Archive

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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, February 14

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Alder Grange High School Concert in St Nicholas Church, Newchurch, 7.30pm. Line Dance Jamboree, St Edward's Church Hall, Veronica Street, Darwen, 7.30pm. "Trouble 'At

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Natural born killers?

THE controversial thriller Rope is the next production at the Playhouse theatre performed by Preston Drama Club. Written by Patrick Hamilton in the 1920s, it was the Natural Born Killers of its day, dealing with taboo subjects including murder and homosexuality

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Players wanted

ATHERTON LR Under 14s are looking for new, experienced players to play in the forward and central midfield roles. Contact Jonathan on 07919277699.

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Winter bowls

BRIAN Short won the 17th winter merit at Pennington Park on Sunday by beating Bill Griffiths in the final 21-20. The consolation final was won by Alan Lambert who beat Jimmy Glover 21-12.

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NW Counties Rugby League - Division 3- saturday 8 February

Culcheth Eagles 6 Leigh Miners 'A' 22 Miners derby joy LEIGH Miners Rangers 'A' led 10-0 at half time against Culcheth Eagles with tries by Pennington and Thompson and a conversion by Walker. Culcheth replied with a converted try, but Miners secured the

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New bowls tournament

LEIGH Cricket and Tennis Club is embarking on a new venture with the start of a junior bowling league. To encourage young people to take up the sport, the club has enetered a team in the Leigh & District Parks League and will be playing each Wednesday

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Bolton & bury Mini Soccer League

LATEST results U7 Chairman's Cup Quarter Finals: Peel Little Hulton Utd 0 Aspull Jnrs 3; Ladybridge Athletic 3 Brandlesholme Warriors A 1; Eagley Rangers 1 Horwich St Mary's Apaches 1 (Eagley won 3-2 on penalties). U7 Player's Cup Quarter Finals: Horwich

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Extra-time winner

IN the Bury & Radcliffe JFL U13 Phoenix Cup, round two, Woodbank and Heywood St James played out a hotly contested game with the sides 2-2 at full time. The deadlock was broken when Ben Manning hit the winner for Heywood in extra time. This was a

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Joint smoked next door to police station

A MAN thought he had found a quiet spot to smoke a cannabis joint when he parked up on the car park at B & Q, a court was told. But Blackburn magistrates heard Adam Gallagher did not realise the new Eastern Division Police Headquarters had opened

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Boy racers give me the hump

SPEED humps (LET, February 6) will slow down careful drivers, but not the 'boy racer' types. They will not slow down for anything. They will barge their way through any so-called traffic calming, forcing the more careful drivers to stop. So this so-called

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'Lap' research a costly duty

FORMERLY, prime ministers and prominent clerics claimed to have befriended street girls in order to save them from sin. But only after they'd been rumbled. Now, famous personalities claim to have viewed child pornography purely in the interests of research

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Sorting spin from the truth

WITH respect to Mr Antony Haworth (Letters, February 1), I was puzzled as to how Lady Olga Maitland was privy to the alarming figure of 350,000 Iraqi nationals residing in Great Britain? She must be privileged indeed, when the government does not know

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Councillor owes a grit apology

I HAVE no doubt at all that the gritters were out in force doing a good job on Monday, February 3, but as your editorial column rightly points out (LET, February 4) here in Blackburn and Darwen the bad weather should have been anticipated sooner. I find

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Party doesn't fool the people

AND people thought that Labour was a democratic party -- not so, according to opposition councillors in Blackburn and Darwen (LET, January 31). It appears the ruling executive Labour members of the council only include in their reports for discussion

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Butterfly a flight of the imagination

BEAUTIFUL staging ensured this production of Madame Butterfly at Blackpool's Grand Theatre will stick in the mind for a long time to come. The Russian State Opera of Rostov's enchanting set featured a built-up Japanese house with paper sliding walls and

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Relaxed and ready for the battle ahead!

WITH just three days to go until our FA Cup clash with Fulham, everyone is fully focused on the task that lies ahead of us. We have all enjoyed a relaxing few days in Portugal and will hopefully be back fully refreshed and ready for the battle when we

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Council control 'on hold'

THE Audit Commission has decided against handing over control of Rossendale Council to Whitehall for the second time - but said the beleaguered authority still had a long way to go. A second report, carried out after the first named the authority as the

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Jansen set for Coventry

BLACKBURN striker Matt Jansen will become a Coventry City player in the next 24 hours. I can reveal that Sky Blues chief Gary McAllister has won the battle to sign the 25-year-old on a three-month loan deal after talks with the player's agent. And that

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Chuffed to get another year, says Short

ROVERS central defender Craig Short is looking forward to another season after signing a new 12-month deal. Short's existing contract was due to run out in the summer but the central defender had an option to take up another year providing he played 20

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Students given a sporting chance

PUPILS at a Preston high school are set to be the first in the area to attend a specialist sports college. Tulketh High School, Tag Lane, secured its bid after raising £42,000. The Department for Education and Skills rubber stamped the school's bid and

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Seeing is believing

THE Citizen has used its media clout to help a couple discover where their recycled rubbish ends up after it's carted off by the city council's binmen. It follows our front page report last week on the Hall family, of St Margaret's Close, Ingol, who asked

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Bollywood comes to Broadgate

YOUNGSTERS are being invited to wiggle their hips at a new Bollywood dance class which hopes to put on a local version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bombay Dreams. The community centre at the back of The Gujarat Hindu Society, South Meadow Lane, Broadgate,

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Musical twinning extravaganza

MEMBERS of Burnley's Twinning Association were banging the drum for the town - complete with a helping hand from some of the country's most talented musicians. The association joined video artist Johnny Magee, Javanese dancer Sundaro Purwolelono and members

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Final farewell to cricket personality

REPRESENTATIVES from the Lancashire Cricket League joined family and friends today at the funeral of Ken Smalley, the league's former treasurer. Ken died in Burnley General Hospital last Friday after losing his fight against cancer. He was aged 70. Ken

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Chance to microchip your dog

