Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, March 7
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Quiz Night, Tony's New Empress Ballroom, Town Hall Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm-10.30pm. Teams of four. Lancashire Food Festival, Accrington Town Hall, 10.30am-3pm. Blackburn
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Step in the right direction
THE long, hard fight to stop Lancashire County Council closing old folk's homes and uprooting more than 1,000 elderly residents has ended in a deal which is a step in the right direction, but far from satisfactory. For the compromise the county has reached
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Winter bowls
CLIFF Berry won the 20th winter merit at Pennington Park on Sunday by beating Alan Lambert in the final 21-20. The consolation final was won by John Cooke who beat Frank Naylor 21-18.
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Soccer coaching sessions
EX-Bolton Wanderers' star Brian Smith, based at Atherton, starts new coaching classes on Saturday mornings for 8-13 year-olds who wish to improve their soccer skills and technique. More information from Brian on 01942 516767.
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Rangers work hard
AN improved Royton side made the Leigh Miners Rangers U12's work hard for an 18-6 victory. The teams were locked at 0-0 at half time but after the break Rangers scored through Youds, Nicholson and S Marsh 2. Youds kicked one conversion.
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Derby final date
LEIGH Miners Rangers will take on rivals Leigh East in the Lancashire under-18s RL Cup final at Robin Park on Sunday. East have won the two league games this season and are hot favourites for the game which kicks off at 3pm. Miners U14s also also in final
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East recover
WITH key players missing because of illness, Leigh East U12s got off to a slow start against Waterhead. But they hit top gear in the second half and crusied to a 26-6 win. Tries came from Holcroft, Shepherd, Thomasson and Roper with man of the match Shepherd
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Leigh Automatics Indoor Bowling
LATEST details RBL 6, Eastleigh 7; Benters 4, Leigh Bowling 10; Red Rose 8, Us Three 14; Ladybirds 4, Lowton Park 9; Aardvarks 16, Falcons 2; Lilford 5, Gardeners 11; Musketeers 9, This Lot 0; Nomads 4, BICC 11. Table: Ladybirds 20, Gardeners 20, BICC
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Protester vows to remain in Iraq
A PROTESTER who vowed to become a human shield in Iraq has vowed to stay in the Middle East after scores of colleagues headed home. Dieter Seager, 27, of Washington Street, Accrington, is still at the Al-Saraya Hotel in Amman, Jordan, more than a week
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Worries over house plan
THE proposed conversion of a grade two listed country house into a restaurant and conference suite looks set to get the go-ahead. A plan by Leehand Properties, of Blackburn, to restore derelict Stanley House in Mellor was put on hold so that councillors
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Salt rots the gritter wagons
IN reply to the remarks of Russell Davies (Letters, February 17) on gritter wagons, there are many de-mountable units in Lancashire council yards that are not always cost-effective. Gritter wagons that are de-mountable run on ordinary diesel so the unit
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Pike wrong in job centre siting
HOW can Burnley's MP Peter Pike turn against the town's elected representatives by tabling questions in the House regarding the building of a Jobcentre in a prime retail spot, which was turned down by the planners. We do not need a Jobcentre in a prime
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Street needs a dash of colour
WHAT Church Street, Blackburn, needs is colour. The ugly Pavilions buildings should be demolished and in their place, to give a better view of the Cathedral, why not have a garden area, with bushes and flowers for people to admire. The landscape gardeners
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Committee called for public meeting
IN reply to Alexander Gordon (Letters, February 28), regarding Darwen Health Centre, to set the record straight, the health chiefs and councillors have not got together to call a public meeting. The meeting, at Darwen Leisure Centre on Saturday, March
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Speed cameras money-makers for the police
REGARDING your article headlined 'Road deaths fall as speeders count cost' (LET, February 19), once again, the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety is throwing figures at the population to try and persuade them that the cameras are not there to make
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Straw out of step with electorate
FEBRUARY 15 saw Britain's and the world's largest-ever political demonstration, called to protest against the threatened war against Iraq by British and US governments. Among the thousands of people were people from Blackburn and Darwen and delegates
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What players' dreams are made of
SUNDAY'S match at Watford is the type of game you dream of as a little boy watching big cup finals on the telly. As far as I am concerned it is the biggest match in my time at Burnley, and as players we are now living the dream. I know that winning at
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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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'Amazing' Ethel's 103rd birthday
HAILED as "amazing" by carers, 103--year-old Ethel Hunsworth continues to astound everyone with her astute memory and intelligence. Born in Leigh in 1899, Ethel grew up in Leigh Road with her brother Fred and sister Doris. After teaching French and Latin
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Amazing Grace
AMAZING Grace took Britain by storm in 1972 and was first choice in 'Top of the Pops' for nine weeks running. This hymn was written by John Newton (1725-1807). He was the only child of a sea captain and was taught the Bible by his mother who died when
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Body found hanging in park
POLICE were questioning a man today after a 30-year-old was found hanging from a basketball post in a park. Andrew Forrest's body was discovered when police and ambulance crews were called to Walverden Park, Brunswick Street, Nelson, at 2am today. Police
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A windmill revolution?
