Archive
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Top ballet spectacle
ONE of the world's most popular ballet companies will be appearing in Blackburn tomorrow night bringing the spectacle of Don Quixote to the stage of King George's Hall. The Moscow Ballet -- La Classique was formed in 1990 bringing together leading dancers
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A Jam-packed weekend
THIS is shaping up into a major weekend for Blackburn-based musician Steve Berry, even allowing for his normally demanding schedule. Steve is rated as one of the best in the business on string bass. His ability has brought him much-deserved respect and
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Spoon-bender's life takes a new twist
URI GELLER came early to the world of the paranormal. In fact, he first became aware of his unusual powers when he was five. One day, during a meal, his spoon curled up in his hand and broke, although he had applied no physical pressure to it. His parents
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Remain calm, urges police chief
CHIEF Constable Paul Stephenson today urged people across Lancashire to remain calm after British troops began military action in Iraq. He said there was no need for people to change their daily routines and no need to stockpile food supplies, but he
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Lifeline for families of the troops
WHILE our boys and girls are preparing for battle spare a thought for the families left behind. Scores of wives, husbands and children are waiting for news of their loved ones, but a group of army staff are working behind the scenes, acting as a lifeline
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'Special' pained by arrest
A 20-YEAR-OLD Blackburn man was ordered to pay £200 compensation to a special constable who dislocated a finger while arresting him. Daniel John Parker, of Roman Road, pleaded guilty to Blackburn magistrates to being drunk and disorderly. He was also
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Answers, please on the BNP
I AM conducting post-graduate research on the British National Party in Burnley and am puzzled about why the BNP is winning council seats there. Do readers subscribe to the view that the town has become a hot-bed of racism? Or do other factors come into
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Yet more propaganda
LIB-Dem leader Councillor Paul Browne says his concern about the new "anti-rumour" department costing £60,000 that Blackburn with Darwen Council is setting up is that this is a backdoor way of using taxpayers' money to fund Labour propaganda LET, February
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Labour is asking too much
I AM not surprised that parents in Blackburn and Darwen are outraged at proposals to increase school bus fares for children by 100 per cent (LET, March 8). Many will not be able to afford the rises. This follows the huge rise in Council Tax and, of course
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Asylum system needs tightening
BRITAIN is becoming a diverse community enriched by all faiths and colours represented in towns and cities like Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Preston, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Bradford etc., people live well together and, for the majority of the
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Variety the spice of life
VARIETY will be the spice of life at Blackpool's Grand Theatre this spring and summer, promised general manager Peter Cutchie at the latest brochure launch on Tuesday. As well as the traditional summer season, headlined this year by comedian Billy Pearce
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Blood sister
ONE of Britain's best loved stars, Gillian Taylforth, is set to make her theatrical debut in a taut psychological thriller at Blackpool's Grand Theatre next month. The ex-Eastender, who is best known for her portrayal of the beleaguered Kathy Mitchell
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Dead good!
TAKE two brothers, a bogus Major, a landlady with romantic inclinations and a bobby straight off the beat in a proper helmet and cape - add a plot that twists and turns with increasing confusion and hilarity and time becomes relative... two hours that
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Players take the rains
ONE of the most entertaining films to come from Hollywood's MGM studios is being well rehearsed in readiness for performing at Blackpool's Grand Theatre. Blackpool Operatic Players are putting the polish on their production of the toe-tappin' musical
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Key thieves disturbed
THIEVES were disturbed by the owners of a house in Holcombe Road, Greenmount as they were using a hook and cane to steal car and house keys through the property's letterbox. The two men were interrupted at 3am on Saturday (March 15).
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Thief ordered driver from van
A DELIVERY driver was threatened with a metal bar by a carjacker who fled with the Mercedes panel van. Police said the 36-year-old driver had parked in Heywood Road, Prestwich, on Wednesday lunchtime (March 19) when he was confronted by the lone thief
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Screen star dog!
KIA, an eight-month-old Japanese Akita, has won the coveted title of "Best In Show" in an on-line competition. Her delighted owners, Karl and Carol Plumridge, of Outwood Road, Radcliffe, have eight of the magnificent dogs, but it was Kia who pulled in
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Mugged in the street
AN 81-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy were targeted by street robbers in two separate incidents on Wednesday (March 19). The pensioner's handbag was snatched as she walked along Bolton Road in Bury at 11.50am on Wednesday. Two men drove alongside
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Canal fans voted employee for Kenwin Trophy
CANAL enthusiasts from Bury have showed their appreciation for a landscape architect. The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society nominated British Waterways employee Marcus Chaloner for an national accolade from the Inland Waterways Association. And
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CAB offers home visits
BURY District Citizens Advice Bureau Service is now offering home visits to those people unable to get to the office because of disability or caring commitments. The new home visiting officer Mr Ian Boote has already seen more than 50 clients and generated
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Waste meat could be Castle fuel
WASTE meat and bones could be burned as an alternative fuel at a Clitheroe cement works within a year. But clean air campaigners have reacted angrily to the move by Castle Cement, claiming the health and welfare of residents was being sacrificed for company
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Seeking specialist status
ST Gabriel's RC High School has announced a bid to become a centre of excellence. The Bridge Road school in Bury wants to achieve specialist science college status but in order to do so it will have to raise £50,000. Deputy headteacher Adam Loster explained
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Charity celebrates first major rally success
A NATIONAL charity based in Radcliffe is celebrating the success of its first major rally. Mast Sanity, which campaigns against mobile phone masts, organised the rally in London. Chairman Chris Maile, of Outwood Road, said: "It brought together communities
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Virus victim at local hosptial
THE first British victim of a deadly pneumonia-like virus, which has claimed the lives of 14 people worldwide, is being treated at North Manchester General Hospital. Nigel Glassey, from Altrincham, was taken to the hospital's specialist infectious diseases
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Ex-Rover Shay has a 'clean' image
SHAY Given goes up against his former club at St James' Park tomorrow aiming to improve on an amazing record. The man behind Newcastle United's much-maligned defence has more clean sheets so far this season than any other keeper in the Premiership. Last
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Make mine a double
BLACKBURN Rovers will attempt to pull off their second successive double tomorrow when they take on Newcastle at St James' Park. Graeme Souness's men became the first Premiership side to record a double over Arsenal this season when they beat the Gunners
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Gillespie tribute to striker
ROVERS winger Keith Gillespie today paid a glowing tribute to Newcastle striker Alan Shearer - the man who once allegedly flattened him during a bar-room brawl. Gillespie heads back to Tyneside for a reunion with his former United team-mate tomorrow.
