Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, October 3
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Blackburn Arts Club present Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime, Club Theatre, Gibraltar Street, Blackburn, 7.30pm. Ceilidh Night, Pendle Hotel, Chatburn, 8.30pm. Bee
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Hopes high for Lord Square
AFTER blighting Blackburn town centre for years and spoiling the many bold efforts for its regeneration, run-down Lord Square may get millions of pounds for its first major facelift for almost 30 years. That appears to be good news, and we await with
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Man accused of murder bid
A BLACKBURN man accused of attempted murder today denied the charge when he appeared at Preston Crown Court. Mohammed Afzal, 24, of Woodfold Place, Blackburn, pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Lynn Poole on June 22 this year. Another man who
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Cinema failed to impress me
I AM not surprised that Accrington's new cinema has closed. I found the projection and sound quality appalling and the staff apathetic and disinterested. The car park had also been allowed to become a magnet for the low life in the town to congregate.
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Police should use time wisely
WELL done to Lee Bracewell for his comments on police speed cameras (Letters, September 23). I have said the same for a long time. As lots of people know, if you phone for police assistance for any reason, they tell you they are very busy and someone
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Street art is a winner
LOVE it or hate it, Church Street is here to stay and I, for one, like it. To me, it's a good reminder what Blackburn was, with heavy industry that employed tens of thousands in its heyday. I think that they have made a good balance of skill and work
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Disgraceful behaviour
ON September 22 my wife and I were in Blackburn town centre at the zebra crossing outside Morrison's supermarket when I happened to look toward the grandmother and child statue in the Boulevard. There, two obviously drunken men -- I can't call them youths
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Real need for Mind Centre
REGARDING your article (LET, September 20) about the proposed closure of the Mind Centre in Regent Street, Blackburn, I am sure I am only one of many people outraged at this news. I have visited the centre in my role of book-keeper since October 1989
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We don't want a Blackburn takeover
THE Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Mr Phillip Watson, has stated (LET, September 25) that the preferred amalgamation of the authority with Hyndburn and Ribble Valley 'would not itself force up council tax bills.' How can Mr Watson claim
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Travellers from hell: Council unable to act
A HINDLEY Green man is demanding action after nuisance travellers set up camp just yards from his house. Tony Hart said 15 caravans have been encamped on a field near his Bexhill Drive home for two weeks -- and caused him and his wife, Deborah, nothing
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My dream debut was an anti-climax
HAVING waited so long to make my Premiership debut, it didn't feel like a top flight game at all. I admit, when I was on the bench I was itching to get on and feared I'd missed my chance because the manager had already sent on Per Frandsen and Mario Jardel
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Crumbling square to get massive revamp
MILLIONS of pounds are set to be spent giving a Blackburn's rundown Lord Square its first major facelift for almost 30 years. The shopping centre's new owners are planning to finally replace run down shops and crumbling concrete which have been a blight
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RMI's injury woe worries manager
LEIGH RMI boss Mark Patterson faces a major selection headache ahead of Saturday's league clash with Conference new boys Aldershot Town writes Robert Johnson Leading goalscorer Dave McNiven is struggling to be fit with a toe injury. He joins Paul Shepherd
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Pupils are in print
TWO new anthologies of writing by children from schools in East Lancashire are being launched in Burnley as part of National Children's Book Week. The anthologies have been put together by Mid Pennine Arts from work submitted by more than 7,000 children
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Bikers beware
CYCLISTS who put lives at risk by riding through red lights or ignoring one-way signs could be served with a fixed penalty notice, Lancaster District Community Safety Partnership is warning as it bids to make roads safer. Police officers will take enforcement
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Paper jobs move
THE new owners of a wallpaper firm could move all its production to Morecambe - creating 46 new jobs. Crown Wallcoverings (CWV) says it plans to move all manufacturing workers from Darwen to the Storey's site at White Lund by the end of the year, subject
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Key tourism post for Geoff
A MORECAMBE Bay Independent Councillor has been awarded one of the most senior tourism posts in local government. Councillor Geoff Knight has been named as the new vice chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) tourism executive. The post will
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Something old...
HAILED by concert goers and reviewers alike as one of the best bands on stage for more than 30 years, Wishbone Ash are on the way to Morecambe. The progressive 70s rock band, right, will be at the Platform on Wednesday October 15. Back in the early 70s
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Transport of delight for cabbies
TAXI drivers are one step closer to winning a campaign to use bus-only lanes - after councillors backed calls for a review of the rules. Cabbies want to use restricted roads such as Lancaster's Spring Garden Street and Parliament Street to cut through
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Wind of change blows for objectors
WIND farm objectors who thought they had won their fight against plans to re-power Caton Moor with larger turbines may be forced to think again. Planners are being asked to reconsider a bid by Hainsford Energy (Caton Moor) to replace 10 turbines with
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Town hall staff slip into casual mode
VISITORS to Pendle Council's offices tomorrow could get a shock to see staff without their usual suits. Workers are being encouraged to go to work in jeans to support Jeans for Genes day, a fundraising appeal. Members of the public are invited to get
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Drug addicts ask to be sent to jail
TWO drug addicts who went pinching asked Burnley magistrates to send them to jail and got their wish. The Burnley bench heard how Axis Robertson, 23, and Scott Simpson, 25, wanted to kick their habits and realised the best place to do it was prison. The
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Met Hip Hop
BURY Met is to host the town's first Hip Hop music festival this month. Live acts, including Dane, Premierz and Diemond will head the event on Thursday October 16 from 8pm. The night has been arranged by the Met and Insimit-E Entertainment. Tickets are
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Mother's heartbreak plea to dying son: Look into my eyes, Sean...
