Archive

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Do we draw own conclusions?

REGARDING your front page article headlined 'No more' (LET, September 3), you give the numbers of asylum seekers from three countries but not from the other 15 countries named in the new National Asylum Support Service statistics that you cite. Have readers

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Parishioners live up to promises

I RECENTLY organised 'An Auction of Promises' at Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho, to raise funds for St Leonard's Church, Langho. For many weeks beforehand, I had been cajoling parishioners and friends to 'make a promise' and to buy a ticket for the event.

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Some figures on fluoride, please

IN the debate about adding sodium fluoride to our drinking water, only the alleged effects on children's teeth is mentioned but never the effects on the total ecological system. Dumping tons of this toxic waste anywhere would, if the offender was caught

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Busway hearing expected to last five weeks

A PUBLIC inquiry into controversial plans for a dedicated busway linking Leigh, Tyldesley and Ellenbrook on a through route to Manchester opened this week. Interested parties poured into Tyldesley Top Chapel for Tuesday's opening when Government Inspector

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'Cinderella' left in the dark again

REGARDING your story headlined 'Traders to pay for a merry Christmas' (LET, August 26), the man in charge of regeneration, Councillor Andy Kay, says "a schedule of activities is currently being put together with detailed costings and we are working with

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Fire changes 'flawed' says MP

LEIGH must never be left without adequate fire cover says MP Andy Burnham who believes emergency service change proposals are flawed. He is calling for a rethink and detailed answers to his crucial questions regarding Greater Manchester County Fire Service

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Banned skipper faces final heartbreak

DEVASTATED Leigh skipper Adam Bristow is coming to terms with the fact that his season may be over. As the Centurions head into their biggest games of the year, the influential Aussie has been slapped with a two game ban. If Leigh beat Huddersfield in

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Facts and figures...

THE key moments from Rovers' defeat against Chelsea. FRIEDEL: Not quite the usual authorative figure we've come to know and expect over the last two years...6 NEILL: Looked a little shaky defensively at times but tried to get forward whenever possible

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Lead by example

THE Lancaster City Council is intending to issue 6,000 homes with wheeled bins and boxes for recycling waste. This is an excellent idea. The trouble is, the council still persist in cutting grass on the estates only to leave it to rot or blow everywhere

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Literature not at all racist

I WOULD like to respond to a recent letter in the Citizen, which gave the impression that a Christian group were distributing literature in Lancaster centre which was racist and incited religious hatred. The particular leaflet referred to had a picture

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Police question sand yacht tragedy man

A 47-YEAR-old man has been questioned by detectives investigating the death of a mother-of-two who was mown down and killed during a high speed sand yachting race. The man from Doncaster, South Yorks, was released without charge pending further police

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Patient watchdog fears health cuts

HEALTH bosses facing a £1.5m budget deficit said their financial problems are threatening the way services are provided in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale. The Primary Care Trust, which is responsible for GPs and community nurses, has revealed an overspend

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Order and costs for teenager with 'no regrets'

A TEENAGER who attacked a bystander after a nightclub fracas has been spared a jail sentence. Philip Zack Palmer, 18, had earlier been shocked to be warned by Burnley Magistrates he could face custody after they had heard he headbutted teetotal Billy

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Driver gets second ban

A SLEEP-deprived teenager who caused a car smash has been given his second driving ban in three months. Burnley Magistrates heard how production loader Daniel Nelson, 19, was banned for eighteen months at the end of June but the accident happened before

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College hope for autistic teenager

AN AUTISTIC teenager whose special college place was in jeopardy after he was refused a grant by Lancashire County Council has been given new hope. Social services are to review the case of 16-year-old Timothy Rosen, of Brierfield, and compile a report

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High and mighty

THE roar of the burners is almost deafening. Then silence . . . pure, glorious silence. The world below drifts past as though in slow motion. You recognise everything but, at the same time, you're not part of it -- welcome to the wonderful world of hot

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Going for a thong

TO some they're sexy and to others they're just plain uncomfortable. But whatever you think of them, there's no denying that G-strings are more popular than they've ever been. Underwear industry experts say G-strings, or thongs, are now so widely worn

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Care homes reprieve hope

THREE care homes could win a temporary stay of execution after councillors pleaded for a fresh review of plans to close them. Members of Pendle Council want a feasibility study to be conducted into the possibility of three homes set for the chop being

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Ten years ago

DERECK Brindle of Langham Road, Blackburn, proposed through this newspaper's personal column to girlfriend Claire Willock, 39, of Pansy Street, Accrington.