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Free for all at soccer museum
PRESTON'S National Football Museum opened its doors and scrapped its charges this week. It comes after funding was secured from The Football Foundation and the North West Development Agency to provide revenue for the next three years. Sir Bobby Charlton
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Pledge to keep police stations
PRESTON'S top policeman has made a public pledge not to scrap Fulwood and Lea police stations. Chief Superintendent Russ Weaver scotched rumours that the two buildings are in danger of closing, and said that the force are set to spend £3.5 million on
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Give me back her necklace
A PRESTON businessman is begging the thieves who stole his dead wife's necklace to return it. Ted Billington says the gold crucifix and chain had sentimental value and reminded him of happier times before his wife, Elizabeth, died of cancer. It was a
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Tribute to road victims
A MAN whose wife died in a car crash will be one of the first to visit a new memorial to accident victims. Amanda Dean, 34, had her life cut tragically short three years ago. Her husband Alan, who was driving, is still trying to rebuild his life. This
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Man, 36 attacked in busy street
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 36-year-old man was violently attacked as he walked through Burnley town centre. The man was approached by a group of three or four people outside Boots, in The Mall, at 1.15pm last Friday. DC Dave Hindle, of
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Burglary boy, 15 keeps freedom
A BURNLEY schoolboy who burgled six homes among a string of other offences, has kept his freedom. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a 12-month supervision order and a three month curfew order, between the hours of 9pm and
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Rosegrove Bulletin
THERE are vacancies at the mums and toddlers group which are held every Tuesday and Friday morning at the play leadership building next to Gannow Baths, Sycamore Avenue. For more information contact Debbs on 01282 705142. MEMBERS of Rosegrove Action Group
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Company's £40 million contract
BOSSES at Burnley's Smith's Aerospace are celebrating landing a £40million contract with Rolls Royce. The firm, based at Wood Top, will supply post production engine components over the next five years. The contract win safeguards the long term future
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Off licence raider held knife in air
AN armed robber who burst into an off licence wearing a balaclava and brandishing a knife was jailed for five years. Nicholas Carlin, 32, of Harold Avenue, Burnley, struck at FM Grocers, in Cog Lane, with a 17-year-old Burnley youth, who cannot be named
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Take a risk
A RISK assessment seminar is to be staged by Groundwork Bury Business Environment Association at its Link House base next Friday (March 28) between 9am and 1pm. Entitled Whose Risk Is It Anyway?, the event will highlight the duty of employers to carry
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Soccer girls are getting their kicks
GIRLS will be bending it like Beckham in Preston when they sign up for the new Football Academy at Myerscough College, near Preston, later this year. The academy, which aims to turn out the female equivalent of England and Manchester United star David
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Ten years ago
TWINS Kelly and Kerry Williamson jumped for joy to celebrate their tenth birthday a decade after they were born fighting for survival. The twins, who lived at Preston Old Road, Blackburn, were three months premature and were looked after in Queen's Park
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Father jailed after flouting orders
A FATHER-OF-TWO who flouted six court orders at once was today starting a four month jail term. Occasional labourer Mark Henry, 25, got behind the wheel while subject to six driving bans and had driven three times over the last six months. Sentencing
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Parking fine mistake is rubbed out
POLICE have apologised to a couple after slapping them with a ticket for parking on a yellow line -- more than 10 years after it disappeared. Jeanette Gregory, 34, discovered the £30 fixed penalty notice on her husband's Ford Mondeo when she returned
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Chamber change
BOLTON and Bury Chamber of Commerce aims to join the ranks of the UK's "Super Chambers". Proposals to merge into a North Manchester Chamber of Commerce from April are being recommended to Bolton and Bury Chamber's 1,300 business members. The proposals
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Soldier in murder bid charge
A 17-YEAR-OLD soldier from Blackburn has appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with attempted murder. The private, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of carrying out an attack with a pick axe on Lance Corporal Konrad Bisping, 26, from
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Girls can bend it like Beckham
GIRLS are getting the chance to bend it like Beckham after Myerscough College announced the launch of its new, all-female Football Academy. The Academy - the first of its kind in the North West - starts in September and will train students up to First
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Today's the day - March 21
1916: Importing pianos was banned for the duration of the war. 1922: Waterloo station was opened by Queen Mary. 1923: Scientists claimed smoking was good for you as nicotine acted as an anti-bacterial agent. 1925: Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh was
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This week (March 21) in 1978
WHAT'S IN A NAME: The new £4.2 million road-rail bus station being built in the town centre was to be known simply as "Bury Interchange." Local councillors decided on the title after being asked by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive to choose
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Clarets have got to get in front!
