Archive
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HEALTH: Call to highlight cannabis dangers
A HEALTH boss today urged the Government to put the same effort into advertising the dangers of cannabis as it does with cigarettes. And health and drugs professionals in East Lancashire welcomed the downgrading of cannabis -- but said more research and
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Darwen pottern aims for finals
Darwen snooker pro Justin Astley has moved one step closer to booking a dream ticket to this year's Embassy World Championships. The 20-year-old hotshot has progressed through to Stage Three of the qualifiers, held at Pontins in Prestatyn, which includes
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Schools prepare for 'little' Olympics
Primary and secondary schools across Hyndburn are preparing for the biggest multi sports programme the borough has hosted as a build-up to the Olympic Games. The Hyndburn Olympiad 2004 will involve more than 30 primary schools and the borough's six secondary
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QEGS reach cup final
Striker Neville Nelson was the goal hero with a stunning hat-trick as QEGS triumphed in the semi-final against Repton at Lammack. His direct running and strength on the ball caused problems all afternoon for the Derbyshire school's defence as QEGS, competition
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Extra time agony
Warburton Youth League suffered an extra time heartache after losing a thrilling under 12s cup final. In a real see-saw battle that either side could have won, Craven substitute Nathan Russell grabbed the decisive goal to guide the Southport-based league
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Wake up call to fun in Sleeping Beauty panto
THREE fairy godmothers, a wicked witch and a cuddly panda are just some of the interesting elements in Temple Street Pantomime group's February pantomime - The Sleeping Beauty. The production, which runs from Thursday February 5 to Saturday February 7
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The 'truth' was lovely to read
WHAT a very brave Opinion column on January 16! Political correctness has never been so eloquently and intelligently dealt with. Sadly, those within the stranglehold of PC, quite cynically, derive great satisfaction from the humiliation and loss of livelihood
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Wildlife or a park, make your mind up
A RECENT edition of the council's newsletter reported Sunnyhurst Wood being designated as a local nature reserve in conjunction with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. First, the powers-that-be need to decide whether the woods are to be regarded as an area
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Tax office stays open to help customers' returns
BURY'S Inland Revenue office is extending its opening hours for three days this week to help customers with last minute inquiries on their self-assessment returns and payments. Bury's office in Minden Parade will be opening outside normal working hours
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Chaytor stays loyal in row on fees
MP David Chaytor has re-iterated his support for university top-up fees, just hours before tonight's (Tuesday Jan 27) crucial vote in Parliament. Mr Chaytor says there is no such thing as a free university education, and says graduates should pay more
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Teenager denies drug smuggling
A BURY teenager has pleaded not guilty to trying to smuggle 3,400 ecstasy tablets into Thailand. Michael Connell is due to stand trial in Bangkok on Monday, February 23. If he is convicted, the 19-year-old, of Kestrel Drive, Bury, faces the death penalty
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Rovers close in on Gray
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was today hoping to persuade Michael Gray to join Rovers' relegation fight. Souness opened talks with Sunderland last night and he is confident of wrapping up a permanent deal for the 29-year-old in the next 24 hours. "We
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I understand Baggio's bitterness - Gallacher
EX-ROVERS midfielder Dino Baggio hasn't been able to resist a swipe at Blackburn - but former Rovers favourite Kevin Gallacher can understand the Italian's frustration. Baggio, who made 12 appearances for Rovers but made only one start, returned home
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Swords tribute to leader Chris
A CEREMONY to mark the life of a Bury martial arts expert will be held next month. Mr Chris Hopkinson (72), of Cambridge Grove, Whitefield, ran the Bury Judokwai Club based at the Mosses Centre. He died on January 4, after being ill for some time. The
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Brothers had become aggressive
TWO brothers arrested after a pre-Christmas disturbance were upset their father had been attacked in a pub, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard how father-to-be Wayne Michael Poole, 23, and father-of-two John Paul Poole, 25, had been thrown out
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Chance of job delays assault decision
A DRUNKEN man who started fight in a taxi office has had sentence adjourned. Damian John Cockings, 22, has an interview for work as a fork lift truck driver lined up and Burnley Magistrates said they didn't want to stand in his way. Cockings, who jumped
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Trawler Gaul was 'never used as spy ship'
A SECRET Intelligence Service officer told an inquiry into the loss of trawler the Gaul that there was no evidence to suggest the vessel was involved in spying. The MI6 officer, who gave evidence by audio-link from another room and was referred to only
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Forum is called off
