Archive

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Council revolution in care for young

EARLY years education is undergoing a major revamp -- and children in Blackburn and Darwen will be among the first to experience some of the changes. Two Children's Centres -- the first of their kind in East Lancashire -- will be launched tomorrow spelling

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I want more of the same

BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has told Dwight Yorke he still has a future with Rovers providing he continues to show the same desire as he did at Molineux last night. Yorke came to the rescue with a late headed equaliser as Rovers drew 2-2 with Wolves

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Music date

ON Sunday, January 11 at 2.15pm, Leigh Music Society presents The Brixi Singers. Admission at the door is £6, children and students £3.

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Town is treated fairly says its MP

AN MP has dismissed a council survey which revealed that the town's residents were being short-changed on spending per head compared to Blackburn. Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson, who is still waiting for the local council to send her a copy of

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Trash and Treasure sale

A TRASH and Treasure sale opens at 10am on Satirday, Feb 7 at Tyldesley Methodist Church, Elliott Street. Refreshments made by Sunday school staff will be available and entrance is 20p. Stalls at £6 can be booked on 0161 790 3493.

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Fight the flab

WIGAN and Leigh Pensioners Link are holding Tai Chi classes for those full of festive fare who wish to work off the post Christmas flab. Sessions run from 2-3 pm on Tuesdays plus relaxation classes every Friday (12.30-2.00 pm) at Leigh Liberal Club, Church

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Tributes flood in for soccer's 'Busby'

FOOTBALL has lost one of its most ardent supporters with the death of Leigh and District Amateur Football League president, Tommy Richards. Mr Richards, 81, of Oak Street, Tyldesley, died early on Monday in a Scarborough hospital where he had been since

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Cameras cash has sped away

MOTORISTS caught by speed cameras that may have been installed against government guidelines have "no chance" of getting their fines back, an expert warned today. Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, made the prediction after it was

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We'll learn from defeat - Haig

MILTON Keynes proved too powerful for Blackburn Hawks as they romped to a 14-2 Premier Cup victory. The Premier League side simply had too many imports in their line-up and the Hawks were on the back foot almost from the off. The hosts rattled the Hawks

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MP backs 'holiday fines'

RADCLIFFE MP Ivan Lewis is spearheading a move which could see parents fined up to £100 by a headteacher for taking their family on holiday during term time. Going on holiday without a school's permission is tantamount to truancy, said the junior education

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The right way - or the rights of way?

CRIME-RIDDEN alleys are to be cleaned up to cut burglary, drug dealing and vandalism. Under measures to be announced next month town halls will be given new powers to close them off if they used by criminals or louts or plagued by litter. And what a welcome

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How stupid can these

selfish people really be? I CAN'T believe the stupidity of some selfish people. A woman phoned 999 over the holidays because she was lonely and needed a hug from Paramedics. Other time wasters to the life saving emergency service came from a divvy with

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Keeper wanted

HINDLEY Juniors u13's are an up and coming team playing Sunday morning football in the Bolton Boys Federation. They are currently on the look out for a goalkeeper and defensive players to strengthen the team. Anyone interested should contact Alan Moss

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Clearance sale

BARGAINS galore will be on offer at the Hilton Park club shop on Saturday when a clearance sale of old stock starts.

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Friendly game plea

CENTURIONS have thrown out an invitation to all other National League One clubs to play a friendly at Hilton Park on January 18. Having played two pre-season Testimonial games, the Centurions would like one more run-out in which they could field their

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Challenge Cup tie ruling

THE RFL will rule on where Leigh's Powergen Challenge Cup third round tie against amateurs Elland will be played. With doubts over the availability of Halifax's New Shay ground - the nearest pro ground to Elland - Leigh suggested the tie be switched to

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Centurions' young guns impress

Warrington Wolves 34 Leigh Centurions 16 by Mike: LEIGH Centurions gave their fans a glimpse of the future at Wilderspool on Sunday. And a bright one it looks too. When head coach Darren Abram returns from holiday this week, he'll get glowing reports

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Teacher quits after nine year suspension

A SCHOOL teacher suspended on full pay for the past nine years has decided to quit - leaving taxpayers to pay a bill running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Anthony McNally, aged 53, has left his £25,000-a-year post after agreeing a settlement with

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South Lancs League

Redgate Rovers Reserves (Open Age) 0 - 2 AFC Hindley U17's Scorers - Eric Rostrun Scott Fairhurst Wigan & District Youth League Hindley Juniors U13's 7 - 2 Standish Storm U13's Scorers, Matthew Farrington 2, Daniel Allen 3, Anthony Ashton, Dale Parker