THE mother of a teenager fatally injured in the street told today how she pleaded with him to look into her eyes as he lay dying. Sean Whyte, 17, of North Street, Colne, died from stab wounds after police received reports of a disturbance near his home
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Radio charity windfall hope
LEIGH charities could benefit from cash windfalls from a marathon fund-raising week organised by a kind-hearted radio station. Manchester Kids Week, Key 103 and Magic 1152's official charity, launches on Monday when radio station presenters stage their
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Minibus joy for elderly
PENSIONERS from a Great Harwood residential home were all smiles when they got to ride on a new minibus. For the elderly residents of Lyndon House were given the first ride on Age Concern Hyndburn's latest addition -- a modern minibus to ferry pensioners
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Radio charity windfall hope
LEIGH charities could benefit from cash windfalls from a marathon fund-raising week organised by a kind-hearted radio station. Manchester Kids Week, Key 103 and Magic 1152's official charity, launches on Monday when radio station presenters stage their
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Planning row erupts as developer slams council
A PROPERTY developer has slammed an East Lancashire Council who put off his bid to turn a former nursing home into luxury apartments. Westacre Property Ltd said it wanted to buy the Northlands home in Park Lane, Great Harwood, but was told by Hyndburn
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Mental scars still remain
A MAN who was found seriously injured in Accrington town centre after celebrating the birth of his baby has spoken of the fight to reclaim his life. Mark Nicholson, 34, of Rishton, was allegedly attacked at the corner of Church Street and Holme Street
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Town pays respects to a man who 'fought' to the end
A TOWN stood still to pay its last respects to a World War Two veteran who 'fought the good fight' against the closure of care homes. 'Stormin' Norman Hickey, who won the hearts of Lancashire people for opposing the closure of county council care homes
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Jason takes to the road for charity
WHEN Jason Bury decided to take part in his second Great North Run he elected to go a fund-raising step further. The 34-years-old dad, who hopes to raise £1,000 for cancer research, cycled the 153 miles up to the event! Jason, of St Helens Road, Leigh
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A waste of space
THE disused Bickershaw Colliery site on the outskirts of Leigh is a waste of space. That's the view of locals who have nominated the area one of Britain's worst wasted spaces in a national campaign. Launched earlier this month the Wasted Space? campaign
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History Society mourns double loss
LEIGH Local History Society has lost two key members. Chairman for 21 years Evelyn Finch died on September 10 after a long illness and committee member Stan Smith passed away suddenly at the end of August. The group has paid tribute to the stalwarts who
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Motorist made his tax disc
POLICE on patrol caught a motorist who had a computer manufactured tax disc in the windscreen. Kenneth Hurn, a 24-year-old warehouse operative, of Polefield Gardens, Prestwich, pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of a vehicle document at Rochdale Magistrates
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Animal waste set to fire kiln
CEMENT firm bosses in Clitheroe have submitted plans to build an area for the burning of waste meat and bones as an alternative fuel. Castle Cement announced its intention to fire Kiln 7 at its Ribblesdale works with waste meat and bonemeal from the animal
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Valley fare is tops for taste
TWO Ribble Valley businesses have won awards in a prestigious food contest. Fairfield Farm Shop, Longsight Road, Clayton-le-Dale, which bucked the national trend by surviving foot and mouth and the collapse of the pig industry, has been named North West
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What asses they are
WHAT asses the magistrates and the Environment Agency are. The Citizen reported last week that they stung a small plumber £1,900 for having pieces of old asbestos flue-pipe in his van - but any risk from asbestos is only when it is powdered, not when
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Hospital boss to face public
THE boss of a psychiatric hospital boss today admitted he was embarrassed by the escape of a dangerous patient as he prepared for a potentially-stormy public meeting. Representatives from Kemple View, in Longsight Road, Langho, will join senior officials
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Cat killer set trap with 'bird' bait
RSPCA bosses today issued a cruelty warning after a pensioner was prosecuted for setting traps for his neighbours' cats before bludgeoning them to death. William Seed, 70, was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for six months and ordered
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Events must be better organised
IT IS hard to tell whether ex-tourism officer, now Labour councillor, Ron Sands is gamekeeper turned poacher or vice-versa! Having had his creativity and enthusiasm perhaps frustrated under a string of 'directors of regeneration', is he now resorting
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You ain't seen nothing yet - Harvey
POPULAR Morecambe boss Jim Harvey found himself in the spotlight this week - as he became the Shrimps longest standing manager. Appointed in June 1994, he celebrated a milestone 500 games in charge at the nail-biting 3-2 win over Farnborough Town on Saturday
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Super sub Sullivan sparks City
FALLEN giants Altrincham were the latest victims of bubbling Lancaster City on Saturday - dumped unceremoniously out of the FA Cup in front of a crowd of almost 500. The Dolly Blues made a slow start and looked distinctly second best against the well-drilled
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Asylum cases must be decided by the rules