THE winter weather has forced the postponement of Thursday's housing forum for people with disabilities. The event was to be held at Radcliffe Civic Suite but council officers, anticipating snow and freezing conditions, decided on Monday to re-arrange
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Les get started on march to freedom
A COLNE man is preparing to retrace the steps of downed Second World War airmen as part of a gruelling trek for charity. Les Robinson, 61, of Cumberland Street, is a long-time member of the town's Royal British Legion club and has volunteered for the
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25 years ago
THERE was more snow and more chaos in East Lancashire. Police advised motorists to stay indoors as lorries in difficulties caused traffic queues in Brownhill Drive, Blackburn, Brockholes Brow, Preston, and outlying areas of Mellor and Knuzden. But keen
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Winning momentum
Blackburn were looking to keep their winning momentum going following last week's hard earned victory at the hands of Leigh in the Cup while Caldy were looking to end a run of two straight league defeats. Blackburn started extremely brightly early on,
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Away win for Rossendale
Rossendale continued their winning run last weekend away at Kirkby Lonsdale to remain in 2nd place in the North Lancs / Cumbria League, 2 points behind top of the table Fleetwood who also won on Saturday. Dale knew that this was going to be a hard game
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Carers' network given grant boost
CARERS in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley are celebrating the news of a £300,000 grant. As many as 13,000 local carers in the two areas are eligible to benefit from the extended services that Carers Link will be able to offer. Carers Link is a network centre
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Council's tenants facing increase in rents
COUNCIL tenants in Hyndburn face a rent increase of more than three per cent in April. The rise will add about £1.50 a week to the cost of a council property, which is currently £42 a week. The council says the 3.07 per cent increase is lower than the
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Tragedy of TA soldier
A TERRITORIAL Army soldier died after collapsing during a training exercise on remote moorland - despite his colleagues' frantic efforts to save him. Sergeant Dereck Trevor Heath, of France Street, Church, was taking part in a map-reading exercise, similar
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Discussion of merger controversy
COUNCILLORS in Ribble Valley are to hold a special meeting aimed at discussing controversial plans to merge the rural borough with other East Lancashire authorities under a proposed local government shake-up. Residents across the North West will be asked
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Winner and loser in jobs bid
ONE major East Lancashire employer has lost out, but another has gained, after a contract to build RAF re-fuelling tankers was handed to a new consortium. BAE Systems, which employs hundreds of East Lancashire workers at its base in Samlesbury, missed
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Telford hold key to Clarets windfall
BURNLEY bosses are sweating on an FA Cup windfall after being handed a trip to Telford or First Division rivals Millwall. Upbeat Clarets chief Stan Ternent is already eyeing a place in the last eight for the second successive year after declaring the
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Pool title bid
THE 'Magnificient Seven' are chalking their pool queues in a bid for a national title. The team from The Lomax Arms, Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, are taking on teams from across the UK in The John Smiths Pool Challenge Cup. The Lomax Arms team is in
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Blues fly flag
NELSON will continue to fly the North West Counties League flag tonight when they host Morecambe in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy tonight. The Blues are the only club from the NWCL left in the competition, which is now at the quarter-final stage. Nelson
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Christie night to say thanks
A CHARITY night will have a special meaning for members of an Accrington WMC. The extravaganza, in aid of the Christie Hospital, will be held tomorrow night at the Sydney Street WMC. Steward John Freeman said many of members of the club whose lives have
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No old pals act for manager Patterson
FRIENDS will turn to foes for at least 90 minutes for Mark Patterson tonight as the Chorley boss meets up with former club Leigh RMI. The Magpies take on the Railwaymen in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy quarter finals at Victory Park, looking to bounce
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Rovers close in on Gray
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was today hoping to persuade Michael Gray to join Rovers' relegation fight. Souness opened talks with Sunderland last night and he is confident of wrapping up a permanent deal for the 29-year-old in the next 24 hours. "We
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'Drugs in keetle' man walks free
A YOUNG father who saw two women and their children poisoned after they consumed drugs he had hidden in a kettle has walked free from court. All four were rushed to hospital after the kettle was used to make instant mashed potato and cups of tea, the
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Amateurs are hit for four
Lancashire Amateur League: RADCLIFFE Amateurs were overpowered as Gregorians beat them 4-0 to move three points clear at the top of the Premier Division. The defeat saw Radcliffe slip to fourth, as Chaddertonians overtook them with a 3-0 win against Bolton
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What about 'real' fans?