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Five years ago

A NEW scout troop celebrated it first birthday with a barbecue and commemorative badges. The 1st Clayton-le-Moors Scout Group based at All Saints' School had previously only had one troop for 40 years but owing to popular demand a second troop was launched

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New cash for Flash work!

WORK has restarted on reclaiming derelict land on the edge of Pennington Flash to complete a job which fizzled out in the mid 1990s. Wigan Council has been given £1.4m of government money by the North West Development Agency to carry out the final phase

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Three year plan to crack down on crime

COMMUNITY safety experts have launched a three year action plan to reduce crime. Wigan Council's Community Safety team has produced a plan after extensive consultation outlining police and local authority crime and disorder priorities and reduction targets

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Daniel's party to say thank you

DANIEL Berry was centre of attention at a party thrown by his parents to say "thank you" to all those who have helped him get where he is today. A year ago 17-year-old Daniel was diagnosed with leukaemia, and despite a shaky start, a trip to a specialist

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Smart flat-packs can chip in with advice

IF you have ever wrestled with uncooperative flat-pack furniture you will be pleased to hear scientists are working to make them fool-proof. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (www.vision.ethz.ch/projects/) in Zurich are putting

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Get it off your chest.

Write to Letters to the Editor, Leigh Journal, 44-46 Railway Road, Leigh WN7 4AT. Rid our estate of this low-life gang SIR, The letter from a Lowton resident recently will, I'm sure, strike a cord with many people who are currently experiencing similar

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Elam's speed is the key

MORECAMBE shot up to fifth in the table with an excellent 4-0 victory over a Forest Green team which won't have impressed new manager, Colin Addison. The lively Stewart Drummond was always driving the Shrimps forward, and could have put his side ahead

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Dunn looks at his England call-up and last night's loss

RONAN Keating wasn't lying when he said life is a rollercoaster! Over the last 10 days or so, I think I've experienced just about every emotion you can in football. First, there was the huge disappointment of our last minute defeat at Middlesbrough. Then

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Bittersweet flavour

rBITTERSWEET comedy will be the flavour of the day when John Godber's Men of the World arrives at Bolton's Octagon Theatre on September 16. Stick, Frank and Happy Larry -- three overweight bus drivers who have seen it all and done it all -- have been

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Heritage Gala weekend arrives

MORECAMBE Heritage Gala will take place this weekend on September 15, and promises to be a fun packed day for all the family. The highlight for many people will be the fantastic Red Arrows, the spectacular Battle of Britain Memorial flight and stunning

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Leighton Hall celebrates first-born bird

LEIGHTON Hall in Carnforth is celebrating of its first-born bird with the arrival of baby barn owl, Gillow. Gillow, the offspring of Solly and Elsa, hatched on August 19. It is still too early to determine whether Gillow is male or female - Leighton's

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Retirement village

PERMISSION to build a £100 million retirement village at the former Pontins holiday camp in Middleton has been approved by the Secretary of State. The decision had been 'called in' following concerns from nearby villagers, many of whom were dismayed by

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Police check delays may force club closures

CHILDREN and teenagers across the district face the closure of their favourite clubs and societies because of new rules about police checks. This week one local scout group was forced to close its doors because parent helpers had not been vetted by the

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Clifftop drama

A TRAINED police negotiator talked a distressed man out of jumping from Heysham cliffs on Monday evening. The stand-off specialist was flown in by police helicopter after the man's brother raised the alarm. The man, who has not been named, was located

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Police officer cleared of careless driving

A WOMAN police traffic officer has been cleared of careless driving after a police pursuit where the drunken driver of a stolen car was crushed by her vehicle in Morecambe. PC Christine Whitehead, 42, of Scorton, denied driving without due care and attention

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Road closures

MOTORISTS could face lengthy diversions for the next 12 weekends as work takes place on slip roads at Junction 33, near Galgate. The work starts this weekend, with drivers having to come off at junction 34 and drive through the city centre from 8pm on

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Coaching class

EX-BOLTON Wanderers soccer professional player Brian Smith will be starting a new soccer coaching class on Saturday mornings for youngsters between 8 and 13 who wish to improve their soccer skills and technique. For more information ring Brian on 01942

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Whitty's sutting pretty!

