD-hitting poster campaign has been launched to warn council house tenants "Don't be next". Bury Council is determined to tackle the problem of rent arrears among its tenants and in July alone, around 70 people were summoned before the courts as the
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Ticket latest
TICKETS for Rovers' next big Premiership home date with Liverpool on Wednesday August 28th (kick-off 8pm) are now on sale. It is the first Category A fixture of the new campaign and a match certain to produce a bumper attendance at Ewood Park. Supporters
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Ewood pays tribute to Jack
BOSSES at Blackburn Rovers paid tribute to Jack Walker, days before the second anniversary of his death. Walker brought the club back from the depths of the lower divisions with massive injections of his own money in the 1990s, leading to the pinnacle
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Anniversary of Jack Walker's death
TOMORROW marks the second anniversary of Jack Walker's untimely death. And Rovers' fans are set to pay tribute to the memory of the club's number one supporter with a bumper Premiership gate for their opening game against Sunderland. With 24 hours to
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Rovers' success saves town cash
BLACKBURN Rovers' success in the Worthington Cup has saved the borough millions of pounds in advertising costs, according to the council's chief executive. Phil Watson, of Blackburn with Darwen Council, made his comments before a civic reception for the
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Wright is aiming to prove Reds wrong
SUNDERLAND new-boy Stephen Wright is ready to show Liverpool they were wrong to let him go by becoming a big-hit with the Black Cats in the Premiership. The England Under 21 international defender completed his £3 million move to the Stadium of Light
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Heath backs Reid to ride out storm
ADRIAN Heath today backed Peter Reid to ride out the storm which is threatening to wreck Sunderland's start to the new Premiership season. As the Wearsiders prepare for tomorrow's curtain-raiser at Ewood, irate fans continue to vent their anger at the
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Asking readers for help
AS WARD councillors we are very pleased Moor Platt has a stay of execution (for the time being). The county now wishes to explore the possibility of using partners to develop the Moor Platt site, to keep provision for services for older people in the
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Jobs under threat as firm closes
A FAMILY run business in Burnley is set to close with the loss of 54 jobs. George Ratcliffe and Sons (Felts) Ltd have been making felt for carpets since 1960 at their base in Stanley Mill, Shackleton Street, with many staff having served there for more
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Police action six years too late, say cabbies
CABBIES threatening to withdraw services after a series of attacks by youngsters today claimed police action to halt the problem has come six years too late. Drivers claim they have been complaining to police for years without anything being done. Police
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Bikers told to be on guard
POLICE today warned owners of motorbikes and scooters to be on their guard following a spate of thefts. Thieves have targeted vehicles in Duke Bar and Briercliffe with some taken from back yards and others from sheds and garages. Now police are advising
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Cuppa for charity
A COFFEE morning and bring and buy sale, in aid of the Mayoral Charity Appeal, will be held in Bury next month. The event will be staged at the town's Elizabethan Suite on Wednesday, September 4 between 10am and 1pm. All proceeds will be donated to the
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Quality carpet firm is bought for £5m
AN East Lancashire upmarket carpet manufacturer has been bought by a Yorkshire-based company in a £5million deal. Sirdar, a stock market quoted company based in Wakefield, has acquired William Pownall and Sons. The firm, based at Spenbrook Mill, Newchurch-in-Pendle
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Ahoy, there!
THE Gravesend Sea School/College Association has recently been formed. The Gravesend Sea School was founded in 1918 following the First World War and existed until 1996. Its prime objective was to train boys between 15 and 17 for service in the British
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Want to "home" a greyhound?
THE Manchester branch of the Retired Greyhound Trust, a charity dedicated to finding new homes for greyhounds after their racing career has ended, is seeking the support of readers for a new campaign, Grace 2002. We re-homed 48 retired greyhounds in the
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Check on your builder
BARBARA West ("Cowboy cost me £4,500", Postbag, August 9) should have checked the status of the contractor she so willingly handed her savings to. Such people can not expect any amount of legislation to protect them from rogue traders when they don't
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Pensions are not at risk, RR says
BOSSES at Barnoldswick's Rolls Royce plant today reassured the workforce there was no risk to their pensions despite claims the aerospace company's fund is facing a £1billion deficit. Finance bosses slammed a report by house broker Merrill Lynch and denied
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Three-year ban for driver who refused breath test
A FATHER-of-two who gave a positive roadside breath test became aggressive when told he was being arrested and said he was going nowhere. Burnley Magistrates heard how structural engineer Ian Bowker, 47, struggled with an officer and ended up being CS
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Re-mix masters to mark eighth wonder
OUT In The Sticks, Todmorden, is celebrating its eighth birthday this month, and is promising an even greater dose of what its regulars enjoy to celebrate. Promoters Russ and Craig, who have turned the Blue Note venue in the little hill town into the
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Five years ago
ROSSENDALE-born Elvis impersonator Steve Preston, who had performed before the Queen, said he felt a big responsibility playing Elvis at Blackburn's King George's Hall on the anniversary of his death in 1977.