HOW disappointing to hear how much the Burnley Football Club were charging per person to go to the forthcoming gala dinner with guests Alex Ferguson and Alastair Campbell. To our utter astonishment, the price is £100 per person or £1,000 per table of
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Lap dancers take a break
EAST Lancashire's first lap-dancing club has shut its doors six months after it first opened amid a storm of controversy. Council bosses said The Velvet Lounge in Duke Street, Blackburn, has been closed since December because of a "business decision".
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Omens don't look good
REMARKABLE as it may seem, the current season for Rovers is drawing dramatic parallels with the 1997/98 season which saw Blackburn relegated from the top flight. Let's start with the 96/97 season which saw Alan Shearer leave Rovers. Roy Hodgson guided
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999 crews pile up speeding tickets
LANCASHIRE'S police, fire and ambulance drivers have been warned that they will face prosecution if caught speeding without good reason. The warning comes after a report revealed speed cameras are snapping ambulances up to 700 times a month as they travel
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Stanley face midfield crisis
ACCRINGTON Stanley are facing a midfield crisis ahead of their Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy quarter final clash at Bamber Bridge. Andy Procter limped out of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Burton Albion after twisting his knee in a sixth-minute tackle, while his
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Blackburn & district badminton
IN THE Smith Cup, leaders of the Third Division Olympic A recorded a well-deserved victory over Second Division Clitheroe C. The home side took control of this match from the first game, but Clitheroe were forced to play with a lady short. Abacus A from
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ICE HOCKEY: Hawks secure play-off place
ADAM Fuller's late winner in a nine-goal thriller meant Blackburn Hawks powered into the English League North play-offs after a successful weekend saw them take valuable points off Sunderland and close rivals Flintshire. Just a day after Bobby Haig's
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Skora ships out
OUT-OF-FAVOUR midfielder Eric Skora has joined SPL side Kilmarnock on a three-month loan. The Frenchman was one of two players Aberdeen manager Steve Paterson had been linked with buying - but Kilmarnock jumped in first. The former Nanates player, who
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Pupils could learn more at work
YOUNGSTERS could soon swap the classroom for the workplace in a shake-up of the school system. Bury South MP Ivan Lewis has revealed plans for a junior apprenticeship scheme which could see 14 to 16-year-olds allowed regular work experience if they choose
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Gritting as usual while weather pattern holds
GRITTERS are sticking to their regular salting patterns as Bury braced itself for Arctic weather conditions. Temperatures as low as minus four are expected on Thursday, with strong winds and wintry showers predicted over the next few days. But Bury Council
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Wednesday, January 28, 2003
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Table Tennis Match Night, Burnley Boys Club, 7pm. Carlton Morris Dancers (ages three-plus), Accrington Road Community Centre, Blackburn, 6pm-9.15pm. Yoga Classes, Feniscowles
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Thursday, January 29, 2003
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. East Lancs Caligraphers Guild, Ightenhill Methodist Church, Burnley, 7pm-9pm. Meet third Thursday of the month. Senior Citizens Group, Burnley Boys Club, 1pm. Beginners
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Fatally flawed funding plans
THIRTY years ago if you had managed to get an offer of a place at university lack of cash wasn't likely to stop you actually going. The percentage of the population being educated to degree level was smaller and the grant system wasn't great but people
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'That's not the way to do it!'
THE Government's proposal to allow universities to charge students up to £3,000-a-year in tuition fees has split the country and even threatened the future of the Prime Minister. It will mean today's 15-year-olds, who chose to pursue education to degree
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Bolt brothers score a Giant killing act
Burnley bounced back from defeat to beat fellow high-flyers Copley Giants thanks to the Bolt brothers. For Darren and Dave scored 19 points apiece to erase the memory of the narrow six point defeat against South Cheshire earlier in the week. Burnley came
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Awards night held early for coach Lisa
Chorley Harriers' Junior Presentation at Chorley Cricket Club was held a month earlier than usual so that Lisa Unsworth could attend. Lisa is Senior Coach Rick Bennett's right hand and helped to organise the evening but this week she has an even more
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The life of Riley
Sean Riley never thought that being the 'bucket man' for his dad's junior football team would lead to a career-changing decision. For it was back in 1997 that dad Danny persuaded his son to travel to Scotland with his Blackburn Celtic team for a junior
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Burglar murderer steals limelight
WHEN is an Englishman's home not his castle? According to the law, a person may use such force as is reasonable in the prevention of crime. But how to assess reasonable? This is the opening situation in Peter Whalley's Dead of Night, presented by the
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Stage Whispers. . .