FIVE star striker Andy Whittaker fired Lancaster City into the top half of the Unibond league table with a stunning performance which destroyed Droylsden. Whittaker took just one minute to get on to the score sheet - but the real fireworks were saved

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Cycle Speedway

ASTLEY & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare-CTA Direct Cycle Speedway team entertained Sheffield Stars in a Midlands-North League Division Two match at Gin Pit on Sunday. Matches between the two clubs are always raced in the most sporting of atmospheres and

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Title hopes stay alive

MEMOREX Leigh CC kept their championship hopes alive with a sensational 67-run victory over league leaders Wallasey. They saw off their aggressive visitors with a combination of gutsy middle order batting, brilliant bowling and fielding to set up an exciting

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Delighted Dean seeks new deal

DEAN West was delighted to net his first goal for the Clarets against Blackpool on Tuesday night, now he hopes he can soon celebrate signing a longer contract to keep him at Turf Moor. The 29-year-old right back, player of the season last year, has been

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Autumn show

CULCHETH and District Horticultural Society's autumn show is on Saturday, September 21 from 2-5pm at Newchurch Parish Hall. Admission is 30p.

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nA CRAFT and gift fayre takes place in Leigh Library on September 28, from 10am to 3.30pm, in aid of

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Charity help wanted

THE British Heart Foundation urgently needs volunteers to help run its busy Leigh charity shop on Bradshawgate. Volunteers should call Debbie on 01942 607120 or call at the branch.

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HAGAPE Family Support Group are holding their weekly meeting from 12-12.30pm on Thursday, September

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Girls trick taxi driver

A CABBIE was tricked into driving three teenagers from Blackpool to Darwen after they told him they were stranded. Father-of-two Alan Ramsey, 54, said he would have been unable to sleep had he left the girls in Blackpool. The girls, aged about 13, fled

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Festival support wanted

ATHERTON Festival Committee is already looking ahead to next year's event and is keen to drum up early support. Organisers would love to hear from anyone who would like to be actively involved in the committee or are members of local community groups

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Freda celebrates 100th birthday

FREDA Rigby will celebrate her 100th birthday on Sunday with family and friends at Woodlands Care Home in Atherton. Mother of Kathleen Farrow, Freda grew up in Bolton and moved to Atherton last year. She worked in a variety of jobs from the age of 12

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Car park changes

LEIGH'S multi storey car park is being radically altered as part of a crackdown on crime. Vehicles cannot enter the car park from Bengal Street, access is from a new entrance at the rear of Leigh Town Hall entered via Back Salford or Newton Street off

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Charity cash from Round Table

MONEY raised by Leigh Round Table has been distributed between 16 local charities and community groups. Substantial donations were made to groups including Leigh Society for the Blind, The Daniel Berry Fund, Twelve Apostles and Kingsleigh girl guide groups

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Return of Leigh carnival

IT'S been many years since Leigh staged a major carnival. But all that is about to change with plans to host a big carnival and canal rally next year. The Leigh Carnival Committee chaired by Terry Middlehurst of Bents Electricals, aims to re-instate the

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Hollywood comes to town

BOOMTOWN is the name for a Hollywood style film and TV development project created by Wigan Council. Newly appointed Claire Duffy has responsibility for the three-year venture devised by Wigan Council's leisure and cultural services department in an attempt

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Schools join up on Town Trail

A TRIO of Atherton schools joined forces to produce a Town Centre Trail. Pupils from St Richard's, Meadowbank and St George's primaries took to the streets of Atherton to test the town centre trail produced in a link-up with Wigan Education Business Partnership

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Auction with a difference

A PIPER, joiner and folk group will come under the hammer at an unusual school auction. Visitors to the All Saints' Primary School, Golborne, event on September 20 will bid for their services at 7.30pm in Golborne Sports and Social Club. The Pledges,

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Litter louts on the run...

LITTER louts are being chased out of Atherton by the Deputy Mayor and a clean-up army. Hesketh Fletcher High School has agreed to host a "Litter Free Atherton" day on September 21 which will be launched by Cllr Wilf Brogan. In the morning, groups of volunteers

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War veterans will fight on

THE Leigh branch of the Royal British Legion is winning its battle for survival. Despite setbacks since the closure of the Windermere Road club two years ago the old war heroes are still going strong. At last week's monthly meeting in Leigh Conservative

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Community bobby on his home beat

PLANK Lane's new community bobby PC Steve Marsden really cares about his new beat -- he was born and brought up there. As one of his first duties ex-Mersey Streeter Steve called a public meeting in St Peter's Church for a dual purpose. He wanted to introduce

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Keyring that will boost funds

EVERYONE must have called at a supermarket only to find they're stumped for a £1 coin for the shopping trolley. Well Hindley Green businessman Mark Reddy has stepped in with an idea which should make those shopping day blues a thing of the past -- a key