OWNERS of dogs in Burnley and Padiham will be given the opportunity to have their pets microchipped next week. Four sessions will be held during Microchipping Week, from Monday to Thursday, between 10am and 4pm. They wil be at the rear of Padiham Market

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Gas mishap hits store's frozen goods

A SUPERMARKET worker received treatment to his eyes after a gas leak at Burnley's Asda store. The man was operating a sit-on cutting machine at the Princess Way supermarket when he cut through a 3in refrigeration pipe. The pipe contained a commercial

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Shock and concern over complaints

STAFF at Burnley mortuary today spoke of their shock and concern over complaints about the service and said: "We've got nothing to hide." Bosses at the trust said they had completed the investigation into conditions at the mortuary at Burnley General

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Terror kids' rampage has neighbours living in fear

A GROUP of Burnley neighbours today revealed how they were being terrorised by a gang of youths who were making the area a "no go zone". People in the Accrington Road district said juveniles regularly went on the rampage and were making people too afraid

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Court order 'too much' for busy dad

A FATHER of two who "persistently" flouted a court order was too busy to do it, Burnley Magistrates heard. The court was told how Kevin David Hankey, 25, worked and had been trying to fit in doing community punishment around attempting to have a relationship

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Attack man faces life jail sentence

A 29-YEAR-OLD man is facing a mandatory life jail term after being found guilty of knifing two friends from Brierfield in one night. Imran Sardar, was convicted of wounding Mohammed Khan with intent to do him grievous bodily harm and unlawfully wounding

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Girls get a head start

GIRLS are on the ball after completing a ten week after-school football coaching scheme. Pupils from Leyland's Woodlea, Moss Side, Seven Stars and Northbrook primary schools took part in the sessions which were introduced by South Ribble Council to encourage

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The search for special people

EAST Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice is backing a Home Office recruitment weekend for special constables later this month. And he hopes it will lead to more of the part-time bobbies in the area. The Home Office National Specials Weekend is February 21 to

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Mum shouldn't have drunk

A DRUNKEN mother of two who struggled with police was on medication and should not have been having alcohol, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how it took three officers to carry Kerry Larkin, 38, into the police van. She was falling over and

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Ten years ago

LOVE was in the air second time round for Mark, 32, and Christine Birtwistle, 30, when they tied the knot for the second time. The Clayton-le-Moors couple first walked down the aisle in 1979, but later divorced.

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Five years ago

BOXER Henry Cooper was the star attraction at a dinner held at Ewood Park organised by the Blackburn partnership. The former British and European heavyweight showed up to raise money for the Prince's Trust, which helps unemployed young people.

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Quiz teams needed

ASTLEY Inner Wheel Club needs teams of four for a charity quiz night on Friday, February 28, at 7.30pm in Leigh Liberal Club. More details are available from Mary Barton on 01942 889388 and Alison Thornborough on 01942 879561.

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What's on around Preston

THE Leyland branch of lifeboat charity RNLI is holding a barn dance at 7.30pm, on Friday, February 21, at Fox Lane Cricket Club, Leyland.Tickets are £5 on the door. BUDDING young actors can join the Hoghton Junior Players for a production of The Wizard

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Arrest after crashes chaos

A MAN is being quizzed after three vehicles were written off by a stolen car. The incident happened in Dill Hall Lane, Church, after a stolen white Audi hit a parked Citroen Saxo, which in turn forced another Saxo to hit a Vauxhall Nova at 10.30am yesterday

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Double helping

THE Lancashire Food Festival has been extended for 2003 to two days. Last year more than 4,000 people flocked to Accrington Town Hall to sample award-winning pies, creamy Lancashire cheeses and fresh dairy ice-cream. This year the annual event will be

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Cash for speed in making decisions

HYNDBURN Borough Council's planning service has received a cash award for recent improvements. All planning authorities are to receive a minimum government grant of £75,000 this year as part of the first allocation of the government's new planning delivery

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Cash will breathe new life into sites

A £1MILLION scheme is to breathe new life into three rundown areas of Hyndburn. Residents in Church and the Central and Springhill wards of Accrington have been involved in discussions with environment group Groundwork through community groups and schools

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Double success

GIFTED and talented youngsters from a Tyldesley school have been taking part in an elite set of exams. Brainy students from schools which are part of the Kingsbridge Excellence Cluster of Schools -- including Fred Longworth High School -- were given the

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Crooner Tom's out on CD

WHEN crooner Tom Critchley's wife Eileen died, the music went out of his life. The heartbroken 55-years-old father-of-two was so devastated by her loss he stopped singing. After six months in mourning the former Tyldesley compere decided to surprise his

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Sky diver hits 300mph mark

WHEN he volunteered for a charity parachute jump daredevil Mark Calland didn't realise he'd catch the high-flying bug. But five years after that first leap in aid of the Bulls Head at Astley, Pendlebury Children's Hospital fund-raiser Mark is the first

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Forestry Commission opens new nature site

NATURE lovers are invited to join forest rangers on a community woodland tour. This week plans are being revealed of the Forestry Commission's project to turn 115 acres around Windy Bank Farm at Glazebury into a facility for everyone to enjoy. A display

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Over-limit driver in five-mile 'danger' journey

A 50-year-old Longridge man was seen driving erratically on a five-mile journey from Fulwood to his home town. And Blackburn magistrates heard that police who approached Andre Stuart McNeil's car smelled alcohol and had to catch him when he fell out as

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Dimi captains Greeks

DIMITRI Papadopoulos staked a claim for a place in the starting line-up for both club and country with another goal for the Greek U-21s. And his Burnley boss Stan Ternent admitted: "It is great to see he scored again and the reports say he played well

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Hindle shines for battling Clarets

THE Clarets youngsters battled bravely before a late goal from Andy Robinson gave Tranmere a 2-1 win at Turf Moor last night. With the senior players busy preparing for the FA Cup clash at Fulham on Sunday, the bulk of the side was made up of teenagers