WIND turbines could be put up on school fields and spare land across Lancashire as part of a green energy drive. Lancashire County Council is carrying out a feasibility study into the project in a bid to raise cash for energy conservation schemes. The
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Police in car crash witness appeal
BURNLEY police are appealing for witnesses after a car smash in Queen Victoria Road. Officers said a white Peugeot 206 was in collision with another car as it was overtaking a van. Police said the car was forced on to its side by the impact of the smash
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Trust gets service accolade
STAFF at Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust are celebrating after scooping a Charter Mark for the fourth time. The learning disability service first received the award in 1993 but has been successful at each of three reassessments, made
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Schools net £1m in improvements
SCHOOLS in Burnley and Padiham are celebrating an investment of more than £1million. Primary and secondary schools across the towns are using the money to make improvements to their facilities. At Towneley High, Towneley Holmes, a new mini-tennis centre
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Problem homes to be demolished
THREE empty homes which have proved a magnet for vandals and arsonists on a well-kept housing estate are to be demolished. Burnley Borough Council is planning to pull down the properties in Dean Street and Cliff Street, Padiham, after regular complaints
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Action call over 'misused' toilets
POLICE have stepped up patrols around public toilets in Cliviger after residents complained the men's part of the facility was being misused. Neighbours in Burnley Road said the conveniences were regularly visited by men who sometimes spend more than
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Savaged boy to get counselling
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD schoolboy who received horrific injuries after being savaged by a pack of dogs is to receive counselling to help him come to terms with his ordeal. A psychiatrist has already been to see Sam Leverett at the Royal Manchester Children's
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Stalker is cleared of a third assault on woman
A STALKER who twice sexually attacked a woman has been cleared of a third assault on her. Mohsin Khan, 21, was found not guilty of an allegation of indecent assault by a Burnley Crown Court jury after a three-day trial. The panel had yesterday convicted
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Father discharged
A FATHER-OF-TWO who swore at police and staggered in the doorway after trouble erupted at a pub was given a 12 months conditional discharge. Burnley Magistrates were told how "family man" Brent John Stephen Lord, 36, was arrested after officers were called
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Woman was attacked at superstore
A SUSPECTED thief attacked a woman security officer and dragged her by her hair from a supermarket into the car park, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how drunken stonemason David Pengilly, 44, hit victim Janet Westwell across the head, kicked
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Why does flying flag bother folk?
REGARDING Gary Bowers' remarks (letters, February 19) about flying the Union flag on all public buildings, does he not realise that some people living in this country find this offensive? -- Though why, I would love to have explained to me. When you are
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Step up security against terrorists
A HIGH-ranking policeman has stated that Al-Qaeda terrorists are at large in this country. Then, I read an ex-Taliban fighter has been granted asylum in Wales. Israel, a country born out of Jewish immigration and conflict, has very strict rules on who
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Firm works on after fire drama
THE owner of a Colne engineering firm today assured customers it was "business as usual" despite a fire in the converted mill yesterday. Firefighters were called to the building in Greenfield Road at 6.28am and three workers were evacuated. But Max Parker
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Man, 84 dies after being crushed by bus
AN 84-year-old Trawden man has died ten days after being crushed under the wheels of a double decker bus. Willie Pickles, of East View, Trawden, fell into the road close to the bus stop in Church Street, Trawden, on Thursday, February 20. The vehicle
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Choir date
THE Deep Harmony Male Voice Choir will perform An Evening of Melody in Astley Unitarian Chapel, Manchester Road, on March 12 at 7pm, admission £2.50.
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Arrests over Post Office raid
POLICE from Lancashire Constabulary and Great Manchester have arrested six men in connection with the Royal Mail robbery in Preston. The arrests were made on Thursday, March 6, in various areas across Greater Manchester and involved more than 100 officers
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History talk
LOWTON's history will be unearthed by Alec Hughes at the next meeting of Leigh and District Family History Society which begins at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 18 in the Derby Room, Leigh Library.
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Fire at Preston hotel
TWO men were taken to hospital after a fire swept through a hotel in Preston. Police and firefighters were called to the Essex Hotel, Fishergate Hill, at around 1.50am, on Tuesday, March 4, and 14 residents were evacuated from the building. Two men, suffering
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Steam talkin'
ATHERTON Heritage Society will hear Norman Astley speak on "Steam: Part One" in St Richard's Jubilee Hall on Tuesday (March 11) at 7.30pm. He will take guests on a journey round the UK looking at preserved, standard and narrow gauge railways. Admission
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Five years ago
CORONATION Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh left Weatherfield for the classroom. Pupils at her old school Moorhead High, in Accrington, quizzed the star -- who plays Hayley Patterson -- about life on the Street.