NORA Batty's wrinkly stockings will not be making an appearance, but another Last of the Summer Wine regular will. For professional actor Keith Clifford will be appearing at the Little Theatre on River Street, Colne, from January 29 to 31 in Scandals:
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Story made my blood boil
IT'S not often I feel moved to respond to something I feel is totally stupid, but your front page on 'Goths' (LET Tuesday, January 20) has really made my blood boil. I walk past this group of teenagers every Saturday. They may be large in number and in
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No place to build a super liner
SO Councillor D Pearson "finds it very disappointing that the new 'Queen Mary 2' was built in France by French workers using French materials." He ends his lament by saying "surely this should have been built here in Britain" (LET, January 20). Where
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Tenants take mains road to safety
COUNCIL homes in Leigh judged to have a high fire risk are to have mains-linked smoke detectors installed. Mains-linked detectors give long lasting protection, are difficult to switch off and have battery back-up in case of power failure. Greater Manchester
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Thailand drugs case teenager in court
A TEENAGER from Bury accused of smuggling 3,400 ecstasy tablets into Thailand has appeared in court. Michael Connell, 19, of Kestrel Drive, Bury, who has learning difficulties, could face the death penalty or up to 99 years in prison. On Monday the case
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Tragedy of TA soldier
A TERRITORIAL Army soldier died after collapsing during a training exercise on remote moorland - despite his colleagues' frantic efforts to save him. Sergeant Dereck Trevor Heath, of France Street, Church, was taking part in a map-reading exercise, similar
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Stalker, 15, caught on CCTV
A 15-YEAR-OLD stalker committed a series of sex offences after preying on lone females in Burnley town centre. The Burnley teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, struck four times in one week but was traced after being caught on CCTV. Today,
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'Spend a penny' row as traders lose out
TOWN centre traders say they are losing money because there are no public toilets and would-be shoppers are staying away from Todmorden. The latest hold-up to repair work in an a new town centre toilet block has angered the Todmorden Business Association
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Stalker, 15, in town centre sex crimes caught on CCTV
A 15-YEAR-OLD stalker committed a series of sex offences after preying on lone females in Burnley town centre. The Burnley teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, struck four times in one week but was traced after being caught on CCTV. Today,
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Appeal court move 'too late for justice'
THE sister of a former paratrooper who died in police custody says the decision to refer the case to the Court of Appeal is "too little, too late." Christopher Alder, 37, whose sister Janet lives in Burnley, died face down with his trousers around his
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Daughter, 67, robbed on way to her mum's
POLICE are hunting a teenage robber who stole a purse from a pensioner with learning difficulties. The 67-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop in Brunswick Street, Nelson, when the youngster pounced. He stole her purse, which contained a quantity
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Police feared drink man was going to ram car
POLICE feared their car was going to be rammed when they followed a drink driver, a court was told. Burnley Magistrates heard how an officer had to smash Waseem Sarwar's window to get him out of the car. The defendant was so drunk that when he got to
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Fond farewell to Len Dole
POLITICAL activist Len Dole was remembered yesterday with a final tribute to "a great man and a great fighter". More than 150 people attended a Humanist funeral at Burnley Crematorium for Len, of Lomeshaye Way, Nelson, who died last week, aged 85. The
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We're still waiting for money-spinner
IT ALL depends how you look at it, but Telford United or Millwall away could hardly be described as a dream draw for the Clarets. Although, to be fair, one can hardly imagine Theo Paphitis or the Telford chairman performing cartwheels across their respective
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50 years ago
POLICE climbed to the top of Pendle Hill in a vain search for a plane reported to have been seen in difficulties. A Sabden man said he saw a flash of red from the sky which may have been from a RAF Washington bomber missing on a flight from Prestwick
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10 years ago
HORSE lover Linda Whitehead went animal crackers over Coronation Street's Wedding of the Year. Linda, a co-ordinator for East Lancashire's 'Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary', designed a display dedicated after Maureen and Reg who tied the knot on TV. And
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Rovers could endure a bleak mid-winter
DESPITE all that has happened in what has been a disappointing campaign so far, I've kept the faith. As the poor form and the injuries gathered pace and the situation got bleaker in December I still kept the faith. As our defence continued to leak the
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Fury as crash trucker freed