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Home comfort for Hindsford

HINDSFORD FC had a comfortable 6-2 win at home against Stand Athletic on Saturday. Hindsford forced a corner in the first minute and from the clearance Darren Brigg's well flighted cross was headed home by Simon Hampson. Hindsford were well on top and

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Colls deserve point

Atherton Collieries 1 Fleetwood Town 1: ATHERTON Collieries entertained fourth from top of the league Fleetwood Town last Saturday, hoping for a repeat of their form the week before when they beat town rivals Atherton LR 3-0. Manager Alan Lord has totally

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Starbuck looks for Trophy tonic

LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck will be hoping his side can get back to winning ways when they take on Unibond League Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Trophy writes Robert Johnson RMI have lost four games in a row and leaked 15 goals in the Nationwide Conference

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Kicked PC saved by armour

A POLICEMAN was saved by his body armour after a man he was placing in the back of a van kicked back "like a donkey" catching him in the chest, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard the officer had taken Steven Quigley out of the van to adjust

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Cemetery site unsuitable

IN response to the article in Monday's (January 4) Lancashire Evening Telegraph -- Cemetery likely for old memorial -- although the cemetery is an ideal spot for the memorial I would like to point out that the cemetery is in poor condition, with stones

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Town schemes left off the list

MR F Crompton of Lightbown Street, Darwen (Letters, January 3) states that "Darwen's share of any cash is nothing more than peanuts." He then lists seven schemes costing about £30,000 each. Why doesn't Mr Crompton list another seven schemes which have

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Brenda backs care campaign

CAMPAIGNING mother Brenda Rowley is backing a major campaign to create new legislation to protect vulnerable adults in care. The crusade for a Care Home Assault Law is spear-headed by TV investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre, a patron of the Astley-based

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Referees are often a menace in black

THERE'S nothing quite like an FA Cup run to get the fans excited. We found that out last season and hopefully, now, we can overcome Gillingham and set ourselves up for another crack at the quarter finals. Although I'm injured, I was delighted to be at

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Police hunt hit and run driver

A PENSIONER is in a critical condition after he was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Padiham. Parker Ince, 83, of Dryden Street, was walking his dog when he was hit by a car as he crossed the road near his bungalow. Police said the driver dragged

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I want more of the same

BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has told Dwight Yorke he still has a future with Rovers providing he continues to show the same desire as he did at Molineux last night. Yorke came to the rescue with a late headed equaliser as Rovers drew 2-2 with Wolves

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Souey happy with a point

A RELIEVED Graeme Souness felt Blackburn got what they deserved after Dwight Yorke's late leveller earned Rovers a point at Molineux. Wolves appeared to be heading for maximum points after second half goals from Paul Butler and Alex Rae had cancelled

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Predators hunt down Wolves

BLACKBURN Rovers just about kept the Wolves from the door thanks to some old magic from their own veteran predators Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. The former Manchester United duo, who were once feted as Europe's most fearsome strike-force, chose a timely

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Sixties legends drifting into town

SIXTIES soul legends the Drifters have announced they are to play the Albert Halls in Bolton as part of their tour of the UK. The superstar group -- which once featured the likes of Ben E. King, Clyde McPhatter and Johnny Moor -- enjoyed 29 top 40 singles

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Garrett celebrates first decade

THE Garrett Theatre, Atherton, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. A number of events are planned to mark the event including an anniversary show in August. But starting the celebrations is the pantomime Sleeping Beauty which opens at the Formby

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Dad's moving farewell to stabbed PC

THE father of tragic PC Clare Mace said an emotional farewell to his daughter as family, friends and colleagues gathered for her funeral. In a message accompanying a moving floral tribute the young police officer's dad wrote: "To Clare, you will never

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Council workers urged to cycle or walk

PLANS to encourage council workers in Pendle to walk to work or use car sharing will be discussed next week. The proposals form part of a Staff Travel Plan drawn up by Pendle Council officers in a bid to promote alternative methods of transport for council

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Bid to combat violence in the home

A PIONEERING technique to stop domestic violence -- the first of its kind in Lancashire -- is being launched in Pendle. Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative (PDVI) is to hold a 26-week course, called New Directions, in a bid to help the perpetrators of

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Anarchist group targets MEP Titley