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Talk will suit those with a sweet tooth
THE sweet truth will come out next Thursday (March 13) when Atherton WI learn about Thornton's chocolate at their meeting which starts at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Hall, Mayfield Street, Atherton. Group meetings are held there on the second Thursday of each
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Centenary concert
CHARITY fund raiser Edith Willcock has organised a musical celebration for a church centenary. Former members of St Nathaniel's Church, Platt Bridge, are invited to join in a brass band concert, to mark 100 years of worship, at the Monaco Ballroom, Hindley
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Passports to entertainment
HYNDBURN'S leisure passport scheme is to be expanded. Started in November, the passport offers discounts on sports centres, the town hall, Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre and the New Era Centre, Accrington. Now businesses have come on board to offer discounts
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Wheelchair man's jail term on child sex charges
A 68-YEAR-OLD Accrington man convicted of five sex offences has been jailed for 18 months. Henry Coates, who appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court in a wheelchair, had earlier been found guilty by a jury following trial. The court heard that he
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Demolish eyesore - or we will, council tells owner
THE OWNER of garages plagued by arson attacks and used as a drinking den has been ordered to clean them up or pull them down. Neighbours say the row of garages, in Belgarth Road, Accrington, next to St Joseph's RC Church, have been set on fire several
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Darren's charity 'L'
A RUGBY League fanatic will be hitching a ride to every Leigh in England to raise money for his local club. Darren Bates will be doing a sponsored hitch hike to all 16 Leigh's in the country -- and he hopes to clock up the miles and cash for Leigh East
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Pooch needs a bit of Luck
A HYNDBURN stray dogs charity has made a heartfelt appeal for help with a homeless pooch who broke his leg after being knocked down. Little Lucky, who resembles a mini Lassie, was left whimpering in the gutter after he tried to cross Whalley Road, in
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Trio take plunge
THREE daredevils took the plunge and abseiled down 'Devils Gorge' in Wales to raise money for charity. Golborne trio Linda Owen, 47, her son Daniel, 18, and Robert Williams 50 -- the Rector of St Thomas' Church -- wanted to do something special in memory
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Protester vows to remain in Iraq
A PROTESTER who vowed to become a human shield in Iraq has vowed to stay in the Middle East after scores of colleagues headed home. Dieter Seager, 27, of Washington Street, Accrington, is still at the Al-Saraya Hotel in Amman, Jordan, more than a week
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Council thanks Atherton patience
WIGAN Council has thanked the people of Atherton for their patience while months of town centre improvements have been carried out. The town is back in business following the development of a pedestrian priority zone, part of a £1m package of works within
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Brothers re-united thanks to Journal
TWO long-lost brothers were re-united after 33 years -- thanks to the Journal. Frank and Derek Cook and their families are now catching up on the missing years they spent on opposite sides of the globe. They had an emotional reunion when Derek, 70, and
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Bogus charity workers rob woman, 90
TWO women tricksters talked their way into the home of a 90 year-old woman and stole cash, bank cards and pension book. Now police are urging people to check unknown callers' credentials and are anxious for information about the pair seen leaving the
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Four jailed for nightclub attack
FOUR men involved in a violent incident at a nightclub have been jailed. It had been alleged they turned up "mob-handed" armed with weapons to launch a premeditated attack on doormen at a Leigh club but this was rejected at Liverpool Crown Court. In the
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Students urn all the credit
TWO Stonyhurst College students dug deep to solve a puzzle taxing the ingenuity of archaeologists excavating an ancient site in South East Turkey. Edmund Highcock and Tomasz Mazur have worked out the capacity of a giant storage jar - 821 litres. It is
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Charity Cup
THE Atherton Charity Cup is to take place again this season and it is hoped to have at least 16 teams taking part. No doubt Leigh Athletic will be looking to retain the trophy after beating Breightmet United in last season's final. The Charity Cup is
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Squash winners again
CLASSIC World of Fitness first squash team continued their winning run with a 4-1 victory over David Lloyd 4. Howard Thornley trounced his opponent effortlessly 3-0. Mike Howard followed and found himself giving away 44 years. Even so, against a very
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Leigh RMI discover final opponents by Martyn Hindley
LEIGH RMI's quest for a first trophy since winning the UniBond League gathered pace last week without the Railwaymen lifting a finger. The win over Chorley a fortnight ago was expected to earn them a Lancashire Trophy final tie against UniBond champions
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East suffer play-off blow
West Bowling 32 Leigh East 16: LEIGH East's hopes of reaching the National Conference play-offs took another knock on Saturday with a heavy defeat at the hands of Bradford side West Bowling. There seemed to be some light at the end of the tunnel following
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Miners dig a hole for themselves
Leigh Miners Rangers 18, Thornhill Trojans 21: MINERS Rangers collapsed to a second successive league defeat to leave their National Conference title hopes in the balance as Thornhill took a massive step towards confirming their top flight status with
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Hostel man accused of wounding
A 40 YEAR OLD man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with wounding a fellow resident at an Oswaldtwistle Hostel with an iron bar. Mark Anthony Gregory was sent on bail to Preston Crown Court, charged with wounding Barry Heany with intent
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Tower path repair joy
WALKERS have expressed their joy at the repair of a path leading to Darwen Tower. The route, which takes walkers from the Sunnyhurst Pub to the town's best-known landmark, was repaired last week by the countryside department of Blackburn with Darwen Borough
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Neil running for the trip of a lifetime
AN 18-year-old student will run the London Marathon to raise money for a voluntary teaching trip to Malaysia. Neil Chelton from Cross Barn Walk, Darwen, is set to compete in the 26-mile run in April. The student, in his final year of A-levels at Runshaw
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Choir date
THE Deep Harmony Male Voice Choir will perform An Evening of Melody in Astley Unitarian Chapel, Manchester Road, on March 12 at 7pm, admission £2.50.
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Theatre company has asylum vision
A THEATRE company will tackle the issues surrounding asylum in Darwen this month. The Talia Theatre company, which co-ordinates projects designed to tackle social problems in Blackburn and Darwen communities, is one of the few companies in Europe to specialise
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History talk
LOWTON's history will be unearthed by Alec Hughes at the next meeting of Leigh and District Family History Society which begins at 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 18 in the Derby Room, Leigh Library.
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A charity ride made for two
A RACE night will be held to raise money for two Darwen charity cyclists this month. Malcolm Brown and Dave Worden will be taking an 550-mile journey from Darwen Tower to the Eiffel Tower in April. The Darwen pair are hoping to raise £10,000 for CLIC
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Collection volunteers wanted
VOLUNTEERS with an hour to spare on Saturday, March 22 are invited to help collect in Leigh town centre for the Wigan, Leigh and District Society for the Blind. Contact Gordon Winnard on 01942 242891.