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Bright Ian's on the ball

A SCHOOLBOY football fan was 'Rover the Moon' when Blackburn hero Matt Jansen gave him a signed ball during a presentation night. Ian Hargreaves, 13, who attends Our Lady and St John RC High School and lives in Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, was thrilled

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Pioneer project for childminding

A PIONEERING project to provide parents with a quality childminding network in East Lancashire has been celebrated at a special event. Every childminder in Blackburn was invited to join when the scheme got off the ground in April. Now, 13 founder members

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Hunt on for man trying to lure girl

POLICE are hunting a man who tried to lure a teenage girl into his car as she made her way to school. Detective constable Ian Geogarty said the man -- described as Asian and in his 20s -- stopped the early morning traffic as he pulled his black BMW over

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Police 'winning war on street crime'

A POLICE chief today claimed Lancashire was winning the war against street crime, despite a mixed performance in a multi-million pound initiative. Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Barton's comments came after the government released figures for the

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Life ban for puppy attacker

AN ex-miner who committed a "despicable attack on a defenceless puppy" has been banned for life from keeping any domestic animal. But defence solicitor Basharat Ditta, who described his client as a dog lover, immediately lodged an appeal against conviction

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Man turned to house thefts to feed drug habit

A MAN who had spent seven years working with drug addicts turned to heroin himself and then burglary, when personal problems got too much for him. Blackburn magistrates heard that in a 'gamekeeper turned poacher' situation Mark Wickham had committed a

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Captain's Day contest raises £300 for appeal

GLOOMY weather didn't dampen the spirits of competitors at Great Harwood Golf Club when around 100 keen golfers swung into action for Captain's Day in aid of the Magic Eye Scanner Appeal. And thanks to the £3 entry fee donations, more than £300 was raised

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Bid to turn town centre into a des res hot-spot

COUNCIL bosses are hoping to turn Blackburn town centre into a desirable place to live. They have commissioned a study into what possibilities there are for converting existing town centre buildings into flats and upper-floor houses. And if successful

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'We'll sue over Kirsty'

THE mother of a two-year-old girl who drowned in a hotel pool while on a family holiday in Greece is launching a civil action against holiday company Airtours. Linda Wright, whose daughter Kirsty died almost 12 months ago in the Kos resort of Tingaki,

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Accrington make it eight wins on the bounce

ACCRINGTON Stanley's set-piece routine worked again to make it eight consecutive wins in front of a record 1334 at the Crown Ground last night. Just four minutes after the interval, Robbie Williams played his trademark free kick into the danger area.

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Lewis deal wrapped up

WORLD Cup star Eddie Lewis has been granted a work permit to play at North End. After having one appplication turned down, North End were forced to appeal to make sure their new winger could figure at Deepdale. That appeal was upheld late on Wednesday

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Help the Legion - NOW!

THE old war heroes of the struggling Leigh branch of the British Legion have asked me once again to appeal for new members through my column "because more people will read it". Flattery will get you everywhere. Come on all you ex-servicemen and women,

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Generous shopkeeper

I WAS pleasantly surprised by some good old-fashioned shopkeepership this week. I was on my weekly trip to Atherton when I popped into a freezer shop to collect some yummy puddings. I was filling my basket with gateaux, cherry cheese cakes and apple and

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Don't gamble with your health

PEOPLE are gambling with their health by eating food well past its sell-by date. Nearly one in 10 of us eat stale food rather than throwing it out and put ourselves at risk of life threatening food poisoning. Older people are the worst offenders according

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It's home sweet home for Waywell

TWELVE months ago, Steve Waywell would rather play RMI home games on the moon than at Hilton Park. Headquarters yielded just 22 points during the last campaign with road trips bringing much more joy, yet with the advent of this term, a home revolution

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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, September 14:

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Highland Games and Autumn Fair, St Anthony's Church, North Road, Blackburn, 2pm. Cake Sale, Clitheroe United Reformed Church, 10am. Good Shepherd Walk meet at the Church

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Plan offers hope at last for old folk

AS the anguish continues for hundreds of old folk and their carers whose future is tied up in Lancashire County Council's move to shut 32 of its homes for the elderly, an intriguing stay-of-execution plan emerges. It comes from Pendle where the council

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Remember us? Just up the road

REGARDING your story on the lighting in Church Street as part of the £220,000 scheme to make Blackburn town centre more attractive (LET, September 4), do you not think enough has been spent? As a Darwen resident, I ask: isn't it about time that the so-called

