Archive
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Great vision of a healthier future
AS the wraps come off the designs today for three new health centres for East Lancashire -- part of a £65million plan to upgrade and build even more in our region over the next five to seven years -- much more than improvement in facilities was being
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Open House...with BILL JACOBS Column for Friday
AS reshuffle fever gripped Westminster yesterday, former Government Whip Greg Pope was less than optimistic. The Hyndburn MP's main hope was to get a bigger office!. Mr Pope revealed: "I don't expect a new government job. I'm just hoping for a better
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Why Magnolia stars are keeping it in the family
FOR Francesca Ryan and Katherine Holme, playing at a mother and daughter relationship is rapidly becoming something of a speciality. Their latest roles, in the all-female cast of Steel Magnolias, see them replicate the parts made famous in the film by
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Why a trip to the seaside will be so refreshing
AFEW weeks ago I drew your attention to the upcoming Southport Jazz Festival, one of the healthy number of similar annual celebrations of our kind of music. Well, now is the time for you to finalise your plans as the Southport Jazzfest starts next Thursday
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Heather's high on her music
I DON'T drink or smoke or do any drugs," says Heather Small, the voice of M People. "My high comes from singing. That's what makes me feel happy." Feeling happy is what Heather's music is all about -- both for herself and her fans. Her deep, distinctive
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Raiders take on European rivals
RAMSBOTTOM'S finest footballing talent spent last week touring Germany. The Ramsbottom Raiders trekked across the country playing friendly matches on four consecutive days in Bielefeld, Frankfurt, Wurzburg and Munich. Tour organiser and team manager Alex
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Challenge to young volunteers
YOUNG people from low-income families in East Lancashire will be able to take part in volunteer work across areas as diverse as conservation and media projects as part of a new scheme. The University of Central Lancashire Volunteering Unit has been chosen
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Get the real picture, Eric
ERIC Leaver's uncharacteristic broad sweep with the tar brush over the Graham Pound saga (LET, June 4) brings neither the local Tory party association, nor Mr Leaver any great credit. As the chairman of the party's Corporation Ward Committee in Blackburn
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Euro: Don't let history repeat itself
NORTH West Liberal-Democrat MEP Chris Davies continually pushes for full European partnership and all the benefits that come with it, but fails to mention the problems of joining the euro. Most citizens of the Euro-zone want to return to their own currency
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A Grand Amdram Slam
A FEAST of amateur theatre awaits this month at Blackpool's Grand Theatre. The venue's first Amdram Slam takes place on June 26 and 27, featuring six amateur theatre companies from The Fylde. And it's going to be a whirl of theatre, according to a Grand
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More a case of Goodbye sailor!
NEVER mind Sailor, Beware! This should have been called, Audience, Beware! I've never seen such a lot of tosh in my life -- and frankly I pity the cast that had to work with this lame script by Philip King and Falkland Cary. In a nutshell, it's the 50s
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Robbers grab teenager's throat
A TEENAGER was grabbed around the throat and robbed by two thugs in Whitefield. The robbery happened at 12.25am on Saturday (June 7) in Ringley Road as the 18-year-old male victim was making his way home. The offenders rifled through the youth's pockets
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Homes plan for Benny's nightspot
A CLUB which was a social mecca for generations of local people could be turned into a housing development. Kevin Jenks, the owner of the once popular nightspot Benny's in Radcliffe, has submitted a change-of-use planning application. Mr Jenks wants to
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Championships under threat
THE crisis facing Manchester United and their star player was locally eclipsed this week by the threat to Bury's very own world famous sporting event. Just like Beckham, the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship is looking for a new home. But whereas
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Sports hall sale to fund project
A PRESTON college has agreed to the sale of its sports hall and is planning to plough the profits into a new leisure complex for the community. Cardinal Newman Catholic College has sold its sports hall in Garden Street, subject to planning permission,
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Hitting the heights to beat crime
YOUNGSTERS from the city's most needy areas could soon be climbing their way out of a path to crime. 'Climb not Crime' will see a mobile climbing tower, similar to the ones used by the army at fairs, wheeled out onto streets and into parks. Children will
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Room for change says hotel buyer
BURNLEY'S landmark hotel has been snapped up for £700,000 by a Cheshire-based businessman who has vowed to carry out further improvement works. The Keirby Hotel, Keirby Walk, underwent £300,000 worth of refurbishments last year after Crown Properties
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Newby not for me - McMahon
BLACKPOOL boss Steve McMahon has dismissed speculation linking Bury's Jon Newby with his club. The Blackpool boss also questioned the striker's ambition when interviewed on BBC Radio Lancashire. "We have been down that line before," said McMahon. "Jon
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Guided walks for a tranquil setting
PENDLE Council's park ranger service has organised two short guided walks tomorrow and on Sunday that will explore some of the most tranquil parts of Pendle's countryside. The first will begin at 1pm on tomorrow, from the Brunswick Street entrance to
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Artist's plea for website
A BRIERFIELD artist who wanted to create a place for other artists to showcase their work and make a name for themselves has launched his own website. John Bradbury, 44, of Stoneyhurst Height, was delighted to see his site entitled www.johnmbradburyart.co.uk
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Wraps are off for buildings in £65m plan
THE wraps have been taken off three new health centres as part of a massive scheme to bring East Lancashire's rundown complexes into the 21st century. Nelson, Bacup and Darwen will be the first areas to benefit from the LIFT project, private/public sector
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Joy off the pitch tempered by defeat
PRESTON celebrated a new shirt sponsorship deal on Saturday but they had little to cheer about on the pitch as they were defeated at home to Lancaster by five wickets and so fell to fifth in the league. Some tight bowling meant Preston got off to a slow
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CD Reviews...