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Barbara jumps for joy - and for cash
DAREDEVIL Barbara Marsden literally jumped into action for the Magic Eye appeal -- by doing a sponsored parachute jump. The mother-of-three was determined to boost the fund and chose to career through the air at 130 mph so her sponsors would pay up. The
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Steam talkin'
ATHERTON Heritage Society will hear Norman Astley speak on "Steam: Part One" in St Richard's Jubilee Hall on Tuesday (March 11) at 7.30pm. He will take guests on a journey round the UK looking at preserved, standard and narrow gauge railways. Admission
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PCs are honoured for bravery
TWO police officers have been commended for their bravery after tackling a suicidal man brandishing a razor blade. The man, in his early 20s, slashed his wrist with the razor and paramedics called to the scene said he could have died without the intervention
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Talk will suit those with a sweet tooth
THE sweet truth will come out next Thursday (March 13) when Atherton WI learn about Thornton's chocolate at their meeting which starts at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Hall, Mayfield Street, Atherton. Group meetings are held there on the second Thursday of each
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Leigh MP re-selected
A MASSIVE vote of confidence has been given to Leigh MP Andy Burnham by Leigh Constituency Labour Party which has re-selected Mr Burnham as their candidate for the next General Election. "The vote reflects our recognition of the hard work Andy has done
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Five arrests in dawn drug swoops
FIVE people were arrested and a quantity of drugs, believed to be heroin, ecstasy and cannabis as well as methadone, were seized during dawn raids across Rossendale. Warrants were executed by police at five addresses in Bacup and Stacksteads yesterday
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Former councillor is bailed
A FORMER Rossendale councillor has appeared in court for the first time to answer allegations of fraud. Steven Birtwell, 54, of Oak Avenue, Haslingden, is charged with six counts of false accounting, forgery and deception. The charges relate to Birtwell's
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What a lot of talent
THE first heat of the Coors-Carling Talent Show produced acts worthy of a final. The five judges at Wigan Road Labour Club, Leigh, had a hard task separating the future stars, but Wiganer Paul Adams raised the roof with a set that included songs from
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Unity call goes out to traders
TRADERS in Bacup and Stacksteads are being urged to unite in a bid to sell the area to visitors by launching a Chamber of Trade. Doug Spencer, owner of Pyrosafe which provides fire protection for businesses, based in Rochdale Road, Bacup, has initiated
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New jobs at bingo palace
THIRTY extra jobs have been created at a new, multi-million pound bingo palace. A staff of 70 will be employed at BJ's Luxury Bingo, which is opening in the former Pioneer Store in Ellesmere Street, Leigh, later this month. The hi-tech new 1,500 seater
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Group hit by raiders
A VOLUNTARY group which has helped thousands of people in its near 25 year existence has twice been hit by thieves in the past three weeks. Leigh and District Welfare Rights Voluntary Group in Chester Street, Leigh was ransacked and a printer and scanner
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More homework thanks to parents
PUPILS can expect more homework -- thanks to their parents! Seven hundred and fifty Westleigh High mums and dads were canvassed for opinions of school life and as a result changes are being made. A questionnaire asked for views on communication between
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MP backs fireworks ban
MP Andy Burnham has welcomed moves to restrict the sale and use of fireworks. MPs have supported a Private Members Bill at its second reading on Friday to restrict the sale of fireworks. If the Bill becomes law it would restrict the sale of fireworks
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Councillors surgeries
WIGAN Council members will hold the following advice surgeries: THURSDAY, March 6: Golborne Library (10-11) B Strett, D Kelly; Lowton Labour Club (7-7.30) B Strett, D Kelly; Lane Head Methodist Church, Lowton (7-7.45) P Franzen; Abram Library (10.30-12
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Action group blasts new homes plan
AN environmental action group criticised planners for approving a development to build 56 new homes on farmland in Golborne. Property developer Wainhomes North West will be building three storey terraced houses on the site of Town Farm and Lawsons Farm
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DISCO diva Paige is a real champ
DISCO diva Paige Sheals has overcome a lifelong illness to become a dancing champion. The nine-year-old Astley schoolgirl was diagnosed with asthma as a baby and doctors told her parents exercise was the best medicine. At the age of three she was taken
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Sports Village plans to go on public display
LEIGH Library will host a week long exhibition highlighting the Leigh Sports Village Project. The exhibition will open on Monday, March 10 through to and including Saturday, March 15 featuring a scale model and diagrams of the project. The community will
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Date set for opening of new bingo palace
THIRTY extra jobs have been created at a new, multi-million pound bingo palace. A staff of 70 will be on hand at BJ's Luxury Bingo which later this month moves into the former Pioneer Store in Ellesmere Street, Leigh. The last house will be called at
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Soccer stars learning the Chinese way
BACKROOM staff including physiotherapists and masseuses from Bolton Football Club are looking to use ancient medicinal arts to guarantee their future success. And one player, Mike Whitlow, is even taking lessons in the easter medicine discipline at John
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Patients' royal meeting
THE EARL and Countess of Wessex are to meet patients at the East Lancashire Hospice when they visit Blackburn to officially open the new building. The hospice has provided care to patients with advanced and progressive life threatening diseases along
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Student past comes back to haunt Jack
FOREIGN Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw was branded "chief troublemaker" and criticised by the British Ambassador to Chile when visiting the country as a student activist in 1966, according to secret papers released today. Mr Straw led a National
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House building means jobs joy
EAST LANCASHIRE'S massive housing renewal programme is set to create hundreds of jobs for builders, plumbers, joiners and other handymen across the area. And that is great news for unemployed people and students unsure what to do in the future, council
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Assembly battle lines drawn
THE North West could get its own regional government -- if the people want it. Supporters say the move would boost local democracy while detractors say a 'mini parliament' will be a useless tier of bureaucracy. But will changes involved actually mean