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Jansen set for Coventry

BLACKBURN striker Matt Jansen will become a Coventry City player in the next 24 hours. I can reveal that Sky Blues chief Gary McAllister has won the battle to sign the 25-year-old on a three-month loan deal after talks with the player's agent. And that

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Indian all-rounder signs up at Centre Vale

TODMORDEN have signed Indian one day international Gyanendra Pandey as their new professional for 2003. Pandey is a slow left arm orthodox spin bowler and left hand batsman. He has played two one-day internationals for India against Pakistan in the Pepsi

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Why John's in a buzz

A LEYLAND bee keeper is buzzing with excitement this week. For it's National Honey Week (February 10-17) and John Priestley has always been a huge fan of nature's amber nectar. John, of Glamis Road, started making his own honey after asking his local

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Artist on show

THE work of a Scottish artist is on display at Drumcroon gallery, at Wigan Education Art Centre. Victoria Crowe's work, which is a variety of paintings, mixed media and print, is on display until 11 April. People can view Victoria's work, Monday to Friday

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lBOLTON-based Opera 74 needs new chorus members as rehearsals begin for May's production of Mozart's

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Tanya's far from bottom of barrel!

A BUM DEAL? Regulars at a North Yorkshire pub don't think so after swapping their regular pub sign for a picture of the reigning Miss Blackpool's bare derriere! Beauty queen Tanya Robinson, 21, was the toast of her home-town Richmond after winning Miss

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Pupils have got it booked

IT'S a fairytale world at King Edward V11 and Queen Mary Infant School, this week. During their annual book week, themed 'fairy tales', pupils enjoyed a music and drama activity programme organised by travelling theatre group, Tempus Fugit, and a visit

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Spotlight on the National Cup

Leigh Miners Rangers 12 Castleford Lock Lane 17 IT was a case of lucky for some and unlucky for others as Castleford Lock Lane won through to the fourth round of the GMB Union National Cup with a thrilling win at Twist Lane. For the Castleford side it

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Sing at Yates'

BUDDING popstars can sing for a whole lot more than their supper at Yates', Talbot Road, Blackpool as this year's Search for a Star begins. An amazing £10,000 cash is being offered for the overall winner of this national contest involving 80 Yates' branches

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Grant for gardens

A COMMUNITY association has received a £600 grant to revamp a memorial garden. Eccleshill Gardens Community Association, Darwen, was awarded the funds for an environmental project to clear some overgrown wasteland, weed paths and replant shrubbery. The

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Services' petition proves popular

WORKERS at the M65 Services in Darwen have collected a 700 name petition supporting their bid to have the name of the facility changed. The campaign was set up by the services' managers and attracted 400 signatures in the first four days. Now bosses are

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Traders hopeful of town centre facelift

DARWEN business people have expressed their optimism for the centre's regeneration after a meeting with council bosses. Market stallholders and shop workers are keen for plans to get under way and are hopeful that the council will soon secure the funds

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Netto boss sorry for Kim

THE managing director of a national chain of supermarkets today apologised after a pregnant store assistant was sacked for giving away carrier bags. Thomas Jellum, managing director of Netto Foodstores' UK operations, said the timing of Kim Fielding's

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Working together to help the needy

VULNERABLE people in Rossendale could soon receive a better deal after helpers in the area agreed to join forces. Voluntary and statutory agencies have signed an agreement designed to improve services by better training and avoiding service duplication

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Blind Society date

WIGAN, Leigh and District Society for the Blind is seeking committee members. Those interested should attend the annual meeting on Monday, February 17, at 7pm in Wigan Town Hall.

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Charity quiz night date

ASTLEY Inner Wheel Club is seeking teams of four for a charity quiz night on Friday, February 28, at 7.30pm in Leigh Liberal Club. Tickets at £4, including supper, are available from Mary Barton on 01942 889388 and Alison Thornborough on 01942 879561.

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Riot Act at Tyldesley

MRS Joyce Holmes read the Riot Act at Tyldesley Probus Club. She recounted the days of Oswaldtwistle Mills when in 1826 the act was read after workers smashed looms in protest at the use of the Hargreaves' newly-invented Spinning Jenny. Today Moscow Mill

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New skills for care workers

CARE workers are being offered the chance to pick up new teaching skills -- in dance. Thanks to a project for disabled and older people they are invited to attend a training day to learn how to lead their own classes. It takes place tomorrow (Friday)

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Save Our Skeletons...

A LEIGH women's group has launched an SOS -- Save Our Skeletons campaign. Soroptimist International has united with the Wigan branch members in a bid to help improve services for osteoporosis sufferers in the borough. The appeal is supported by the local

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Police praise for ski trip pupils

BEDFORD High School pupils flew the flag for Leigh on a ski-ing holiday in Italy. They impressed a Doncaster policeman staying at the same venue so much he sent a letter to head teacher Mr Stephen Preston congratulating the students on their conduct.

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Guild's grand gesture!

LEIGH Townswomen's Guild members are just grand. They presented a cheque for £1,000 to the Sephton Clinic for Alzheimers Disease at Leigh Infirmary the results of fund raising events such as bring and buy sales, afternoon teas and a choral concert during

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Teenagers go MAD!

rTEENAGERS volunteered to be Police cadets as part of a MAD (Make a Difference) scheme. A group of 15-18 year-olds have been making the elderly more aware of bogus callers and burglaries within their own homes. They produced a calendar highlighting the

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All waste is contaminated

REGARDING the article, So Where Does Our Rubbish End Up, Citizen, February 6. As staunch recycle people we save all our newspapers and magazines in the blue bags, all kitchen waste, vegetables and fruit waste for the compost. How can Preston council say

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Pupils hope for trip to Sweden

ECO-FRIENDLY youngsters at a Leigh primary school are pinning their hopes on a summer trip to Stockholm for an international conference on water. The trip is first prize in a national competition organised by the Drinking Water Inspectorate to help develop

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Why I'm right up the Poo Junction

AS a new recruit to doggie walking along the Preston junction nature reserve path from Lostock Hall to Preston, I am appalled at the habits of my fellow dog owners. Dutifully they pick up their 'doggie's poo' with a carrier bag and then hang it from the

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Bay plan gets approval but...