THE number of asylum seekers in my surgeries has dropped significantly in recent months. I think, and hope, that this reflects a reduction in overall numbers in town. But anxiety, and in some cases anger, about asylum seekers is still around: as I saw
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Thompson seals comeback
A wonder goal from wingman Garry Thompson three minutes from time crowned Morecambe as the comeback kings of the Conference against lowly Farnborough Town on Saturday. The Fortress Christie Park tag - earned by 10 straight wins for the home side - looked
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Ternent: Bans are crippling teams
STAN Ternent turned up the volume in his call for an upheaval in the way referees are controlling games following last night's 1-1 draw at Watford. The Burnley boss, who has a suspension hanging over his threadbare squad following David May's sending
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Matrin Dobson: I fell in love with Burnley
LAST WEEK, I was privileged to spend a bit of time with the living legend, Jimmy McIlroy, widely acknowledged as the greatest ever Claret. The genial Irishman was in great form as we got together. Jimmy told me: "I came over to Burnley, aged 18, in March
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Life at Elland Road looks pretty tough
THE last seven days have been pretty depressing for everyone connected with Blackburn Rovers. A defeat in Turkey against Genclerbirligi last Wednesday, swiftly followed by another at the hands of Fulham on Sunday. But if we thought we were having it tough
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Bullfrog leaps on stage...
GRACING the stage in concert on Saturday, October 11 at St Joseph's Hall in Leigh is Bernard Wrigley alias The Bolton Bullfrog. That nickname has stuck with him for over 30 years -- ever since it was mentioned in the sleeve notes of his very first LP.
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Pub caps it all with a revamp
AN historic pub has re-opened its doors after a £125,000 renovation. The Old Mother Redcap in Blackburn Road, Blackburn, re-opened last week. The pub is steeped in history and takes its name from a 16th Century hag who was said to roam nearby moors. In
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Cricket nets
CRICKETERS aged under nine to U15 are invited to Astley and Tyldesley CC junior nets which start at Hesketh Fletcher High School, Atherton, at 8pm on Thursday.
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Teams wanted
ATHERTON Ladies Crown Green Bowling League wants to boost numbers next season. Organisers want new teams from within as five mile radius of Atherton to add to the current seven clubs and 100 bowlers. Newcomers to the sport will be welcomed. More information
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Squash team are beaten
THE squash season started last week with Leigh's R K Fitness first team coming up against strong opponents, Lancashire Health and Racquets. Howard Thornley got the team off to an excellent start, winning 3-1. Tod Bulmer, Graham Collier and Mike Carter
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Sean joins Wanderers Academy
ALL-ROUND school sports star Sean Mountford is to train with the Bolton Wanderers' Academy team. He is the latest in a conveyor belt of sports professionals coming from Bedford High School, and follows in the footsteps of Michael Tonge (Sheffield United
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Harriers run away with county titles
LEIGH Harriers ran away with four county titles in the first road relay of the season. The three girls' teams and one boys' team were in top form in the North West championships at Sefton Park. The U17s' girls, winners for the past four years, kept up
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Late penalty robs Miners
Leigh Miners Rangers 32, Wigan St Pat's 32: THE spoils were shared between the two local rivals as subsititute Jon Thornhill held his nerve to pot a late penalty after the Miners had put themselves on the verge of an unlikely victory. Trailing 26-12 at
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East suffer from travel sickness
West Bowling 34 Leigh East 10: LEIGH East's away form continues to be of concern as they suffered another heavy defeat in the Arriva Trains Conference Premier Division. Yet it is safe to say that this was a match which could have been won. The conditions
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Ternent: Bans are crippling teams
STAN Ternent turned up the volume in his call for an upheaval in the way referees are controlling games following last night's 1-1 draw at Watford. The Burnley boss, who has a suspension hanging over his threadbare squad following David May's sending
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Give Amoruso a chance
FORMER Rovers favourite Kevin Gallacher today backed Lorenzo Amoruso to ride through the storm which has clouded his start to life in the Premiership. Amoruso has been the subject of fierce criticism in the last seven days following a couple of jittery
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Good news after patients' recall
FEWER than 10 women were found to be suffering from hepatitis or a sex disease following the recent recall of female patients at a Darwen surgery. And health experts say the results among the recalled women were less than half the current rate for the
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First concert
HA NEW season for music fans starts on Sunday. Leigh Music Society's first concert in the Derby Room at Leigh Library, stars mezzo soprano Helen Francis with David Leigh Dubery on piano. It starts at 2.15pm. Tickets are £6 and £2 for children and students
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Charities to get free market stalls
CHARITIES are to be given free market stalls in a move that councillors hope will brighten markets and benefit the wider Rossendale community. The idea is that using empty stalls will keep markets busy and help charities raise vital funds that benefit
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Pie and peas for a harvest
HARVEST celebrations take place on Saturday at Leigh Salvation Army. After pies and peas at 5.30pm entertainment begins at 7pm with the Ladybridge Singers.