AN anti-EU anarchist group from Italy is believed to be behind the parcel bomb which blew up at the Radcliffe headquarters of MEP Gary Titley. He was the latest high profile Euro politician to be sent an incendiary device, although it was his wife Charo

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Bracelet went in with waste

A WOMAN who accidentally "posted" a gold bracelet into a paper recycling bank has thanked council staff who helped her get it back. Jennifer Gornall, of Barnoldswick, accidentally put an envelope containing the bracelet into a paper bank near the Co-op

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25 years ago

THOUSANDS of East Lancashire lorrymen decided to carry on with their strike. Some 400 men crowded into the Accrington Miners' Club to take the "strike goes on" decision. Education officials announced schools which were closed because of the ongoing fuel

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50 years ago

RAIN which froze on many East Lancashire roads caused a series of accidents and big traffic hold-ups. Two bus companies cancelled coaches which were due to take Blackburn Rovers supporters for a cup tie in Bristol and in a spell lasting 30 minutes every

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Spencer in kicking groove

ROSSENDALE RUFC's first team reversed a trend to leap-frog Carlisle in to second place after a hard fought 19-13 victory in Cumbria. Dale scored three late penalties to secure victory. John Spencer did the damage with 14 points, kicking four penalties

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Cut-your-hours plea by council

COUNCIL workers in Hyndburn have been asked to cut their hours in a bid to help slash the council's £800,000 debt. The idea has been met with a cool response after only 12 people out of the 600-strong workforce took up the offer, producing a saving of

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Agents back Tommy's

BENEVOLENT estate agent Simon Cooke is celebrating his company's 10th anniversary by backing the baby charity Tommy's. Managing Director Simon who runs Cooke and Co based in Lord Street, Leigh, said: "We wanted to do something special and we are going

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Postie Harry gets first class send-off

POSTIE Harry Critchley's first class service earned him the stamp of approval from hundreds of satisfied customers. Harry got the shock of his life on Saturday as he delivered his last letter to Lynn Birmingham's Lowton home and stepped into a surprise

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Ignore Village protests, Prescott told

DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott is being urged to disregard a claim that people haven't had enough time to consider alterations to Leigh Sports Village plans. Campaign for Planning Sanity frontman, Chris Maile, has alleged Wigan planners put forward

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Why biker Gary is 'Prince' of Wales

AS a teenager, Gary Parr rode across Plank Lane coal rucks at Leigh on a motorbike he had to keep hidden from his dad, never dreaming that he'd one day be 'Prince' of Wales. But the Westleigh lad can claim even greater fame. After winning the Welsh Four

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NGot something say? Send your letters to Leigh Journal, 44-46 Railway Road, Leigh, WN7 4AT.

Motorists could be uninsured SIR, While sympathising with the traders of Atherton, as well as leaning towards the support of many people who believe Market Street should be fully pedestrianised, I suppose I could be accused of sitting on the fence. I

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Moore ready for the fight

BORN-AGAIN winger Alan Moore is itching to play his part in a Burnley revival. Moore stepped up his welcome return to fitness with an 85-minute run-out for the Clarets second string at Huddersfield yesterday. And with first team boss Stan Ternent eager

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Panto time

lPANTO time is coming To Boothstown for a five production run. Churches in Boothstown Amateur Dramatics Society (CINBADS) are busy preparing for their production of "Mother Goose" which runs from January 15-18 inclusive in the Holy Family Scout Hall off

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New twist on love classic

A THEATRE group will celebrate its 20th anniversary with an up-to-date version of the classic love story "Wuthering Heights". Turnpike Community Theatre writer Jo Shepherd has adapted Emily Bronte's famous novel to fit modern times and it will be set

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Lanky time for Society

ATHERTON Heritage Society members are looking forward to a good laugh at their meeting on January 13 at 7.30pm in St Richard's Jubilee Hall when Brian Clare reveals Lancashire humour. Admission is £1, non-members £1.50.

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Free courses for new career

FREE training courses are on offer to people interested in a new career in childcare. Wigan Council's Sure Start team is hosting two fairs, the first at the Queens Hall, Wigan, on Monday (January 12) and the second at Leigh Library on Thursday (January

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Winter bowls

THE 12th winner of the Pennington Park Winter Bowling competition was Colin Knight who beat Billy Rigby in the final 21-13. The consolation final was won by John Thompson who beat John McCaul 21-18.

