Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, Date: September 27
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Macmillan Coffee Morning, Shadsworth Neighbourhood Centre, Rothesay Road, Blackburn, 10am-1pm. "Howie The Rookie," persented by the Rocket Theatre Company, Darwen Library
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Big price to pay for small Netto loss
IF seven-months-pregnant East Lancashire supermarket worker Kimberley Fielding feels aggrieved today over being abruptly sacked from her job, she can draw comfort from the fact that thousands will share her upset. According to her employer, she was guilty
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Mark's out of Ten TV column
SOMEBODY asked me if there is anything on TV I actually like. The answer is generally, no. Although the odd gem does crop up. One of them being Flesh and Blood on BBC2 last night. Christopher Eccleston played a man who tracked down his real parents only
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Flu warning
PENSIONERS who are over 65 are being urged to get their annual flu vaccination. Supplies of this year's up to date vaccination against the effects of Influenza are already arriving at GP practices throughout the area. Everyone over 65 is automatically
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Appeal to hit and run driver
POLICE are appealing for the driver involved in a hit and run incident on Wednesday to come forward. A green Volvo 340 car registration D22 HUA collided with a Ford Escort car turning right at the junction with Billinge Road End, Blackburn, at 12.18pm
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The dawn of a new £12m era
THE Bishop of Blackburn 'topped off' the dawning of a £12million new era at one of Lancashire's largest comprehensives. Contractors have been working for nine months on a replacement state-of-the-art school at St Wilfrid's CE High in Blackburn. The Rt
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Kitty is still in a spin at age of 100
FORMER spinner Catherine Moran has celebrated her 100th birthday. Kitty, as she likes to be known, was joined by family and Blackburn with Darwen Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Tony Humphrys and his wife, Jacqueline, for a birthday buffet at Higher Bank
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Deadly duo guide England to glory
ACCRINGTON snooker has starred on the national stage thanks to deadly duo Colin Morton and Chris Norbury. Representing England Amateurs, the potting pair turned in sterling performances and led their sides to victory at the Home International in Prestatyn
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Pay offer fails to prevent rail strike
FURTHER talks aimed at resolving the dispute over First North Western trains drivers' pay have ended in disappointment. First North Western has made a further improved offer which it believed addresses all of drivers' union ASLEF's issues. But ASLEF is
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Dream team hold court
NETBALL players can be recognised by the initials they wear on their shirts. For example WD is Wing Defence, GA is Goal Attack and GK is goalkeeper and so on. However, you don't see the letters LC and LS emblazon across the shirts of Linda Moores and
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Looking for a long-lost friend
THOUGH I left Blackburn 40 years ago, I come home every couple of years. I used to bring my daughter and now I bring my granddaughter if I can. I may live in a beautiful part of the South, but I still want to come home. It must be something in the genes
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Is Charles fit to be king?
THE recent pro-Liberty/Livelihood march in London by the Countryside Alliance was impressive, but somewhat confusing. What more freedom do the farmers want? To spray more pesticide, insecticide and other chemicals to produce greater crop yields? More
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Fight conditions causing crime
S SUMNER (Letters, September 19) wishes for the return of hanging, National Service, caning and the birch. This sounds very much like the usual ignorant, reactionary attitude towards any problem we encounter as a society -- beat it until it submits. Perhaps
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Tragedy of teenage jockey
A TEENAGER who dreamed of riding in the Grand National has been killed in a tragic race horse accident. Stable girl Rebecca Davies, 18, from Atherton, was dragged for quarter of a mile after her foot became hooked up in a stirrup while exercising one
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It's a shame for my hometown club
MY mate Simon Bassey will be playing for Wimbledon at the weekend - but he won't be coming anywhere near Turf Moor. That is because he plays for AFC Wimbledon, the club created by the supporters of the other Wimbledon after their club was given permission
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Duff and Friedel outstanding
ROVERS duo Brad Friedel and Damien Duff have been been judged among the most outstanding players at the World Cup by FIFA's technical studies group. Friedel got the nod for some outstanding displays for the US as they marched to the quarter finals in
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Pelzer back in action with reserves
ROVERS defender Sebastian Pelzer today set his sights on a first-team return after kick-starting his season in the reserves last night. The 23-year-old fullback, who has been laid low by hamstring trouble recently, hit the comeback trail with a 70-minute
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Rovers stung by Villa's late salvo
ROVERS' reserves crashed to a fourth straight defeat after Villa came from behind to snatch a last-gasp victory at Morecambe's Christie Park last night. Alan Murray's men looked on course for their first points of the season when Craig Hignett fired them
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Centre forges ahead
AN East Lancashire attraction has been shortlisted for a top accolade in a prestigious tourist industry awards. Rourke's Forge, Accrington Road, has been nominated for the Best Small Vistor Attraction of the Year Award. The forge offers visitors an opportunity
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Asian concern over lack of burial space