STAN Ternent has again called on his players to be more clinical in front of goal as they prepare to take on Grimsby Town at Turf Moor tomorrow afternoon. In recent matches the Burnley boss has bemoaned his side's failure to score when on top at the start
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Model behaviour by toy collectors
THERE was plenty of model behaviour on show at the Norbreck Castle Hotel on Saturday, as a Toy Collectors Fair came to town. There were more than 500 stalls, displaying everything from model railway sets to beanie babies, on show.
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Mad as a hatter!
HATS the way to do it! Queen of Hearts, Christine Bissell and Mad Hatter, Andy Andrews, were at Blackpool's Central Library this week to promote national Bedtime Reading Week. Around 300 children from three local primary schools saw and participated in
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Naomi mum offers £10,000 reward
A MOTHER who is calling for a new investigation into the death of her daughter is offering £10,000 to anyone with new information. As The Citizen revealed last week, Debbie Essery believes her 18-year-old daughter, Naomi, may have been murdered at her
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Is missing Cumbrian man in Blackpool?
POLICE searching for a missing Cumbrian man have revealed he may be on holiday in Blackpool. James Garner, 53, from Yeowartville in Workington, Cumbria, may have headed for the resort without telling his family, Lancashire Police said. He was last seen
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Please come home John
"HE MADE me a promise," says Cynthia Gilkes of her son, John Wright, who she has not seen in more than ten years: "He said that if anything happened to my partner, he would come home to me." John left his family's Birmingham home because of the behaviour
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Blackpool's to have own Epcot Centre
BLACKPOOL'S 'pleasuredome' is intended to do for the Pleasure Beach what the Epcot Centre did to Disneyworld. The dome - pencilled in for an area of car parks and council buildings between Bloomfield Road stadium and the Borough Park cinema complex -
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Resort director hits top gear!
BLACKPOOL'S most famous film director is set to hit top Gere as he recruits stars for his latest blockbuster. Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez are expected to join the cast of Peter Chelsom's next film, a romantic comedy called Shall We Dance? The film
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Rotary clubs to champion health day
THREE Rotary clubs are spearheading a special Stroke Awareness Day in Bury next month. Bury, Bury Irwell Vale and Tottington & Bury West with the aid of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and The Stroke Association are combining to
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Clean-up is a success say police
BURY'S "most wanted" offenders have been swept from the streets. Now police are celebrating the success of the two-week Operation Clean-up which resulted in 44 prolific criminals in the borough being arrested and 37 of them charged for crimes, including
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Instructor's milestone
THIRTEEN may be an unlucky number for some, but it represents an important milestone for a Radcliffe driving instructor who is celebrating 13 years in the job. Steve Ramsbottom (44), of Stainton Road, joined BSM in 1984 and has spent the past 13 years
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No room for error
STAN TERNENT has fired out a defiant promise to Clarets fans: "We can still get in the play-offs." But, ahead of the clash with Grimsby Town at Turf Moor tomorrow afternoon, he has admitted that there is no longer any margin for error and they have to
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Element of luck as fate deals a winning hand
LEFTFIELD Pendle band Transelement are set to celebrate the release of their second album with their biggest show to date. Headlining at Colne Municipal Hall next Friday night, the quartet are still revelling in the critical acclaim generated by their
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Three-trick Pony
THE Showponies are set for their debut appearance in Nelson next Friday. But it's only the first of three gigs their frontman James Fraser will play for three different bands over the following week. The hectic seven-day schedule sees the musician fronting
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Company's £40 million contract
BOSSES at Burnley's Smith's Aerospace are celebrating landing a £40million contract with Rolls Royce. The firm, based at Wood Top, will supply post production engine components over the next five years. The contract win safeguards the long term future
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Injured dog shock
A TEENAGER who went to retrieve a football found an abandoned dog which had been beaten and left for dead. The six-month-old jack russell/border collie cross, named Dandy, was saved after a the boy, 15, heard whimpers coming from derelict property in
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Not Moore of the same
PETER Moore wrote the book on the problems facing Britain's seaside resort - and he believes the Blackpool masterplan will be a big step towards a solution. Formerly a Government adviser dubbed the 'Tourism Tsar', Mr Moore brought a commercial edge to
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BT ring the changes
NEVER mind talk, it's good to text say British Telecom, which is in the process of removing dozens of unwanted phone boxes from Blackpool's streets. BT's ringing the changes because of the rise of mobile phones and use of e-mails and text messages. In
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Judge's anger as killer flees prison
A CONVICTED killer strolled out through the main gates of Kirkham prison and worked as a Blackpool window cleaner for more than a month, an 'outraged' judge has heard. Neil Morrison, 27, of Marhill Road, Blackpool, Lancs, admitted a charge of escape.
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Nimrod jobs to go at Warton
HUNDREDS of local BAE Systems workers could lose their jobs after aerospace bosses announced large scale redundancies on the struggling Nimrod project. Around 164 aircraft-related staff at BAE's Warton site are to face redundancy in a move which will
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Junior results
A ROUND-UP of the local junior soccer scene. LYTHAM JUNIORS U11s 3 YMCA 2 YMCA scored the first goal in this exciting match. Lytham Juniors equalised through a right footed volley from Jonathan Millward. Lytham Juniors then went 2-1 up. In the second
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Great Scott, he's got it!