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My Brief Encounter with a film classic
GENERATIONS of cinema-goers know it as the place where Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson realised they could never be together in the classic film Brief Encounter. Now a local antiques dealer is helping movie buffs to take a trip down memory lane by making
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Milk back on menu
PUPILS will drink playtime milk next Monday as part of a campaign to highlight its availability to schools. St George's and St Richard's, Atherton, and St Peter's, Hindley, were chosen from 1,000 nationwide to receive the treat. The School Milk Week crusade
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Teaching skills that add up to success for Phil
PHIL McVeigh of Westleigh High School has been recognised for his outstanding maths teaching ability. The 29-year-old has been made an Advanced Skills Teacher after a rigorous application and assessment process. This means Phil will be responsible for
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Scary story
THE haunted houses of Bent and Bongs will be revealed at Leigh Townswomen's Guild's next meeting. Phil Thornley will speak on the subject at 7.15pm on October 7 in the Derby Room, Leigh Library. Carole Banks will unveil Haigh Hall's history on October
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Legion offers battlefield pilgrimages
LEIGH Royal British Legion is offering pilgrimages to five WW2 battlefields throughout November. On the programme are trips to Singapore and Thailand (5-17), Thailand (10-17), Arakan, Burma (10-20), Rangoon (14-20) and Malta (18-25). For further information
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Teachers heading for the States
AMERICA will play host to three local headteachers when they jet over to learn more about American education. Sue Crosdale of Lowton High School, Steve Turner of Golborne High and Jane Lees of Hindley Community High School-Arts College are among a dozen
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Paddy keeps mum for minibus cash
PADDY Flanagan, a resident of High Peak Lodge Nursing Home, took a vow of silence last Thursday to raise money for a new minibus. The eighty-eight year old did not utter a word for two hours which was a challenge for the man described by Activities Co-ordinator
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Dad refuses to visit his son's grave
A GRIEVING father says he will not visit his son's grave because the headstone was paid for by social services -- who he blames for the teenager's death. Wayne Cook, 41, of Leigh -- whose 13 year-old son Shane died following a car crash in March -- plans
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Euro MP calls for action
EAST Lancashire Euro MP Chris Davies has called for action to stop the import of illegal wood. The Liberal Democrat MEP says East Lancashire residents are putting profits into the hands of criminals because there is no guarantee that the wood they buy
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Burning love for fire station cook Marie
FIREFIGHTERS have showed their love for cook Marie Fairbrother of Blackburn Fire Station by showering her with gifts - as well as her regular dose of friendly banter! Marie, who has worked at the station on and off since 1986, was overwhelmed by the presents
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Liberation will take time, Straw tells conference
JACK Straw challenged opponents of the war in Iraq to face up to the consequences of failing to take military action. But the Foreign Secretary accepted that the situation on the ground in the country now was difficult. In his keynote speech to the Labour
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Raise taxes and you'll be capped
EAST Lancashire councils have been warned not to impose large council tax rises on residents next year -- or they could be capped. Minister for Local Government, Nick Raynsford, said local authorities should give tax payers value for money while keeping
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'Tony, don't give up on Iraq'
AN East Lancashire councillor took to the stage at her first ever Labour Party conference to launch a broadside at those still squabbling over Iraq. Blackburn with Darwen councillor Patricia McFall urged the conference to put aside its divisions over
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Crumbling square to get massive revamp
MILLIONS of pounds are set to be spent giving a Blackburn's rundown Lord Square its first major facelift for almost 30 years. The shopping centre's new owners are planning to finally replace run down shops and crumbling concrete which have been a blight
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Chorley aiming for silverware
CHORLEY Golf Club are hoping to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet when they take part in the regional finals of the Sunday Telegraph's Junior Team Golf Home Nations Championship. The club's recent success in the Bolton & District Junior
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Led by example
BAXENDEN captain Paul Mabbutt certainly led by example with a mammoth round of golf to raise cash for a fellow member's daughter. Paul completed 100 holes in just one day to raise sponsorship money of £1400 for the Jessica Spibey Trust Fund. He was inspired
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Birthday boy Hill is bowled over
LANCASHIRE'S greatest athlete celebrated his 65th birthday on Thursday and over 300 of Ron Hill's friends and fans flocked to his party to race five kilometres through the streets of Littleborough with their hero. "I am overwhelmed that so many people
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You dirty lot
LEIGH painter and decorator John Jones takes pride in his work. He spent Monday varnishing the front of a DIY store in Railway Road, then returned to complete the task on Tuesday only to find that some dirty lowlife had smeared dog muck over the job.