ASIAN leaders have held urgent talks with Burnley Council chiefs over fears that space for Muslim burials in the town's cemetery will run out within the next 12 months. Community leaders are now hoping they will be allowed to create their own Muslim cemetery
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No money for pensioners as strike bites
PEOPLE in parts of Burnley have been left strapped for cash after workers at a North West Post Office depot went on strike. Pensioners, parents and the unemployed have been suffering since the start of the week because of reduced cash deliveries by the
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Education shake-up is blasted
A PROPOSED education shake-up in Burnley will not solve the area's allocation problems, according to the rebel mums who formed a breakaway school. The education authority proposals, which will end the current policy of sending pupils to the high school
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Sky-high eyes keep watch on factories
LANCASHIRE police's helicopter is to be used in a new initiative to detect and deter crime in business parks. Operation Nightwatchman is part of an initiative, launched today, to tackle crime problems on Altham Business Park, Simonstone Business Park
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Padiham and Hapton bulletin
A MEETING of Hapton parish Council heard concerns from the public about two cases of parking problems in the village. The owners of the Ambulance Service in Hapton find that at times they are only able to drive forward into their garages. This means that
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Answers sought to death plunge at fairground
AN INVESTIGATION is continuing into the death of a Nelson teenager who plunged 30ft to her death from a fairground ferris wheel. Down's Syndrome sufferer Salma Saleem, 15, fell from the ride at Gulliver's World, Warrington, in July. The Health and Safety
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Lotto life-saver for park
NELSON'S Marsden Park has been awarded a life saving Lotto grant of almost £1million. The grant will be used to carry out a full programme of renovation at the park in a £1.5million programme. The National Lottery Heritage Fund have made an award of £966,000
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Car blaze
CHILDREN are thought to be responsible for deliberately setting fire to a car in York Street, Colne, on Tuesday. The Vauxhall Corsa was severely damaged and firefighters used one hose reel to tackle the blaze which was reported at 10.50pm. Police are
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Residents dig in for spruce-up
A COMMUNITY garden has been spruced up -- thanks to the efforts of residents. The garden, on the corner of Parker Street and Hermitage Street, Rishton, was created four years ago from a former pathway. It was the brainchild of the Rishton Prospects panel
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Paul is new British arm wrestling champ
THREE years ago Paul Maiden entered a pub arm wrestling contest just for fun. As a result he fell in love with the fast growing sport and is now Leigh's newest British champion. Since that first competition he has worked his way through the ranks, winning
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Probe into death of woman, 82, goes on
PROSECUTORS are set to make a decision within the next few months on whether criminal charges will be brought over the death of a grandmother. Eveline Birtwell is believed to have died as a result of an excessive dosage of her prescribed medication while
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Death crash bus driver is jailed
A BUS driver has been jailed after his momentary lapse of concentration cost 81-year-old James Prescott his life. James Walker had been trying to mend a broken ticket machine and had taken his eyes off the road ahead. Passengers screamed as the bus went
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Latest planning applications
LATEST planning applications submitted to Wigan MBC include: 78 Cashmore Drive Hindley - side and rear extensions; 28 Ridgeway, Lowton - garden fence; 7 Wharton Hall Close, Tyldesley - increase boundary fence height; 8 Heathfield Drive, Tyldesley - demolish
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999 call for navy hero!
IT was an amazing moment and the highlight of Lieutenant Commander Brian Meadows' 35-year naval career when he came face to face with the man who's life he saved nine years ago. Brian defied his mum, Catherine Manniex's wishes when as a 15-year-old he
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Council rejects e-voting pilot scheme
A BOROUGH council has declined to take part in a government pilot scheme allowing people to cast their votes at next year's local elections via the internet. The Government hopes to boost electoral turn-out by developing a system of e-democracy and voting
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New pledge on danger waste site
ENVIRONMENT bosses have clarified the position over a landfill site earmarked to receive hazardous waste. Coplow Quarry at the Castle Cement works in Clitheroe was one of five sites in East Lancashire given the green light to become a hazardous waste
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Euro court threat over Cemfuel
THE Government's handling of the burning of a toxic waste fuel in Clitheroe has been hauled before the European Parliament. The European Commission issued the government with a formal public warning in July for failing to carry out an environmental impact
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Clock this
THE smart alarm clock is one of those rare things -- a piece of technology that actually helps you out. Researchers at Brunel University (www.brunel.ac.uk) have made a clock that will allow you a lie-in or wake you up early depending on traffic conditions
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Design your city
EVER fancied yourself as an architect or a town planner? Now a fun website gives you the chance to try designing your own city, be it a new-look Barcelona or Rio de Janeiro. Cal Henderson is a young web programmer who has a talent for building simple,
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Good Faith!