A VILLAGE pallet company can install a covered storage bay on condition that residents are allowed to have their say. Wigan Council's development control committee has approved Unit Pallets Ltd plan for a 50m x 30m open sided bay in Bank Street, Golborne

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No excuse not to recycle

REGARDING The Citizen's front page article of February 6, So Where Does Our Rubbish End Up?. The Preston City Council's web site boasts how well they are doing to recycle waste in Preston, even receiving £365,000 funding from tax payers to further this

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Whatever happened to the FV1200 recovery vehicle?

I WAS one of the original apprentices of Leyland Motors Limited to have been transferred to the Ministry of Supply (MoS) factory in about 1952/3. It was a huge open workshop, devoid of any machinery, but being equipped with machinery by German workers

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On course for Quail of time

A STUDENT from Blackpool has secured the experience of a lifetime by earning a work placement at a top golf club during the US Open, this summer. Steven Clarke is in his second year of an HND in Turf Science and Golf Course Management at Myerscough College

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Howells updated on tourism progress

MINISTER for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, Kim Howells, is impressed with the progress of Blackpool's regeneration plan. Blackpool Council chiefs travelled to London for a high profile meeting with the government minister to update him on the town's

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Flood and sand

FLOODING could affect a proposed residential development more frequently than potential developers believe, opposition campaigners are claiming. St Annes group Defend the Dunes -- which opposes any such development on or near the dunes -- says the latest

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Former Arnold teacher awaits verdict

AN EX-SIXTH form head who quit his Blackpool job amid allegations of bullying by his head teacher will find out later this month if his £250,000 legal action has succeeded. Chemistry teacher Dr David Grimshaw, former sixth-form head at Arnold School,

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Joe... king of comics?

BLEARY-EYED Rock FM fans have been having a bit of morning cheekiness in recent weeks after a mysterious listener called Jokin' Joe began ringing in with witty gags! Everyday from 7am the cryptic comic has been unleashing his own brand of humour on the

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Safety scheme meets gate expectations

NINE out of 10 Blackpool residents feel much safer in their homes since the launch of an alley-gating scheme. Three streets have been included in the first phase of Blackpool Community Safety Partnership's Gating Project initiative. Newly-installed gates

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Loving triumph at pub of dreams

A COUPLE whose dreams came true when they took over running the pub where they first met, have won a national award for excellence. Debra and Shaun Holden, who first met at the Stop and Rest pub, Brandy House Brow, Blackburn 12 years ago, had always talked

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Hello, hello, hello.com

BOBBIES have gone one step further than just pounding their beat -- they're surfing it as well! A website has been set up by Blackburn's eight new community beat managers in an attempt to forge closer links with the public. Initially, it will just cover

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Mum tells of grief

A DISTRAUGHT mum spoke of her battle to get over her daughter's death and said: "There isn't a day goes by when I don't want her back." Amy Allen passed away from Batten's Disease five months ago after losing her lifelong fight against the genetic illness

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Nightclub giant ditches bar bid

NIGHTCLUB giant Luminar Leisure has ditched plans to open a bar opposite Blackburn Cathedral. The firm, which also runs Jumpin' Jak's in Blackburn and the Ironworks in Burnley, submitted a planning application to convert two shops in Darwen Street into

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Town to be proud of

COUNCIL Conservative leader Colin Rigby caused controversy by labelling Blackburn a 'grotty mill town.' He said the town was "trying to compete with the likes of Preston and that just wasn't possible." Was his frank assessment right or wrong? Ian Singleton

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Parkinson signs

ROSSENDALE United have signed former Burnley, Bolton and Middlesbrough defender Gary Parkinson. The 35-year-old signed for the Unibond League first division side on Tuesday night after their 4-2 Marsden Trophy defeat by Leigh RMI. And manager Jim McBride

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Padiham move clear

PADIHAM regained pole position in the race for the North West Counties League Division Two championship last night with an impressive 1-0 away victory over Bacup Borough to move two points clear at the top of the table. A screamer of a goal by Padiham

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Runners turn out to remember John

THE fell-running fraternity was rocked by Bingley Harrier John Taylor's premature death at the age of 33 last August and they turned out in strength at Haworth on Sunday to pay their respects. Around 400 athletes, including 60 juniors, made an emotional

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Harrier stars

BLACKBURN Harrier Curtis Pearce has clinched the Reebok Cross Challenge after winning four major awards at the televised Inter Counties on Saturday. The 12-year-old has focused on the seven-race cross country series all season and had won rounds at Liverpool

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Womens' football- Dransfield double secures win

TWO goals from Fiona Dransfield saw PNE secure an easy cup victory. She converting her first after six minutes, meeting a guided pass from Amanda Cummings and her second on 23 minutes, after latching on to a loose ball and slotting it into the corner

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Girls' football - hard fought draw for PNE Whites

BOTH defences had solid games in what proved to be a tough midfield battle when PNE Under 12 Whites visited Lytham YMCA. Both teams played well but did not creating many goal-scoring opportunities. Lytham took the lead after a quick break with a well

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Standpoint - the view from the fans

FOR the third Saturday running everyone was well impressed by what they saw at Deepdale. In a first half, which was probably our best 45 minutes of this unpredictable season, Millwall were brushed aside with nonchalant ease. All the team played well but

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Talented pupils are world class

GIFTED and talented youngsters from a Tyldesley school have been taking part in an elite set of exams. Students from schools which are part of the Kingsbridge Excellence Cluster of Schools -- including Fred Longworth High School -- were given the chance

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Mascot new weapon in crime fight

POLICE have unveiled a new weapon to encourage children in the borough from turning to crime, a badger called Sergeant Stripes. That is the name of the mascot of a new interactive website for school pupils which has been set up by Greater Manchester Police

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Welcome to rip-off day!