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Blackburn Harrier Wood enjoys winning start
WITH the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham little more than a week away and the indoor season reaching it's climax, three of our local stars returned top notch performances over the weekend. Matt Wood made a winning debut for England in the six
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Fruit-less until May
LEIGH schoolchildren must wait until May to receive a Lotto free fruit every school day. This week the National Lottery's good cause distributors, the New Opportunities Fund, moved into top gear to put the school fruit pilot programme into action in the
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'Please listen' ask parents
PARENTS at a threatened special school believe their views are being ignored by education chiefs. They have been to a series of meetings with education bosses to discuss the Council's plans to move Green Hall Primary School's 76 pupils into mainstream
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Take to the floor on Saturday
DANCE starved old-time fans are invited to take to the floor on Saturday. The Leigh branch of the Royal British Legion has organised its first fund raising spring dance, and there's plenty of tickets available. Leigh has loads of Modern, Latin and sequence
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Making life hell for a lonely widow
LIFE on a Leigh estate has become miserable for a harassed widow. Over recent weeks gangs of boys -- and girls -- have repeatedly smashed down a concrete 'latt' fence around her garden, leaving her despairing about how to solve the problem. Gone are the
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Centurions wouldn't be out of place in Super League, says Tigers boss
Castleford Tigers 36, Leigh Centurions 12 by Mike Hulme IF Saturday's second half evidence is anything to go by, the Centurions would be capable of acquitting themselves well should they ever gain a place in Super League. They certainly earned their stripes
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RMI's home date
LEIGH RMI take on Scarborough at Hilton Park on Saturday, kick off 3pm. As well as a battle for RMI's safety, it is also a chance for strikers Neil Campbell and Keith Scott to prove a point to their former employers. , and with a continuation of the form
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Battling RMI escape from drop zone
Nuneaton Borough 0 Leigh RMI 2 by Martyn Hindley RMI grafted their way out of the relegation zone after a gritty, if inelegant display at Nuneaton earned them a much-needed three points. And after recent controversy regarding RMI's supply of goals, the
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Tigers roar
LEIGH East Tigers U13s demolished fancied pilkington's 20-6 in the NWC Cup. Loose forward Daniel Weaving ran riot, scoring twice and being denied a third. A great move ended with Weaving completing his hat-trick, converted by Mark Williams. From another
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Corbetts Packaging D&D League
LATEST details DARTS: Leigh Bowling 5, Leigh Harriers 2; Leigh Arms 3, Leigh Libs 4; Ex-Servicemen's 7, The Avenue 0; Lowton Labour 4, Bond Street CC 3. DOMINOES: Leigh Bowling 5, Leigh Harriers 4; Leigh Arms 4, Leigh Libs 5; Ex-Servicemen's 4, The Avenue
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Second place for Shaun
ASTLEY and Tyldesley Roadrunners Club member Shaun Moran finished second in the Wigan 10k race at Haigh Hall in a time of 36.53. A&T's other representatives were Mark Riches who was 11th in 39.56 and Craig Bradbury, 20th in 41.54. Dave Potter was
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Brothers in Gulf
A FATHER today talked about his fears as both his sons serve in the Gulf and said: "I just hope they come back safe." Thomas Elhasham, of Devonshire Street, Accrington, has joined some of the youngest troops to be sent to the area after successfully completing
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Tools thrown over fence
SCOTT Finch was seen throwing tools over the fence of the gardening section at Focus DIY before leaving the store and going to retrieve them. Finch, 18, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft. He was remanded on bail until March 26 by
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Town deserves Broadband access
REGARDING the Campaign for Broadband Internet access in Colne (LET, February 11). It is all well and good for Roger Edworthy to write to businesses in Colne promoting broadband, but there is much more to any successful broadband campaign than that. Please
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Bus service is people's choice
MR R B Smith (Letters, February 18) suggests the people of Shadsworth and Pringle Street, Blackburn, should demand the return of the 49A bus down Lower Audley. Service 49A has not run since June, 2002 and disappeared as part of one of the biggest consultation
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Why can't traffic use current routes?
I NOTICE that yet again traffic is to be routed through Church Street in Blackburn for three nights each week for four weeks. I also notice that this is for work on Darwen Street, but only the stretch from Jubilee Street to George Street. Why, oh why,
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Folk afraid to speak their minds
REGARDING the debate on faith schools, I often wonder why we continue to live in segregated societies -- whites on one side of Blackburn, ethnic minorities on the other. Schools often reflect the same. Then I read (LET, February 6) that a consensus for
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Night out ends in stab attack
jA 27-YEAR-OLD man was slashed across the throat and stabbed three times during a night out in Leigh. His friend who tried to help was also stabbed in the leg during the unprovoked attack. The incident happened as a group of three friends -- two 27-year-old
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Writer looks at Leigh down the years
LOCAL history writer Peter Riley has captured 100 years of history. In an ingenious new book Then and Now Peter has taken a photographic look at the changing faces of 11 towns incuding Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Golborne, Astley, Glazebury, Lowton and
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Books on Leigh history
LOCAL history writer Peter Riley has captured 100 years of history. In an ingenious new book Then and Now. Peter has taken a photographic look at the changing faces of 11 towns incuding Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Golborne, Astley, Glazebury, Lowton and
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Aussie half losing fight for fitness
IN-FORM Aussie half-back Pat Weisner is losing his fitness battle to be fit for Leigh Centurions' key Arriva Trains group game at Rochdale on Sunday. Weisner, who has made good progress in his first season at Hilton Park, has a swollen knee after last
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Ireland boss waits on Duff
NEW Republic of Ireland chief Brian Kerr is keeping his fingers crossed that Damien Duff will be back in action as quickly as possible. Kerr is due to name his squad for the Republic's European assignment against Georgia in Tbilisi at the end of the month
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Shearer hope for champs reunited