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Blaze scare of pub boss
A LANDLORD who became trapped in his blazing pub has spoken of the moment his business went up in flames. Mick Waterman, 36, returned to the Globe Inn, Blackburn Road, Accrington, early yesterdayafter a night off. As he cashed up the till at 3am he heard
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Spyman Simon's eyes on cruelty
A FORMER dog handler with the RAF is leading the way in the battle against animal cruelty in East Lancashire in his new post as an RSPCA inspector. Simon Small has just taken up the role in the North West region and will have particular responsibility
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Local plans
Among the latest planning applications received by Wigan Council are: Land adjacent Alderfold Street, Atherton - Erect community hall on existing vacant land, 201 Church Road, Astley - Two storey side and rear extension, 13 Manor Avenue, Golborne - Single
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Prestwich couple in Elvis marriage
AN Elvis Presley-mad couple are tying the knot with two ceremonies specially designed to pay tribute to the "King". Dani Leighton and Juliette Massey, from Prestwich, Greater Manchester, won a competition for the Elvis Wedding of the Century. They will
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Travelling crooks coming to get you
CRIMINALS are travelling from as far afield as Bristol and Glasgow for 'rich pickings' in the Ribble Valley, a police boss has revealed. Inspector Bob Ford of Clitheroe police is calling on householders to join the battle against the intruders. Measures
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Wishing it was yesterday when Leigh was king
To all Leythers united, keep sending your letters in, maybe one day someone will listen. I have lived in Leigh all my life. It used to be a pleasure to walk around the town and see so many shops, and to be able to go to the swimming baths and the pictures
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Rates welcome
A BUSINESS leader has welcomed the Bank of England's latest decision to hold interest rates at four per cent. Mr Andrew Ratcliff, chief executive of Bolton and Bury Chamber, said: "Local businesses, particularly manufacturers, will welcome this move.
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Lee's a cut above the rest!
AS a teenager, an ambitious Bury schoolboy knew he would get ahead in business. And 18 years on, Lee Monaghan has fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own thriving hair salon. When he was aged just 15, Lee was featured in the Bury Times after
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Pulling your own pints for profit
RUNNING your own pub is becoming an increasingly popular option for those taking early retirement or finding themselves out of work because of redundancy. Bury-based commercial property specialists Kings Business Transfer believe there has been a significant
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Debbie delivers for delicacy lovers
BURY'S famous black pudding could prove to be a tasty business winner for enterprising Debbie Pierce. The 33-year-old businesswoman has launched her own web site to sell and supply the popular delicacy to customers all over the UK. She is proving that
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Trio out as Shrimps prepare for season
AFTER almost four months without competitive football, action returns to Christie Park and Giant Axe next week as new look Morecambe and Lancaster City sides bid for promotion. The Shrimps begin their campaign with the long trip to Margate, and have several
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Off the Ball by Steve Dunthorpe
WELL, it seems like only five minutes ago that I was tearing up my world cup betting slip - the time has now come to look forward to the new season, and that means yet more predictions. Starting at the top, you can't look beyond Arsenal and Manchester
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Crowd want Moore success!
SCARECROWS, elephants and whirly-birds filled Pine Lake this weekend, as GVC hosted the final tour stop of the National Wake-boarding Championships. The morning qualifying heats (Boys, Junior Men, Masters, Pro Ladies, Open Men and the Pro Men) saw overcast
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Rain sends Tom flinging
TOM Boardman's hopes of scoring a podium finish in the three different countries that the Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship visits were washed out at the weekend thanks to awful Scottish weather. Constant rain during Rounds 15 and 16 at
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Wolves ready to bounce back
EVERYONE at Molineux is determined to put the disappointment of last season behind them and finally win promotion, according to assistant boss John Ward. But it has been a frustrating start to the season for the man who was number two to Adrian Heath
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Davis aims for great day at Wolves
AFTER an opening day to forget, Clarets skipper Steve Davis is determined to make the visit to Wolves one to remember. "We know we have got a poor record record against Wolves and if we can get a result it will be a great day for the fans," he said. Davis
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Stan: Any more of that and I'm sacked!