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School launches bid for College status
HESKETH Fletcher CofE School is aiming to become the first Science with Business Enterprise College in the country. Headteacher of the Atherton school, Dr Ted Walker, said: "We have chosen this unique blend because we are convinced that it meets the needs
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Celebrartions for a white van man
WHITE van man has reason to celebrate. According to the AA his aggressive image is changing and in terms of insurance claims he is better than a car driver. Maybe he doesn't have as many accidents but I'm sure that's more through luck than judgement.
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Catering for the bone idle
LEIGH'S first ever faster food outlet -- a drive through restaurant -- is taking shape on the Parsonage Retail Park. All I can say is what's the point? Haven't we got enough takeaways and food outlets in our little towns already without catering for the
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Super chance for Centurions
Leigh Centurions 42 Hull KR 12 by Mike Hulme: FOR the third time in four years Leigh Centurions are within 80 minutes of Super League. And perhaps this year they will overcome the final hurdle and claim a place among the game's elite. But whether they
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Windfarm plan gets green light from residents
PLANS to build a £50m windfarm on moors above Bury have the support of local residents, according to a new survey. The Mori poll said 72 per cent of residents in Bury, Rossendale and Rochdale were in favour of the development at Knowl Moor and Scout Moor
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Still unbeaten
HINDSFORD maintained their unbeaten run with a 2-2 away draw at AFC Blackley. Hindsford were soon on top and scored an excellent early goal when Neil Critchley turned sharply on a Stuart Lomas pass and cleverly lobbed the stranded home keeper. Hindsford
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Latics leave it late
LEIGH Athletic progressed to the last 16 of the LFA Cup after making hard work of beating Collegiate 1-0. After recent superb performances, Leigh started well but missed three excellent chances inside the first 10 minutes. As the game progressed Leigh
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Patterson says Leigh need more time
Stevenage Borough 4 Leigh RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley: LEIGH RMI's re-building process hit another stumbling block at Broadhall Way as Stevenage ran riot to send the Railwaymen crashing to their fifth defeat in six matches. Ultimately, Leigh were hammered
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Glen Keeley: Rovers caught Short
BEFORE I start, I've got one message for every Rovers supporter ... don't panic! I'm the first to admit Sunday's performance at home to Fulham wasn't much better than the European nightmare in Turkey, but I know what the problem is. And the good news
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Service tradition is saved
A YOUNG musician has stepped in to rescue a Remembrance day service in Hapton -- thanks to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. The tradition of having a bugler to play at the service was under threat after it was revealed the regular bugler would be unable
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Displays will launch skate park
A SKATE park aimed at keeping skaters out of the town centre will be opened in Burnley's Queen's Park on Sunday. A number of events are planned for the launch, including a display of professional skate boarding, music and prize giveaways. Skateboarders
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Artists learn to earn cash from their talents
ARTISTS across East Lancashire are to get the chance to earn an income from their talents. Hyndburn Enterprise Trust is funding a new project, called Painting For Your Living, that will see a series of free seminars take place in Burnley. Each of the
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Grieving dad's 'cry for help'
THE daughter of a man who died after taking a lethal cocktail of drugs and alcohol said his actions were a cry for help after losing his son. The inquest was told how Glen Taylor Young, 51, of Gill Street, Burnley, made repeated attempts to take his life
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Padiham and Hapton Bulletin
A HUGE crowd watched Padiham's first ever magical lantern procession as it left the entrance to Gawthorpe Hall for the walk to Memorial Park. Led by the Mayor of Padiham, Bob Clark, and the Mayoress, Mrs Hazel Rushton and accompanied by Colne samba band
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Something new...
AN IRISH quintet set to become a huge music sensation is ready to rock Lancaster. The Thrills are impressing music lovers across the world with their sun-drenched catchy tunes - and their newest release 'Santa Cruz' is already blasting from local radio
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School seeks special status
A LANCASTER school is bidding for specialist status to become a driving force of the local arts scene - but it needs £50,000. Central Lancaster High School wants to become a Visual and Performing Arts college to bring more art facilities and courses to
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Police Academy comes to Morecambe
A SQUAD of budding police officers descended on Morecambe this week as a pioneering new training venture kicked off. Fifteen recruits have set up camp at the Thornton Road police station - one of five pilot centres nationally to start ground-breaking
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Power struggle
BRITISH Energy - the hard-up owner of Heysham power stations - has been thrown a £1.3 billion lifeline, reports Rachel Ryan. In an eleventh hour deal, major creditors backed a restructuring package with the struggling nuclear power group, writing off
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Pendle pictures all year round
PICTURESQUE views from around Pendle will feature on the borough's official calendar for 2004. The calendar, which is available now, includes pictures taken by Nelson photographer Ron Jackson of Wycoller, Barley and Alkincoats Park, Colne. It is on sale
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Auction kicks off with famous names
A SOCCER boot signed by England skipper David Beckham and a cricket bat autographed by the England team are two of the items to go under the hammer at an auction on Friday. The sale is being staged by Bury C of E High School to help raise funds for its
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Fired by the mob
THE brief mention of long-gone Clayton Grange at Clayton-le-Dale in Looking Back's return a fortnight ago to the headquarters at nearby Clayton Manor of the Home Guard's 9th (Blackburn County) Battalion in 1941 today brings forth this picture (above)
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Be part of the Big Draw
RESIDENTS of Pendle will get the chance to try out their artistic skills by helping to create the largest pavement drawing in Lancashire. The Big Draw Event taking place in Colne tomorrow is one of many similar activities planned throughout the country
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Pie and peas for a harvest
HARVEST celebrations take place on Saturday at Leigh Salvation Army. After pies and peas at 5.30pm entertainment begins at 7pm with the Ladybridge Singers.