F AITH Brown wowed and dazzled audiences at Manchester's Palace Theatre with her powerful portrayal of Hollywood's fading screen idol Norma Desmond -- once "the greatest star of all". The talented comedienne turned actress and singer, best known for her
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Music Society date
LEIGH Music Society presents Angela Rowley (soprano) and Anna Le Hair (piano) at the Derby Room, Leigh Turnpike Centre. The concert begins at 2.15pm on Sunday, October 6 and admission will be £4.50 for adults and £2.00 for children and students.
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Tyldesly RU double up!
TYLDESLEY RUFC Minis and Juniors had another successful weekend with the U9s and 11s chalking up wins over Sedgley Park. The U9s won 50-25 with tries from James o'Connor, Laura Riches, Richard McLeod and Conor Norton. The U11s won 14-0. Training is held
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Miners almost throw it away
LEIGH Miners 'A' should have had a comfortable win over Ashton but five late tries left them sweating. The Miners led 8-4 at half time with tries from Patterson and Robinson. They added to their tally with second half touchdowns from Newton, Webster,
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Leigh RU Juniors
LEIGH RU U9s and U10s played at home to Ormskirk with the U12s away at Bury. The U10s began strongly against a nervous Ormskirk side and after a short time Leigh began to pile on the points. In total they finished with nine tries to nil. The U12s match
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Kilshaw shines for East
Leigh East 34, Oulton 4: LEIGH East moved up to third spot in the National Conference Premier Division after their convincing win over Oulton. Oulton were a shadow of the side that finished second last year and East, brimming with confidence, tore them
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INTER- SERVICES CHALLEGE 2002: Navy and Army fight it out
THE final and deciding match of this year's NAAFI Inter-Services RL Challenge takes place in Leigh tomorrow (Friday). Besides being the final match it is also the decider with both the Royal Navy and The Army having beaten the RAF in previous rounds.
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Pelzer back in action with reserves
ROVERS defender Sebastian Pelzer today set his sights on a first-team return after kick-starting his season in the reserves last night. The 23-year-old fullback, who has been laid low by hamstring trouble recently, hit the comeback trail with a 70-minute
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Blaze wrecks caravan
rAN abandoned caravan was destroyed in a Tuesday morning fire in Hindley. Firefighters were called to Belmont Road at 5.30am to deal with the blaze thought to have been caused by a discarded cigarette or candle.
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Sacked for giving away plastic bags
A PREGNANT woman was sacked from supermarket giant Netto after giving away £6 worth of carrier bags for free. Kimberley Fielding, 20, of Sandon Street, Darwen, today spoke of her shock at the decision and said she would have paid for the 100 bags herself
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Concert raises £500
THE Ellenbrook and Boothstown band performed at Worsley United Reformed Church. The performance was in aid of the Haematology Research unit at Hope Hospital, Salford and a sum in excess of £500 was raised. The band rehearses Monday and Thursday evenings
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Girls are on the ball
FOOTBALL will be high on the curriculum for the girls of St Mary's High School at Astley. They have been presented with a new green and white strip thanks to a Leigh Asda promotion with Walkers and Umbro. Store co-ordinator Anne Ash wrote to local schools
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Tourism office will be a brighter place
ROSSENDALE'S tourist information service has temporarily moved for refurbishment work. The Kay Street-based centre has moved to the Weavers Cottage, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall while the work is carried out. The refurbishment is expected to take a further
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Glory for ex Nurse Gloria
ONE of the first nurses in the country to be appointed chief executive of a health trust has been named Lancashire Woman of the Year. She beat off competition from five East Lancashire women to walk away with the prestigious award. Gloria Oates OBE, of
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Shipman claims deaths 'acts of God'
A CARNFORTH man who was locked in a cell with serial killer Harold Shipman has spoken of his horror at hearing the doctor boast of mass murder. Jon Harkin, a Samaritan-trained listener, who was locked up overnight with Shipman to ensure the disgraced
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Polling day
VOTING is in progress today (Thursday) for the Wigan Council vacancy in Leigh central Ward. The candidates are Conservative Tim Matthews, Community Action's Peter Solina and Labour's Myra Whiteside. Tim Matthews, aged 26, lives in Leigh and works in the
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Funeral of former Mayor
THE funeral of ex-Mayor David Caley took place yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon in the Isle of Man. Mr Caley, formerly of Leigh and for 11 years a Leigh East ward councillor on Wigan MBC, died last Friday. Mr Caley, who was also operations manager for
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Garage arson attack