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Wishes come true for kiddies

ON behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I would like to thank the management and staff of MFI Blackburn, Jetset Limousines, Farington, Leyland and Mr Kasser Sayeed, Terminal Connection, Accrington, for the wonderful support they have given us to help

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We will keep smiling only if we keep winning

WHAT a difference a week makes! In last Thursday's column I was wondering where the first win would come from, I admitted we were all struggling for form and I was looking ahead to the trip to Derby with more hope than confidence. Today we are all preparing

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'We'll sue over Kirsty'

THE mother of a two-year-old girl who drowned in a hotel pool while on a family holiday in Greece is launching a civil action against holiday company Airtours. Linda Wright, whose daughter Kirsty died almost 12 months ago in the Kos resort of Tingaki,

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Care homes reprieve hope

THREE care homes could win a temporary stay of execution after councillors pleaded for a fresh review of plans to close them. Members of Pendle Council want a feasibility study to be conducted into the possibility of three homes set for the chop being

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Souness slams 'sleepy' Rovers

ANGRY Blackburn boss Graeme Souness last night called on his defenders to tighten up after Chelsea sent Rovers crashing to a second successive defeat. Gianfranco Zola's 80th minute winner secured a 3-2 win for Claudio Ranieri's Blues as Rovers lost at

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Artful Zola picks Rovers' pocket

GRAEME Souness gave his jittery defence the 'hairdrier' treatment after they had their pockets picked by football's answer to the artful dodger in a stunning climax to this five-goal thriller. Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola lapped up the plaudits after

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Museums visits free for families

FAMILIES are invited to explore Lancashire's heritage free of charge this weekend as part of National Heritage Weekend, when seven museums will be open to visitors. Attractions include the popular Bringing History Alive role-play at Helmshore Textile

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Seats are lifted by gas blast

A LEAKING gas cylinder on a fork lift truck caused an explosion in a warehouse full of toilet seats. The blast at the toilet seat distributors, Bemis, in Farrington Road, Burnley, occurred at 4.20pm yesterday. A worker at the warehouse heard a hissing

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Three modern apprentices sign up to work with housing association

SCHOOL leavers have been given a unique opportunity to work while training for the first time at Burnley & Padiham Community Housing. Three modern apprentices started their training with the housing association on Monday, September 9. Spokesman for

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Padiham and Hapton Bulletin

A LADIES Night organised by Hapton's Environment Committee was a huge success and raised over £300 which will go towards the £1,500 needed for refurbishment and car parking facilities at the recreation ground. Ladies of all ages enjoyed the entertainment

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Addict attacked father and child

AN amphetamine addict who attacked his father then turned on a child who saw what happened. Burnley Magistrates heard how Mark Anthony Davison, 29, armed himself with a heavy metal fireside set and threatened to smash his father's skull if he did not

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Petals and prayers for terrorist victims

IN an unprecedented show of solidarity, the people of Burnley joined together to remember the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001. Schoolchildren, clergy, Muslim clerics, firefighters and police officers gathered at the Peace Garden, in

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Six accused over 'revenge attacks'

SIX people carried out a 'revenge attack' on a group of racist whites who had targeted their community during the Burnley riots, a court heard. Five men and a teenager are charged in connection with the violence which flared between groups of white and

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The spice of life

WORKING as a chef at a top restaurant in London or France is not as glamorous as it's often cracked up to be. Long hours, constant pressure and having to cope with raised voices and objects flying across the kitchen are all part of the learning process

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Chinese takeover

INDIAN food has been ousted as the nation's favourite dish with British taste buds increasingly tempted by Chinese and Oriental foods. Gone are the days when Robin Cook, leader of the Commons, could declare chicken tikka masala our national dish -- sweet

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Glass distinction

TRANSFORM your home into a glasshouse with transparent style. The latest trend sees colourful glass being used to decorate and accessorise your home. Glass is one of the most versatile materials around. You can find everything from vases and glasses to

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Reward out for child's grave vandals

A REWARD for information leading to the capture of vandals who attacked a child's grave has been offered by the Clitheroe mason who forged the headstone. The grave of Cherie Hardy, six, in the cemetery in Keighley Road, Colne, has been attacked twice

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Electrical fault sets off blaze

FOUR fire engines and an incident support unit were called to a blaze in an industrial unit in Windsor Road, Great Harwood, around 10pm on Tuesday. An electrical fault was said to have been the cause of the fire in Caverleys Premier Garage, which spread