LYTHAM Boxer Scott Cardle produced his most convincing performance to date at the National Schoolboy Championship semi-final in Birmingham on Saturday. He outfought the current central England champion and English Schoolboy Representative Nathan Shaw
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Hannah's on course
TEENAGER Hannah Greenough will be showing off her culinary skills for a celebrity panel, including top chef Gary Rhodes, when she takes part in the National Junior Chef of the Year competition. Hannah, 15, a pupil at St Wilfrid's High School, Blackburn
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BT workers protest over Indian call centres
DOZENS of workers on a lunchtime protest in Blackburn warned their employer "Don't say goodbye to our jobs". The Communication Workers' Union organised a demonstration outside British Telecom's Jubilee Street centre, which employs about 200 staff. It
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Blooming daffodils are safe
A COUNCIL accused of mowing down daffodils in bloom has moved to avoid a spring battle with flower lovers. Blackburn with Darwen Council has explained its grass-cutting policy to avoid "misunderstandings." after two years of protests. Peter Hunt, director
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Muslim group calls for halal checks
A MUSLIM group in Lancashire is to call on a government watchdog to crack down on chicken which could make people "violate" their religion unwittingly. The Lancashire Council of Mosques will tell the Food Standards Agency (FSA) it is "disturbed and concerned
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Drive-ban former soldier in 'suicidal' car chase
A POLICE officer described Scott Allison's driving as "suicidal" as he raced off in an attempt to escape arrest. Blackburn magistrates heard he reached speeds of over 60mph in built up areas of Blackburn, overtaking other vehicles and passing one on the
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It's magic - scanner unveiled
JUBILANT Magic Eye Appeal organisers unveiled the life-saving equipment fundraisers have paid for -- then proclaimed East Lancashire as a centre of excellence for cancer diagnosis. And they also revealed that the generosity of readers who had backed the
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Rival cinema bid gets the green light
BOSSES at Blackburn's existing cinema want to build a rival to the new multiplex scheme planned for the outskirts of town. And attempts by consultants acting for Apollo Leisure to have the rival development, on a ten-acre site next to Blackburn Railway
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Rams seek the right result
RAMSBOTTOM United go into an instant replay with Newcastle Town hoping for a very different result. They will travel to Staffordshire for their second successive Saturday North West Counties Division One fixture against Newcastle this weekend after losing
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Rubbish idea is a waste
JUST a line to let you know we agree with the article in the Citizen regarding the Wheelie bins. I cannot understand how this council could allow household waste to 'lie' for a fortnight, it will rot and smell in the summer. It will be another waste of
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How Labour MPs voted on Iraq
JACK Croysdill (public relations man for Blackpool North & Fleetwood Labour Party) -- in a letter printed by the Citizen March 6, forgot to mention Joan Humble MP did vote for war against Iraq in the Commons last week as did the Labour MP for Blackpool
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Reality sometimes different
THE letter from Mr P Roscoe, February 27, regarding potential homosexual liaison in public toilets does indeed merit a response from the council. Its views and any subsequent action taken (if any) will be closely monitored. This particular issue makes
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Highfield shops need protecting
A FEW weeks ago a resident living in the area of Highfield Road asked advice on how to proceed with setting up a petition to help residents, shopkeepers and shoppers, who for many months have had their lives disrupted by a small number of children causing
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The argument against...
RELIGIOUS leaders -- both Christian and Muslim -- were quick to unite in opposition to the war. They said any justifications for military action were clearly unfounded and could have serious repercussions. A joint statement issued by the Lancashire Council
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Not Labour, just Bury!
ONCE again Coun Byrne (Your Letters, March 7) missed the political point in my earlier letter. I have never directed my arguments at the Labour Party, only Bury MBC. The letter in which I criticised Bury MBC for the "weak" label given it by the Audit
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Stand as an independent
HOW many of us are fed up with our local council? They take an inordinate amount of money off us in business rates, council tax, parking and planning fees. And what do we get in return? Is it value for money? If the answer is no, then do something about
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Closures: don't think this won't affect you
WE advertised a public meeting for last Saturday at the request of RAGE, a national group formed, like ourselves, to support the elderly. The meeting was designed to unite the union Unison with residents, relatives and staff to help stop the closures
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Don't preach to us, councillor
WE are told that we have the second lowest council tax in the Greater Manchester area, while we think that we have the second lowest quality of services. Yet with inflation at around 2.5 per cent, our councillors have the audacity to increase council
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Closures didn't solve the problem
SO, the legal fight to save Affetside Primary School is finally over. Alas, many issues remain unresolved. What, for example, of the questionable conduct of Bury Council? Have they broken their own constitution by delegating the decision on school closures
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'Shock and awe' bombing begins
U.S. and British forces unleashed a mighty air assault on Baghdad on Friday night setting the night alight and sending clouds of debris into the sky. Officials in Washington had said the ferocity of their "shock and awe" campaign -- intended to stun Iraqi
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Who needs Comic Relief with this lot?