BRITISH SEA POWER: The Decline of British Sea Power IT may sound like something you'd order from Readers' Digest, but this could be one of the more exciting releases of the year. Then, again you could think it's one of the worst. British Sea Power are
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SAILOR, BEWARE! at Blackpool Grand Theatre
FIRST applause of the evening came from the evacuated audience outside the theatre when the Grand's house manager let us back inside after an hour when fire engines had dealt with security alarms and smoke coming from a nearby building. Sailor, Beware
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Bands ready for park songs
LEIGH bands Nexxus 7 and Only One Mammal are in action this Sunday at The Wigan Collective Music Festival at Haigh Hall Country Park.
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Ten years ago
CROWDS turned out for the annual Waterloo Keg Day in Bacup. The fun day originally commemorated the Battle of Waterloo but has grown into a huge street market with a car boot sale and fair.
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Five years ago
CORONATION Street star Bill Roache contacted an East Lancs faith healer to help with his horses' bad backs. Ernest Wild , of Cross Hills, near Colne, was renowned for healing people and horses.
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Learning that will simply grow on you
A NEW £34,500 "green" allotment which aims to give residents experience of growing organic food is to open next week. The Millerfold allotment project was the brainchild of residents who were consulted about healthy eating and exercise habits. The derelict
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Shop windows smashed in 'cry for help'
A MAN who smashed 23 shop windows with a hammer committed the offence as a cry for help with his drug addiction. Hyndburn magistrates heard Glen Bower, 23, more than £11,000 worth of damage because he wanted treatment for his severe addiction to heroin
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School history stolen
POLICE have appealed for people to come forward and help them catch thieves who staggered out of a school yard with 45 historic stone flags. All Saints Primary School, in Clayton-le-Moors, lost the flags after eight men were spotted by neighbours using
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Bobbies on bikes hunt the vandals
PEDAL power has helped wiped out crime and vandalism at a borough's cemetaries. Police cycle patrols were introduced two weeks ago, along with an increase in beat officers, after a series of incidents in Hyndburn. Today PC Rachel Carbery, who covers Accrington's
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Crane spotting can tell you a lot
WHEN insolvency specialist Paul Reeves wants a snapshot of Bolton's economic climate, he goes "crane-spotting". Paul, a director of Bury-based DTE Corporate Recovery, believes counting cranes on the skyline is the simplest way of carrying out an instant
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Love of dogs leads to business venture
PET lover Tracey Perris's business is going to the dogs and the cats! For she has launched her very own pet grooming company and hopes to collar satisfied customers throughout the Bury area and beyond. And the beauty of working from home means that Tracey
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The great silver giveaway
COUNCILLORS in Clitheroe are to meet on June 23 to discuss dishing out thousands of pounds worth of town hall silver. Clitheroe Town Council is offering 14 trophies and salvers worth from £300 to £3,000 each to schools and organisations, for free. The
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Croft's original dream day
STEVEN Croft had a dream day at Stanley Park on Saturday in Blackpool's Northern Premier League clash with Netherfield. He made his first Northern League century, took two wickets with the ball and also took a stunning catch. But he would undoubtedly
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Mullen is back in the game
FORMER Blackpool boss, Jimmy Mullen, is back in football -- as manager of Welsh outfit, Colwyn Bay. Mullen, who also had a succesful spell as boss of Burnley, will combine his duties at the Unibond League club with coaching the Wales under-19 side, alongside
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Macca lines up long-term loans
BLACKPOOL boss, Steve McMahon is lining up long-term loan deals as well as permanent signings as he builds up to the new season. McMahon retains his interest in Everton's England under-21 ace, Peter Clarke, but will have to wait until the pre-season before
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First sponsor to lay groundwork!