ROVERS legend Simon Garner today said he's confident Alan Shearer will agree to play in his testimonial game at the end of the season. Shearer has yet to reply officially to the letter inviting him to play in the match between Rovers' Championship winning
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Rovers' triple injury boost
BLACKBURN Rovers could be close to full-strength for the visit of Arsenal next week after manager Graeme Souness has received a triple boost from the treatment room. Influential trio Craig Short, Damien Duff and Dwight Yorke are all on course for a return
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'Bungled op killed my mum'
THE daughter of a woman, who died after routine surgery went drastically wrong, is calling for an inquiry. Linda Wilson, whose mother Moreen Goring, 79, of Ingol Head, died following a hip replacement, claims staff failed to react quick enough following
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Drunken man claimed attack
A DRUNKEN man arrested by police got upset when officers took him to the station -- and not a man he complained had attacked him. Burnley Magistrates heard how Darren Paul Robinson, 25, came off worse and had got a black eye. He was abusive to police
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Cash to help environment
PEOPLE who want to help improve their environment are being encouraged to apply for grants which are available until the end of March. Money is available from the Shanks First Fund which support projects in Burnley and Rossendale. Over the last six years
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Architect fined £2,000
A TODMORDEN architect has been fined £2,000 for incompetence after completing a certificate before work on a house was finished. The Architects Registration Board's Professional Conduct Committee heard Anthony Morton Deakin wrote the certificate for Mrs
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Padiham and Hapton Bulletin
SERGEANT Andy Carter has been seconded from Burnley police to work in Padiham for at least a year. Andy is no stranger to the town as he has worked there before. His presence, with other community beat officers, may help satisfy people who concerned that
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Swimmers aiming high
SWIMMERS in Pendle have taken on a challenge to complete a distance equivalent to going to the top of Mount Everest and back. For the past 15 years the local pools have joined in the challenge and people have been given a famous landmark distance to swim
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Preece blames himself for defeat
HUMBLE boss Andy Preece heaped the blame on his own shoulders after Bury slumped to a shock home defeat against relegation strugglers Bristol. All the momentum gained by the gutsy win over Bournemouth on Saturday was embarrassingly thrown away in a performance
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Man, 30 found hanged in park
DETECTIVES launched a major investigation today after a 30-year-old man was found hanging from a basketball pole in an East Lancashire park. Police called to Walverden Park, Brunswick Street, Nelson, just after 2am, said the death was being treated as
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Preece fired up for start
BURY player-boss Andy Preece is ready to throw himself back into the starting 11 in a bid to stop Shakers' promotion bid coming off the rails. Despite Tuesday night's shock defeat to strugglers Bristol City, Bury remain on the shoulders of third-placed
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Body found hanging in park
POLICE were questioning a man today after a 30-year-old was found hanging from a basketball post in a park. Andrew Forrest's body was discovered when police and ambulance crews were called to Walverden Park, Brunswick Street, Nelson, at 2am today. Police
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Ex-convict flouted court orders
A MIDDLE-AGED man who repeatedly flouted court orders banning him from going near his former girlfriend is behind bars. Burnley Magistrates heard how ex-convict David Francis Skillan, 48, confronted Veronica Blades, demanding to know how many times she
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By George! He's probably right
MAY I quote the great George Burns when he said: "Too bad the only people who know how to run the country are busy driving cabs and cutting hair." And, may I add, some who try, but fail to get elected? SANDRA KING, East Park Road, Blackburn.
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Loss of custom obvious
IT was bound to happen that traders in Bridge Street, Darwen (left), would lose custom (LET, March 4). The council has been obsessed for years with pedestrianisation in Blackburn and although Blackburn still has a lot of shoppers, there would be a lot
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Warrant issued
SECURICOR officers who went a house with a curfew order found it empty. Burnley magistrates were told a BT engineer arrived at the property in Basil Street, Colne, to put in a phone line for electronic tagging, but found no windows or doors intact. The
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Drunkard found lying in bus station goes free
A DRUNKARD twice found lying on the ground walked from court unpunished, after magistrates said they had little choice. Burnley magistrates were told how Peter Hadden, 40, was a chronic alcoholic and had been in the same situation for so long he would
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Seeing Jane made an easy life attractive
THIS theatrical take on Charlotte Bronte's 19th century tale of a strong-willed heroine who finds happiness through terrible adversity is darkly entertaining. The character of Jane Eyre is brought vividly to life in a beautifully staged production. Jane
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Ten years ago
PARISHIONERS were counting their blessings for a 'holy' new way of raising cash. The Rev Elizabeth Jordan of St Bartholomew's Church, Ewood, Blackburn, issued £2 to church-goers so they could use it to make more money for the church.
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New job loss fears at holiday giant MyTravel
BOSSES at East Lancashire tour operator MyTravel plc today moved to quash rumours about hundreds of potential redundancies within the group. The travel giant, formerly Airtours, said it was still in consultation with staff, despite widespread rumours
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Increased council tax is under fire
THE majority of residents in Hyndburn will pay an extra £67.43 a year in Council Tax after a 9.2 per cent rise. That includes Hyndburn Council's own increase of 3.9 per cent, finalised at Full Council in Accrington Town Hall. This means that Band A properties
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Brothers in Gulf
A FATHER today talked about his fears as both his sons serve in the Gulf and said: "I just hope they come back safe." Thomas Elhasham, of Devonshire Street, Accrington, has joined some of the youngest troops to be sent to the area after successfully completing
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Drugs, weapons blitz will go on
POLICE today vowed to continue their drugs and weapons clampdown near a nightclub. And they have the backing of Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who today praised officers for the operation. The pledge came as officers displayed some of the weapons and drugs seized
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It's the Leaning Tower of Great Harwood!