STAN Ternent has called on his players to stand up and be counted - to make sure he keeps his job! "We have all got to crack on and that means the players," he said ahead of tomorrow's clash with big-spending Wolves. "I am the manager but if they are
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Wanderers could have big say in title
BEWARE Ribblesdale Wanderers - they could have a big say in who picks up the Jennings Ribblesdale League title this season. The club, currently sixth in the league, have to play leaders Barnoldswick, challengers Cherry Tree and Earby before the end of
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Bike stealing bullies
TWO cyclists were robbed of their bikes by a couple of young thugs. The 14-year-old boys were riding their bikes along Clifton Road in Prestwich at 4pm on Saturday (Aug 10) when they were stopped by a 14-year-old boy and a ten-year-old boy who were also
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Dream comes true
DONNA'S Dream House, a specially adapted holiday home for terminally ill children and their families, was officially opened in Blackpool on Wednesday, August 14. Fund-raising for the Dream House was started by local teenager Donna Curtis, who lost her
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Meet your MP
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham's surgeries scheduled for this weekend have been postponed for one week. He will now meet constituents on Friday, August 23, at Hindley Town Hall between 6.30pm and 7.15pm and at The Bethel, Hindley Green, between 7.30pm and 8.15pm
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Village walk
VILLAGERS will be out in force on foot on Saturday afternoon to preserve Astley's rural paths. In a link-up with the Ramblers' Association they are walking the area's rights of way as they mount a campaign to preserve footpaths which they say are under
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Councillors surgeries
WIGAN Metro councillors will hold advice surgeries at the following times and venues: SATURDAY, August 17: Atherton Town Hall (9.30-11.30) R Holmes, Mrs S Loudon, M Aldred. TUESDAY, August 20: Atherton Town Hall (9.30-11) B Splaine; Golborne Library,
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Rail dispute disrupts commuters
COMMUTERS in Lancaster faced travel misery this week as train drivers began the first of three 48-hour walk-outs as part of a long running dispute. The drivers' union, Aslef, claim the management at First North Western has introduced unacceptable conditions
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University expansion sets limits
LANCASTER University will not grow beyond its new borders when its £112 million redevelopment is complete. A meeting is planned next week, which will see University representatives discuss their latest proposals with concerned villagers in Galgate, including
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Troubled kids shipped out
SOME of the most troubled children in the care of Lancashire Social Services are being placed with foster parents outside of the county, the Citizen can reveal. The children are being moved hundreds of miles because experienced foster carers, who are
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Looking for a manager
ATHERTON Town are looking to appoint a new reserve team manager or player/coach for the coming season in the Manchester League Division Two. Apply to Gerald Butler 01942 882828 (b) or 01942 870326 (h).
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Tee-time with RL greats
A GOLFING experience with more than a hint of rugby league will take place on Friday, September 13. Leigh RLFC Past Players Association will benefit from a golf day for 18 teams being staged at Great Lever and Farnworth Golf Club. Organiser is ex-Leigh
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Atherton all washed up in title race
AFTER moving more water than Moses from the Higham ground, Atherton Cricket Club's match against Spring View on Saturday finally got underway at 3.30pm, reduced to 32 overs per innings. Rob Clews won the toss, elected to field and everything appeared
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Race director on the move
THE man responsible for transforming the fortunes of Bury Racial Equality Council (BREC) is leaving to take up a new post. Since he became full-time director in January, 2000, Mr Khalid Hussain has brought financial and working stability to BREC and helped
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Buster's here for holidays
IT promises to be a Bank Holiday Monday full of fun when Bad Manners play Blackburn's North Bar. Buster Bloodvessel and Co will be playing all their hits including Lip Up Fatty and Lorraine at the gig a week on Monday, August 26. Tickets are available
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Rockin' all over
TODAY it is 25 years to the day since the death of Elvis Presley, arguably the greatest rock and roll star of all time. To mark the occasion up to 20,000 Elvis fans are expected to flock to Blackpool's Winter Gardens for a three-day convention, thought
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Colne set to roll
LESS than a week to go and the waiting is nearly over. The four-day party that is the Great British R&B Festival and which will transform Colne into the music capital of the UK will burst into life next Friday. Now in its 13th year, the festival has
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On a mission from God!