IRWELL Valley Housing Association has decided to become the first sponsor of the Groundwork Trust in Bury. The Trust was set up in April last year as an environmental charity to assist all sections of society to improve the local environment through working
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Clarets in for cash bonus
CASH-STRAPPED Burnley could be in line for a whopping six-figure windfall thanks to former striker Alan Lee. Unsettled Lee is reckoned to be on his travels again this summer after Rotherham admitted fielding enquiries from several First Division clubs
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Another Singh blow for Lancs
HARBHAJAN SINGH today rocked Lancashire by revealing that he had suffered yet another injury setback in India. The Turbanator, who was due to arrive in Manchester in the next 24 hours, suffered a reaction to his finger ligament problem in a net session
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Lowerhouse batsman wants to get hands on silverware
LOWERHOUSE stalwart Chris Bleazard wants to cap a personal milestone by helping his team earn their first piece of silverware. The 36-year-old reached the 10,000 run mark in the Liverpool Road outfit's away win over Accrington. And Bleazard would love
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Burnley rider fears luck will run out
RUNAWAY championship leader Neil Hodgson is fearful his World Superbike season is proving a mite too successful. A self-avowed eternal pessimist, Hodgson goes into the British round at Silverstone on Sunday half-expecting disaster to befall him despite
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I feel so sorry for Hodgson
WORLD Superbike legend Carl Fogarty feels sorry for Neil Hodgson - because he reckons the Ducati Fila ace is a certainty for the 2003 championship. Four-time world champion Fogarty can see no other candidate for this year's crown with Hodgson having already
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Valerie rescues toddler in pool
A WOMAN with learning difficulties has been hailed a heroine after rescuing a little girl from a swimming pool while on holiday in Spain. Valerie Jolly, of The Lodge, Leyland Lane, Leyland, was staying in Villa Marina, Salou, on the east coast of the
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Children put art into display
ARTISTIC schoolchildren from three local schools are behind Blackpool's latest works of public art, unveiled last week in Stanley Park. Pupils from Palatine High, Bispham High Arts College and St Mary's High School worked with artist, Stephen Charnock
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Tara's true blue
BLACKPOOL'S newest hotel is showing its class on Friday, when 'It girl' Tara Palmer-Tomkinson performs its official opening. The £5m Big Blue Hotel, at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, is making a name for itself with big beds, DVD players and fabulous fabrics
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Norbreck to be sold?
SPECULATION is mounting this week that the Norbreck Castle Hotel will be sold in a multi-million pound deal next Monday. Current owners Meridian Hotels, who took over when the company merged with the Yorkshire-based Principles Hotels, confirmed that the
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Really wild night out
A WILD night out with a difference takes place in Blackpool on Saturday -- and everyone is invited. A nocturnal wildlife watch gives a rare opportunity to keep an eye on the creatures of the night at Marton Mere. The Friends of Marton Mere will be joined
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Caring face of royalty
BLACKPOOL welcomed a royal visitor this week -- with the news that the charity she sponsors is to open its first centre on the Fylde coast. Princess Anne marked carers week by visiting more than 1,000 carers enjoying a hard-earned holiday at Pontins.
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Art show is ripe for the picking
IS it art or has the world gone totally bananas? A new exhibition at Bury Art Gallery is certainly raising the eyebrows of some visitors, while others have been reaching for the smelling salts! Richard Burns, gallery curator, admitted that some of the
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Graverobbers steal family tribute to teen
A GRIEVING mother is calling for improved security at Bury Cemetery after thieves stole birthday presents from the grave of her teenage daughter. Alison Morris, of Mellor Drive, Bury, lost 15-year-old Charlotte to Epstein-Barr virus in February, and left
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Sainsbury's site: new plan anger
DEVELOPERS of the former Sainsbury's site in Prestwich have been criticised for "ignoring" residents' views. Revised plans for the Longfield Centre development were submitted to Bury Council this week by applicants Richardsons (with MCO Developments)
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Author hopes to strike it lucky in America
A LOCAL author hopes to cash in on the American fascination and demand for British historical novels. Brian Wainwright has gone Transatlantic to have his latest book published by a company in the USA. The historical novel, entitled Within the Fetterlock
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Clarets in for cash bonus
CASH-STRAPPED Burnley could be in line for a whopping six-figure windfall thanks to former striker Alan Lee. Unsettled Lee is reckoned to be on his travels again this summer after Rotherham admitted fielding enquiries from several First Division clubs
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Superstar line-up for city festival
THE line-up says it all. With bands like the Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals, The Charlatans, Feeder, Badly Drawn Boy and REM all down to play, you don't need to know much more about Manchester's Move festival to realise it's going to be a
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Starstruck Stewart signs up his hero!