WELL, I can guarantee one thing, tomorrow I won't be the recipient of any Valentine's Day cards, red roses, chocolates or jewellery. Zilch is what I have come to expect. My household works on the idea that it's just another money-grabbing commercial rip-off

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Coach Terzis points finger for Cup shocker

Featherstone Rovers 28 Leigh Centurions 22 by Mike Hulme N O matter at what stage it comes, a Challenge Cup defeat is never easy to take. But when you've under-performed and then compounded the problem with a suspect temperament, it's all the more unpalatable

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Seaside curse strikes again

Margate 2 Leigh RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley THE LEIGH renaissance is over as the curse of the coast struck again for RMI. The Hilton Park outfit have come away pointless from trips to Southport and Scarborough already this term, and 12 long-suffering fans

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Gangs of youths must be curbed

ACCORDING to residents, their part of Burnley is being made into a no-go area by gangs of youths going on the rampage. The situation is so bad, they say, that their lives are being made a misery and they are too afraid to leave their homes. The teenage

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Skills we need to keep in schools

EDUCATION authorities throughout the country are having problems recruiting teachers, but big efforts are being made to turn the tide. The government has produced cash carrots to try to tempt graduates into the profession and some areas are trying to

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Tyldesley RU Juniors

TYLDESLEY RU U9s beat Warrington 30-10 in one of their best performances of the season. The star of the show on his debut was James O'Connor who crossed for three tries and took the man of the match award. The U 8s continue to show improvement despite

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Chance to microchip your dog

OWNERS of dogs in Burnley and Padiham will be given the opportunity to have their pets microchipped next week. Four sessions will be held during Microchipping Week, from Monday to Thursday, between 10am and 4pm. They wil be at the rear of Padiham Market

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Are race demands a vote catcher?

OLDHAM MP Phil Woolas has at last removed his blinkers and demanded to know why racist attacks on innocent white people are being ignored. In a letter to the Commission for Racial Equality's head Trevor Phillips, he said: "Politicians across the party

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Family's fury over care home

A 92-YEAR-OLD grandmother is staying on a hospital ward for the terminally ill after losing her place at a residential home. Edna Gilson, who until last month had been a resident of The Hamiltons home in Atherton, for more than 12 years, has been told

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Fresh and funky

STUDENTS from Blackpool and the Fylde College will entertain with an evening of dance at the Theatre, Central Blackpool Campus, Palatine Road, on Thursday and Friday, February 27-28, at 7.30pm. The HND and national diploma dance students will blend an

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BNP man says: I'll take on Straw

A BNP councillor today vowed to stand against Foreign Secretary Jack Straw at the next General Election. Robin Evans has revealed his intention to take on the Blackburn MP less than three months after his shock victory in the Mill Hill by-election. Coun

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Centurions put Salford to the test

LEIGH Centurions are determined to lay down a marker for the rest of the season when the two top teams in National League One go head-to-head at Hilton Park on Salford. The next phase of the Arriva Trains National League Cup throws together the two sides

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County car park forced to close

COUNTY council staff were left short of parking spaces after structural problems were found in the authority's main car park. Engineers inspected the 150-space multi-storey car park in Pitt Street and closed it on Tuesday. The move will leave the county

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Struck-off surgeon in front line

A SURGEON, who made a series of mistakes during operations in which four women died, could advise frontline doctors on the treatment of casualties in a war with Iraq. The General Medical Council heard that Steven Walker, 46, formerly of Maritime Way,

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Arsonists hit centre

A POPULAR Preston community centre was badly damaged by arsonists, leaving community groups without a meeting place. Firefighters were called to Tanterton Community Centre, Kidsgrove, Ingol, on Saturday, at 1.30am, after a suspicious blaze started in

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Eva, 81, to join peace march

AN 81-YEAR-OLD pensioner, whose memories of the Second World War still linger in her mind, will be going to London on Saturday to tell Tony Blair: 'Don't attack Iraq'. Eva Littlefair will board the 'peace train' taking 200 protestors to the capital, for

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Callan's bottled up frustration

A TEENAGER has been forced to quit his part-time job after three years because he is too young! Callan Garder, 16, had to stop his milk round job following an anonymous phone call to the county council. Education chiefs told Callon's dad, Alan, that the

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Candy's sweet on Lancashire

WHEN Candy Chan landed in Preston, last September, from Hong Kong, she never thought she would be fulfilling a childhood dream -- taking the law in to her own hands! Although the 22-year-old admits she hasn't sampled Lancashire hotpot yet, she has certainly

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No barrel of laughs for struggling pubs

THREE out of six pubs in one of Preston's most rundown areas have had to close in the last 18 months. New Hall Lane, one of the key gateways into the city, is becoming notorious for its bricked-up buildings. Now the British Beer and Pub Association fears

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Ex-convict stole because he was homeless

AN ex-convict who raided a house also struck at a supermarket because he was homeless and had no cash, a court was told. Burnley magistrates were told how Mark Stewart, 24, who had attacked Burnley Sainsburys in the past, told police it was an easy target

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Caring housing scheme hailed a success

A HOUSING scheme which aims to offer pensioners independence for as long as possible has been hailed a huge success after the number of residents almost doubled in just two months. Burnley's "very sheltered housing" was designed to give older people with

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Child porn case tutor is spared prison

A TUTOR who downloaded child porn from the internet has escaped jail, but his career is in ruins. Bachelor Ruben Sorli, 41, was banned by a judge from having any contact with children under 16 unless accompanied by an adult over 21. A court had heard

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Padiham and Hapton Bulletin

LAND behind the Methodist Church, in Hapton, is looking much tidier thanks to the efforts of Hapton's Environment Group. It was out in force last Saturday morning armed with rubber gloves, brushes and shovels. Parish councillors Joan Lakeland and John

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Players abused and spat on - Preece

BURY FC are to wage war on their own fans who are making life a misery for their black players with racist abuse and threats of violence. Manager Andy Preece and midfielder Chris Billy suffered fierce verbal abuse from the stands during Saturday's draw

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Preece declares war on thugs

BURY FC expect to round up their band of racist hooligan supporters within weeks. The Gigg Lane outfit is waging war on the 'mindless minority' of its own fans, who have verbally abused, spat at and even assaulted Shakers players and their families. The