WHO needs Comic Relief when we have Bury councillors? We were delighted to hear that members of the council have written to the Prime Minister, opposing his probable incursion into Iraq. I am sure he will give it as much consideration as Bury Council
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Seeking specialist status
ST Gabriel's RC High School has announced a bid to become a centre of excellence. The Bridge Road school in Bury wants to achieve specialist science college status but in order to do so it will have to raise £50,000. Deputy headteacher Adam Loster explained
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Blasting off to the stars . . .well nearly
ROCKET science helped propel two local high schools to success during the final countdown of an innovative space project. Proud pupils and staff of Bury's Derby High School and Elms Bank High School, Whitefield, watched in awe as their homemade rockets
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Sleeping man crushed in refuse truck
A HOMELESS man sleeping in a wheelie bin suffered serious crush injuries when the bin was tipped into the back of a refuse truck on Thursday (March 20) morning. The collection crew was unaware that Mark Wood was asleep in the bin in St Paul's Street when
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Turin Brakes - Ether Song
TURIN Brakes are an unusual band, and when they arrived on the scene two years ago were hailed as the pioneers of a new form of music -- New Acoustic. Basically this means that Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian, the group's frontmen, stick to acoustic
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, March 22, 2003
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Blackburn Arts Club presents "Accrington Pals," Club Theatre, Gibraltar Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm. Jumble Sale, Whalley Village Hall, 1pm-4pm. Proceeds to Make-A-Wish
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'Hope they come home safe'
FAMILIES of serving troops were today praying their loved ones remained safe. Katherine Dixon's step-son Steven, 22, of Accrington, is a gunner commando in the Royal Artillery. She said: "We're very anxious and feel so helpless. Our sympathies go out
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Letter home adds to fears
AN EAST Lancashire squaddie's stepmother today spoke of her concern after receiving a letter just as war broke out. In his letter Lance Bombardier Steven Dixon, 22, said he was safe and well and that his Royal Artillery division would be leaving their
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Day of protest and candlelit vigil
A DAY of protest in Blackburn ended in silence last night as anti-war campaigners staged a candlelit vigil outside the cathedral at dusk. Just minutes earlier, a 150-strong crowd outside the town hall whistled and cheered as speakers called for Blackburn
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Let's hear more from Rev Logan
I CONGRATULATE you on the decision to include a column by the Reverend Kevin Logan in your newspaper. His denial of evolution and his criticism of Darwin was a real scoop. Mr Logan has been denied a wider audience for his views for too long. I trust that
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Injured dog shock
A TEENAGER who went to retrieve a football found an abandoned dog which had been beaten and left for dead. The six-month-old jack russell/border collie cross, named Dandy, was saved after a the boy, 15, heard whimpers coming from derelict property in
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Firefighters are hypocrites
I BELIEVE that the firemen should snap up the latest generous pay offer and would ask them to consider their previous industrial action and look at how hypocritical this is to the comments they have previously made. They make claims that the new working
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Midge... Ure a true star
THEY were dancing, but not with tears in their eyes. Instead fans of Midge Ure cheered an enjoyable performance at The Grand on Friday night. Not many could start a rock concert with an instrumental and get away with it . And Midge and his two support
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Smoke logged flat
A 68-year-old woman needed hospital treatment after she was pulled from her smoke-filled flat. The lady had left a plastic tub on a hot oven top causing it to melt. Thick fumes spread through her apartment at Holly Court sheltered housing complex in Pimhole
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Hit in attempt to grab phone
A BUS passenger was hit over the head when he refused to hand over his mobile phone to three thugs. The 33-year-old man had just stepped off the bus in Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, when he was approached by the trio at 8.20pm on Thursday (March 13). They asked
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Board boss hits out at meeting "bullies"
THE chairman of Prestwich area board, Councillor Paul Nesbit, has hit out at "bullies" who attended the recent special meeting to discuss the future of the Sainsbury site. Coun Nesbit, who chaired the public meeting at the Longfield Suite, said a number
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Blooming daffodils are safe
A COUNCIL accused of mowing down daffodils in bloom has moved to avoid a spring battle with flower lovers. Blackburn with Darwen Council has explained its grass-cutting policy to avoid "misunderstandings." after two years of protests. Peter Hunt, director
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Privatisation glimmer of hope for threat homes
BURY'S threatened council-run old folks homes could be bought up and run as going concerns by private firms. The glimmer of hope for Warthfield in Bury and Whittaker House in Radcliffe emerged this week as councillors delayed making a decision on these
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Police winning the crime war
LOCAL police are winning the fight against robbers, new figures have revealed. The reduction in street and business premises robberies in the borough follows an increase in police patrols in a number of hotspot areas and greater awareness by crime-conscious
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Be on your guard
HOUSEHOLDERS in Bury are being urged to be on their guard when answering their door to strangers. The warning from United Utilities comes after bogus water officials tried to trick their way into elderly customers' homes across the borough. Fortunately
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Berg targeted
VALERENGA director Kjetil Siem is hoping to sign Blackburn's veteran defender Henning Berg on a free transfer in the summer. Berg is returning to his homeland when his contract at Ewood Park expires at the end of the season. But he will not decide on
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On track for racing car club
A PRESTON couple are in pole position as they get on track to open a club for Scalextric enthusiasts. Bernadette and Jim Brown, of Dodgson Road, Ribbleton, will be launching the club, complete with a track and a £2,000 computer system, on Saturday, April