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AGM change

MEMBERS of Atherton Parks Vets Bowling League should note a change in venue for the forthcoming AGM. With Mealhouse Court Lounge being renovated, the meeting will now be at the Jubilee Hall, Mayfield Street on Thursday, January 22 at 1.30pm.

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Winter nets

GOLBORNE Cricket Club have started their winter nets each Monday at Robin Park, Wigan from 8-9p.m. All are welcome, especially new players. Any queries, please contact Graham Marston (first team captain) on 0777 492 6853 or Denis Ormshaw on 07970 678562

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Superleigh 2000 Lottery

Prize-winners £1000 - C.Austin, Hindley Green (1700); £250 - D.Coleman, Leigh (6088); £100 - M.Egan, Atherton (11); £50 - B.Cottrell, Atherton (3062); R.Bond, Leigh (6396); £10 - R.Wright, Leigh (3743); D.Urmston, Leigh (6581); £5 - G.Morris, Leigh (7181

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Dransfield S&D League

Snooker: Sky Bar 45pts, HGSH 'A' 40, Rileys 39, Labour 'A' 38, Bowling 'A' 35, Bowling 'B' 34, Legion 'A' 34, Lowton 33, Liberals 31, Labour 'B' 28, Legion 'B' 28, HGSH 'B' 12. Dominoes: Sky Bar 25, Legion 'B' 21, HGSH 'A' 18, Bowling 'B' 17, Rileys 17

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Late field goals win tight game

Leigh East 8 West Bowling 10 WEST Bowling completed a league double over East, at the same time consolidating their claim for an end-of-season place in the Arriva Trains Premier Division Top Six play-offs. But on a day when not a single goal attempt found

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It's not St Pat's day as Miners make it nine

Wigan St Pat's 10 Leigh Miners Rangers 14: GAMES between these two sides are always full value, and these two derby rivals didn't disappoint in a pulsating game that saw the Miners snatch a thrilling victory in the final quarter. It was a ninth successive

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More coffee

COFFEE mornings have proved so popular at the Pensioners Link HQ in Charles Street, Leigh that Fridays (10am-noon) have been added to the programme.

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HTHE Manchester and Cheshire branch of the Embroiderers' Guild annual meeting is on Saturday (10-4)

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Scheme to interpret for those with hearing difficulties

PEOPLE with hearing difficulties in Rossendale are being encouraged to take part in a new scheme set up to provide emergency interpreters for deaf people at short notice. East Lancashire Sign Language Interpreting Service has developed a scheme to help

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'Depressed' dad attacked his wife

A DEPRESSED father-of-four attacked his wife while the children were in the house, a court was told. Burnley magistrates heard how Andrew Kennedy Newbigging, 31, repeatedly punched Stacey, his partner of eight-and-a-half years after she was said to have

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Fluoridation plan blasted by residents

PLANS to add fluoride to Rossendale's water supply have been met with fierce criticism from residents and health experts. Government proposals to 'mass medicate' the Valley's water supply with fluoride came under attack at a public meeting in Rawtenstall

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Music exam successes

MUSIC pupils taught by Mrs E J Woods of Warrington Road, Glazebury enjoyed examination success at Trinity College, Manchester. Practical: Grade 1 (distinction) Chelsea Carmichael; Grade 2 (pass) Hannah Blake, (merit) Shelley Tomar and Jennifer Whittaker

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Top wildlife snapper passes on tips

ONE of the country's top professional wildlife snappers, Gordon Langsbury, will pass his knowledge on to bird lovers on Friday. Leigh Ornithological Society is delighted to welcome the ace photographer to its next meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library

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Argos blame computer fault

SHOPPERS who bought last minute presents from Argos on Christmas Eve were furious to learn they had been charged twice for their purchases. People who paid at one of the 523 branches using Switch, Solo or Style debit cards later discovered that their

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Free courses for new career

FREE training courses are on offer to people interested in a new career in childcare. Wigan Council's Sure Start team is hosting two fairs, the first at the Queens Hall, Wigan, on Monday (January 12) and the second at Leigh Library on Thursday (January

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Simon takes national award

MUSICIAN Simon Minshall had the shock of his life when he was named winner of the National Children's Orchestra's top award. The 12-year-old bass trombone player from Astley, pictured, was in London playing with the under 13 NCO when the announcement

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Where to get rid of those old trees

PUBS, nurseries and parks have opened tree-cycling centres for people to dispose of their real Christmas trees. The official Wigan Council sites will be available for public use until Sunday, January 11. Trees collected will be turned into wood chippings