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Trades Union Council calls war debate

HYNDBURN residents have been invited to have their say on a military attack on Iraq. A public meeting has been called by Hyndburn and Rossendale Trade Union Council to protest against the proposed strike. Speakers will include Coun Michael Hindley, the

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TV star to grant widow's last wish

FORMER choirboy Aled Jones is to grant a Hyndburn widow's final wish of having her ashes scattered in the sea where her husband died during the Falklands conflict. Oswaldtwistle-born Edmund Flanagan became the second Hyndburn casualty of the campaign

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Alcohol abuse group needs more helpers

VOLUNTEERS are needed to meet the growing demands on a service which helps women who are concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. The Willow Project, backed by the Community Fund, offers free and confidential support, information and therapy

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Full house prompts appeal for new animal homes

STAFF at an animal centre have been left struggling to cope after an overwhelming demand for places. The Altham Animal Centre, in Enfield Road, Altham, has been flooded by lost cats from across East Lancashire, and is now full. Around 46 cats are being

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Education boss praises results

LEIGH EAZ project director Alan Dutton has been handing out start-of-term congratulations. Reports of exam successes at all 26 schools within the Education Action Zone has left him euphoric -- and he has written to every headmaster with words of encouragement

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Door-to-door lawyers warning

A COUNCIL today warned residents about "unscrupulous" door-to-door solicitors who claim they can easily win cash in court but end up tying people to a loan. Hyndburn Council has had to defend 60 claims for repairs to homes in the last 18 months and won

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Canal trek trail-blazers

TRAILBLAZERS set out from Leigh on a pioneering trek along an 11 mile waterside trail running from Leigh to Cadishead. Last Friday the Glazebrook Timberland Trail was launched at Hope Carr Barn. Once a jumble of paths the walkway, which starts at Pennington

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Home offer to flood victims

FLOODING victims on a housing estate are to be offered temporary new homes. Up to 40 people in Wordsworth Close and Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle, have been told they can move to other council properties until the flooding problem is solved. A sub-committee

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Seminar to help parents

PARENTS of children with specific learning difficulties are invited to a seminar where an expert will speak on behavioural conditions. Wigan and District Dyslexia Association kick-off the new academic year with another day conference "The Way to Success"on

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Ombudsman raps Council

WIGAN Council has been named in the Local Government Ombudsman's report for failing to fuly co-operate during an investigation. In her report for 2001-2 Mrs Patricia Thomas, Local Government Ombudsman for the West Midlands and north of England, said:

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Freddies get top marks

THE new school year certainly started in fine style at Fred Longworth High. All connected with the Tyldesley school are still celebrating a sensational set of GCSE results and now the school has been given a seal of approval from education watchdogs.

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Fly-over and procession will be town's jubilee highlights

A TORNADO Spitfire will fly over Clitheroe on Sunday as part of the town's Golden Jubilee celebrations. And organisers of the celebrations, which will include a massive torchlight procession through the town on Saturday, are looking forward to a great

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'Spies' to watch over passengers

TWO rural railway stations plagued by vandals are to get a £40,000 CCTV security package. Langho and Whalley stations, in the Ribble Valley, will be fitted with CCTV cameras and a public address system linked to Clitheroe Interchange in a bid to improve

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Follow in footsteps of the literary giants

DISCOVER new dimensions to the classic literary masterpieces of Hemingway, Kafka, and other renowned authors by retracing the hills, valleys and sea coasts they once visited. LiteraryTraveler.com (www.literarytraveler.com) takes you around the world via

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Serve us or stand down

SIR, Human rights? Is it not a right that each and every individual should have free access to toilet facilities in this township of Leigh, courtesy of council tax? Recently my daughter had a necessity when calling at the DHSS in Windermere Road, only

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Off the Ball with Steve Dunthorpe

Get it right this time and take Fivebellyz too! ONCE he played in the great stadiums of Italy, strutted his stuff in World cup semi-finals and became Britain's most expensive player. Now, he has snubbed the bright lights of Carshalton Athletic to play

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Oh what might have been

MORECAMBE were left to reflect on what might have been as they finished just 16 points behind champions Darwen. Meanwhile, Lancaster can look forward optimistically, despite finishing second from bottom of the Northern Premier League table. Saturday's

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Poppy day for Shrimps

FIFTH place Morecambe have the opportunity to cement their place in the play-off zone with two games in the next week. Jim Harvey's side make a visit to Kettering Town on Saturday. The Poppies are struggling on their return to the conference after a one

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Delighted Dean seeks new deal