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Litter guru to clean up
PRESTON City Council are on the hunt for a litter expert to join a massive drive to sweep the streets clean. Almost a quarter of a million pounds has been set aside in the next budget, coming into force in two weeks, to fight litter. The money includes
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Cash in on changes
A MOVE to cut the red-tape that stopped local community groups claiming almost £50,000 handouts has been made by Preston City Council. Council chiefs say the rules on claiming the cash were so tight that just £3,000 has been dished out since the launch
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Lifeline for families of the troops
WHILE our boys and girls are preparing for battle spare a thought for the families left behind. Scores of wives, husbands and children are waiting for news of their loved ones, but a group of army staff are working behind the scenes, acting as a lifeline
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Bouncer 'attacked sleepy clubber'
A BURNLEY nightclub bouncer allegedly attacked a customer after dragging him outside at closing time, a jury was told. Burnley Crown Court heard how Andrew Marshall, 32, punched and kicked victim Matthew Crawford who had fallen asleep in The Works, last
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Premier's thanks to MP Peter
THE Prime Minister has sent a personal note of thanks to Burnley MP Peter Pike as he prepares to retire after 20 years. Tony Blair has joined well-wishers which also include Neil Kinnock, Gordon Prentice and other local MPs, who have sent cards and emails
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Jobs saved
TWO hundred engineering jobs in Burnley and Colne have been saved today after an eleventh-hour £21m buy-out from the troubled L. Gardner Group. The man heading the rescue of the former Pendle Aeroform and Cleveland Guest factories is Steve Hollis a former
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'Road rage' dad jailed for hitting driver
A YOUNG dad who smashed a groundsman's cheekbone in a "road rage" attack was today starting a 10-month jail term. Kamar Mohmood, 20, had punched victim Gary Harris after a minor road collision in Nelson. Mr Harris had to have surgery and two metal plates
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Broadband bait
THE benefits of Bury businesses connecting to broadband will be underlined at a meeting in the town next Tuesday (March 25). Nigel Billings and Neil Haydock, of Hands-on Computing, will be the main speakers at the next meeting of Bury Business Network
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Rotary clubs to champion health day
THREE Rotary clubs are spearheading a special Stroke Awareness Day in Bury next month. Bury, Bury Irwell Vale and Tottington & Bury West with the aid of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and The Stroke Association are combining to
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Hockey - A good show
PUTTING their recent efforts in the league aside, Preston returned to form with a stylish 6-1 victory over East Division one pacesetters, Long Sutton, in the quarter-finals of the H.A. Trophy. Playing with zeal and vigour, Preston embellished their attractive
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Officers 'cop' for police sport awards
FORGET David Beckham, move over Lennox Lewis, two police officers have 'nicked' their force's sports personalities of the year. Detective Constable Dave Watkinson, from Penwortham CID, and Sue Harrison, a civilian worker at the major crime unit, Hutton
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Five years ago
STUDENTS, schoolchildren and the public were given the chance to see behind the scenes of the National Health Service during a series of open days. Visitors could meet staff and see demonstrations at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.
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Mercy dash costs licence
A MAN who vowed never to drive again after being sent to prison for drink-driving got behind the wheel again nine years later in what he thought was a family emergency. Blackburn magistrates heard that Vernon Paul Barton made a mercy dash to hospital,
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Princess Tara's crowning glory
A HORSE which melted the hearts of Lancashire Evening Telegraph readers after being orphaned at two days old has won a national competition. Little Zara was named by readers after she lost her mum Minnie to Laminitis -- a disease that affects the hoof
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Take a risk
A RISK assessment seminar is to be staged by Groundwork Bury Business Environment Association at its Link House base next Friday (March 28) between 9am and 1pm. Entitled Whose Risk Is It Anyway?, the event will highlight the duty of employers to carry
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Broadband bait
THE benefits of Bury businesses connecting to broadband will be underlined at a meeting in the town next Tuesday (March 25). Nigel Billings and Neil Haydock, of Hands-on Computing, will be the main speakers at the next meeting of Bury Business Network
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Website will outline funding
THE regeneration of some of the North West's more deprived areas will be made easier with the launch of a new website aimed at providing information on regeneration funding for potential developers. "Bridging the Gap" is a joint initiative between the
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Successful image
SUCCESS is certainly in the pipeline for a local design and corporate identity consultants. Prestwich firm Appleby Bowers are toasting an enviable account gain after being commissioned by global plumbing and building giant Wolseley Centers to conduct
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Protection money
VULNERABLE small and medium-sized Bury firms can now source vital cash as a key weapon in their fight against crime. The Secure Bury project, formerly the Business Security Initiative, will provide eligible companies with grants of up to 50 per cent of
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Successful image
SUCCESS is certainly in the pipeline for a local design and corporate identity consultants. Prestwich firm Appleby Bowers are toasting an enviable account gain after being commissioned by global plumbing and building giant Wolseley Centers to conduct
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Band have fame in sight
CLITHEROE band The Front will take a major step towards stardom when they play at a top venue for new talent. The band -- guitarist and singer Thomas Hosty, rhythm guitarist Thoman Blenk, bass player Paul Caine, and drummer Andrew Cooke -- have been lined
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Waste meat could be Castle fuel
WASTE meat and bones could be burned as an alternative fuel at a Clitheroe cement works within a year. But clean air campaigners have reacted angrily to the move by Castle Cement, claiming the health and welfare of residents was being sacrificed for company
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Seven up!