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Ex-councillor gets OBE honour

NEW Year brought an OBE for civil servant Phil Teece. The former Tyldesley councillor, who served on Wigan MBC's housing and education committees, was honoured for his work as programme director of the appeals service with the Department for Work and

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New twist on love classic

A THEATRE group will celebrate its 20th anniversary with an up-to-date version of the classic love story "Wuthering Heights". Turnpike Community Theatre writer Jo Shepherd has adapted Emily Bronte's famous novel to fit modern times and it will be set

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Prize winning brewer set to buy 'flagship' pubs

MOORHOUSE'S, the award winning Lancashire brewer with a distinct Atherton flavour, is set to expand in the North-west, including Greater Manchester, with a plan to buy pubs in the major towns. Already supplying many free houses and pub company outlets

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Teachers vow to keep up pressure

EAST Lancashire teachers have suffered a major blow in their protest against benchmark examinations - but today vowed to fight on. And parents or governors could be targeted in future action by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) in their bid to protest

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Andy Gouck needed stitches

ANDY Gouck admitted he feared the worst when he was stretchered off in Accrington Stanley's 0-0 draw with Colchester United. The midfielder - hero of the Reds' FA Cup first round win over Huddersfield - was carried off after slashing his right leg with

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Oblong sausages, says Porky

MY pre-Christmas appeal for a square sausage that didn't keep rolling back to the cooked bit brought the following advice: "Try Richmond Pork, they're not square though, they'd look funny if they were. How about oblong?-- Porky." Thanks for the cutting

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My feet are now paying for a mis-spent youth

LIKE many young people I ignored advice not to wear winkle-pickers, stilettoes and high platforms, and boy am I paying for it. I have always loved shoes and even as a child when I had my feet measured under Fairclough's magic x-ray machine I pulled my

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Stars present shirts to fans

CENTURIONS fans can have their replica shirts presented by a player of their choice when Leigh's new kit is officially launched on January 26. Fans who pre-order their shirts from the club shop can nominate a favourite player to make the presentation

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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, Date: January 9, 2003.

A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Jack Straw MP Advice Surgery, Ivy Street Community Centre, 3.30pm-4.30pm; Audley Community Centre, 5pm-6pm, Blackburn. "Jack and the Beanstalk," Municipal Hall, Albert

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Lifting a shadow from many lives

ANYONE who visits the courts will quickly see how large the scourge of domestic violence is in East Lancashire - and indeed across the country. But those who work with the problem know that cases reaching court are only the tip of the iceberg. While police

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Welcome action on Lord Square

IT'S two years since this newspaper highlighted the need for something radical to be done to remove the eyesore of Blackburn's Lord Square. We pointed out how the shabby, crumbling square was a town centre embarrassment and a shocking letdown sited between

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Giving stamp of approval

MAY I continue to thank everybody who sends me their used postage stamps in aid of the East Lancashire Hospice -- especially over the Christmas period. The Hospice need to raise around half a million pounds this year and used stamps do help to raise much-needed

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Do all litter louts have curly tails?

DO all the pigs responsible for depositing their empty cans, plastic bottles, broken glass bottles, pizza boxes, fish and chip containers, crisp packets, cigarette packets, vomit, dog dirt and plenty of unmentionables on our streets, pavements, back alleys

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Smoke gets in eyes, lungs -- everywhere

WE are non-smokers and I do not like going out because of the effects of the smoke. Your hair, clothes even underwear smells when you return home. The smoke affects your chest the day after, even makes your eyes sore and dries out your skin. You have

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No comfort in street changes

I AM unhappy about Blackburn's Church Street and believe it is far from excellent. First there is now a set of steps that have never been needed before. These seem to be down to the alterations that were carried out to the roadway on the Darwen Street

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Prostitute outlawed from red-light district

A PROSTITUTE has been banned from Blackburn's red light district as part of a crackdown on working girls operating near people's homes. And police today warned they would not hesitate to use the ground-breaking action again to protect residents from the

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Centurions back rebel format

LEIGH Centurions were one of the rebel National League clubs who wanted to scrap the play-off system as a means of deciding promotion to Super League. Though they were heavily defeated in a vote on Tuesday, Hilton Park officials remain convinced that

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Purse theft allegations

A COUPLE and a schoolboy accused of targeting lone women victims to steal purses and handbags in Burnley appeared before the town's magistrates. Stevan Jovanovic, 35, and Sanela Osmanovic, 21, both of Travis Street, are each charged with six counts of