INVESTIGATIONS are underway after a domestic garage was deliberately set alight on Monday night. The garage in Windsor Avenue, Astley, caught fire at 9pm when the home owner was out. The wooden garage was completely destroyed by what firefighters believe
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Young Labour forum
A FORUM for young people entitled Inclusive Government, Politics Why Bother is being hosted by Wigan and Leigh Young Labour. The policy forum, to be held at Wigan Town Hall on October 5 from 11am-3pm, invites 15-25 year-olds to have their say on how local
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Diamond day for ex-teachers
RETIRED school teachers Harry and Nancy Morris celebrated their diamond wedding in style. Harry, aged 83 and Nancy, 82, lived in Leigh Road, Beech Walk and Pennington Mews during their 40 years in Leigh, before moving to Southport four years ago. Harry
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100 jobs lost at Rand's
AROUND 100 jobs are expected to go before the end of the year as Ingersoll Rand phases out its compressor manufacturing division. Employees are currently working their notice at the Swan Lane factory, in Hindley Green. Plant Some are due to leave at the
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Linking up on the web
THREE towns in the borough have joined a national web site network. Thanks to town centre manager, Annette Root, Tyldesley, Hindley and Ashton have linked up with over 70 others in the UK taking part in "Town Talk". Atherton, was first to set up its own
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A man on a mission...
SPACE scientist Paul Henshall is a man with a mission. The 21 year-old from Upwood Road in Lowton has recently returned from an amazing 10 weeks in the USA as part of an international team involved in NASA space mission design. Paul, who from an early
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Pupils quiz politicians
HIGH school pupils will put Education Minister Estelle Morris on the spot on Monday. Westleigh and Hindley's sharpest young politicians have been given the chance to quiz senior ministers at a fringe meeting at the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool
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Bring and buy sale
TYLDESLEY Ladies' Lifeboat Guild launch their bring and buy sale in The Methodist Rooms, Elliott Street, Tyldesley, on Tuesday, October 8, from 2.15pm. Admission is 50p including refreshments.
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Just the job
FANTASTIC -- that was the reaction to the Careers Mela which attracted scores of jobseekers and local businesses to Blackburn's Ewood Park, yesterday. The Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Asian Image newspapers co-hosted the Mela in partnership with Blackburn
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Pupils quiz politicians
HIGH school pupils will put Education Minister Estelle Morris on the spot on Monday. Westleigh and Hindley's sharpest young politicians have been given the chance to quiz senior ministers at a fringe meeting at the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool
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Quake? What quake!
I WHINGE about suffering long, sleepless nights and then when something of national importance happens I miss it. I z-z-z-ed my way through Monday's early morning earthquake which was the talk of the streets. Shoppers reported being scared as pictures
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One job I wished I'd never started
rI TOOK a holiday last week and decided to decorate the back bedroom, aka junkroom. Two days in I wished I hadn't started. Spurred on by the watching paint dry programmes on the box I set about clearing away 20 years of accumulated possessions. Day one
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Fears over mum and baby flats
PLANS to build a flats complex for young mothers and pregnant teenagers in Radcliffe has sparked an outcry from neighbouring residents. Disused land on Bury Road could be transformed into 12 flats to accommodate mums and mums-to-be aged between 16 and
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Latics drop two points
LEIGH Athletic let two points slip after drawing 2-2 at Elton Vale. Leigh took the lead when Steve Bevan scored his sixth goal in as many games but they could not find a killer second goal to finish the game off. Leigh ran out of steam in the second half
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Angry Waywell blasts RMI as they drop into bottom three
Scarborough 2, Leigh RMI by Martyn Hindley MANAGER Steve Waywell was livid with his poor RMI side after they surrendered to Scarborough for a seventh away defeat on the bounce. "They played the right game against us tonight. Our ball from defence was
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Man, 58, charged with indecency
A MAN has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with indecency offences involving a seven year old girl. David Taylor, 58, of no fixed address, is charged with gross indecency with the girl and indecently assaulting her. He also faces accusations
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They're blooming giants
WHEN nine-year-old Isaac Livesey planted six sunflower seeds in April, he was hoping for a beanstalk -- but got a couple of giants instead. The youngster threw the seeds in a grow bag at the Livesey Branch family home in Blackburn and two branched out
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Old folk urged to keep warm
AGE Concern is urging old people to gear up for the cold weather by offering free information packs and an advice day on how to stave off the winter blues. The charity will hold the special information event on Wednesday October 2 at the New Keirby Hotel