SOME people travel abroad because they have business commitments, while others go for a holiday. But Radcliffe woman Patricia Siddall went to Albania on a mission from God. Patricia, of Shire Gardens, was one of a party of nine from the New Life Church
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Group's lucky number comes up
A SUPPORT group has gone bingo mad thanks to a kind-hearted brewery. Members of Darwen Stroke Club, based at Union Street health centre, received a modern electronic bingo machine from the Daniel Thwaites Charitable Trust. Joan Halse, a trust committee
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'Root out this deadly plant'
A WEED poisonous to animals is flourishing in Darwen - and the British Horse Riding Society wants highways authorities to do something about it. Walker Eileen Eastham, of Mitton Close, spotted ragwort, which when eaten destroys the liver of livestock
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Snakes alive! Who's got smelly feet?
A RARE grass snake which has caused quite a stink at a pet shop was today due to be released back into the wild by the RSPCA. The snake travelled to Rossendale from the Spalding Moors in North Yorkshire in a bale of straw delivered to Crawshawbooth farmers
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Meet your MP
LEIGH MP Andy Burnham's surgeries scheduled for this weekend have been postponed for one week. He will now meet constituents on Friday, August 23, at Hindley Town Hall between 6.30pm and 7.15pm and at The Bethel, Hindley Green, between 7.30pm and 8.15pm
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Sewer problem road diversion
A DIVERSION is in force because of a sewer problem in Parkfield Avenue, off Princes Avenue, Astley. Council experts say the carriageway has been undermined and is unsafe necessitating the closure of Parkfield Avenue between Norwood Avenue and Parkfield
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Good news for Daniel
DANIEL Berry and his family are celebrating the best news they have heard since the teenager's year-long battle against cancer began. Results from 17-year-old Daniel's first bone marrow test following his transplant in May have shown no signs of leukaemia
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Rockin' all over
TODAY it is 25 years to the day since the death of Elvis Presley, arguably the greatest rock and roll star of all time. To mark the occasion up to 20,000 Elvis fans are expected to flock to Blackpool's Winter Gardens for a three-day convention, thought
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Date
Colne set to roll
LESS than a week to go and the waiting is nearly over. The four-day party that is the Great British R&B Festival and which will transform Colne into the music capital of the UK will burst into life next Friday. Now in its 13th year, the festival has
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Getting better!
TOURISM chiefs have defended themselves after radio listeners voted Blackpool's promenade the third least attractive place in Britain and promised - it's going to get even better. And the 265 listeners who phoned BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, don't want
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Train strikes hit trippers
THE tourist chief at Blackpool Borough Council has warned that this week's train strikes could hit the town's essential tourist trade. Forty eight hours of strikes took place on Tuesday and Wednesday by train drivers' union ASLEF, which has around 17,000
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Security net the tightest ever
ANTI-TERRORIST security will be tighter than ever for the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool this year. The £3million police operation will also take a higher profile with more armed police on the streets. The conference from September 30 to October
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Cash to help the homeless
THE tragedy of homelessness on Blackpool's streets is to be tackled by a £200,000 cash injection from central government. There has been great success for Blackpool Social Services in dealing with rough sleepers and vulnerable people -- but now they have
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Summer fair
A SUMMER fair is being held on Saturday at Bag Lane Methodist Church in Atherton. The event will include various stalls and runs between 11am-3pm. Entrance is 50p adults and free for children.
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Flower festival
A FLOWER festival is being held at Leigh Parish Church on August 23, 24 and 25. The festival is open from 10am-7pm on Friday and Saturday and midday-6pm on Sunday. Admission is £2.50, with children free.
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Boy's fight for life
A SIX-year-old boy was fighting for his life today after it appeared he rode his scooter into the road. Mahir Gazali, of Kenton, Middlesex, was struck by a car at 7.35pm yesterday in Furness Avenue, Blackburn, and fractured his skull in four places. He
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Charlotte injured on hole-y ground
COUNCIL bosses have vowed to take action to protect pedestrians after an eight-year-old girl was injured in Blackburn Cathedral grounds. Charlotte Sumner fell down a 20in deep and 14in wide unmarked hole when walking along the grassy verge next to the
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Dash to get the trolleys back!