CHURCH bosses have carried out emergency repair work after discovering their own version of a major tourist attraction -- the Leaning Tower of Great Harwood! The 117ft bell tower and spire at Our Lady and St Hubert's RC Church, Great Harwood, was found
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Bring warship home campaign
AN ex-sailor is backing a campaign to repatriate one of Britain's few surviving WW2 warships. Michael Worthington, from Cross Gill in the Blackmoor area of Astley, hopes Liverpool City Council's bid to bring back HMS Whimbrel, right, from Egypt will be
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Banned driver jailed
A BANNED driver drove the wrong way around a roundabout and collided head-on with another car, a court heard. Mark Lawless had overtaken an unmarked police car in Atherton as he sped past in a stolen car. When police gave chase Lawless refused to stop
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Man's throat cut in terror attack
TWO men were stabbed in a vicious knife attack in the early hours of Saturday morning in Leigh centre. Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack which happened between 12.30am and 1am when three friends, a 25-year-old from Cheshire and two 27-year-old
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'Please listen' ask parents
PARENTS at a threatened special school believe their views are being ignored by education chiefs. They have been to a series of meetings with education bosses to discuss the Council's plans to move Green Hall Primary School's 76 pupils into mainstream
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Country lessons in the parks
CHILDREN from urban areas in East Lancashire are flocking to country parks to learn more about the environment. Workshops putting nature under the microscope are proving so popular that Beacon Fell Country Park, Goosnargh, has a waiting list of participants
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Flats for old bus depot?
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to develop a former bus depot in Clitheroe could get the thumbs-up from planners tonight. Developer Candlemakers Croft Ltd of Broughton Hall wants to build 24 apartments on the Pimlico Road site. Ribble Valley planning officers
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Action should be applauded
rSIR, I read with interest the article regarding motorcycles on Red Rose Forest land. I welcome any moves to remove this problem. I would like to say I was surprised to find the police so interested. Some months ago I informed a community officer of an
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Burnley hit by FA fine
BURNLEY will be hit by an automatic £5,000 fine from the Football Association having had six players booked at Millwall on Tuesday night. But club secretary Cathy Pickup confirmed this morning: "We will fight it all the way." Manager Stan Ternent was
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Dimi double opens the options
DIMITRI Papadopoulos grabbed a goal in either half to give a very strong Burnley side a comfortable 2-0 victory against Oldham at Turf Moor yesterday afternoon. The most interested spectator was Stan Ternent, sitting in the Cricket Field Stand, and he
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Anderson: Best time of my life
JAMES Anderson has described the World Cup as the most incredible experience of his cricketing career. The Burnley bowler, who arrived back in East Lancashire today, said: "It was a real carnival atmosphere throughout the World Cup. "Unfortunately, it
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We owe it to fans
I'VE never been one to count my chickens but I think we can safely say it's 'mission accomplished' now in terms of securing our place in the Premiership. Finishing in the top six is certainly not out of the question yet but the main thing is we've stayed
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See the making of a lady -- by George!
POPULAR musical My Fair Lady is St Paul's Players' next production at the Adlington Community Centre, Railway Road, Adlington, to March 8. Performances begin at 7.30pm each night with tickets from 01257 481910 or from Tyrers Coaches, Chorley Road, Adlington
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Blackpool-London flights takes off
LOW-COST airline Ryanair announced today that it is to launch twice-daily flights linking Blackpool airport with London Stansted. The seven days a week service starts on May 1 -- three weeks before the airline starts service from Blackpool to Dublin.
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Danny boy is on song...
A DANNY Wilson hat-trick steered Leigh Athletic to 5-0 win over lowly Manchester League side, Willows. Leigh began confidently and Wilson opened the scoring following good approach play. With Sheppard and Kidd controlling midfield, it was only a matter
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Darts, Doms details
DARTS: New Inn 4, Leigh RU 3; Jolly Carter 5, Leigh Cricket 2; Railway Tavern 2, Britannia 5; Musketeer 3, Foresters 4; Spinners Arms 2, Colliers Rest 5; Our House 6, Church Inn 1; Bridgewater 4, Nevison 3; Peake Fitness 5, Bull & Butcher 2. DOMINOES
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Tyldesley back in trouble
TYLDESLEY RU found themselves dragged back in the relegation picture when visitors Fleetwood left St George's Park with the points following a 20-13 win. Despite taking a early lead with a Mark Dickinson penalty, Fleetwood drew level also with a penalty
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An open letter from Leigh RMI manager, Mark Patterson, to the people of Leigh
Your club needs you! LAST season the future of Leigh RMI may have been in doubt but things are changing at the club. The new stadium is a distinct possibility. Things are moving forward. In two years we could be playing in a 10,000 seater stadium. From
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Burglars' haul of £1,500
POLICE have appealed for information about a burglary of nearly £1,500 of building materials and machinery from a shop under renovation. It happened at 185 Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors between 3.30pm on Saturday, February 22, and 5.30am on Tuesday,
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Clarets stars fight for cup places
A NUMBER of Burnley stars had a double target as they played for the reserves, get some much needed fitness and challenge for a place in the 16 for the FA Cup quarter-final against Watford on Sunday. Paul Weller, Robbie Blake and Glen Little all came
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Rovers' triple injury boost
BLACKBURN Rovers could be close to full-strength for the visit of Arsenal next week after manager Graeme Souness has received a triple boost from the treatment room. Influential trio Craig Short, Damien Duff and Dwight Yorke are all on course for a return
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New job loss fears at holiday giant MyTravel
BOSSES at East Lancashire tour operator MyTravel plc today moved to quash rumours about hundreds of potential redundancies within the group. The travel giant, formerly Airtours, said it was still in consultation with staff, despite widespread rumours
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Day for helping asylum seekers
A DATE has been set to help Darwen asylum seekers integrate with members of the community. On Tuesday, March 18, political refugees will be given the chance to meet with local business people, residents and church leaders in an attempt to understand and
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Arizona beckons
LEIGH Ornithological Society will hear Valerie McFarland's illustrated talk on Arizona at Friday's meeting which begins at 7.30pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library. Non-members are welcome.