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Driver drank over children misery

A CIVIL engineer caught almost three times the legal drink-drive limit claimed he was upset over spending the first Christmas without his four children. Burnley Magistrates' Court heard how Alan Ruane had "hit rock bottom" after his 15 year marriage had

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Police hunt hit and run driver

A PENSIONER is in a critical condition after he was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Padiham. Parker Ince, 83, of Dryden Street, was walking his dog when he was hit by a car as he crossed the road near his bungalow. Police said the driver dragged

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Barrow tells Shakers to shape up

SHAKERS' caretaker manager Graham Barrow has thrown down the gauntlet to his underachieving charges. He says if any of his players are not prepared for a fight to the death, then they can leave the club. Barrow is disillusioned with the form of his squad

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Travellers are told to pack their bags

TRAVELLERS accused of using the area as a toilet, starting fires and brandishing handguns at a site in Nelson are to be ordered to leave. Councillors on the Nelson Committee demanded an order be served to ensure caravans are moved from the site at Sansbury

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School debt to pioneering doctor

A NEW development which is now taking shape in Preston New Road, Blackburn, hides almost 200 years of history. Work is under way on the site of the former Blackburn High School For Girls. The memory of the former school was honoured last we understand

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Pedal power

TWO cycling projects have received government funding as part of the commitment to increase levels of pedal pushing. Wigan and Leigh College has been awarded £13,000 for improved facilities including cycle parking, showers and promotional material as

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Residents return home after evacuation scare

FAMILIES evacuated from their homes due to a suspected arson attack have spoken of their delight to be back. Residents from around 200 houses in Colne had to leave their properties at 8pm after a fire at a block of garages containing cylinders of highly

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10 years ago

SEVENTY jobs were lost at a Darwen factory site. An envelope factory lost 38 of its 350 workers to secure its future while 32 of 150 jobs were also lost at a neighbouring paper making plant. Detectives and forensic science experts were investigating a

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Top wildlife snapper passes on tips

ONE of the country's top professional wildlife snappers, Gordon Langsbury, will pass his knowledge on to bird lovers on Friday. Leigh Ornithological Society is delighted to welcome the ace photographer to its next meeting in the Derby Room, Leigh Library

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County team's tour to tell of its work

VISITORS to Accrington town centre will be able to find out more about the services provided by their county council on Saturday. Lancashire County Council's trailer will make its second visit to the town between 10am and 4pm. Leading county councillors

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Mum desperate to move home after arson terror

A TEENAGE mum whose house was targeted by arsonists says she is planning to move because of the attack. Police are still investigating but believe the attack was intended for a person who does not even live at the address. Amy Martin was at home with

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Huge rise in violent crime

VIOLENT crime and shoplifting in Accrington doubled over the Christmas period compared to last year, it has been revealed. The huge rise was despite a police operation to crack down on pre-Christmas crime. But police - who were reluctant to release figures

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Staff get their kit off down at the Waterside

PUB staff are the toast of regulars after baring their all for a 2004 charity calendar. Eleven employees at Leigh's Waterside Inn stripped off to pose for the prototype put together by manager Dave Balmer, to boost funds for autistic children. The head

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Town forum plan new carnival

A NEW town forum is aiming to rebuild a community by organising the first big carnival for over a decade. Tyldesley businessman Michael Norris has set the ball rolling by setting up a Festival Shop linked to his Frank's Cafe premises in Elliott Street

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'Most improved' town losing out in cash stakes

RUNDOWN private homes have received a funding blow at the expense of houses in neighbouring boroughs. Council bosses are dismayed that Government cash to improve homes is being reduced, at a time when Bury is being lauded as the most improved in the country

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Nick's fight to flush out need

A CLITHEROE man has launched a campaign to help the world's poorest countries after seeing the plight of struggling people in India, Nepal and Uganda. Nick Hepworth, who was born and brought up in the Ribble Valley, is campaigning to put pressure on the

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Infirmary buses twice an hour

REPLYING to the letter about buses to Leigh Infirmary. There are buses, two every hour. I know, I visit my father every day and I have no difficulty catching a bus. There is a bus from Leigh bus station at quarter to and quater past the hour. If you had

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White Ensign appeal to ex-servicemen

THE Atherton and District White Ensign Association was formed over 40 years ago to promote the camaraderie ex-Navy shipmates forged in the forces. But as the years have taken their toll, and more and more members obey the last pipe, the association has