KIRKHAM Grammar battled all the way to the final of the National School's Sevens at the weekend - but lost out on the trophy to Bristol based Colston Collegiate School. The event at Fylde Rugby Club proved to be a major success, with 41 teams from 38
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Miner hiccup
SCORPIONS started well applying lots of early pressure onto the visitors defence which resulted in a 4-0 lead for them through two converted penalties by Craig Campbell. Leigh Miners finally obtained possession and showed their attacking flair. Firstly
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Fat lady warming up for Bloomfield debut
ANY hopes of Blackpool reaching the playoffs were finally put to rest as the Seasiders crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Ninian Park. There was a glimmer of hope before the game especially since it was 17 years since Blackpool last lost to Cardiff. But goals
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Groves will opt for safety first
BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent has not been alone in tinkering with his formation in recent weeks but his opposite number tomorrow appears to have hit on a successful formula. For the last three games Grimsby's player manager Paul Groves has adopted a safety
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No room for error
STAN TERNENT has fired out a defiant promise to Clarets fans: "We can still get in the play-offs." But, ahead of the clash with Grimsby Town at Turf Moor tomorrow afternoon, he has admitted that there is no longer any margin for error and they have to
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Family tribute to MBE gran
A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER who was awarded the MBE for devoting her life to others has died aged 97. Mrs Elizabeth Green, of St Mary's Court, in Prestwich passed away earlier this month and her funeral was held at St Mary's Church last Thursday (March 13). The
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Pupils shape up at church
PUPILS from eight secondary schools took on a Tetrahedron challenge on Tuesday. The day of events at St Thomas Church showed how science, technology and maths could be combined to solve engineering problems. The pupils were challenged to design three
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Riding up a storm
HUNDREDS of riders will be getting on their bikes in Blackpool next week for an off-road race on the resort's golden sands. More than 200 riders are expected to take to the two-mile circuit next Saturday, in a race which is the brainchild of former Top
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Propaganda claim over council tabloid
A LEADING local councillor has slammed a new council produced newsletter as the epitomy of "gloss, froth and spin". Officials at Blackpool Council claim the eight-page, tabloid called 'Your Blackpool' has been designed to keep residents up-to-date with
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Project work could start within months
WORK could start within months on a green 'gateway' to Blackpool and a re-shaped promenade as the town's 'masterplan' begins to take effect. Council bosses want to sweep away the unattractive 1960s concrete buildings and car parks along Seasiders Way
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Mayor's tribute to blind ambition
IMAGINE trying to make your way through a busy shopping centre and across main roads without being able to see where you are going... That's the situation Fylde Mayor, Councillor Hannah Cummings-Miller, put herself in when challenged to put on a blindfold
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To crusher with love
IT'S been a crushing time for motorists who have abandoned their cars or not paid their road tax. The government's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has joined forces with Fylde Borough Council and police and fire officers to clamp down on those
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The people have spoken
THE North West Regional Assembly has accused a business organisation of "talking down the regions". The reaction comes after the CBI called for "safeguards" to be added to Government plans for regional devolution. The assembly, whose leader is Bury councillor
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Blowing up a storm!
BURY poet and musician David Higgins is dancing to the beat of a different drum! He has temporarily swapped his African drums for the trumpet by taking a leading role in a jazz play currently being staged at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre. And it's
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Temple becomes a summer place
HEATON Park's distinctive Temple has been restored to provide a summer studio for local artists. The 18th Century Grade II listed building has undergone major refurbishment as part of a £6million package of works to transform the entire park. Built at
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Driving up the costs
MOTORISTS in Prestwich are being stung by the highest insurance premiums in Britain. A survey by the AA shows that drivers in the M25 postal district pay more for their policies than anywhere else in the country. In its study, the motoring group compared
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Opening event marks £2m college development
HOLY Cross College held an official opening ceremony for its latest £2 million developments. Friday's (March 14) celebrations saw the naming of the Maureen Haverty Building and the opening of the refurbished Summerfield Building The Mayor and Mayoress
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Blasting off to the stars . . .well nearly
ROCKET science helped propel two local high schools to success during the final countdown of an innovative space project. Proud pupils and staff of Bury's Derby High School and Elms Bank High School, Whitefield, watched in awe as their homemade rockets
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Make mine a double
BLACKBURN Rovers will attempt to pull off their second successive double tomorrow when they take on Newcastle at St James' Park. Graeme Souness's men became the first Premiership side to record a double over Arsenal this season when they beat the Gunners
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Puppet up!
THERE will be plenty of puppets on a string in May as Blackpool and Fylde hosts a puppet festival. The highlight of the week will be a puppet parade through Blackpool on May 17, ending at the Grundy Art Gallery, where the puppets are to be displayed.