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Mystery poison box has teams on full alert
FIRE crews and ambulance services from across Lancashire were put on red alert after a chemical box was found on the side of the road. A specialist environmental detection team from Burnley and Accrington ambulance was sent to make the scene in Blackburn
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EAST LANCS
FOOTBALL LEAGUE RESERVE DIVISION HAVING both won all of their opening four games, this early season top-of-the-table clash promised to be a closely fought contest. But after 90 minutes, Worsthorne were a well beaten team -- their unbeaten record in tatters
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Look after our own first
I WAS pleased to read P Allen's comments (Letters, September 21) about the council's obligations to asylum seekers. I would like to ask them about their obligations to the old people who are being turned out of their homes after having paid their taxes
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350 jobs will go as Bentwood's pull out
MORE than 350 clothing workers face losing their jobs when they return from holiday next week. Shocked employees at Bentwood in Leigh -- one of the biggest employers in the area and a major manufacturer of Marks and Spencer branded swimwear, nightwear
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The council's robbing Peter to pay Paul
LANCASHIRE County Council have got themselves into a really crazy situation and one that couldn't be more ironic. In future, they say they want to help people in their old age to remain in their own homes, but that the only way they can do this is by
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Report branded a 'whitewash'
AN inquiry into the death of teenager Melissa Strickson today said communication could have been better between the police, education and social services. The official report said the 13-year-old's death was 'unpreventable' and that the agencies involved
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Sacked for giving away plastic bags
A PREGNANT woman was sacked from supermarket giant Netto after giving away £6 worth of carrier bags for free. Kimberley Fielding, 20, of Sandon Street, Darwen, today spoke of her shock at the decision and said she would have paid for the 100 bags herself
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One in, two out as RMI ring changes
Leigh RMI weekly review by Martyn Hindley MAJOR squad reconstruction means that RMI will go into this weekend's all-important clash with Yeovil Town short on personnel. Chris Ward may have signed for the club in a controversial move from UniBond Premier
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Let's back Rovers!
BACK us -- that's the message Blackburn Rovers are sending to fans as they bid to boost attendances at Ewood Park. Along with the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, they are giving out thousands of car stickers as part of a campaign to get more people into
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Dog attack terror for neighbours
A DOG which attacked two passers-by after escaping from a garden sank its teeth into a woman's back and wouldn't let go. Burnley magistrates heard how it took two people to get the aggressive bull mastiff off neighbour Christine Wilson. Four months later
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Hospital's £14m work set to end
WORK on a £14million improvement scheme to Burnley General Hospital is set to be completed by Monday. Phase Four, which began in 1996, has involved upgrading the women's health unit, providing new surgical facilities for orthopaedic treatments and provision
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Deadly danger
A CRACK new team is to tackle Burnley's arsonists by clamping down on rogue landlords and homeowners who leave empty houses to rot. Under new legal powers, council officers will make sure that the owners of affected properties are made responsible for
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Pupils meet first citizen
YOUNGSTERS got a taste of civic life when they were given an insight into a day in the life of the borough's mayor. More than 20 pupils from Holy Saviour School, Nelson, spent the day with Pendle Mayor Pauline McCormick at the town hall in Nelson. They
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Cash saves biscuit jobs
A CASH injection means that jobs at a Nelson biscuit factory have been safeguarded and more staff are to be taken on. Pendle Partnership will help create 16 new jobs at Farmhouse Biscuits in Nelson as a result of a £15,000 Business Support Grant. The
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Burglary haul
DETECTIVES are investigating a burglary at a home in Cleveland Street, Colne. Thieves broke into the home between 4am and 9am on Tuesday. Stolen was an Abbey National debit card, a black PVC rucksack, a lady's blue denim purse and various items of jewellery
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A modern classic
WILLY Russell's bitter-sweet musical has made a triumphant return to Manchester leaving a packed house wildly applauding for more. The tale of the Johnstone twins, separated at birth and reunited in death, is one of the truly great modern musicals and
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Ten years ago
A BLACKBURN schoolgirl won a place on the prestigious Leeds University music degree course. Judith Hayn, 18, of Higher Croft, attained the place while studying for a BTEC in Performing Arts at Accrington and Rossendale College.