DEAN West was delighted to net his first goal for the Clarets against Blackpool on Tuesday night, now he hopes he can soon celebrate signing a longer contract to keep him at Turf Moor. The 29-year-old right back, player of the season last year, has been

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Roy launches Lemon fanzine

LEMON Popsicle fans -- the films that is, not the ice lollies -- can reminisce about the 80s teen films with a new local fanzine. Launched by Hindley fanatic Roy Mitchell, the fanzine aims to offer fans detailed information and insight into the Israeli

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Motherhood is a laugh a minute

"A LAUGH a minute" perfectly sums up Mum's The Word - a comedy about the trials and tribulations of having children and the effect they have on your life. You wouldn't think a simple performance involving six women sitting in a semi-circle relating their

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Judo classes

JUDO classes for juniors and seniors are held every Monday at Tyldesley Voluntary Community Centre in Upper George Street. Juniors (6-14 years) practise from 7pm-8.15pm and seniors (14 years and over) from 8.30pm-9.45pm under black belt British Judo Association

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The final countdown

THE nine-month long NFP league season is now over and the top nine clubs can prepare for the play-off series which culminates in the Grand Final at Widnes on October 12. How the newlook play-off system which kicks off this weekend will work . . . September

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It's kid's stuff for Karl

ATHERTON CC completed a successful last double header weekend when they took 14 points from Saturday's drawn game with Standish at Higham Park while on Sunday they completed a nine-wicket victory at Golborne. Against Standish, Karl Brown and Paul McLoughlin

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New signing makes immediate impact fort Leigh RU

LEIGH RU edged home against Isle of Man Vagabonds in a thrilling opener at Round Ash Park, thanks to 18 points from new centre Paul Wilcock. Wilcock converted an easy penalty chance and same player then ran 80m. Leigh then relaxed and allowed the visitors

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Salute to the king

THE king of rock 'n' roll will be remembered in a 25th anniversary exhibition at Wigan Pier. Aptly named The King of Rock and Roll the new display will from September 16 replace the Queen's Jubilee exhibition. The Museum of Memories will host the celebration

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Souness slams 'sleepy' Rovers

ANGRY Blackburn boss Graeme Souness last night called on his defenders to tighten up after Chelsea sent Rovers crashing to a second successive defeat. Gianfranco Zola's 80th minute winner secured a 3-2 win for Claudio Ranieri's Blues as Rovers lost at

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More time please!

LEE Cartwright proved he has still got what it takes to turn a match after providing the vital cross which resulted in North End limping past the worst team in league football into the next round of the Worthington Cup. His cross into the box in the 116th

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Car boot sale date

A CAR boot sale in aid of Newton St Peter's Church lighting fund will run from 9am-12.30pm on Saturday, September 28 in the church car park, off High Street. Pitches cost £6.00, (£7.00 on day). Free admission. To book space ring 01925 226756.

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Meeting for tots and parents

rTUESDAY morning meetings have been launched for parents and tots at Atherton Salvation Army Hall. They take place between 9.30am and 11.30am at George Street, off Mealhouse Lane. For further details contact Andrea on 01942 873893.

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Power company's cash crisis raises concerns

THE company which owns Heysham's two nuclear power stations could still go into administration - and faces claims that one of its reactors could be unsafe. British Energy was saved by a £410 million Government loan this week, while environmental groups

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Add a Voice AGM

ADD a Voice will hold their annual meeting on Friday, September 20 at Lowton Civic Hall. The meeting will begin at 12.30pm with Rita Lydall from the Bolton-based Mental Health Information and Support Team the guest speaker. New management committee members

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'Mark your mobile phones' warning

POLICE in Haslingden and Rawtenstall are urging local residents to get their mobile phones security marked. And, in order to encourage people to take their crime prevention advice, officers are holding a number of free phone marking sessions. One such

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Nurse makes coffee to raise charity cash

MACMILLAN nurse Janet Irvine is to join thousands of coffee makers raising cash for cancer sufferers. The Leigh nurse is leading the way by supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief's World's Biggest Coffee Morning on September 27. She's inviting everyone to

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Youngsters wear it like Beckham

TWO East Lancashire schoolboys are celebrating after scoring starring roles alongside England soccer hero and style guru David Beckham. Joseph Aston, 12, and Lucien Laviscount, 10, will appear alongside the fashion conscious Manchester United star in

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Landlord's plea after the cellar floods again