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Ten years ago
A MAN and his dog were rescued by a lifeboat off the coast of Lytham. Blackburn market trader Colin Hodgson, 55, and his border collie Penny were on a 20ft cruiser when its rudder broke but fortunately lifeboat crews were on hand to tow the stricken vessel
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Five years ago
RAWTENSTALL take-away manager Chhanu Miah got a surprise when Cherie Blair turned up at a fund-raiser held at his brother-in-law's restaurant and ordered 22 curries costing £185. Chhanu, 26 said: "Cherie asked my nephew what he liked and when he said
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Building for the future
BRIDGE builders Warren Lyon and Sam Smith are celebrating silver success in London. The youngsters captured runners-up spot in the prestigious K'Nex Junior Engineers of Great Britain awards -- raising the profile of two schools within Leigh Education
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Labour pair fight for regeneration
MP Andy Burnham and Atherton Councillor Sue Loudon took centre stage at the Labour Party conference this week to call for Government action on the decline of manufacturing in the Leigh area. Leigh was thrust into the national spotlight on Monday after
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German is child's play with puppets
PUPILS at a Ribble Valley preparatory school spent the day clowning around during the European Day of Languages. Youngsters aged three to seven at St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst, called on the help of finger puppets Otto and Anna to help them take part in
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Bring on the penis puppets...
I WAS appalled to read Cllr Sands suggestion that a Great British Fish and Chip Feast be held in Morecambe. As a vegan of many years standing I am shocked at the idea of the council supporting such a disgusting, unhealthy and cruel enterprise. Puppetry
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Cat owners must clean up
FURTHER to the letter from Adrienne Wojtowicz of Morecambe last week, I would like to ask what planet is she on? I must point out that some cats don't bury their faeces - they constantly come into my garden and leave deposits all over my lawn. She is
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Win treble just the job for city champs
LANCASTER water polo team showed their intent to defend their National League title with good wins against London Polytechnic, Cheltenham and Manchester at Loughborough at the weekend. Improved individual play was the base for a better all round display
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Big win lifts Vale
VALE of Lune's first North One victory of the season catapulted them up the league four places and away from the danger zone. After two league defeats, Vale needed a win to restore confidence and straight from the whistle took the game to the visitors
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Adam's out to be a big hit
CRICKETING barman Adam Cotton hopes to prove a big hit in the Ribble Valley by bringing a taste of South Africa to East Lancashire. It is two years since Adam moved to South Africa to play cricket. Now he has returned to the UK to become licensee at the
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Health centre traffic plans unveiled
COUNCILLORS have been given an update on the development of Darwen's new £11m health centre so they can help to keep local residents informed. The layout of the new three-floor development, which is to be built behind the Green Street leisure centre,
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Farewell to tragic teenager
THE funeral of a teenager who died following a car smash after being driven away from her foster carers' home will be held today. Carry Ann Brown died in August after the car her father was driving crashed on the M6, south of Carlisle. The 14-year-old
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Charity quiz
HOSPICE funds will benefit from proceeds raised at Friday's cash prize charity quiz in Leigh Conservative Club. Entry is £2 per person. It starts at 8pm.