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Link that's even closer

IN its review of the year in 1927 the Blackburn Times commented that 80% of all the textile production of the Blackburn district went to India and China. It then went on to complain that "as Lancashire sees it, the people in these two countries have not

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West is spot on for reserves

A BURNLEY Reserve side including six first squad members was far too strong for their Yorkshire rivals. Goals in the second half from trialist striker John Harrison and a late Dean West penalty saw the Clarets cruise home. And after being forced to field

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Trash and Treasure sale

A TRASH and Treasure sale opens at 10am on Satirday, Feb 7 at Tyldesley Methodist Church, Elliott Street. Refreshments made by Sunday school staff will be available and entrance is 20p. Stalls at £6 can be booked on 0161 790 3493.

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Weekend Leigh RUFC fixtures

1st XV: Widnes at home, meet at 12.30pm. 2nd XV: Warrington at home, meet at 1pm. 3rd XV: Preston Grasshoppers at home, meet at 1.30pm. Tofts: Caldy at home, meet at 1.30pm. Vets: Widnes away, meet at 1pm. Warrington 5 Leigh 1st XV 40 Sweet revenge in

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Moore ready for the fight

BORN-AGAIN winger Alan Moore is itching to play his part in a Burnley revival. Moore stepped up his welcome return to fitness with an 85-minute run-out for the Clarets second string at Huddersfield yesterday. And with first team boss Stan Ternent eager

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Break-ins warning to drivers

POLICE in Darwen have renewed their appeal to people to be more security conscious following an increase in burglaries and vandalism. Officers particularly highlighted the Harwood Street and Crewdson Street areas of town which have suffered a number of

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Police hunt for jogging sex pest

POLICE in Darwen are hunting a man who exposed himself to a young girl as she was walking along an alleyway in the town. Officers investigating the indecent exposure, which occurred behind Argyle Street are urging any witnesses to contact them. The incident

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What's the best way to plug age barriers? Adopt a granny!

YOUNGSTERS in the Sudellside area of Darwen are breaking down barriers between elderly people and youths by adopting a granny. They are planning to visit elderly neighbours to help them with chores or keep them company as part of a scheme run by police

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Say cheese...

rATHERTON WI members will enjoy a cheese experience when Robert Kitchining addresses tonight's meeting which starts at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Hall, Atherton.

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Wife death suspect quits job

A MAN who is the police's prime suspect over his wife's death has quit his job -- just weeks after his boss backed his claims of innocence. Robert Lund, 51, blamed his decision to resign from his labouring work after four years on a difference of opinion

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Boundary changes meetings

A SERIES of area forums has been arranged in a bid to involve the community in council decisions. Rossendale Council chiefs, officers, and councillors will attend the meetings to consult with residents on recent proposals for council boundary changes

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Lanky time for Society

ATHERTON Heritage Society members are looking forward to a good laugh at their meeting on January 13 at 7.30pm in St Richard's Jubilee Hall when Brian Clare reveals Lancashire humour. Admission is £1, non-members £1.50.

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Factory jobs boost

A NEW Rossendale-based factory is hoping to create a handful of jobs for Valley residents. Solomon Commercials Ltd, based on Kingsway Industrial Estate, Haslingden, launched the new factory on Tuesday with the help of Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Eileen

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Benefit help

HLEIGH Pensioners Link offers benefit Friday for elderly people who have benefit related queries. An advisor is available each Friday from 10 am-noon for advice on the completion of retirement pension forms, birth/marriage certificates and other pensioner

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Magic of Aladdin

ST Joseph's Players bring the magic of panto back to the Chapel Street stage. The well-loved drama group, which commands full houses for its New Year shows, is presenting Aladdin in the Leigh church hall. It is 10 years since it was last produced by Leigh's

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Santa's thanks

SANTA has sent a New Year 'thank you' to the Journal for supporting his Save a Life Appeal. Councillor Mark Aldred said: "Because of your readers, Santa managed to visit over 300 children within the three weeks running up to Christmas, over twice as many

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George's best at country's oldest poultry show

GAME fowl expert George Meekin came out top yet again at the nation's oldest poultry show. Twenty-two years after his entry first won the cock class at the Holcombe Old English Game Fowl Club, George's duck wing earned him the Best in Show award at the

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Research chemist dies, 89

A FORMER research chemist died on New Year's Eve, only days before his 90th birthday. Leigh Grammar School old boy Wallace Taylor, formerly of Carrington Cottage, Leigh, graduated from Manchester University with a first class honours degree in chemistry