WHEN Stewart Nutter first heard John Otway sing he resolved to fix up a local concert for the star. "I wasn't expecting to enjoy him very much at all," said Stewart, 45. "But I was gobsmacked. He was amazing." And although Stewart, an administrator, had
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Wraps are off for buildings in £65m plan
THE wraps have been taken off three new health centres as part of a massive scheme to bring East Lancashire's rundown complexes into the 21st century. Nelson, Bacup and Darwen will be the first areas to benefit from the LIFT project, private/public sector
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Parents get even more help and advice
A NEW service to help parents has been launched following the success of a newsletter in Helmshore -- its has been expanded to the internet. The website has been launched by Rossendale Family Forum to give parents information and the chance to play a
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Closure dates mean it's the 'Last Post'
TWO post offices in Rawtenstall wil close next month as part of the national programme of urban closures. After a public consultation exercise in which customers, MPs and local organisations were asked their views on the proposed closures, Post Office
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Why we withdrew appeal
PRESTON Burial and Welfare Society had appealed against the decision by the planning authority to refuse the plan to adapt the London Road former athletic track for Muslim burial use. The planning inspectorate had decided that this should be a public
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Why Magnolia stars are keeping it in the family
FOR Francesca Ryan and Katherine Holme, playing at a mother and daughter relationship is rapidly becoming something of a speciality. Their latest roles, in the all-female cast of Steel Magnolias, see them replicate the parts made famous in the film by
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Carboot murder: man is charged
A MAN has appeared in court accused of the murder of a mum-of-two whose battered body was discovered in the boot of a car outside a Blackpool hotel. William McInnes, 45, of Parkhead in Glasgow, appeared before magistrates in Blackpool accused of the murder
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Council plans crackdown on rogue traders
BLACKPOOL council has pledged to protect 'legitimate businesses' with its zero tolerance policy on illegal street trading. Police and council officers recorded 72 cases of illegal trading during the two May bank holidays and the Easter weekend. The council
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Prayers answered
HALLELUJAH! Blackpool's Baptists are looking forward to meeting in their own church again as work begins their a brand new building at Forest Gate, Blackpool. Worshippers have auctioned goods on the internet, run social events and donated money to raise
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Truancy dad taught lesson
A BLACKPOOL dad of three has become the first in Britain to be jailed for letting one of his children skip school. Painter and decorator James Allen, 34, of Gorton Street, Blackpool pleaded guilty to an offence of failing to ensure the regular attendance
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Compensation for victim of horror accident
A LANCASHIRE company has been fined £10,000 after a worker was castrated by unguarded machinery in an horrific accident at St Annes. Noriphalt Limited, an asphalting firm based at Bradley hall Trading Estate, Standish near Wigan, was also ordered to pay
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Womble or nuisance?
AN environmental crusader with a soft spot for wildlife, or the neighbour from hell? Either way, Blackpool's very own Great Uncle Bulgaria is facing a possible jail sentence prompting environmentalists and locals alike to cry 'Save the Womble'! As reported
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A stable future!
THE STABLE doors are set to open at a Wyre sanctuary for ex-racehorses in a bid to educate people on the 'do's' and definite 'don'ts' of owning a thoroughbred. Despite playing host to some of the racing worlds most illustrious names such as Hello Dandee
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Depressed woman slashed her wrists
A 36-YEAR-OLD mother suffered a gory death after slashing her wrist in a fit of depression, an inquest heard. The hearing was told how a police officer who entered the Blackburn home of Jayne Owen found the walls and floors covered with blood. There were
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Pair's row over property upset the neighbours
A LATE-night dispute between Shane Michael Pemberton and his ex-girlfriend attracted the attention of the police and neighbours. Blackburn magistrates heard that Pemberton was eventually arrested as nearby residents came to their windows and demanded
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Queue are the one we want Daniel!
WHEN tickets for a Daniel O'Donnell concert go on sale tomorrow Ada Smith is guaranteed to be first in the queue - because she arrived 116 hours early! Ada, 67, of Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, is one of a band of seven die-hard fans who have been camping
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Woman, 87, in hospital after conman strike
AN elderly woman had to be taken to hospital with shock after a conman tricked his way into her house and stole her handbag. The 87-year-old suffered the ordeal at the hands of a man who claimed to work for the council. Now, her family are praying she
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It's good to talk, Rooney
IT'S time for Wayne Rooney to stand up on his own two feet. I'm all in favour of Everton manager David Moyes protecting his young striker from the rigours of playing up to 60 games a season for Everton and England. His performance against Slovakia on
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Can readers help with dog show?
ON behalf of the Blackpool and North Lancs branch of the RSPCA, I am writing to ask for help from your readers for a forthcoming event. The branch is holding a dog show on the fields off Lawson Road, Blackpool, on Sunday August 3. The event is always
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More than one way to win a cat!
IF you are a keen gardener and sometimes find your patience running rather thin when cats scratch where you have just sown seeds or planted out seedlings, you may wish to try these two products. "Ultimate Cat Repellent" by Claytek Ltd available from some
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Don't expect a spending spree
PRESTON boss Craig Brown today warned that he expected to sell before he bought after a week of speculation linking him to Burnley's Glen Little. The rumour began after Brown heaped praise on the Clarets' midfielder during a question-and-answer session
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Deer was a fabulous sight
I RECENTLY saw the amazing sight of a fully-grown deer, complete with antlers, in Church Fields, Ramsbottom, which is just off Grants Lane. I have been walking my dog there for nearly 14 years and have never seen such a fabulous and beautiful creature
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Typhoon will engulf us all
TONY Blair continues to show an almost obsessive arrogance in his assertion that weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will be found in Iraq. And when they do turn up, which they surely will because they have to, then Blair and his merry band of spinners
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Is insulting me the best that he can do?
SO, the best Councillor John Byrne can muster against me is to make fun of my unusual and foreign-sounding name (Your Letters, May 27). I did not think that members of New Labour could sink any lower but this xenophobic slur proves how wrong I can be.