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Cherries blossom
MUSIC fans can take their pick in Garstang next week as a top local band launch their new single and video. Country rock outfit, The Cherry Pickers, have built up a real following since 2000 and launch 'Treading water' at a Champagne party on Saturday
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Stairs tumble broke man's neck
RETIRED painter and decorator Donald Rogerson died after breaking his neck in a fall down stairs at his home. And an inquest heard that the fall may have been caused by an irregular heart rhythm as a result of clogged arteries. Mr Rogerson, 66, of Redearth
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Theatre chance for singers to shine
A WEEKEND of singing workshops will be held at Darwen Library Theatre on April 5 and 6. Blackburn People's Choir are running the workshops, which are funded by an Awards for All grant from the National Lottery. The sessions are suitable for all ages and
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Staff given 'dog dazers'
FRONT-LINE council staff are being trained to use special equipment to protect themselves against vicious dogs. Housing, highways and environmental health workers at Rossendale Council will be issued with RSPCA-approved "dog dazers". The equipment, which
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Residents slam luxury flats plan
AMBITIOUS plans to build a £5million block of luxury, five-storey flats were put on hold because councillors were concerned about the height of the development. Proposals submitted to Rossendale Council by The Hurstwood Group involve creating 34 apartments
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Youth flouted ruling
AN UNRULY teenager who flouted a court order meant to make him behave has won his freedom -- as magistrates ruled he could be "named and shamed." Gary David Herbert, 16, who terrified a woman due to give evidence against him, had shown disrespect for
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Resort must go the Mancunian way
BLACKPOOL must take the Mancunian way to success if its masterplan is to really take off. So say two of the key consultants who helped in the city's regeneration and who are now helping to rebuild Blackpool "THE first part of the job is always fun," says
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Now things can really take off
WANTED: a company who can help Blackpool airport really take off. Requests like this could soon be winging their way to major players in the airport industry as the council bids to increase passenger numbers tenfold in less than a decade. A private company
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Wish you were clear
'BARGAIN' holidays offered by some Blackpool travel agents have been exposed as a scam following a swoop by trading standards officers. The move comes after Trading Standards officers in the resort joined forces with colleagues from Greater Manchester
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Terror alert at train station
BLACKPOOL rail passengers were put on terror alert after a traveller was found to be carrying two toy guns on a service bound for Manchester Airport. Police were called to Blackpool North station at around 12.20pm on Wednesday after a female passenger
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Overnight curfew for teenage girl
A BLACKPOOL 15-year-old will not be allowed out of her home between 9pm and 6am for two years after magistrates decided the community needed protecting from her anti-social behaviour. Kimberley Redford, of Addison Crescent, Layton was in Blackpool Magistrates
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Paras a big family says Dee
AS the war with Iraq begins this week a clerk from Blackpool could be closer to the front line than any other British woman. Corporal Dee Oldman, 30, is attached to 3 Para, says being attached to one of the Army's elite regiments helps relieve her apprehension
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Man had sex with girl of 14
A 26 year old man had sex with a 14 year old schoolgirl who has learning difficulties. Blackburn magistrates heard that the girl, who Ian Keith Roberts knew was under age, also had behavioural and emotional problems. Roberts, who previously lived in Blackburn
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Lucky supporters line up alongside their heroes
THE dreams of 200 Rovers fans came true when they lined up next to their heroes for a team photo. Manager Graeme Souness, assistant Tony Parkes and players Craig Short, Henning Berg, Garry Flitcroft, Lucas Neill, Jay McEveley, Paul Gallagher and Jerome
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Bond snag delay for hospital
A LAST-minute hitch is delaying the start of work on a £96 million 'super hospital' in Blackburn. A behind-the-scenes wrangle between the hospital trust's private sector partner Balfour Beatty and an agency in the City has delayed the issue of a bond
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Underwood making his mind up
COMPLACENCY won't be a word bandied around the Nelson dressing room as they prepare to take on bottom-placed Chadderton tomorrow. Denis Underwood's side will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of losing 2-0 to promotion chasers Holker Old
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Wilkes wants team to play with pride
DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes has urged his squad to play for their shirts. Wilkes was angry after seeing his side throw away their game at Holker Old Boys unnecessarily after having two goals disallowed. Darwen went on to lose 2-0, missing the chance to
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Speare prepared to take back seat
JAMIE Speare admits he would be happy if he didn't have another save to make between now and the end of the season. The Accrington Stanley goalkeeper would usually prefer to be involved than a virtual spectator in games. But he confessed he wouldn't mind
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Gone to pot!
IS THIS the most barren and soulless town on the planet? I've been here for about 18 months and it's an absolute nightmare. Everything but everything is geared towards tourists or clubbing, with nothing put back for the people who live here all year round
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Read all about it...
HEADLINES sell newspapers. Shock-horror headlines sell even more newspapers. Whereas good news rarely warrants a mention. So it is hardly surprising that newspapers, which are commercial organizations and not charities, invariably carry banner headlines
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Fuller set to hit return target
RICARDO Fuller is set to meet his new season return target, Preston boss Craig Brown predicted today. The 23-year-old striker underwent a make-or-break knee operation in the USA at the start of the year. The operation became a necessity after the Jamaican
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The argument for...
THE decision to go to war with Iraq has split the community in East Lancashire just as it has across the rest of the UK and the international community. The crux of the matter is whether the USA, UK and their allies were right to abandon diplomatic attempts
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We want to stay "British"
IN reply to "A. Realist" (Your Letters, March 4) I would say that the BNP are against mixed marriages on religious and cultural grounds, not colour. They want to keep Christianity and our heritage as a future for our children. What the BNP want is a far
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They don't have a divine right
IT came as no surprise to see that Bury Council has postponed the decision on the closure of the old folks homes until after the May elections. This is just one more example of councillors becoming increasingly arrogant and forgetting that they are elected
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BNP aren't Hitler clones
IT'S about time Mr Kaiserman (Your Letters, March 7) stopped living in the past and started basing his arguments on what's happening in the world today. Yes, what Hitler did was an atrocity but Mr Kaiserman can't keep using that argument against the BNP
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Forces take airfields
U.S. forces have seized two strategic airfields in western Iraq, officials said today, as advancing U.S. and British forces in the south of the country secured oil fields amid sporadic resistance. But U.S. commanders refrained from an all-out bombardment
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Schools Plus scheme
FAMILIES can save money on their shopping and help their local schools at the same time, thanks to a revolutionary new scheme called Schools Plus. From April 21 schools registered with the scheme will be provided with money-saving voucher books which