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Teachers run for charity
SIX Golborne High teachers took part in the Great North Run to raise money for the Warrington Paediatric Continuing Care Team. Mrs J Maskery, Miss Z Barrett, Mrs J Gash, Mrs M Hollowell, Miss J Edden and Mr A Ackers were among the 47,000 runners. Sponsorship
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Cash raised for history book
A MEMORABILIA day held to raise money to produce a Boothstown history book was hailed a resounding success -- after more than £700 was collected. The day attracted scores of people to the Boothstown Methodist Church last Saturday who came to see old photographs
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School launches bid for College status
HESKETH Fletcher CofE School is aiming to become the first Science with Business Enterprise College in the country. Headteacher of the Atherton school, Dr Ted Walker, said: "We have chosen this unique blend because we are convinced that it meets the needs
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Two-year prison sentence stands
A BLACKBURN man at the wheel when others beat a young robbery victim black and blue in the back seat of a moving car had his bid to cut his sentence dismissed in London's Appeal Court. Lee Suddick, 21, was jailed for two years at Preston Crown Court in
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Laney defies injury to take top position
MAUREEN Laney was the heroine as she defied injury to be the England team's top counter in the World Masters Fell Championships at Zell-am-Harmersbach in the Black Forest of Germany. Clayton club-mate Wendy Dodds also headed the England standings as six
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Five alive for Peters' Bacup
BACUP stretched their unbeaten run to five games, but manager Brent Peters felt his side should have been runaway winners. Bacup boucned back after Skelmersdale's leading goalscorer Simon Rudd fired the home side in front with a superb free kick from
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Teachers heading for the States
AMERICA will play host to three local headteachers when they jet over to learn more about American education. Sue Crosdale of Lowton High School, Steve Turner of Golborne High and Jane Lees of Hindley Community High School-Arts College are among a dozen
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YOU'VE come up trumps as usual
LAST week's appeal from pensioner and former Leigh factory girl Amy Jones to borrow a copy of the 50's film "Hindle Wakes" has paid off. Amy is now in possession of a copy of the film loaned by nostalgia fan Harold Fairhurst, of Atherton, who had the
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Peter brings a few smiles in Atherton
THE country's brilliant top comedian Peter Kay has been spotted in an Atherton superstore -- and rumours are rife that he has bought a house in the town. I have it on good authority that he has not in fact moved into the area nor has his latest "buy mum
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Another year of bonfire misery
HOUSEHOLDERS dreading the onslaught of firework foolery should have cause for celebration. Thanks to the power of the people, including 6,000 from the Leigh area, new laws to crack down on the menace have been given Royal assent. Unfortunately we're still
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LR Juniors
ATHERTON LR U15s are five points clear at the top of the table thanks to a sensational winner against Deans Youth by Shane Sargent. Deans Youth had the upper hand early on but LR held out and took the lead with a goal from Sean Barns. Deans Youth quickly
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Thursday, Ocotber 2
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Accrington town centre regeneration board meeting, Scaitcliffe House, Accrington, 6pm. Charity Event, St Peter's Church, Perth Street, Accrington, 7.30pm. Learn Braille
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Disabled should be helped
I WAS amazed to see on regional TV news, people pleading for the Mind Centre in Blackburn to stay open so that they have a place where they can go and socialise. The centre does a good job, providing activities for users and getting them out on trips,
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Family's shock of Sean's brutal stabbing
THE mother of a teenager fatally injured in a Colne street told today how she pleaded with him to look into her eyes as he lay dying. Sean Whyte, 17, of North Street, died from stab wounds after police received reports of a disturbance near his home on
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Double call-up
BLACKBURN youngsters Zac Jones and Ryan Woods have been called up to England's Under 16 squad. England take on Northern Ireland on Friday October 17 2003 at Rushden and Diamonds' Nene Park stadium, kick off 8pm. Goalkeeper Jones, from Blackburn, and Woods
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Gavin stands out among his peers
ACADEMY starlet Gavin Peers scored his first goal for Rovers reserves last night but his efforts were ultimately in vain as Villa maintained their flying start to the season. Peers cancelled out Alex Bruce's first half own goal by applying a cool finish
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Give Amoruso a chance
FORMER Rovers favourite Kevin Gallacher today backed Lorenzo Amoruso to ride through the storm which has clouded his start to life in the Premiership. Amoruso has been the subject of fierce criticism in the last seven days following a couple of jittery
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Oz police to jump on BAND wagon?
AUSTRALIAN police are looking to Burnley for inspiration on how to cut drink-related trouble on their streets. Officers from Queensland, in Oz, have asked Burnley police for more details about BAND -- which stands for Burnley Against Night-time Disorder
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Litter clean-up is a let-down
WINEWALL residents were left fuming when a skip for a planned volunteer clean-up day was not delivered on time. Residents in the village have taken part in clean-ups in the area for the last 12 years and usually use skips, pick-up sticks and bin bags
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Radical classic is muddy marvellous
ORWELL'S classic Animal Farm enjoys a dark, brutal and mud splattered performance at the Lowry. Now in its tenth year, Northern Stage gives this mainstay of English literature courses a dramatic twist and a modern feel. Opening to the strains of Jerusalem
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Cotton wool talk
COTTON wool country is the theme of Margaret Curry's talk on Monday at Leigh Literary Society meeting which begins at 7.30pm in the Derby Room at the Turnpike Centre. Entry for non members is £1.50. Further details from 01942 404559.
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Family's fear for missing teenager
THE family of an Accrington hard-of-hearing teenager who has been missing from home for three weeks said today they fear for his safety. Christopher Joseph Knott, 19, has not been seen since around 3pm on September 11 when he left the residential deaf
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Scheme scoops lottery jackpot
A SCHEME which deals with the effects of alcohol misuse on women has scooped a lottery jackpot. The Leigh-based Willow Project has been allocated £299,972 by the National Lotteries Charities Board and will finance the group for a further three years.