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Time to halt this parking rip-off
WHAT a difference a few miles can make! In Bolton, a well-respected councillor is calling for changes to tackle "parking madness". Stuart Lewis is quoted in one newspaper as saying: "We can't have people being fined because they have their ticket upside
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Bike shop driven out of town
POPULAR cycle firm Pilkington's have been driven out of Bury town centre and they blame ticket-crazy traffic wardens for it. After 28 years the company are to move from The Rock to a new shop in Elton, with the angry owners condemning the "profiteering
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, June 14
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Party In The Park, Belthorn Recreation Ground. Table top, live entertainment, refreshments, etc. From 2pm. Summer Fair and Rose Queen Crowning, St Cuthbert's CE School
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Angela leaves rivals green
ANGELA Hardman was toasting success again on Wednesday night after she won her sixth BDGA Ladies Championships, writes Marc Higginson. Angela went into the final against Sue Allen on the back of a great victory over Val Willis and played superbly to record
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Jason can't save Rams
RAMSBOTTOM fell to another disappointing home defeat to second in the table Enfield. After winning the toss, the Rams elected to bat first, a decision which in hindsight they may have regretted as the only time the wicket played any tricks was in the
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Bury Athletics Club
THIS was the second meeting of the season and the wonderful facilities at Wigan's Robin Park were enhanced by the warm sunshine that thankfully prevailed all afternoon. With a team depleted in the distance and hurdle events, but packed full of enthusiasm
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Bury boys do the treble
THE Northern Alliance Cup Final day at Astley and Tyldesley's Gin Pit village track had just about everything. The highs and lows of the emotional extremes, high drama and controversy. In short, it was just about the best cup final day ever. The sun shone
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Save some cash for gritting
GREAT! -- an extra £1million to tidy up Blackburn (LET, May 21). If the council has so much money to suddenly make available, why can't they keep a few pounds back ready for improved gritting this winter? I know it's slightly out-of-season, but by the
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When enough is enough
REGARDING the houses being built in the Ribble Valley (LET, May 26), yes, enough is enough. Where I live in Clitheroe they are building 78 new homes -- 40 on the old Milk Marketing Board site and 38 on what was Barker's Garden Centre. The council writes
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There's no place for racism today
IT pains me to hear people complaining over the huge number of asylum seekers in Burnley. The truth, as stated by Burnley Council, is that there are only around 54 asylum seekers in the town. Lies spread about the numbers of asylum seekers and the ethnic
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Jobs fight goes to Commons
MP Andy Burnham has highlighted in Parliament the plight of a Leigh firm's 160 employees who were sacked without pay while on holiday. The Leigh MP raised during the Department of Trade and Industry's Question Time last week the situation facing workers
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Time flies when you're having fun
DOESN'T time fly when you're having fun? It does for comedian Billy Pearce, whose forthcoming Laughter Show at the Blackpool Grand falls on the anniversary of his first Laughter Show there -- ten years ago! His 'tailor made' repertoire of silly jokes,
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Handbag stolen as driver repaired vehicle
A FEMALE motorist from Prestwich had her handbag stolen as she tried to repair her broken down car. While the 43-year-old worked under the bonnet, the sneak thief grabbed the handbag from the passenger seat. The incident happened at 3.45pm on Friday (
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Meningitis kills woman
A WOMAN has died from a rare strain of meningitis less than 72 hours after falling ill. Sharon Beard, 33, died of the C-strain of the disease, prompting health officials to treat her family and friends with antibiotics to prevent the bug spreading. The
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Youth has mobile phone stolen
POLICE are hunting a robber after he attacked a teenager in Radcliffe on Friday night (June 6). The 15-year-old victim was robbed of his £100 mobile phone when he was grabbed by the thief and had his pockets searched at 10.15pm in Ainsworth Road. The
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Severed hand axeman jailed for life
A DEPRESSIVE who severed his long-time friend's right hand with an axe in a frenzied attack has been jailed for life. Jason Booth, 33, had taken a cocktail of prescribed medication and drink before the horrific incident involving Gary Williamson, 40,
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Anger over travellers
MORE travellers have arrived in Summerseat Village since the first convoy arrived on Sunday evening (June 8). Around 15 caravans have now set up camp on playing fields on Waterside Road. Bury Council were due to apply for a court order yesterday (Thurs
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New theatre group takes to the stage
A NEW professional theatre group made up of local actresses mounted its first production this week. Moving Talent Theatre Company is comprised of Debbie Bowers, of Oakley Close, Ringley, Susan Kelsall of Radcliffe, Marilyn Bar-Ilan of Standmoor Road,
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Terzis plans a Rams raid
LEIGH Centurions have been warned not to take their foot off the gas when they travel to meet bottom club Dewsbury Rams on Sunday. Head coach Paul Terzis wants his table-topping side to show their class when they switch their attentions back to the bread
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Blues edge close to Dunn
BLACKBURN Rovers have held further talks with Birmingham City regarding the sale of David Dunn but the two clubs are still some way off striking a deal. Blues chief executive Karren Brady held lengthy discussions yesterday with her Rovers counterpart
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Reidy and waiting
MILLWALL chief Theo Paphitis today offered Blackburn a glimmer of hope in their attempts to land Steven Reid by hinting a deal can still be done for the highly-rated midfielder. Rovers have already had a £2 million bid rejected for the Republic of Ireland