A LANDLORD has resorted to selling bottled beer after his cellar was flooded for the third time in two years. Bryn Williams, of the Buck Inn, Cowpe Road, Waterfoot, said ten barrels of his best selling ales were destroyed when 4ft of water washed into

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Vandals wreck school garden

PRIMARY pupils were upset to discover vandals had cruelly sabotaged their garden. Vandals entered the premises of Leigh Central Primary School and set fire to rubbish bins, trellises and flower beds planted by the pupils only three years ago. The plants

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Loft snake captured

A SNAKE which made its home in the loft of a Leigh house has been captured. The rat snake, a constrictor, which was spotted vanishing under the eaves of the semi-detached property in Hulme Road, newly occupied by government employee Stephanie Marsh, and

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New library for the young

A NEW specialist library aimed at helping young people has opened in Leigh. People tackling fitness and personal development issues will have all the information they need at their fingertips. Experts on Wigan Council's Healthy Schools and Drugs Education

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Ovation for dancers

DANCE students from the Leigh-based Kathleen Atherton Academy of Dancing received a standing ovation for top performances at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. The Academy entered junior and senior teams in the "Dance 2002" competition organised by Harlequin

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Come down and join the crowd...

TWO visual artists are aiming to create a crowd for their next exhibition on Saturday. Derek Tyman and Emma Rushton are filming a scene to be shown in a Turnpike display next February and want as many people as possible to join in. The Manchester-based

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On the menu...with PAULINE HAWKINS

Seafood surprise - VEGETABLES or minced beef or lamb are the usual mainstays of a lasagne -- but trust the Feilden's Arms at Mellor Brook to devise a tasty alternative. The North West's own celebrity chef, Nigel Smith, a favourite on Gloria Hunniford's

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Bakers hope for a new slice of success

AN East Lancashire bakers is hoping to to be picked as the best of the batch at this year's baking 'BAFTAs'. Having already won a clutch of awards, Oddies is hoping to add Independent Craft Bakery Business of the Year 2002. Bakery manager Andy Howes first

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Organist recalls his images of terror

AN organist who was in New York at the time of the World Trade Centre attacks yesterday played a commemorative recital as the clock struck 1.46pm, exactly one year on from the tragedy. John Bertalot treated a 100-strong audience to a one-hour recital

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Charity fun run will end with a beerfest(CAP: Regulars prepare for the fun run.

AN Accrington watering hole is organising a charity pub-crawl with a difference. Thwaites' Adelphi Hotel has urged its regulars to strap on their trainers for a sponsored run for the Magic Eye Appeal, with the finishing line coming in the form of a beer

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George's goal seals Colne victory

COLNE moved up to joint third in the NWCL Division Two table after a hard-fought victory against Stand Athletic. A solitary George Craddock goal was enough to defeat last season's champions, much to the delight of player manager John Lister. "We just

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Scum who dumped a cat

THE Cats' Protection League was too late to save the life of a black and white kitten callously dumped on Atherton tip and left to die. The heartless scum, responsible for the loss of an innocent animal's life, wrapped a piece of string round the nine

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A hole lot of trouble...

RUSH hour driving is bad enough at the best of times and unattended road works don't help. For well over a week now there's been a hole in the road near Daisy Hill station which is barricaded off with traffic lights controlling the area. Honestly it can't

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Problems, problems, and more problems

I MISSED the first editions of prime time "Bargain Hunt" because the wrong start time was imprinted on my brain. However, when I did manage to tune in I failed to see half of that because I was trying to get through to the competition line which, as I

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Leigh save worst for last

Dewsbury Rams...29, Centurions...18 Mike Hulme reports from Ram Stadium I S the pressure getting to the Centurions? That's the big question most fans will be asking after seeing Leigh save their worst for last. Two defeats in six days, two red cards,

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Latics in the goals

LEIGH Athletic had a convincing 5-2 Manchester League win over Monton Amateurs. z Neil Clayton put Leigh on the right track with a clinical finish in the opening minutes. Monton equalised but Leigh went on to dominate but could not find the target again

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Leigh Youth Soccer

PENNINGTON Athletic won their second game in a row in the Under 18s section, defeating Monton Amateurs 4-0. Craig Roberts chipped the keeper to give Pennington the lead and two minutes later Adam Ward struck a fine second. Just before half time Chris

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More away blues for RMI

Chester 2 Leigh RMI 1 by Martyn Hindley LEIGH RMI managed to keep Michael Twiss at bay but they couldn't prevent Chester City walking away with the points at the Deva Stadium. The visitors were depleted by the loss of central defender Gerry Harrison and