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Clarets toast Brian

A FORMER professional footballer from Leyland who once played for England celebrated his 70th birthday with a cake and good wishes from his old club, Burnley. Brian Pilkington, who was 70 yesterday on Wednesday, February 13, was literally born into soccer

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Ram raiders grab Post Office cash

RAM raiders stole a haul of cash after reversing a stolen car through a wall at Radcliffe Post Office. Two robbers wearing balaclava masks then climbed through the hole in the wall and threatened a post office cashier who had run into an office inside

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Pupils slam dunk

PUPILS from from English Martyrs, Frenchwood and St. Augustine's primary schools in Preston were invited to show off their slam dunking skills this week. Councillor Veronica Afrin, executive member for Preston City Council leisure services said: "It's

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Teeing off in USA

A SPORTSTURF student from Myerscough College is currently enjoying placement year at a top golf club in the US. Steven Clarke, who is studying for an HND in Turf Science and Golf Course Management, is based at Olympia Fields Country Club, near Chicago

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Council LibDem group 'mother' Jo dies

LONG-STANDING councillor and chairman of the Colne and District Committee, Coun Jo Belbin, died last night in hospital. Liberal Democrats leader Coun Alan Davies, today expressed his sadness at the death of a good friend and described her as 'the mother

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Council to consider report on hotel

COUNCILLORS are to consider the findings of a report into the standard of accommodation where a 24-year-old woman died. Pendle Council officers inspected the Hendly Hotel, Colne, after Abigail Gallagher was discovered dead in a room on January 7. Her

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Community cottons on to poplar preservation

AN ENVIRONMENTAL project which could see the return of endangered black poplar trees to parts of Colne has been launched by green campaigners and council officers. The scheme, which is intended to involve members of the community and local school children

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House fire inquest adjourned

AN inquest has been opened into the death of Jean Winder, 70, who was found dead at her home in Woodside Road, Huncoat, on February 8. The inquest was told that it was believed Mrs Winder had died as a result of smoke inhalation as there had been a smouldering

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Barn dance boosts charity

A CHARITY barn dance at an Accrington pub has helped an overseas aid project a step closer its £20,000 target. The event, at The King's Arms, in Lee Street, raised more than £800 for the Nepalese School Project being run by Lancashire Education Advisory

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MP welcomes pension boost

ELDERLY couples could be up to £20 a week better off when Pension Credit begins in October. But Leigh MP Andy Burnham is urging pensioners to look out for a Government letter being sent to all over 60s giving more information and facts about getting the

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Crimebusters net ten more

POLICE in an East Lancashire borough are hoping to recruit more community minded residents to gather and distribute crime information. An e-mail crimebusting scheme was relaunched by Accrington police last month and a further ten people have been enlisted

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Ian takes to the high seas

A RETIRED estate agent will swap the quiet life for high seas adventure in a gruelling round-the-world yacht race. Ian Brogden, from Beech Grove, Leigh, will embark on a marathon 5,400 mile journey from Hong Kong to Mauritius in April, as a crew member

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The smoking gun

WITHIN each of us there is overwhelming evidence for the existence of a smoking gun that we call conscience. It is not material but moral, so could not have evolved from molecules. It is a kind gift from God that is not there to kill us but to correct

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Residents fight new homes plan

PLANS to build a housing estate on a historic village site have been deferred following residents' and conservation group protests. The decision on Wainhomes (Northwest) Ltd's application to Wigan Council's development control committee to build 56 new

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School joins nation's elite

AN enterprising Leigh school has joined the nation's elite. Bedford High was this week named among just 217 schools to be given specialist college status for excellence in business and enterprise -- and the only one from Wigan borough on the latest list

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Garrick memories wanted

LOCAL history officer Tony Ashcroft is appealing for Garrick memorabilia to boost the Leigh club archive. The Leigh Library-based department has stacks of material on Wigan Casino but not a lot on Leigh's premier theatre nightspot which closed its door

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Former boyfriend's fury at new man's love letter

CHRISTOPHER John McManamon reacted badly when he intercepted a love letter sent from prison to his ex-girlfriend, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that McManamon launched a furious attack on Karina McWilliams, repeatedly banging her head

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Foggy is beaten by a short hedge

MOTORBIKE ace Carl Fogarty has lost his appeal against planners who ordered him to replace a hedge he chopped down without permission. The four-times World Superbike champion was refused retrospective planning permission for a second access to his Mellor

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Cricket gets a little more colour

NORTH West cricket fans are set to watch their favourite sport in full colour this summer thanks to a leading Lancashire brewery. Brewery, Daniel Thwaites, are backing the introduction of coloured clothing for the prestigious Northern Premier Cricket

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McMahon keeps the ball rolling

MANAGER Steve McMahon has signed a new contract with Blackpool FC. It's a 12 month rolling contract and finally the i's have been dotted and the t's crossed. Steve McMahon said: "It has been done today, it has been sorted, it has been going on long enough

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Lowther group aims for green flag

DOZENS of people turned up to a meeting at Lytham's Lowther Pavilion last week to launch a new group to support Lowther Gardens. Up to 40 residents joined council workers, local councillors and members of Lytham action groups at the first meeting of Friends

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New head welcomed at Lytham school

ROBERT Karling has been appointed the new principal of King Edward V11 and Queen Mary School. Currently the deputy head of Morrison's Academy at Crieff in Scotland, Mr Karling will take over from Mr Julian Wilde from September 1. At Edinburgh University

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At least one mate was happy at end!

I DON'T know about you, but I'm getting sick to the back teeth of the Aussies! It feels as though they can beat us at everything these days. But there were a couple of good things to come of last night's game, even if the general public might not think

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They call this true love

A COUPLE of Leyland lovebirds are planning to tie the knot on the most romantic day of the year -- St Valentine's Day. Kelly Magee, 23, and Stuart Singleton, 26, will be saying 'I do' on February 14 before jetting off for a honeymoon in Australia. It

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NASA worker tells of his grief

AN ENGINEER from Leyland who helped build the doomed space shuttle Columbia has spoken exclusively to The Citizen about his heartache following the deaths of the seven astronauts. John Burrell, who works for NASA, watched with horror as the shuttle exploded

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Fleetwood Mac tribute

TRIBUTE band Rumours of Fleetwood Mac will be bringing the music of Fleetwood Mac to life next week at the Manchester Opera House. The concert begins on Tuesday 18 February at 7.30pm, and tickets cost from £11 to £15. Call the box office on 0161 242 2524

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Hecklers welcome...