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Eddie does it his way
SINGING a hit made famous by 'Ol' Blue Eyes' has earned a Preston grandfather a place in a national talent competition. Eddie Saxon, of Gregson Lane, Hoghton, is now in with a chance of winning £1,000 and being crowned 'Silver Star 2003' when he competes
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Wheels fall off skate event
YOUNGSTERS in Preston are going to miss out on a massive music and skateboarding bash because the city's own venue is not up to scratch. Skateboarder Carl Arnfield, 36, had organised the mammoth event and planned to hold it at the city's only skate park
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Kidney dad living in hope of a new life
A PRESTON man is waiting to have an organ transplant operation that would give him back the life he once had. For Kenneth Rufus, 53, of Woodville Road, Penwortham, needs of a new kidney after suferring from a genetic organ disorder. The father-of-two
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Fly-tippers blamed after tyres blaze
FIRE chiefs have criticised fly-tippers after more than 200 tyres abandoned at the side of the road were torched. The blaze, which broke out at just after 9pm yesterday, could have resulted in a major environmental disaster in the nearby River Calder,
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Sand yacht death file sent to lawyers
CROWN Prosecution Service lawyers are deciding whether any criminal charges will result following the fatal sand yacht collision in which Burnley mum-of-two Carole Cruz died. Carole, 38, of Kingsbury Place, Burnley, was hit by the yacht as she walked
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Concern at police cover
POLICING in Padiham has come under the spotlight after concerns about the opening hours of the town's police station. Councillors have protested that the station is closed during the evenings and weekends meaning residents have to travel to Burnley. But
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£2m scheme to rebuild bridge
MAJOR work to rebuild Brougham Street Bridge in Burnley at a cost of nearly £2m starts next week. And motorists are being warned to avoid the area from July 21 when the road will be closed to traffic for a maximum of 25 weeks. The work will be carried
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Shakers Lancashire derby neet
BURY are hosting a 'Lancashire Night' in Starkies pitchside restaurant on the night of the friendly with Bolton Wanderers. On the 14th July, the restaurant is hosting a meal that includes Bury Black Pudding and Mustard or Lancashire Broth; followed by
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Angry Shakers deny Sharpe rumours
SHAKERS have moved swiftly to quash speculation that former Manchester United and Leeds winger Lee Sharpe is set to be appointed player-manager at Gigg Lane. But Shakers' chiefs have confirmed they are in talks with "a number of parties" interested in
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Forever Bury
THERE is never a good time to pay bills and annual subscriptions, but some times are worse than others. For instance, asking people to renew their subscriptions to a football club supporters' society at the height of summer is just about the worst possible
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Drainage firm fined £15,000 for polluting
A DRAINAGE company was fined £15,000 after pleading guilty to polluting a tributary of Admergill Water in Blacko. Lanes for Drains Limited, based in Leeds, were also ordered to pay £1,285.60 in costs to the Environment Agency which brought the prosecution
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Art show is ripe for the picking
IS it art or has the world gone totally bananas? A new exhibition at Bury Art Gallery is certainly raising the eyebrows of some visitors, while others have been reaching for the smelling salts! Richard Burns, gallery curator, admitted that some of the
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Cash boost for girls' football
FOOTBALL mad girls in Lancashire were celebrating following the announcement of a £30,000 boost for the game from the Football Foundation, the UK's largest sports charity. The cash boost to the Lancashire Sports Partnership will provide and extend opportunities
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Town set for gala funtime
COLNE'S annual gala will take place next weekend on the Holt House playing fields. There will be a display of cowboy skills, a fun fair which will open the evening before the gala, entertainment by a circus clown and dancers and cheerleaders from St Michael
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Uniforms put to a good use
DISADVANTAGED people in Africa, India and Eastern Europen could soon be wearing uniforms once sported by staff at a Colne building society. Staff at the Colne branch of Skipton Building Society, in Albert Road, have received new uniforms so they decided
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Looking for children of courage
AS PART of our Pride of East Lancashire Campaign we are searching for the area's children of courage. When people think of that phrase they often think of children who have suffered a serious illness or have carried out a brave action for someone else
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'Honour our Pride heroes'
HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope has stepped up his battle at Westminster for a fairer distribution of honours by calling on Downing Street to give honours to the winners of the Evening Telegraph's "Pride of East Lancashire'' awards. The Hyndburn MP -- who is taking
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Teenager finds her mum dead
A WOMAN was found dead by her teenage daughter who had earlier refused to go and buy alcohol for her mother. An inquest heard that Karen Hindle, 37, of Ribbleton Drive, Accrington, had a history of alcohol abuse. On the day she died her daughter returned
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Businesses back Brown
A BUSINESS group has endorsed this week's decision by Chancellor Gordon Brown to delay the UK's entry to the euro. The reaction from Andrew Dickson, president of Bolton and Bury Chamber, comes after the Government's assessment of the five euro entry tests
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Overseas alliance an option to consider
BURY companies have a gilt-eged opportunity to be briefed about the potential joint ventures could hold. The issue will come under the microscope at the next meeting of the North Manchester International Trade Network, to be held at the Ramada Jarvis
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Carnival time for Prestwich