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Five years ago
WORKERS at a Darwen company who helped build the vehicle that broke the land speed record cheered after its success in Nevada's Black Rock Desert was announced. Brookhouse Patterns and Brookhouse Composites, of India Mill, made parts for the 714 mph Thrust
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Man cleared of abusing girl, 10
A 37-YEAR-OLD man has been cleared of sexually abusing a girl of 10 who claimed he had repeatedly fondled her. Carl Lynch was found not guilty of three allegations of indecent assault after a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court. The defendant, then
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Garden award
A VILLAGE'S Millennium garden has won prestigious national recognition. The Culcheth design has been awarded first prize for a hard standing landscape by the British Landscape and Architects' Association and a plaque will be installed to mark the honour
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Half-victory in battle over 'rat run' lorries
CAMPAIGNING residents have lost their battle to have a weight limit imposed on a road used as a 'rat run' by heavy goods vehicles -- but will get a speed camera. New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, is regularly used by lorry drivers who come off the M65 at junction
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Our good citizens
CHILDREN from over 60 schools took part in the launch of Wigan's Good Citizenship Award project. Representatives from each of the borough's primary and secondary schools gathered at the JJB Stadium to collect the bronze awards, which will be kept at the
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Cab drivers want talks on safety
TAXI drivers have called for a meeting with police after a driver had his finger broken when he was attacked by a passenger with a golf club. Sarfraz Ahmed, 27, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after the assault on Sunday morning. His condition
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Honour for swimmer
CROSS-CHANNEL champion Mark Blewitt is to be honoured for his exceptional feat of endurance. The 35-years-old diabetic, who only took up swimming eight years ago to get fit, last month completed a cross-Channel marathon in 16 hours 20 minutes. As a result
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Fire chief promises watchdog action
COUNTY fire chief Barry Dixon has pledged that Leigh councillors can act as watchdogs if and when Leigh Fire Station's second pump transfers to Ashton. Wigan Council leader Lord Peter Smith is satisfied councillors will be able to monitor the system on
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Teachers back in classrooms
LEIGH EAZ project director Alan Dutton is justly proud of the role the Zone has played in the rapid escalation of computer technology. Through the five-year lifespan of the Education Action Zone, a major core target has been the raising of attainment
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IT sessions for 'silver surfers'
COMPUTER literacy sessions will be held for the elderly residents of a sheltered housing scheme. The Ribble Valley Council is holding the "silver surfer" sessions at Showley Court, Clayton-le-Dale. Eleven residents will participate in computer literacy
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No go for Johnno
CLARETS midfielder Lennie Johnrose will not be offered another month long deal by the club. The 32-year-old, who was re-signed by Stan Ternent last month, had hoped to see his return to Turf Moor extended but today he joins the hundreds of other professional
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Tommo should get England call
GRAEME Souness raised a few eyebrows on Sunday when he tipped David Thompson for an England call-up. But, as far as I'm concerned, the gaffer was spot on in his comments about our latest signing -- even that makes it even harder for me to get in!!! Tommo
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Top artist exhibits in Gallery
AN artist who has gained a reputation in Europe and the USA is exhibiting at Leigh's Turnpike Gallery. Maria Marshall's "Fine Lines", which features three video works, runs until November 9. The hypnotic large-scale video projections fuse a range of techniques
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Riccardo at the Lowry
LEIGH-born singer Riccardo Simonetti will return to his roots when he appears in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers at the Lowry. Having studied at the Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music, Riccardo has performed across the UK and Europe with
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Players' new production
CULCHETH Players present My Cousin Rachel from Wednesday, October 9. Adapted from Daphne DuMaurier's book, the enthralling drama set in 1850 tells the story of Philip Ashley (Andrew Barton) who discovers that his cousin Ambrose has died suddenly in Italy
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Tom's ready for a fight!
TOM Boardman enters the final two rounds of the 2002 Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship this weekend (Sunday, September 22) ready to roll up his sleeves for a big fight. For he will be slugging it out with three rivals in a bid to grab third
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Golden day for young Harriers
LEIGH Harriers had a golden day at Stockport on Saturday. Competing in the NW Counties Road Relay Championship, the Leigh team won the three county titles, one team silver and a team bronze. The U13s girls team of Hannah Warburton, Andrea Kay and Lauran
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Leigh put one over on local rivals
Leigh 29-25 Tyldesley: LEIGH RU restored local bragging rights with an exciting late 29-25 win over their fiercest rivals Tyldesley in the Powergen Cup. Leigh started impressively with two tries in the opening minutes from centre Paul Wilcock and winger
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Jazz at the Pier
SHADES Jazz Orchestra will be playing the music of Stan Kenton at the Mill at the Pier in Wigan, from 12.30pm on Sunday, September 29.