NEAR-THE-KNUCKLE comedian Mark Rough will welcome hecklers when he appears at Leigh's old 'Vic'. Wearside's answer to Billy Connolly will appear next Thursday night from 8pm at The Victoria in Kirkhall Lane in aid of Wigan and Leigh Hospice. As well as

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Rolling in it!

ROLL OUT the barrel! Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) member Ray Jackson prepares for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre branch's 21st beer festival at Fleetwood's Marine Hall from Thursday, February 13.

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Search for Leigh 'Pop Idol'

AN Atherton agent is seeking talented artists to fight for the honour of becoming Leigh's 'Pop Idol.' Former DJ Steve James is seeking the best in local entertainment to take part in a 13-week long contest at Wigan Road Labour Club. Steve's Shout Promotions

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Seven suspects arrested in dawn raids

POLICE in Blackpool have arrested seven people during dawn raids on the addresses of suspected drug dealers living in the resort. The seven were all arrested during dawn raids at homes on Grange Park and are currently being questioned by officers. An

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Town see red

and crash out ATHERTON Town crashed out of the Lancashire Amateur Challenge Shield, beaten 4-1 in the semi final by the defending champions Charnock Richard. The scoreline in no way reflected the balance of a game which effectively turned away from Town

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East pay for slack defence

WHEN man of the match Jonny Lythgoe fielded a kick on his own line and ran the length of the pitch to open the scoring things looked good for Leigh East U11s. Sloppy tackling led to Ince running in three tries before frontrower Steven Keegan took the

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Track sessions start for season

THE Astley & Tyldesley Miners' Welfare Cycle Speedway Club begin their pre-season on-track training sessions next weekend. Riders will take to the track at Gin Pit this Sunday between 2 and 4pm, and on Tuesday, February 18 between 7 and 9pm. Training

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East pay for a poor second half

Oldham St Annes 20 Leigh East 8 SAINTS finally broke their Leigh East hoodoo by producing a stunning second half performance to end a five-match losing streak and reach the third round of the GMB Union National Cup. East had the better of the first half

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DARTS: Bull & Butcher 5, New Inn 2; Church Inn 4, Jolly Carter 3; Nevison 5, Railway Tavern 2; Leigh

DOMINOES: Bull & Butcher 1, New Inn 4; Church Inn 2, Jolly carter 3; Nevison 4, Railway Tavern 1; Leigh RU 3, Musketeer 2; Leigh Cricket 3, Colliers Rest 2; Britannia 3, Foresters 2; Our House 1, Spinners Arms 4; Peake Fitness 3, Bridgewater 2. DARTS

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National title for Hannah

GOLDEN girl Hannah Warburton collected a national title in the premier cross country event of the season on Saturday. Running for Greater Manchester U13s' squad in the Inter Counties Championships at Nottingham the 11-years-old Leigh Harriers' star played

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Tyldesley's 'try' that never was

Barrow 21 Tyldesley 18: FOLLOWING last weekend's comfortable victory over Bury, Tyldesley RU travelled to the West Coast to face Barrow in a confident mood. Despite a gluepot of a pitch, Tyldesley made all the early running with wingers Rick Pennington

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Julie delivers cabaret act!

SIXTIES folk star Julie Felix will entertain at the Lowther Pavilion, Lytham on Saturday, February 22. As part of a new scheme to house a wider variety of entertainment , Julie Felix will be performing at a cabaret style evening at the pavilion. Formerly

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School's aid to children

ST Joseph's Primary School children in Darwen raised £93 for Unicef's Day for Change to help children in Third World countries. Tony Parson, headteacher of the Limes Avenue school, said: "We are thrilled that we can do something like this for such a good

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Governor suspended after alleged incident at school

A MEMBER of staff has been suspended after an alleged incident at a Darwen primary school, a governor revealed today. But a local councillor urged Blackburn with Darwen Council to let people know what was going on. The member of staff, who Coun Eileen

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rA JUMBLE sale starts at 1pm on Saturday in St Gabriel's Club, Higher Folds. Admission is 20p.

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Council control 'on hold'

THE Audit Commission has decided against handing over control of Rossendale Council to Whitehall for the second time - but said the beleaguered authority still had a long way to go. A second report, carried out after the first named the authority as the

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Valentine concert

A VALENTINE showcase concert is being staged at 7.30pm tomorrow (Friday) and 7pm on Saturday to mark Atherton Bag Lane Methodist Church's 88th anniversary. Admission is £3.50 adults, £3 concessionary. Weekend celebrations continue with Thomas McCool leading

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Old soldiers' dance date

OLD soldiers from the Leigh branch of the Royal British Legion will step out at their first fund raising spring dance. Modern, Latin and sequence dance fans are invited to the event which begins at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 8 at Leigh Conservative Club

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Ex-Mayor dies, 83

FORMER Mayor of Wigan Tom Morgan has died aged 83. Mr Morgan, from Lowton, who became Wigan MBC's fourth Mayor in 1977 was a Labour councillor and also served on Golborne UDC. A former National Coal Board legal executive, Second World War veteran and

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Residents' probe industrial estate plan

A PUBLIC meeting has been called to discuss implications of a planning application to develop an industrial estate on farmland between Tyldesley and Mosley Common. Tyldesley East councillors Alan Stephenson and Brian Wilson invite locals to discuss the

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Recipe for success...