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Walkers up in arms as footpath closes
WALKERS are up in arms over the two-month closure of a scenic walk around Entwistle Reservoir. Rachel Turner of Bolton Road, Darwen, walks her two dogs around the reservoir each weekend. She said: "What can they possibly need to do that will take eight
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Music successes
THE following students of the Graham Collier School of Music were successful in the Winter Examinations of the Associated Board Of The Royal Schools Of Music. Piano Examinations: Pass for James Turnor (Grade 2) and Grade 3 passes for Gemma Buffham and
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New lighting to brighten up alleys
NEW street lighting is set to be installed in Aspull following complaints about safety from residents. Alleyways linking St David's, St John's, St Elizabeth's and St Mary's Roads are poorly lit according to residents, who say they are reluctant to walk
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Centenary concert
CHARITY fund raiser Edith Willcock has organised a musical celebration for a church centenary. Former members of St Nathaniel's Church, Platt Bridge, are invited to join in a brass band concert, to mark 100 years of worship, at the Monaco Ballroom, Hindley
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Fruit-less until May
LEIGH schoolchildren must wait until May to receive a Lotto free fruit every school day. This week the National Lottery's good cause distributors, the New Opportunities Fund, moved into top gear to put the school fruit pilot programme into action in the
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Tod's new business just grows...
FAR-sighted farmer Tod Bulmer is reaping the rewards of diversifying. The specialist seasonal fruit and vegetable grower who runs Kenyon Hall Farm last year launched Northern Harvest on Leigh's Moss Industrial Estate to deliver fresh products to consumers
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Ex-Army wife is new vicar
A FORMER Army wife is the new vicar of St John's, Hindley Green. The Rev Margaret Sherwin, who has filled a year-long vacancy, will be inducted at the Atherton Road church on March 27 and conduct her first service on March 30. Mrs Sherwin and her mum
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Resort's Womble could be cleaned out by court order
BLACKPOOL's very own Great Uncle Bulgaria still faces eviction after failing to pay £12,000 in rubbish clearing fines imposed by council environmental health officials. Dennis Bostock, 62, has spent the last 26 years rifling through rubbish bags in the
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Last minute hitch leaves Keith out in cold
In July, 1975, Keith Dawson, aged 25, left, of Hillside Avenue, Atherton, had to scratch from a charity race at Horwich when his 1935 Rudge let him down at the last minute. He should have joined 16 riders from firms associated with the motor trade in
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Memories of Pennington Church
LEIGH local historian Tony Ashcroft is appealing for past memories of Christ Church, Pennington, to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of its consecration next year. Leigh Library-based Tony is rewriting the history of the church and is seeking pictures
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Bad blood ended in violence
BAD blood between two families erupted in violence at the end of a hot sunny July day and ended with blood being spilled. Blackburn magistrates heard that Inez Markham attacked neighbour Veronica Hindle, punching her repeatedly in the face. And when Miss
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Youngsters put views on asylum
YOUNG people are being given the chance to have their say in politics with their own committee. Blackburn with Darwen Council has set up an overview and scrutiny committee for members of Blackburn with Darwen's Youth Forum, made up of teenagers elected
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County pulls out of Regional Assembly
LANCASHIRE County Council today pulled out of the North West Regional Assembly and demanded its subscription back after accusing it of breaking government guidelines. A resolution calling for withdrawal from the unelected body was passed by ruling Labour
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Boston patrol to beat racism
TWO policemen are jetting across the Atlantic to learn new ways of preventing racism among children in East Lancashire. Sergeant Paul Goodall, 38, and PC Steve Cox, 44, head out to Boston today where they will spend two weeks analysing the methods of
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I'm no dealer, says grandad
A GRANDAD has claimed he has been labelled a dealer in hard drugs by a police leaflet campaign. Kevin Williamson, 41, said the "nightmare" started for him and his partner, Ann Reid, when nine police officers swooped at the family home in Dunoon Drive,
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Care homes 'deal to preserve lives'
CARE home residents and their relatives have spoken of their relief after an 11th hour "deal to save lives" was struck with the county council. Campaigners against the closure of 32 of the county council's 48 care homes reached agreement with the council
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Stanley boost
ACCRINGTON Stanley received a promotion boost without kicking a ball last night after one of their closest rivals lost vital ground in the UniBond Premier Division title race. Vauxhall Motors, who could have closed the gap on Stanley to nine points by
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Blow for Bacup
BACUP boss Brent Peters was left frustrated as his side went down 1-0 to Cheadle Town last night. A header from Cheadle skipper Robbie Kempton produced the game's only goal, but Peters felt his side should have got more from the game. "Sides are doing
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Athletics Round Up
GARY Morley, the athlete injured after being knocked down during last week's Great North Half Marathon has been released from hospital to continue his recovery from head injuries at home. The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident has not been
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Parents plead for answers on school's future
PARENTS at a special school in Atherton threatened with closure believe their views are being ignored by education chiefs. They have been to a series of meetings with education bosses to discuss Wigan Council's plans to move Green Hall Primary's 76 pupils
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Don't lose track...
I HOPE the athletics track planned in Leigh's Sports Village complex scheme is not lost along the way. It's about time the athletes of this town had top class facilities. Leigh Harriers, a private club, has done its best over the decades but no-one can
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Parking ticket trouble for traders
OVER-ZEALOUS traffic wardens have slapped tickets on two Radcliffe traders outside their own shops, even though they were unloading stock. Now the heavy-handed approach could scare people away from the town and put their livelihoods in jeopardy, say hairstylist