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Tony gets on his bike to ride for charity
AN Astley man got on his bike and cycled more than 140 miles to raise money for his diabetic wife and son. Tony O'Malley and five other pals took part in last month's C2C bike ride challenge and cycled from Workington to Sunderland -- in aid of Diabetes
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Soldier Paul snap happy
A SOLDIER who hails from Clitheroe is snap-happy after coming out tops in a national competition to find the best photographers in the army. Sgt Paul Brownbridge, 32, formerly of Low Moor, has won the Best Use of Digital Medium section of the 2003 Army
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Voters must be interested
ONCE upon a time British politics inspired people to participate in the electoral process. That was before the age of sleaze, spin and sound bites. Now when personal and political freedom is under attack on so many fronts, it is more important than ever
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Harriers come up with a gloss finish
LEIGH Harriers RL made the short trip to Burtonwood Bridge to take on a tough side who are known for their uncompromising style of play. Not suprisingly things did not go well at the start of the game for the Harriers, the strong running forwards of the
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Leigh RU fixtures
WHO plays where this weekend. 1st XV: Birchfield at home, meet at 1.00 pm. 2nd XV: Stockport away, meet at 1.00 pm. 3rd XV: Colne & Nelson away, meet at 1.00 pm. Tofts: Sandbach away, meet at 1.00 pm. Vets: Macclesfield away, meet at 1.00 pm. Wirral
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Smithills Hall talk
TYLDESLEY Probus Club learned the history of Smithills Hall from speaker Clive Walsh. He told members the first recorded owner in the 14th century was William de Radclyffe. In 1822 the Ainsworth family bought the hall for £21,000 and in 1937 Bolton Council
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Man, 19 died as he did not take medicine
A 19-YEAR-OLD who suffered from epilepsy died after failing to take his medication, an inquest has heard. Matthew Inger, of Heatherlands, Whitworth, was found dead in his bed on July 1. Alan Hammonds, Matthew's stepfather, told the inquest held at Burnley
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Residents' group's worries
A RESIDENTS' group in Rawtenstall has accused an environmental improvement body and a rival residents' association of creating an unsafe play area for children. Members of Burnley Road Action Group (BRAG) said they wanted to alert local parents to what
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Well known builder dies
RETIRED Atherton builder and motorcycle trials and scrambles rider Les Manley has died, aged 90. Mr Manley worked in the family business J Manley and Sons and was a successful competition rider pre and post World War Two having been a BSA works team member
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Team praised
LEIGH'S Active Life team has been praised for helping children keep fit during the summer holiday. Scores of 14 to 16 years olds took advantage of a cut rate silver six passes offering unlimited use of the borough's leisure centres -- and Linc card offers
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Ed clocks in...
PENSIONER Ed Baldwin has been making wooden gifts bearing the Leigh Borough coat of arms for quarter of a century. The seventy-five year old of Bickershaw produces a huge range of hand-made clocks, penholders and miniature furniture in his garden shed
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Cancer charity group
A WOMAN who won her battle with breast cancer has set up a charity group to help raise awareness of the disease. Elaine Brogden beat the disease three years ago -- and she has decided to set up a Leigh group for the charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer
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Hostel plan for ex-old folk's home
A FORMER residential home in Shadsworth could be turned into a hostel for the homeless. Shadsworth House on Dunoon Drive has been the target of vandals and arsonists since it was closed as an OAP home by Blackburn with Darwen Council in 1999 as part of
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Kids in care get prizes
YOUNGSTERS in the care of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council were honoured in a special ceremony. Seventy children and young people, who are all looked after by the council, were nominated by their teachers, carers, social workers and also staff from
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Reservoirs in good shape, no drought about it
WATER bosses are reassuring householders that the region's reservoirs are in tip-top shape. A scorching summer -- including a number of hot days during the past month -- has prompted a huge demand for water across the region. Some of East Lancashire's
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Snape holds off Blackburn's triple challenge
TWO of our local cycling clubs used Sunday's North Lancs Time Trial Association 25 mile event on a course near Garstang as their club Championship at the distance for the 2003 season. Regular winner Fraser Snape of Simonstone was easily best of his North
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Boothstown stay unbeaten
BOOTHSTOWN U12s remain unbeaten in the league after a 5-1 away win over Meadowside Sharks. Boothstown's goals came from Andy Woodhouse, Danny Lyle, Adam Harrison, Josh Wilson and an og. Mathew Hill was man of the match.
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RMI lose out
LEIGH RMI Ladies lost out 3-2 to Bolton Wanderers Reserves. Wanderers took the lead directly from a free kick but eventually Lou Sumner broke through the Bolton defence to score an equalizer. In only Bolton's second attack of the game they scored again
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Leigh Youth League
MOSLEY Common United U11s edged out Hindsford Wolves 3-1 in an exciting local derby. United's goals came from Charlie Todd, Daniel Goncalves and Luke Benyon with good performances from Lewis Sharp and Adam Chandler. James Cowgill replied for Hindsford