BAKERY products manufacturer Victoria Foods Ltd has joined the Brownies. The Leigh firm has linked with Girlguiding UK to produce easy to bake cake and biscuit mixes for the 7-10 year old girls. Brownies for Brownies and Biscuits for Brownies will be

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Land of rubbish dumps

PRESTON bin collectors' lax attitude to recycling, is a reflection of the Government's lack of commitment to modern waste management. Preston recycles or composts 12 per cent of its rubbish, marginally better than the UK average of 11 per cent but far

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Fine arts!

GOVERNMENT education minister Ivan Lewis was in Hindley on Monday to see Mornington High School's unique approach to the arts. Mr Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Adult Learning and Skills, met staff and pupils to see for himself the

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Missing woman found at home

A ST ANNES motorist who mysteriously disappeared from a motorway hard shoulder on Tuesday night has turned up safe and well. Andrea Christodoulou, 27, was back at home on Wednesday evening after sparking a massive police search when she apparently vanished

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Mobilised to raise cash for Richard

KIND-HEARTED youngsters at a Blackpool school have raised hundreds of pounds to help a former student buy a brand new set of wheels. Youngsters in Lune House at Highfield High School raised £350 to support ex-pupil Richard Spencer, who needed an updated

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Turn for the nurse!

HOUSEKEEPERS are providing extra pairs of hands for nurses on two wards at Blackpool's Victoria Hospital under a new government pilot scheme. The new members of staff have been drafted in under a Department of Health pilot scheme in response to what patients

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Blowing their own trumpet!

ANGRY Blackpool Tories have branded a new council A-Z magazine a "blag mag" designed to boost councillors' bids for re-election in May. The A to Z - which costs 27p per copy to produce - is part of an initiative by Blackpool Borough Council officials

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Budding stars fight back

IT'S 30 years since a long-haired line-up of rugby league players from Leigh scooped the Lancashire Shield in the schoolboys' final at Swinton's famed but long-gone Station Road ground. The lads from Manchester Road Secondary Modern School were trailing

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Mission issues a message of peace

MORE than 1,000 people travelled to Blackburn to express their concerns over the threat of war with Iraq. The conference, at Jan's Conference Centre, was organised by members of the UK Peace Mission. The event included speakers of both Anglican and Roman

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Litterbugs to come unstuck thanks to funds

A £750,000 KITTY to fight litter, graffiti and chewing gum has been announced in a bid to restore pride in Blackburn. Council officers have set aside the sum in their annual budget to help improve Blackburn with Darwen's environment. No decision has been

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Tribute to death crash driver

A NEIGHBOUR today paid tribute to the loving husband who died after driving the wrong way on to the M65. An inquest was opened yesterday into the death of David Uttley who died last Friday after an accident near junction 6 of the motorway in Blackburn

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Libraries turn new page on safer driving

LIBRARIES across the county have teamed up with Lancashire's Road Safety Group to promote safer driving and raise awareness of road safety. County library bosses have pledged their support to Together We Can Make the Difference -- the Road Safety Group's

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BNP man says: I'll take on Straw

A BNP councillor today vowed to stand against Foreign Secretary Jack Straw at the next General Election. Robin Evans has revealed his intention to take on the Blackburn MP less than three months after his shock victory in the Mill Hill by-election. Coun

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Resort's kid gloves policy

IT is right to condemn the government's new adopted policy of refusing to jail burglars. Their abject failure over law and order, endangers further, the general public and can only increase the number of victims. Those who complain however, along with

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Strong show from PNE secures win

Preston NE 2 Millwall 1 Dominant North End show their class HEADS WE WIN: Lee Cartwright leaps to score North End's second WIZARD winger Eddie Lewis put away his second goal in two games as a magical performance by Preston brought them within eight points

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Etuhu talks up play-off hopes

DICKSON Etuhu who put in a solid performance for the rejuvunated North End on Saturday insists the Whites can still make the play-offs. The baby of Preston's side returned to action after a month on the sidelines and combined immaculately with fellow

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Praise for ski school students

PUPILS flew the flag for Leigh on a skiing holiday in Italy. The Bedford High School students impressed a Doncaster policeman staying at the same resort so much he sent a letter to head teacher Stephen Preston. The officer, David Phillips, said they were

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Gary Glitter - and me!

I WAS alarmed to read that my life runs parallel to that of the shamed glam rocker Gary Glitter. Reading a decade old autobiography "Leader" I find we share the same birthday, were brought up by our grandmas and both had our tongue stitched after accidents

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One in the eye for me...

I SHALL no longer scoff at people wearing safety hats and goggles in DIY and gardening programmes. I've discovered the sense in using them at last, but it's taken an eye injury for me to realise they're not daft regulations. I decided to prune a tall

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Now that's a bargain

I WISH I could find more food bargains like the one I picked up this week. I opted for two 99p tubs of custard reduced to 29p each in my supermarket's bargain area. That's a fair saving in itself, but when I checked my till receipt, something I always

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Rekindled memories

THE Courts fire last week brought back memories for former regulars like me who still have a place in the hearts for the Church Street hostelry. A cigarette butt is believed to have caused last week's blaze which caused £60,000 worth of damage and shut

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Cinema guide

WHAT'S on at Blackpool's cinemas. BLACKPOOL ODEON Rigby Road, Blackpool. Times from Friday, February 14. Daredevil (15) -- Fri, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 1pm, 1.45pm, 3.20pm, 4.05pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 8.15pm, 9pm. Sat, Sun 12.15pm, 1pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm

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Mascot new weapon in crime fight

POLICE have unveiled a new weapon to encourage children in the borough from turning to crime, a badger called Sergeant Stripes. That is the name of the mascot of a new interactive website for school pupils which has been set up by Greater Manchester Police

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Latics back with a bang

AFTER three weeks of inactivity Leigh Athletic returned to action against high flying Wilmslow and came away with a 3-1 win to keep their season alive. Leigh dominated from the start and only a combination of good goalkeeping and wayward finishing led

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Star striker is a wanted man

DINO Maamria could be the first big-name casualty of the financial troubles at Hilton Park after RMI received a bid from Stevenage Borough earlier this week. The Tunisian has netted 17 this season to keep the Railwaymen in touch with their rivals in the