BOSSES at Asda store in Blackburn have resorted to a trolley amnesty in a final bid to save hundreds of pounds and raise money for charity. More than 95 supermarket trolleys have disappeared since January from the Blackburn store but they can soon be
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Bogus bride's denial of cash inducements
A WOMAN who claims she stood as a fake bride in six weddings has denied she willingly became part of a bogus marriage gang in return for cash. Dimple Patel also denied that the first ceremony she took part in was a genuine union. The woman, now known
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Hair style tips and fashion link for fund raiser
TIPS on next year's hair and fashion trends will be showcased in a charity evening at the Village Hotel next month. The Tithebarn Street salon Antony For Hair is teaming up with ladies boutique 91 Clothing, based on The Rock, for a hair and fashion show
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Date
Blues start as they mean to go on - raising money!
CLITHEROE begin the new North West Counties first division campaign against Prescot Cables tomorrow - and the club are praying for good weather! New chairman Dave Burgess is holding a fund-raising barbecue after the game to raise much-needed cash for
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Staying on the pitch is Lutel's main aim
LUTEL James is in a determined mood - and it is not just for goals. The Accrington Stanley striker was furious with himself last season after getting sent off twice. It meant that over the season he missed nine games because of suspension. "I want to
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Stand are ready for off
NWCL SECOND DIVISION champions STAND kick off the new season against Blackpool Mechanics tomorrow at the former home of Haslingden, Ewood Bridge. New manager Joe Murty has virtually a whole new side after many of last season's squad left to join former
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'Serious concern' at special school plans
I AM writing to you about a matter of serious concern to the parents of children with special needs, who are currently attending any one of 32 special schools in Lancashire. These schools are now threatened with closure and the total integration of these
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Councillors should set example on allowances
WHILE many people would have been inconvenienced by the strike of council employees (now called off), perhaps we can see why they felt that direct action was necessary. Council leader Roy Fisher said he had sympathy with the council employees but there
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Mac's Manx Challenge
STEVE McDonald takes on the famous Isle of Man TT circuit this weekend when he competes in the Manx Grand Prix. The Whitefield racer completed his debut at the Manx in 2000 and finished an incredible sixth behind the big money factory boys. Last year
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Ashamed of racist fans
I AM a former Bury resident now residing in Cheshire. However, I travel the 35 miles or so to watch the Shakers at Gigg Lane. Two incidents from recent friendly matches against Manchester City and Burnley demonstrate that there has been limited progress
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Reprimanded by Bill Sykes
I HAVE been reprimanded by Bill Sykes for revealing that I was shown how to nick a trolley by young lads who spend their time cruising the supermarket parks looking for unclaimed £1 coins. He says it was careless of me. How so? I didn't reveal how it
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Crazy golfers
ANYONE who parked on the former Italian Gardens last week and found a mysterious dent in their car can blame it on mini golfers. I was amazed when I went to my car to find two young lads swinging away, belting balls from the car park, across the busy
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Shakers horror show
Bury 0 Cambridge United 1 - TWO games into the new season, no points and second bottom of the league. . . it's welcome to life in Division Three for Bury Football Club! It's early days of course but make no mistake too many performances like Tuesday night's
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Academy Final
THE Centurions Under 17's Junior Academy have reached the Grand Final and will play Halifax Blue Sox at Dewsbury on Saturday, kick off 2pm. Please note that the Under 17's final will be held at Dewsbury RLFC on Saturday 17th August, 2.00pm Kick Off. The
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LISA date
THE next meeting for LISA members of Thursday, August 22 in the Mick Martyn Bar at Hilton Park. The main topic will be the sponsored bike ride from Leigh to Dewsbury on the weekend of the 7-8 September to coincide with the Centurions' last league game
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Leigh Centurions...48 Chorley Lynx...12
MATCH FACTS: Scorers: Leigh - Tries: Turley (4), Rowley (12,30,78), Cardoza (32,71), Morley (53), Isherwood (63), Whittle (75). Goals: Turley 6/9. Chorley - Tries: Gambles (37,59). Goals: Close 2/2. Leigh: Turley, Irwin, Anderson, Roper, Marns, Duffy,
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Major chemical disaster averted
A MAJOR chemical disaster has been averted by firefighters. Between Friday (Aug 9) and Monday (Aug 12), millions of gallons of water were poured on to a chemical storage silo at the Baerlocher plastic manufacturing plant on the border of Bury and Heywood
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Dino's meaning business
Lancaster City 1 Leigh RMI 3: TWO goals from Dino Maamria helped RMI to their most impressive win of the pre-season as they saw off the challenge of Lancaster City at the Giant Axe. Question marks surrounded the fitness of Maamria after he has spent the