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Atherton aims for green prize

ATHERTON has thrown down a green gauntlet to other towns. At the third Atherton Township meeting ideas were discussed on ways of making the town cleaner and greener -- and winning Wigan Council's top town prize. A new campaign by the Council's Street

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Revamped square is 'just the beginning'

THE redevelopment of Blackburn's Lord Square will spur on the regeneration of the whole town centre, the council said today. The run-down square is set to be replaced with modern shops and a shopping mall, which town hall chiefs said will lead to other

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Terriers attack ordeal of girl, 9

A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl suffered bite wounds to both her legs after being attacked by two Staffordshire bull terriers. The youngster suffered puncture wounds to both thighs in the attack near her home in Blackburn at 4.30pm yesterday. She was taken to Blackburn

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Euro MP's blast at bomb statement

AN anti-European political group which campaigns to get Britain out of the European Union has been described as 'scum' by a local MEP. North West Liberal Democrat Chris Davies hit out at the UK Independence Party after one of its leading spokesmen appeared

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Conmen still asking for data register money

CONMEN are still swindling East Lancashire firms by demanding payment for putting companies on a fictional data protection register, Trading Standards officers have warned. Despite recent action by the Office of Fair Trading and Trading Standards chiefs

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Cinema complex is back on track

WORK on a £30 million cinema and leisure complex is back on track after a wrangle over a railway line which runs through the Blackburn site. But although an outline solution to the problem has been drawn up, developers have admitted a further delay is

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French holiday tragedy of swimming champion

A SWIMMING champion had to be dragged from the sea after he was spotted face down in shallow water during a family holiday in France. An inquest heard that 36-year-old Downs syndrome sufferer John Paul Topping died seven days after the mystery incident

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Officers blamed for funds fiasco

COUNTY council bosses have taken back control of youth and community service spending after blaming officers for a £560,000 budget blunder. The move came as Conservative leader Michael Welsh said giving the service, which has an annual budget of more

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Prostitute outlawed from red-light district

A PROSTITUTE has been banned from Blackburn's red light district as part of a crackdown on working girls operating near people's homes. And police today warned they would not hesitate to use the ground-breaking action again to protect residents from the

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ATHLETICS: Japan next for local athlete

CHORLEY Triathlete Jonathan Grundy is back home after flying half way across the world to compete in the ITU World Championships in Queenstown, New Zealand. Representing Great Britain in the Age 20-24 class, he was the 12th British finisher in the18-man

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ATHLETICS: Sarah makes it home rule

SARAH Willimott demonstrated the form which won her an England call earlier this winter in front of her home supporters. At a muddy Witton Park on Saturday, the Blackburn Harrier was too strong for her opponents in the senior women's contest at the Lancashire

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By-pass the by-pass

WE could do with a new by-pass to bypass the 1985 Atherleigh Way by-pass. I'm finding it takes longer and longer each day to reach kamikaze island at Twist Lane from both the Atherton and Lowton ends at busy times of the day. In fact it's so frustrating

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Police plea after armed robbery

MASKED armed robbers raided a Ramsbottom bank on Wednesday. Two men entered the Royal Bank of Scotland on Bridge Street at 9am and threatened staff with a knife before escaping with a substantial quantity of cash. The first man is described as 5ft 7ins

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Police plea after armed robbery

MASKED armed robbers raided a Ramsbottom bank on Wednesday. Two men entered the Royal Bank of Scotland on Bridge Street at 9am and threatened staff with a knife before escaping with a substantial quantity of cash. The first man is described as 5ft 7ins

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Hindley Juniors are just champion...

HINDLEY Juniors U11s have been crowned as champions with one game still to play. The youngsters, who have been unbeaten all season, sealed the title with a 4-0 win at Golborne Sports. The goals came from Tom Bowen (2), Matthew Riding and Brad Gambles.

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Tributes flood in for soccer's 'Busby'

FOOTBALL has lost one of its most ardent supporters with the death of Leigh and District Amateur Football League president, Tommy Richards. Mr Richards, 81, of Oak Street, Tyldesley, died early on Monday in a Scarborough hospital where he had been since

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Defence blamed again

Woking 2 Leigh RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley: LEIGH RMI completed a festive period of doom and gloom at the Kingfield ground as two early moments of defensive mayhem saw them slip to a fourth successive defeat. Woking followed Chester City (twice) and Accrington