ANTI-DRINK driver campaigners were outraged today after a trucker who smashed his articulated lorry into a house escaped a jail sentence. Alfred Taylor, 64, was found to be almost three times the illegal alcohol limit after completing two 200-mile, round
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Tax office stays open to help customers' returns
BURY'S Inland Revenue office is extending its opening hours for three days this week to help customers with last minute inquiries on their self-assessment returns and payments. Bury's office in Minden Parade will be opening outside normal working hours
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False fire call cost £865 in turn-out charges
TWO fire engines were sent to an address in Clitheroe after a drunken man made a hoax call to try and get his girlfriend's attention, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that the caller, Steven Adamson McAleese, phoned his girlfriend while the
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All aboard the Metro
MOTORISTS will be enticed to take the tram with the news that Metrolink is to create park and ride sites at Besses and Whitefield at a cost of £590,000. The developments will allow drivers to park their cars and to board trams. Altogether, four park and
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Horridge comeback
PAUL Horridge is set to return between the sticks for Ramsbottom United when they host Atherton LR tonight. Graham Bennett was drafted in as emergency cover on Saturday and starred in United's 2-1 win over Great Harwood Town in the League Challenge Cup
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Telford hold key to Clarets windfall
BURNLEY bosses are sweating on an FA Cup windfall after being handed a trip to Telford or First Division rivals Millwall. Upbeat Clarets chief Stan Ternent is already eyeing a place in the last eight for the second successive year after declaring the
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Public will get minutes of windfarm meeting
THE organiser of a private meeting to discuss the two proposed wind turbines on Edgworth Moor has assured residents that the contents of the discussion will be made public. Residents living nearest to the site have been invited by organiser Coun Colin
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Courts switch looks a wheelie good idea
FORMER tennis courts in Waterfoot could soon be transformed into a multi-purpose sports venue for local youngsters. Groundwork Rossendale has submitted an application to Rossendale Council for planning permission to transform the old courts at Edgeside
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Green spaces clinch civic awards
BLACKBURN with Darwen is celebrating a hat-trick of green awards. The accolades, given to green spaces in the borough, have been awarded by the Civic Trust. Witton Park, Blackburn, Hoddlesden Millennium Green and Safe Haven Garden, Darwen, were all winners
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Don't let cold snap help car thieves
MOTORISTS are being warned to take precautions against the cold as forecasters predict snowy weather. Police are advising drivers to consider whether their journeys are absolutely necessary. Road Safety Co-ordinator for Lancashire Constabulary, Chief
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Lotto effort saves church vital organ
THE future of the only remaining church organ of its kind has been secured with a £44,000 grant to help fund its restoration. The cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund will ensure the congregation of Holy Trinity Church, Hoghton, will be singing from the
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Capital gain
SEEING as the deal for Brian McBride fell through (Rovers losing out to Fulham) why don't we give our own strike force a kick up the backside. I mean, come on, we have Cole, Yorke, Jansen and now young Paul Gallagher in our line-up, which should be good
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Retiring postman rules out 'robots'
A POSTMAN retiring after 44 years in the service says that the humble postie will never be replaced by computers. Dave Lewis has worked in the Blackburn delivery office, in Canterbury Street, for nearly 25 years of his career. The father-of one, from
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No time to take a holiday
I AM flabbergasted that Graeme Souness has taken a holiday at this time of year. We are in the middle of the transfer window and the club is clearly in trouble, with difficult games coming up that could see us firmly entrenched in the bottom three by
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Traders fear glass and iron curtain
TRADERS today claimed business could be ruined by Blackburn's own "Berlin Wall" if plans for a £15million shopping centre revamp are approved. They spoke out as it was revealed London-based Reit Asset Management's scheme will leave proposed new shops
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Youth is the way forward
I READ your splendid newspaper every day and attend as many games with the help of my friends in Blackburn. I believe it is absolutely essential that the Board remind Mr Souness that we are investing some £3-4m each year on the Academy and frankly little
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Preston swoop for Burley
PRESTON manager Craig Brown has finally snared the international he has been hunting for some time - Scot star Craig Burley. Brown has cashed in on cost-cutting measured at Dundee by grabbing Burley, with 46 caps to his name, on a short-term deal. The
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Derby day goes Atherton's way
Manchester League: ATHERTON Town moved through to the third round of the Gilcryst Cup with a 3-1 win over Leigh Athletic. John Hyde and Andy Morris scored to set Atherton on their way at Howe Bridge, before Gordon Walker pulled one back from the spot