THREE top tribute acts will headline Prestwich Carnival in a huge open air concert on Sunday (June 15). Organisers, the Sunshine Team, have made sure the event will be bigger and better than before with sound-a-likes of Elvis, Kylie and the Blues Brothers
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£1m plus for local road works
MORE than £1 million will be spent on Prestwich roads over the next 12 months. Bury Council has earmarked a total of £1,405,060 in the highways refurbishment programme for 2003/4, with the lion's share going towards improving Bury Old Road. The majority
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Palmer: Why I want Gazza at Stockport
FORMER Burnley midfielder Paul Gascoigne is embroiled in a tug-of-clubs after Stockport offered to end his Chinese hell, writes DARREN BENTLEY. County boss Carlton Palmer has tabled an audacious bid to bring the ex-England ace to Edgeley Park next season
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Pastures new vicar aims to be a good neighbour
THE Vicar of Radcliffe has bid farewell to the town and set off to take up a new post . . . in Prestwich!. The Rev Bryan Hackett was treated to a goodbye buffet by members of Radcliffe Parish Church on Sunday (June 8) after spending six years in the post
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Faz sets sights on second
CHORLEY skipper Jim Fazackerley has set his sights on toppling Morecambe from second spot when the two sides meet this weekend. Fazackerley and his team-mates go into the Northern Premier League clash on the back of two impressive winning draws, the latest
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Gillespie adds Kiwi polish to title challenge
THE arrival of Clitheroe professional Mark Gillespie has set the wheels in motion for the club's title challenge, writes Suzanne Geldard. The New Zealander has breathed new life into his side's quest to reap bonus points and keep them challenging for
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Fearing the 'Last Post'
POSTMASTERS in Preston and South Ribble fear for the future of their businesses following the introduction of a new payment system for pensions and benefits. Anthony Taylor, sub-postmaster at Leyland Lane post office, says the Government's initiative
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Ken's grand stories boost for Macmillan
A LOCAL man has made a grand contribution to funding the Macmillan Windmill Appeal. Ken Jackson has raised more than £1,000 for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal by giving his talk 'They don't make 'em like that any more.' His talk, with keyboard accompaniment
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Sex charges against South Shore businessman
A FYLDE businessman accused of committing a catalogue of sex and porn offences against children has appeared before magistrates faced with 16 new charges, including rape. Tony Bond, 33, of Endsleigh Gardens in South Shore, Blackpool, is now accused of
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Young mum-to-be assaulted by pervert
POLICE are hunting for a violent sex beast who indecently assaulted a pregnant woman in a South Shore alleyway last weekend. The 22-year-old woman had decided to take a shortcut home down what seemed to be an empty backstreet between Highfield Road and
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It's time to get walking
CHILDREN could get healthier, learn about road safety and help save the environment by walking to school -- according to Blackpool Council. The council this week launched its walk to and from school campaign in a bid to encourage parents and children
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Friends dig deep for common fighting fund
RESIDENTS who flocked to a public meeting on giving common status to land at Lowercroft dug deep into their pockets to swell a legal fighting fund. Nearly 150 people filled the hall at Elton Vale Sports Club, where the Friends of Cockey Moor, Whitehead's
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Reidy and waiting
MILLWALL chief Theo Paphitis today offered Blackburn a glimmer of hope in their attempts to land Steven Reid by hinting a deal can still be done for the highly-rated midfielder. Rovers have already had a £2 million bid rejected for the Republic of Ireland
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It's a girl's world
SISTERS are doing it for themselves! We've had a number of new boy bands -- think Triple Eight, D-Side and One True Voice -- and it's now time to let the girls take centre stage. On one side, there is Tommi. The London-based urban girl crew comprises
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Helpers needed as cafe is set to open
VOLUNTEERS are needed to get a much-needed Darwen community cafe up and running. Members of the Earcroft Community Association are looking to kick start a new meeting place for people in the surrounding community. The cafe will be based in the Hawkshaw
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Grassroots anger at verges eyesore
RESIDENTS are rooting for the chop as grassy verges grow out of control along the main road. It's a case of the grass is always greener for frustrated residents in Tockholes, who want to see the eyesores removed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
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Severed hand axeman jailed for life
A DEPRESSIVE who severed his long-time friend's right hand with an axe in a frenzied attack has been jailed for life. Jason Booth, 33, had taken a cocktail of prescribed medication and drink before the horrific incident involving Gary Williamson, 40,
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Bands ready for park songs
LEIGH bands Nexxus 7 and Only One Mammal are in action this Sunday at The Wigan Collective Music Festival at Haigh Hall Country Park.
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Hypocrisy over burial site
REGARDING the London Road athletic track and Muslim burials. Hypocrisy is the name of the game at our town hall. First Councillor Cole. I remember about three years ago in a council debate, saying that he lived nearby the site and saw no problem in a
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Losing faith in British justice
RECENTLY I accompanied a friend to court who was a 'claimant' in a road traffic accident. I attended knowing that British justice is admired world-wide. Indeed, both barrister's put the case -- in turn -- for both defendant and claimant in the most fair
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Superstar line-up for city festival
THE line-up says it all. With bands like the Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals, The Charlatans, Feeder, Badly Drawn Boy and REM all down to play, you don't need to know much more about Manchester's Move festival to realise it's going to be a
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Starstruck Stewart signs up his hero!