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Disney on ice
THE Manchester Arena will come alive when Disney on Ice presents Beauty and the Beast from October 2. Tickets cost from £9.50 and are available from the box office on 0161 930 8000.
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No go for Johnno
CLARETS midfielder Lennie Johnrose will not be offered another month long deal by the club. The 32-year-old, who was re-signed by Stan Ternent last month, had hoped to see his return to Turf Moor extended but today he joins the hundreds of other professional
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Annual meeting
nWIGAN and Leigh Council for Voluntary Service's annual meeting is on October 17 (5.30pm - 7.30pm) in Committee Room 1 at Leigh Town Hall.
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Torch scares away burglar
A HOMEOWNER managed to scare off a burglar who was in his home, by shining a torch his face. Detective Inspector Neil Hunter today appealed for information about the intruder after what he described as a "disturbing incident". The man forced open a kitchen
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Probus new season launch
LEIGH Probus launches its new season on Thursday, October 3, at Leigh Masonic Hall. The meeting, which starts at 2.30pm, will include a talk on guide dogs for the deaf.
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Workers seal safety wisdom
STAFF at a company which prints 35 million envelopes a week have got health and safety licked. Some 50 employees at Chapman Envelopes, of Eccleshill, Darwen, completed a course by Northern EHS, a division of Northern Technology. The workers studied at
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Bring and buy sale
TYLDESLEY Ladies' Lifeboat Guild launch their bring and buy sale in The Methodist Rooms, Elliott Street, Tyldesley, on Tuesday, October 8, from 2.15pm. Admission is 50p including refreshments.
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Collapse youth died from heart failure
A TEENAGER collapsed after suffering heart failure in Darwen town centre -- prompting medics to fear he may have choked on his chewing gum. An inquest into the death of Afnan Khan heard that a piece of gum was found lodged in his throat but that the attack
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Report branded a 'whitewash'
AN inquiry into the death of teenager Melissa Strickson today said communication could have been better between the police, education and social services. The official report said the 13-year-old's death was 'unpreventable' and that the agencies involved
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Music Society date
LEIGH Music Society presents Angela Rowley (soprano) and Anna Le Hair (piano) at the Derby Room, Leigh Turnpike Centre. The concert begins at 2.15pm on Sunday, October 6 and admission will be £4.50 for adults and £2.00 for children and students.
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Man escapes from secure unit
A MORECAMBE man sent to a mental hospital in a bid to 'protect the public' has become the third person this year to escape from a 'secure unit' where he was being held. Albert Oszmianski, who stabbed a man last year, was sent to a unit in the Ribble Valley
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Literary Society meeting
LEIGH Literary Society's meetings are held in The Derby Room, Leigh Library on alternate Mondays. The meetings start at 7.30pm. If you would like to subscribe (subscription £11) or visit (visiting £1.50) the society then contact the local history officer
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Staff problem worries for top policeman
A SENIOR Rossendale officer has admitted he is not happy with the way Bacup is being policed. But Supt Steve Hartley intends to tackle the problem personally and is certain things will improve. He says that in the last two and a half years, a number of
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Hall history lesson
THE history of Haigh Hall was highlighted by Carol Banks when she spoke to members of Tyldesley Probus Club. She explained how a manor house was first built on the site in the 16th century. Then in the 1800s the present hall was built over a 20 year period
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Flood test warnings
HUNDREDS of homes are to receive a test flood warning from the Environment Agency -- to ensure warning systems work correctly. The Bedford and Lilford areas of Leigh are two of the seven flood warning areas which will have their communication links tested
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Man escapes TV blaze
FIREFIGHTERS are warning of the dangers of leaving candles unattended following a man's lucky escape yesterday (Wednesday). The 24-year-old was woken at his Chisworth Close flat in Leigh by the smell of smoke, a candle he had left burning on top of his
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Pupils in recycle challenge
PUPILS and teachers at local secondary schools are being challenged to use their heads in the dinner hall as well as the classroom, by recycling empty aluminium drink cans to win prizes, raise cash and help the environment. This is part of a major campaign
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Martha makes a splash
ATHERTON'S oldest swimmer joined the Mayor and Mayoress of Wigan in toasting the anniversary of a fellow centenarian -- the town's public baths. "I've not been in the pool since before my 100th birthday in July -- but I haven't brought my cossie," replied
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It's a relief as toilets reopen
A SUMMER of inconvenience ended with the reopening of town centre toilets in Tyldesley. And now community watchdogs who pulled the plug on the dilapidated Market Square toilets back in March want people to help keep graffiti vandals and undesirables at