WHEN Stewart Nutter first heard John Otway sing he resolved to fix up a local concert for the star. "I wasn't expecting to enjoy him very much at all," said Stewart, 45. "But I was gobsmacked. He was amazing." And although Stewart, an administrator, had
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It's a girl's world
SISTERS are doing it for themselves! We've had a number of new boy bands -- think Triple Eight, D-Side and One True Voice -- and it's now time to let the girls take centre stage. On one side, there is Tommi. The London-based urban girl crew comprises
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Heather's high on her music
I DON'T drink or smoke or do any drugs," says Heather Small, the voice of M People. "My high comes from singing. That's what makes me feel happy." Feeling happy is what Heather's music is all about -- both for herself and her fans. Her deep, distinctive
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It's thinking up time at the local
DRINKERS in Poulton will be able to pick up something healthier than their usual pint and packet of peanuts. Health visitors are heading for town centre boozers, offering advice on topics such as alcohol and smoking, as well as basic health tests, in
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Ban ends 'sad affair'
A CONTROVERSIAL former Fylde councillor has received a year-long ban from holding office by independent watchdogs. As revealed in The Citizen (February 13), ex-councillor, Michael Tomlinson, has been investigated by the Adjudication Panel for England
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Sailor in parole bid
A FYLDE sailor, still serving a Moroccan jail sentence after missing out on a mass royal pardon which released four Britons, may soon be released on parole. Paul Smith, 38, who lives in Fleetwood, was jailed for 10 years by the North African authorities
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Ulster bobbies team up on community beat
POLICE officers from Ulster who experienced the dark days of sectarian violence paired up with Blackburn bobbies to gain knowledge on community policing. The four officers from the Dungannon and South Tyrone division of the Police Service of Northern
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'Murder victim had been fighting'
A 'MURDER' victim was involved in a fight the night before his body was found, police revealed today. The 69-year-old victim was discovered in his flat in Preston New Road, Blackburn, at 8.15am yesterday. A post-mortem examination showed the man had been
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Father's night of freedom ends in drive ban
A SINGLE parent fell foul of the drink-driving laws on a rare night out with friends. Blackburn magistrates heard the Christopher Burrows, a father of three, had three weekends a year when his ex-wife travelled from her home in Tenby and took the children
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Mixed views at end of fire dispute
FIREFIGHTERS in East Lancashire today greeted the end of the service's dispute with a mixture of relief and suspicion. The long-running wrangle finally came to an end when union leaders accepted a 16 per cent pay deal. Blackburn firefighters voted two
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Accused asylum seeker denies owning weapon
AN IRAQI asylum seeker stabbed a fellow countryman to death while ranting and shouting, a jury was told. But Samsuddin Farhan Hamad denied David Aubrey QC's assertion during cross examination on day four of the murder trial at Preston Crown Court. Hamad
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Teenager relives car death smash
A TEENAGER told an inquest of the horrific moment when his friend died in a crash as they drove home in the early hours. And a coroner issued a warning to young male drivers, saying the incident, involving speed, was all too familiar. The hearing was
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Misconception over who gassed the Kurds
CALLERS on BBC Any Answers, and writers to BBC Today, have been allowed by the respective presenters to subscribe unchallenged to the widespread misconception that it was the Iraqis who gassed thousands of Kurds, when it was in fact the Iranians. This
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Euro: sooner we join the better
PEOPLE who went to EU countries over the bank holiday would have noticed that, due to the strength of the euro, they got less for their £. They must now be disappointed that we did not join the euro to enjoy its benefits. This situation is due to last
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Hidden threat of housing bill
DURING June, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee are to examine the draft housing bill. This bill contains some controversial features. It would lead to compulsory licensing of many private landlords, which may appear sensible at first sight
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What's on...
THE annual Hambleton Steam Rally & Country Show is being held on Saturday and Sunday August 2 and 3, 2003, at Shard Lane, Hambleton, Poulton-le-Fylde, Nr Blackpool, Lancs. Attractions include steam engines and rollers and wagons, miniature steam exhibits
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Down Your Street...
A LOOK at the events and shows taking place around the area. THORNTON WYRE Home Organ Society meets at Thornton Sports and Social Club, Holly Road (off Trunnah Road) on Tuesday (June 17). This month's guest organist will be Dirkjan Ranzijn. Doors open
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Final tickets wait
CENTURIONS are still awaiting ticket allocation details from the RFL regarding the Arriva Trains Final at Rochdale on July 6. An announcement is expected next week.
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Blackwood on way to Chorley?
YOUNG back rower Anthony Blackwood could be on his way to join the ever-increasing number of former Leigh players at Chorley Lynx. Chorley want Blackwood on loan but Leigh insist that any move would only be a temporary one as they see the player's long-term
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Elias on shooting charge
FORMER Leigh second rower John Elias is facing a jail sentence after he was arrested following a shooting incident in Sydney at the weekend. Elias, who played at Hilton Park 10 years ago, is current coach of the Lebanon national side and recently was