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Councillors surgeries
COUNCILLORS serving on Wigan MBC will hold the following advice surgeries: THURSDAY, September 26: Golborne Library (10-11) B Strett, D Kelly; Lowton Civic Hall (6-6.45) P Franzen; Abram Library (10.30-12) E Smethurst. FRIDAY, September 27: Leigh Town
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Channel swim practice makes perfect
COLD water training has been undertaken by young swimmers taking the plunge to raise money for a new school pool. Westholme School, Blackburn, wants to stage a Dover-to-France swim with three relay teams of six to raise money for a new state of the art
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Special treat for Maud after fall
WHEN Maud Hegarty was nominated for The Lancashire Woman of the Year Award it was a proud moment for the remarkable 86-year-old. But the fickle hand of fate dealt a blow when she fell last week, breaking her hip and forcing her to miss the awards. Determined
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Plea from Canada to find Duckworth clan
A TRANSATLANTIC search is on for long lost relatives, thought to have links with Blackburn. Sheila Duckworth Van Weert recently contacted the Blackburn branch of the Royal British Legion in the hope that someone might be able to trace the Duckworth family
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Electric blanket safety checks
A PLEA to old folk to have their electric blankets checked before winter arrives has been issued by trading standard bosses. Blackburn with Darwen Council has teamed up with Age Concern in the borough to hold two testing sessions. People with blankets
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Walkout at BAE after sacking
MORE than a thousand workers at BAE SYSTEMS' Samlesbury factory staged a lightning walkout after one of their colleagues was sacked for Internet abuse. They staged a mass meeting in support of the unnamed worker and trade unions at the site are demanding
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Inquiry launched into bug find
TESCO bosses have apologised to a woman who discovered an insect in her bread. Kerry Croak said she was "disgusted" when she opened a pack of Tesco's own brand baps to discover the bug in one of them and now an investigation is under way to find out how
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Axed bus service row rumbles on
PENSIONERS battling to get a new bus service have been told by council bosses: "Prove there is the demand". This came as bus company chiefs and councillors argued over what was needed to ensure services could be reinstated. Jack and Rene Houldsworth began
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Car wheel fell off after having new tyre fitted
THREE workers have been disciplined after a pitstop at a Blackburn garage nearly ended in disaster. The left rear wheel of Neil Whittaker's Citroen Saxo fell off an hour after he had new tyres fitted at the King Street branch of National Tyres and Autocare
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Appeal target draws nearer
EAST Lancashire fund-raisers are gradually moving closer to a target of £200,000 to buy state-of-the-art scanner equipment. Today, thanks to hundreds of events, the total stands at £79,786. The money will help fund an endoscopic ultrasound scanner which
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We'll cut off your funding
BOSSES of Blackburn's Racial Equality Council have been told they face losing their town centre offices and council funding unless they get their house in order. The warning came as it was revealed three Blackburn with Darwen Council representatives have
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Pint-sized Danielle wins England spot
PINT-sized Danielle Walker proved she has the biggest heart by overcoming a bad fall to clinch a coveted place in the English fell running team. The Burnley AC runner - who is just 4ft 2in and weighs four-and-a-half stone - stumbled on the downhill stretch
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Our good citizens
CHILDREN from over 60 schools took part in the launch of Wigan's Good Citizenship Award project. Representatives from each of the borough's primary and secondary schools gathered at the JJB Stadium to collect the bronze awards, which will be kept at the
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Street decline is a sign of the times
A CYNICAL Leyther says the recent Journal feature on the historic Fleet Street of Leigh -- Railway Road -- was great, apart from a few relevant bits that were left out! He says these include the bicycles that are ridden on the wobbly pavements, the gargoyles
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This phone will last me a lifetime
AFTER succumbing to the best worst thing ever invented -- the mobile phone -- I was left jumping up and down in fury this week. After years of resistance, last Christmas I bought the thing from a colleague who wanted a new, super dooper, miniature, all
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Double injury blow wrecks Centurions' chances
Huddersfield Giants...36, Leigh Centurions...10 Mike Hulme reports from the McAlpine Stadium J UST who can stop the Giants' march back into Super League? On this evidence, not Leigh. In a mirror-image of the regular NFP season, the Centurions finished
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Shot-shy RMI draw a blank again on their travels
Farnborough Town 1, Leigh RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley RMI's dismal run of results away from Hilton Park started five months ago at the Aimita Stadium and continued there on Saturday as they were on the receiving end of Farnborough Town's upsurge in fortunes
